May 2019
2019 fishing and hunting season summary
May 3: Managing Montague Plains for Whip-poor-wills and Woodcocks, Montague – Join MassWildlife Habitat Biologist Brian Hawthorne at the Montague Plains Wildlife Management Area from 6:30–8:45 p.m. to find out how fire and timber harvesting are used as part of sustainable habitat management for uncommon and rare wildlife. At sunset, you will listen to the chorus of whip-poor-wills and woodcocks. This event is free and open to the public.
May 4: Needham Recreation Family Fishing Festival, Needham – This is a family friendly, learn to fish event. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided at Needham Reservoir (470 Dedham Ave) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event is in cooperation with Needham Park and Recreation Commission. *Open to the public. No pre-registration required. Contact the Needham Park and Recreation Commission at (781) 455-7550 for more information.
May 4: Snows Pond Family Fishing Festival, Charlton – This is a free, non-competitive, family friendly, learn to fish event. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided at Fay Mountain Farm in Charlton (12 Cemetery Rd), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Charlton Conservation Department. *Open to the public. No pre-registration required. Contact Todd Girard at (508) 248-2247 or todd.girard@townofcharlton.net for more information.
May 5: Carbuncle Pond Family Fishing Festival, Oxford – This is a family friendly, learn to fish event. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided at the beach area off of Main Street in Oxford from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Oxford Conservation Department. *Open to the public. No pre-registration required. For more information, contact Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@mass.gov or (508) 389-6309.
May 9: Public Listening Session on Coyotes, Shelburne Falls – The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is holding a public listening session on coyote management, coyote hunting, and coyote contests on Thursday, May 9, 6–8 p.m., at the Mohawk Trail Regional High School (26 Ashfield Road, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370). The session will include a short presentation by MassWildlife staff, followed by an opportunity for attendees to comment and ask questions.
May 9: Growing Up WILD: Exploring Nature with Young Children, Westwood – GUW is an early childhood education activity guide that builds on children’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. Through a wide range of activities and experiences, it provides a foundation for developing positive impressions about nature while also building lifelong social and cognitive skills. Workshop participants will receive a copy of the guide and a certificate of completion. Click here to learn about this workshop. To register contact Pam Landry at pam.landry@mass.gov. Registration deadline is April 30.
May 11: Coes Pond Family Fishing Event, Worcester – **This event has been CANCELLED. We apologize for the inconvenience.
May 11: Westfield River Fish Ladder Open House, West Springfield – The Westfield River fish latter was installed in the 1990s to allow fish (especially Atlantic Salmon) to get past the dam and swim upstream. The annual tour of the fish ladder is planned for May 11. Check the Westfield River Watershed Association website for more details as the date approaches.
May 11: Westborough Civic Club Family Fishing Festival, Westborough – This is a free, non-competitive, family friendly, learn to fish event. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided at Sandra Pond (Upton Rd., Westborough) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Westborough Civic Club. *Open to the public. No pre-registration required. Contact Gerry Knall at dacoach50@verizon.net for more information.
May 15: Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Westborough – The May meeting of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board will be held on Wednesday, May 15 at 2:30 p.m. at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters (1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA). If you have a disability or medical condition and would like to request special accommodations, please contact Susan Sacco at (508) 389-6342. Anyone wishing to be placed on the agenda to speak must notify the Board 2 weeks prior to the Board meeting; for more detailed information, contact Susan Sacco at (508) 389-6342.
May 15: Public Hearing on Wild Turkey Hunting Regulations – MassWildlife is proposing changes to turkey hunting regulations affecting bag limits, fall season dates, shot size, and the Youth Hunt. A public hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters (1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA). Please click here to learn more about the public hearing, the proposed regulations, and how to provide public comment. *PLEASE NOTE: If approved, regulation changes would NOT be effective until the 2020 season.*
May 16: Family Fishing Clinic, Wellesley – This is a family friendly, learn to fish clinic at Morse’s Pond Beach in Wellesley (Morse’s access road), 5–7 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Wellesley Recreation Department. Open to the public. Pre-registration required. Contact Brandon Fitts at bfitts@wellesleyma.gov or (781) 235-2370 for more information and to pre-register.
May 18: Cops And Bobbers Family Fishing Festival, Granby – This event is intended for children 12 and under and their families. It is a free, learn to fish event at Dufresne Park Pond in Granby from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided. This event is in cooperation with the Amherst, and Granby Police and Fire Departments, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. *Open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Contact Jennifer Lapis at jennifer_lapis@fws.gov or (413) 256-5502 for more information.
