Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Massachusetts (Full Guide)

Massachusetts offers some of the best fishing in the Northeast. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Massachusetts are early morning and late evening. Summer and fall are the best months for most species.

Month	Massachusetts Fishing Location
January	The Quabbin Reservoir offers great ice fishing opportunities.
February	Head to the Ware River for a chance to catch some brown and rainbow trout.
March	The swift currents of the Westfield River make it a prime spot for catching steelhead and brown trout.
April	The Deerfield River, located in the Berkshire Mountains, is a popular destination for fly fishing trophy-sized brown trout.
May	Visit the Chicopee River for a chance to catch bass, pickerel, and carp.
June	The Connecticut River is a top destination for striped bass and shad fishing during the summer months.
July	Try your luck at the Quaboag River for some excellent smallmouth bass fishing.
August	The Wachusett Reservoir, located just outside of Worcester, offers a variety of fish species including largemouth bass, trout, and landlocked salmon.
September	Head to the Housatonic River, located in the southwestern part of the state, for a chance to catch some big brown trout and smallmouth bass.
October	The Ipswich River, which winds through the North Shore region of Massachusetts, is a prime spot for catching brook trout and largemouth bass.
November	Visit Lake Cochituate, located just west of Boston, for a chance to catch some trophy-sized northern pike.
December	The Nashua River, located in north-central Massachusetts, offers excellent trout fishing opportunities during the winter months.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Massachusetts. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Sections of Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Massachusetts

Swift River, Belchertown – Rainbow, Brown, and Brook Trout (April-June)

Deerfield River, Charlemont – Brown and Rainbow Trout (April-September)

Farmington River, New Boston – Brown and Rainbow Trout (April-November)

Housatonic River, Lee – Brown and Rainbow Trout (April-November)

Hoosic River, Williamstown – Brown Trout (April-June)

Westfield River, Huntington – Brown and Rainbow Trout (April-June)

Millers River, Winchendon – Brown Trout (April-June)

Squannacook River, Groton – Brown and Brook Trout (April-June)

Nissitissit River, Brookline – Brown Trout (April-June)

Ware River, Barre – Brown Trout (April-June)

West Branch of the Westfield River, Chesterfield – Brown Trout (April-June)

Assabet River, Concord – Brown Trout (April-June)

East Branch of the Westfield River, Worthington – Brown Trout (April-June)

Westport River, Westport – Striped Bass and Bluefish (May-October)

Charles River, Boston – Striped Bass and Bluefish (May-October)

Best Sections of Saltwater to Fish in Massachusetts

Cape Cod Bay – May to November – Striped Bass, Bluefish, Tuna

Stellwagen Bank – May to November – Bluefin Tuna, Haddock, Cod, Striped Bass

Martha’s Vineyard – May to October – Striped Bass, Bluefish, Bonito, False Albacore

Boston Harbor – May to November – Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Cod

Buzzards Bay – May to November – Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Tautog

Nantucket Sound – May to November – Striped Bass, Bluefish, Bonito, False Albacore

Monomoy Island – May to November – Striped Bass, Bluefish, Bonito, False Albacore

The Elizabeth Islands – May to November – Striped Bass, Bluefish, Flounder, Bonito

Provincetown – May to November – Striped Bass, Bluefish, Tuna

Jeffreys Ledge – May to November – Cod, Haddock, Pollock, Bluefin Tuna

Recommended Fishing Guides in Massachusetts

These Massachusetts-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Grey Dolphin Sportfishing Charters	Dennis, MA
Anglerfish Guides	Quincy, MA
Snap Shot Charters	Hingham, MA
Lyla Rose Fishing Charters	Gloucester, MA
10 Point Charters	Gloucester, MA
JenniferAnn Sportfishing Charters	Eastham, MA
Osprey Sportfishing	Orleans, MA
Janine B Sportfishing	Dennis, MA
Sea Charters Sportfishing	Orleans, MA

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Striped Bass

The best times of year are from May to early July and again from late August to October. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times of day, and some of the best locations to fish for striped bass include the Cape Cod Canal, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Boston Harbor.

Cod

If you want to fish for cod in Massachusetts, the best times of year are from early spring to late fall, with the peak season being from April to June. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times of day, and some of the best locations to fish for cod include Stellwagen Bank, Jeffrey’s Ledge, and Tillies Bank.

Haddock

The best times of year are from late winter to early fall, with the peak season being from March to May. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times of day, and some of the best locations to fish for haddock include Stellwagen Bank, Jeffrey’s Ledge, and Tillies Bank.

Bluefish

If you’re looking to fish for bluefish in Massachusetts, the best time to do so is in the summer months from June to September. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times of day to catch them. Some of the best locations to fish for bluefish include Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and the Elizabeth Islands.

