Photo : Forest Service - Northern Region, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
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Massachusetts
State, United States. Authority : Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife).
2026 rules, checked on 23 September 2026.
- Licence
- US$50Non-resident Fishing
- Next opening
- —
- Minimum sizes
- 71.1 cmNorthern pike
Useful gear for this area
Chosen from the species and size limits regulated in this area.
Responsible gearFish Unhooking Mat with 100 cm RulerTo check the minimum size: Northern pike 71.1 cm here.
€48.90£24.90Not shipped to the United States
Treble Hook Covers, Pack of 150For : northern pike, zander, walleye
€26.90£12.90Not shipped to the United States
Responsible gearPredator Unhooking Kit: Gloves + Jaw SpreaderFor : northern pike, zander, walleye
€30.90£15.90Not shipped to the United States
Where to fish
© OpenStreetMap
2026 season calendar
open year-round; 3/day
8/day Apr 1 - Sep 10 (only 3 from lakes/ponds/major rivers), 3/day Sep 11 - Mar 31
open year-round
dates set by DCR
Solid bars: fishing allowed. Yellow line: today.
Minimum sizes
| Species | Minimum size | 0–80 cm |
|---|---|---|
| Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth)2 statewide | 30.5 cm | |
| Northern pike2 statewide | 71.1 cm | |
| Tiger muskellunge2 statewide | 71.1 cm | |
| Walleye2 statewide | 35.6 cm | |
| Chain pickerel2 statewide | 38.1 cm | |
| Landlocked salmon2 statewide | 38.1 cm | |
| Trout - Housatonic River mainstem2 1/day | 50.8 cm | |
| Lake trout - Quabbin Reservoir2 2/day | 45.7 cm |
To check the minimum size: Northern pike 71.1 cm here. Fish Unhooking Mat with 100 cm Ruler €48.90£24.90Not shipped to the United States
Bag limits
| Species | Fish you may keep |
|---|---|
| Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth combined)2 statewide | 5 per day |
| Northern pike2 statewide | 1 per day |
| Walleye2 statewide | 5 per day |
| Chain pickerel2 statewide | 5 per day |
| Trout (brook, brown, rainbow, tiger) - lakes, ponds, major rivers2 | 3 per day |
| Trout - other rivers and brooks, Apr 1 - Sep 102 only 3 from lakes/ponds/major rivers | 8 per day |
| Trout - Sep 11 - Mar 312 | 3 per day |
Licence
| Licence | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Fishing License (freshwater)1 | calendar year | US$40 |
| Resident Fishing1 | annual | US$40 |
| Resident Fishing (3-day)1 | 3-day | US$20 |
| Resident Minor Fishing (age 15-17)1 | annual | US$0 |
| Resident Fishing (age 65-69)1 | annual | US$20 |
| Resident Fishing (age 70 or over)1 | annual | US$0 |
| Non-resident Fishing1 | annual | US$50 |
| Non-resident Fishing (3-day)1 | 3-day | US$30.50 |
| Non-resident Minor Fishing (age 15-17)1 | annual | US$8 |
| Quabbin Reservoir 1-day Fishing1 | 1-day | US$5 |
| Wildlands Conservation Stamp (added to first resident license each year and all non-resident licenses)1 | annual | US$5 |
Buy the licence on massfishhunt.mass.gov
- Ages and exemptions1
- Anglers aged 15 or older need a license (under 15 exempt). Free for residents 15-17 and 70+; residents 65-69 pay $20. Prices exclude the $5 Wildlands Conservation Stamp and a $2.75 administrative fee (+ convenience/agent fees).
Good to know
Freshwater fishing is open year-round statewide for most species. 8 catch-and-release, artificial-lure-only areas (e.g. Housatonic, Deerfield, Swift, Millers). Lead sinkers/jigs under 1 oz banned in all inland waters. Saltwater requires a separate $10 permit (free 60+).
What the authority does not publish
Points we could not find in the official texts: check with the authority.
- pas de licence 1 jour statewide (seulement 3 jours ; 1 jour limité au réservoir Quabbin)
Rules change every year and can be amended during the season. Before fishing, check the text in force with the authority listed.
Where to fish
Fishing places listed in the official sources.
- Quabbin Reservoir reservoir, Belchertown, Hardwick, New Salem, Pelham View on the map
- Wachusett Reservoir reservoir, Boylston, West Boylston View on the map
- Lake Webster lake, Webster View on the map
- Otis Reservoir reservoir, Otis, Tolland View on the map
- Onota Lake lake, Pittsfield View on the map
- Lake Quinsigamond lake, Worcester View on the map
- Stockbridge Bowl lake, Stockbridge View on the map
- Walden Pond lake, Concord View on the map
- Swift River river, Palmer, Ware View on the map
- Deerfield River river, Buckland, Charlemont, Conway, Deerfield View on the map
- Westfield River river, Agawam, Chesterfield, Cummington, Huntington View on the map
- Millers River river, Athol, Erving, Montague, Orange View on the map
- Squannacook River river, Groton, Shirley, Townsend View on the map
Frequently asked questions
How much is a fishing licence in Massachusetts in 2026?
The “Non-resident Fishing” licence costs US$50 (annual). Other options and prices are in the table above, with the official source.
What is the minimum size for northern pike in Massachusetts?
Northern pike: 71.1 cm. Any smaller fish must be released immediately.
Official sources
- Mass.gov - License types and fees (2026) (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- Mass.gov - Freshwater fishing regulations (MassWildlife) (accessed on 23 September 2026)
Last checked : 23 September 2026.