May 18: Veterans Family Fishing Festival, Marlboro – This is a family friendly fishing event open to all veterans and their families at the Marlboro Fish and Game Club (1 Muddy Lane, Marlboro) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Marlboro Fish and Game Club. Open to all veterans and their families. No pre-registration required. For more information, contact Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@mass.gov or (508) 389-6309.
May 18: Family Fishing Festival, Burlington – This is non-competitive, family friendly, learn to fish event at Mill Pond Reservoir (Park and walk in from the Water Treatment Plant on Winter Street) in Burlington from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided. This event is in cooperation with the Burlington Recreation Department. There will be a charge of $25 per family for this event (which includes food and one raffle ticket for each member of the family) payable prior to the event online at www.burlingtonrecreation.org or in person at the Burlington Recreation Department. *Open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Contact the Burlington Rec. Dept. at www.burlingtonrecreation.org or (781) 270-1695 for more information.
May 18: Spec Pond Family Fishing Derby, Wilbraham –This is a free, family friendly, learn to fish event. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided at Spec Pond (2540 Boston Rd. (Rt. 20) in Wilbraham) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Wilbraham Parks and Recreation Department, and United Bank. *Open to the public. No pre-registration required. For more information, contact Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@mass.gov or (508) 389-6309.
May 19: Whitman’s Pond Family Fishing Festival, Weymouth – This is a free, family friendly, learn to fish event. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided at Whitman’s Pond in Weymouth (boat launch area off of Middle St.) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Whitman’s Pond Association. *Open to the public. No pre-registration required. For more information, contact Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@mass.gov or (508) 389-6309.
May 21: Guided Walk at Bolton Flats Wildlife Management Area, Bolton – Join Chris Buelow, MassWildlife's Senior Restoration Ecologist, and the Nashua River Watershed Association for a guided walk through the Bolton Flats WMA from 6 to 8 p.m. Learn about the restoration of fire-influenced natural communities, particularly sandplain grassland, and the highly specialized species that live there. Grasshopper sparrow, vesper sparrow and whip-poor-will are key bird species associated with this site, as well as a diverse array of invertebrates and plants. Meet on Pine Hill Road in Bolton. Click here for directions and more information. Pre-registration is required for planning purposes. Please register by calling the NRWA at (978) 448-0299 or by emailing KateM@NashuaRiverWatershed.org
May 21: Living with Coyotes Presentation, Quincy – Join Chalis Bird, MassWildlife's Northeast District Wildlife Biologist, for a presentation about coyotes in Massachusetts. Learn how to prevent and resolve conflicts between people and coyotes and explore coyote biology, behavior, habitat, and natural history. The event will be held at 7 p.m. at the Thomas Crane Public Library, 40 Washington Street in Quincy. Click here for a preview. The event is free and open to the public.
May 21: Family Fishing Clinic, Shrewsbury – This is a family friendly, learn to fish clinic at Dean Park Pond in Shrewsbury (805 Main St.) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Shrewsbury Recreation Department. *Open to the public. Pre-registration is required. contact the Shrewsbury Recreation Office at www.shrewsburyma.gov/parkrec or (508) 841-8503 for more information.
May 29: Family Fishing Clinic, Andover – This is a family friendly, learn to fish clinic at Pomps Pond in Andover (147 Abbot St.) from 4 to 6 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Andover Recreation Department. *Open to the public. Pre-registration required. Contact the Andover Recreation Dept. at http://andoverrec.com/landing/index or (978) 623-8340 for more information.
June 2019
June 1: Nuttings Lake Family Fishing Festival, Billerica – This is a free, non-competitive, family friendly, learn to fish event. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided at Nuttings Lake from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Billerica Recreation Department and the Yankee BassMasters. *Open to the public. No pre-registration required. Contact Donna Hansen at dhansen@town.billerica.ma.us or (978) 671-0921 for more information.
June 1: Disabled American Veterans Fishing Festival, Hudson – This is a family friendly fishing event open to disabled veterans and their families at Riverside Rod And Gun Club (16 Wilkins St (Rt. 62) in Hudson) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Riverside Rod and Gun Club. *Open to disabled veterans and their families. For more information, contact Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@mass.gov or (508) 389-6309.
June 1: Great Falls Discovery Center Family Fishing Festival, Turners Falls – This is a free, non-competitive, family friendly, learn to fish event. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided. This event is in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls (2 Avenue A) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. *Open to the public. No pre-registration required. For more information, contact Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@mass.gov or (508) 389-6309.