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin tuna are typically found in Massachusetts from May to November, with the peak months being July, August, and September. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish for them. Some of the best locations for bluefin tuna fishing in Massachusetts include Stellwagen Bank, Jeffreys Ledge, and the Fippennies Ledge.

Flounder

Flounder can be caught in Massachusetts throughout the year, but the best time to fish for them is during the spring and fall. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time of day to fish for flounder, and they are often found in shallow water. Good locations to fish for flounder include the waters around Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and Cape Cod.

American Shad

If you’re looking to fish for American shad in Massachusetts, the best times of year are from mid-May to early June. Early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times of day, and some of the best locations to fish for American shad include the Connecticut River, the Merrimack River, the Charles River, and the Taunton River.

Brook Trout

For fly fishing brook trout in Massachusetts, the best times of year are from April to early June and late September to early November. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times of day to fish for brook trout, and some of the best locations include the Westfield River, the Ware River, the Swift River, and the Nissitissit River.

Brown Trout

To fly fish for brown trout in Massachusetts, the best times of year are late April to early June and September to early November, with early morning and late afternoon being the most productive times of day. Some of the best locations to fish for brown trout include the Deerfield River, Westfield River, Swift River, and Quinapoxet River.

Rainbow Trout

To fly fish for rainbow trout in Massachusetts, the best times of year are from April to early June and from September to early November, with early morning and late afternoon being the most productive times of day. Some of the best locations for rainbow trout fishing include the Westfield River, the Deerfield River, the Millers River, and the Swift River.

American Eels

American eels can be caught in Massachusetts during the spring and fall seasons. The best months to fish for them are May, June, September, and October. It’s recommended to fish for them during the night or early morning hours. The best locations to catch American eels are in freshwater rivers and streams that flow into the ocean, such as the Connecticut River and the Merrimack River.

Lobsters

In Massachusetts, the lobster season starts in May and runs until November. Lobstermen usually check their traps in the early morning or late afternoon. The best locations for lobster fishing in Massachusetts are along the coast and in bays and harbors.

Crabs

When it comes to catching crabs in Massachusetts, the best time to go is during the warmer months, from May to October. The best time of day to catch crabs is usually in the early morning or late evening. Some good locations are Cape Cod Bay, Buzzards Bay, and the Chesapeake Bay.

Largemouth Bass

The best time to do so is during the warmer months from May to October. These fish love to feed during early morning and late afternoon, so try to plan your fishing trips accordingly. Some of the best spots to fish for largemouth bass in Massachusetts include the Quabbin Reservoir, Webster Lake, and Lake Winnipesaukee.

Carp

If you’re looking to catch some carp in Massachusetts, the best time to go fishing is usually in the spring and fall. Some good months to try are April, May, September, and October. For the time of day, you’ll want to fish during the early morning or late afternoon when the fish are most active. As for locations, you can try fishing at the Charles River, Quabbin Reservoir, or Lake Cochituate.

Yellow Perch

When it comes to catching yellow perch in Massachusetts, the best time to fish is from late April to early June and then again in the fall from September to November. You’ll want to fish during the early morning or late afternoon, and some of the best locations to try your luck include Walden Pond in Concord, Wachusett Reservoir in Boylston, and Long Pond in Plymouth.

Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Michigan. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Pennsylvania. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Ohio. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in New York. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Rhode Island. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Maine. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in New Hampshire.

Best Fishing in Massachusetts on Seasonal Basis

Winter

First up, head to the Quabbin Reservoir for some ice fishing. You can catch trout and even landlocked salmon there. Another good spot is the Nashua River, where you can find plenty of trout. If you’re in the mood for something bigger, try Lake Quinsigamond, where you can catch some monster-sized northern pike. Lastly, don’t forget about the Westfield River, where you can find some steelhead and brown trout.

Spring

Spring is a great time to go fishing in Massachusetts, and I’ve got some cool spots for you to check out. First up, the Ware River is a good place to catch brown and rainbow trout. Another good spot is the Quaboag River, where you can find lots of smallmouth bass. If you’re looking for something bigger, head to the Deerfield River for some trophy-sized brown trout. Lastly, don’t forget about the Chicopee River, where you can catch bass, carp, and pickerel.

Summer

If you’re looking to fish in Massachusetts during the summer, I’ve got some awesome suggestions for you. First up, head to the Connecticut River for some striped bass and shad. Another good spot is the Wachusett Reservoir, where you can catch trout, largemouth bass, and landlocked salmon. If you’re in the mood for smallmouth bass, try your luck at the Quaboag River. Finally, don’t forget about Lake Cochituate, where you can find some monster northern pike.

Fall

If you’re looking to go fishing in Massachusetts this fall, I’ve got some great suggestions for you. For starters, the Westfield River is a great spot to catch some rainbow trout. Another good location is the Quabbin Reservoir, where you can find lots of tasty lake trout. If you’re more interested in catching bass, check out Lake Chauncy or the Nashua River.