June 4: Public Listening Session on Coyotes, Westford – The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is holding a public listening session on coyote management, coyote hunting, and coyote contests on Tuesday, June 4, 6–8 p.m., at the Blanchard Middle School (14 West Street, Westford, MA). The session will include a short presentation by MassWildlife staff, followed by an opportunity for attendees to comment and ask questions.
June 4: Family Fishing Clinic, Wakefield – This is a family friendly, learn to fish clinic at Lake Quannapowit (Playground area off of Lake Ave.) from 4 to 6 p.m. This event is in cooperation with both the Reading and Wakefield Recreation Departments. *Open to the public. Pre-registration required. Contact the Reading Recreation Department at https://readingma.myrec.com/info/default.aspx to pre-register.
June 8: Spot Pond Family Fishing Festival, Stoneham – This is a free, non-competitive, family friendly, learn to fish event. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided at Spot Pond in Stoneham (located at the Straw Point area on the north end of Spot Pond off of New South Street) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Stoneham Police. *Open to the public. No pre-registration required. For more information, contact Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@mass.gov or (508) 389-6309.
June 9: Groton Greenway Riverfest, Groton – There will be a free family fishing clinic associated with this event. All equipment and bait will be provided at the Petapawag boat access area on the Nashua River from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. *Open to the public. No pre-registration required. For more information, contact Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@mass.gov or (508) 389-6309.
June 12: Family Fishing Clinic, Holden – This is a family friendly, learn to fish clinic at Trout Brook Conservation Area (354 Manning St), 6:30–8 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Nashua River Watershed Association. *Open to the public. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information, contact Kathryn Nelson of the Nashua River Watershed Association at kathrynn@nashuariverwatershed.org.
June 13: Family Fishing Clinic, Canton – This is a family friendly, learn to fish clinic at Reservoir Pond (92 Pleasant Street) from 6 to 8 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Canton Recreation Department. *Open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Contact Canton Recreation at https://www.cantonrec.com/info/activities/ to pre-register.
June 13: Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee Meeting, Westborough – The June meeting of the Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Advisory Committee will be held 1:30–4:30 p.m. at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters (1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA) in the Southwest Meeting Room, Room #103. If you have a disability or medical condition and would like to request special accommodations, please contact Susan Sacco at (508) 389-6342.
June 16: Endicott Park Family Fishing Festival, Danvers – This is a non-competitive, family-friendly, learn to fish event. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided. This event is in cooperation with Danvers Recreation at Endicott Park (57 Forest Street, Danvers) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a FREE event; however, all visitors are subject to a $1 resident vehicle or $3 non-resident vehicle user fee. *Open to the public. No pre-registration required. Contact Erika Moretti at emoretti@danversma.gov or (978) 774-6518 for more information.
June 18: Fisheries and Wildlife Board Meeting, Buzzards Bay – The June meeting of the Fisheries and Wildlife Board will be held on Tuesday, June 18 at 2:30 p.m. at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (Admiral's Hall, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA). If you have a disability or medical condition and would like to request special accommodations, please contact Susan Sacco at (508) 389-6342. Anyone wishing to be placed on the agenda to speak must notify the Board 2 weeks prior to the Board meeting; for more detailed information, contact Susan Sacco at (508) 389-6342.
June 18: Public Listening Session on Coyotes, Buzzards Bay – The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) is holding a public listening session on coyote population management, coyote hunting, and coyote hunting contests on Tuesday, June 18, 6:30–8:30 p.m., at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (Admiral's Hall, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA). The session will include a short presentation by MassWildlife staff, followed by an opportunity for attendees to comment and ask questions.
June 20: Adult “Learn to Fish”, Westborough – This is learn to fish clinic designed for adult beginners at Sandra Pond in Westborough (Upton Rd.) from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Westborough Recreation Department. *Open to the public. Pre-registration is required. contact Westborough Recreation at www.westbororec.com/info/default.aspx or (508) 366-3066 for more information.
June 22: Great Meadows Family Fishing Festival, Sudbury – This is a free, non-competitive, family friendly, learn to fish event. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided. This festival is in cooperation with the US Fish & Wildlife Service at the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex (73 Weir Hill Rd., Sudbury) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. *Open to the public. No pre-registration required. Contact Jared Green at (978) 440-0280 or jared_green@fws.gov for more information.
June 22: Jamaica Pond Family Fishing Derby, Boston – This is a free, family friendly, learn to fish event. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided. Meet at the beach area along Pond Street from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Boston Police Department. Skip the line and register beforehand on Eventbrite (beginning on June 1) by searching for "Boston Police Fishing Derby." Please bring your printed ticket with you. You can also register the day of the event from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. The Fishing Derby starts at 9 a.m. Food, prizes, giveaways, and more! *Open to the public. For more information, contact Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@mass.gov or (508) 389-6309.
June 25: Family Fishing Clinic, Milton – This is a family friendly, learn to fish clinic at Turners Pond (Central Ave.) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. *Open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Please contact the Milton Recreation Department at https://www.townofmilton.org/parks-recreation or (617) 898-4940 for more information.
June 27: Family Fishing Clinic, Swansea – This is a family friendly, learn to fish clinic at Lewin Brook Pond (corner of Main Street and Hortonville Road) from 6 to 8 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Swansea Public Library. *Open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Contact Carol Gafford at carol.gafford@sailsinc.org or (508) 674-9609 for more information.
July 2019
July 11: Family Fishing Clinic, Stoughton – This is a family friendly, learn to fish clinic at Ames Long Pond (1000 Highland St., Stoughton) from 5 to 7 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Stoughton Recreation Department. *Open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Contact the Stoughton Recreation Department at www.Stoughtonrec.org or (781) 341-1300 x 9244 for more information.
July 13: Family Fishing Clinic, Sunderland – Learn how to fish at the Sunderland Riverside Park Grand Opening Celebration (School Street, Sunderland) from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Community Pathways Committee. *Open to the public. No pre-registration required. Contact Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@mass.gov or (508) 389-6309 for more information.
July 17: Family Fishing Clinic, Billerica – This is a family friendly, learn to fish clinic at Nuttings Lake (Micozzi Beach at 586 Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica) from 6 to 8 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Billerica Recreation Department. *Open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Contact the Billerica Recreation Department at http://billericama.myrec.com/info/activities/default.aspx or (978) 671-0921 for more information.
July 20: Family Fishing Clinic, Dorchester – This is a free “learn to cast” clinic at the Neponset River Festival at the DCR Neponset II Park. Meet at the corner of Granite Ave. & Hilltop St. in Dorchester from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. *Open to the public. No pre-registration required. Contact Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@mass.gov or (508) 389-6309 for more information.
July 20: Houghtons Pond Family Fishing Festival, Milton – This is a free, non-competitive, family friendly, learn to fish event at Blue Hills Reservation (Picnic Area #5, Blue Hill River Rd., Milton) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided. This event is in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Recreation. *Open to the public. No pre-registration required. For more information, contact Maggie Brown of the Blue Hills Resevation at maggie.brown@state.ma.us
July 21: Taunton River Watershed Association Family Fishing Festival, Somerset – This is a free, non-competitive, family friendly, learn to fish event at the Village Waterfront Park (274 Main Street, Somerset) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided. This event is in cooperation with Taunton River Watershed Association and the Bristol County Agricultural School. *Open to the public. No pre-registration required. For more information, contact Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@mass.gov or (508) 389-6309.
July 23: Family Fishing Clinic, Stoneham – This is a family friendly, learn to fish clinic at Spot Pond in Stoneham (Straw Point Parking area at the corner of South St. and Main St.) from 6 to 8 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Stoneham Recreation Department. *Open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Contact the Stoneham Recreation Department at www.stonehamrec.com or (781) 279-2609 for more information.
July 24: Family Fishing Clinic, Westborough – This is a family friendly, learn to fish clinic at Sandra Pond (Westborough Reservoir on Upton Rd.) from 1 to 3 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Westborough Recreation Department. *Open to the public. Pre-registration is required. contact Westborough Recreation at www.westbororec.com/info/default.aspx or (508) 366-3066 for more information.
July 26: Family Fishing Clinic, Worcester – This is a family friendly, learn to fish clinic at Greenhill Park Pond in Worcester (180 Greenhill Parkway) from 6 to 8 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Worcester Parks and Recreation Department. *Open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Contact the Worcester Parks and Recreation office at parks@worcesterma.gov or (508) 799-1190 for more information.
July 31: Family Fishing Clinic, Mashpee – This is a family friendly, learn to fish clinic at Johns Pond in Mashpee (Johns Pond Park on Back Rd.) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This event is in cooperation with the Mashpee Recreation Department. *Open to the public. Pre-registration is required. Contact the Mashpee Recreation Department at www.mashpeerec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=29714 or (508) 539-1416 for more information.