--- title: "Boston Fishing" url: https://www.hereboston.com/fishing-boston-ma/ date: 2026-07-26T13:50:37-04:00 modified: 2026-07-26T14:05:44-04:00 author: "" site: "HERE Boston" attribution: "HERE Boston" --- # Boston Fishing *Source: [HERE Boston](https://www.hereboston.com/fishing-boston-ma/) β€” July 26, 2026 by * HERE Boston # Boston MA Fishing Report Live conditions, species status, solunar ratings, water body profiles, MassWildlife regulations, and community fishing coverage for Suffolk County lakes and rivers. Bass: Hot Bite Crappie: Active Catfish: Active 0 Waters Profiled **0** Waters Profiled **Live** Conditions **Solunar** Rating **2026** Season First Look β€’ Fishing Conditions πŸŒ’ Waxing Crescent Illumination: 80% Air Temp 66Β°F Est. Water 63Β°F Wind 16 mph Pressure 1004 as of 9:05 PM ET Good β€” increasing moonlight; fish feed actively in the morning and evening hours. 70 GOOD Good fishing. Work structure and cover β€” fish are biting. Suffolk County β€’ Greater Boston MA Your Local *Fishing Resource* HERE Boston is your local source for fishing reports, conditions, and MassWildlife regulations across Suffolk County. Use the waters list to find lakes, rivers, and reservoirs near you, the regulations section for current limits, and the guides directory to book a trip. Current Conditions β€’ Boston Waters Species *Status* Largemouth Bass HOT Fall feeding frenzy. Bass are chasing shad and blueback herring. Crankbaits and swimbaits dominate. **Top Bait**Crankbait, Swimbait, Jig **Depth**10-20 ft structure Smallmouth Bass FAIR River smallmouth in deeper holes and pools. Slower presentations required. **Top Bait**Tube Jig, Crawfish Pattern, Ned Rig **Depth**Shoal tail-outs, 3-12 ft Crappie ACTIVE Pre-spawn or fall pattern. Crappie suspending over deeper structure. **Top Bait**Small Tube Jig, Live Minnow, Slip Float **Depth**12-20 ft brush Catfish ACTIVE Catfish feeding well in spring and fall. Target deeper holes and channel swings. **Top Bait**Cut Shad, Chicken Liver, Prepared Stink Bait **Depth**Channel edges, 10-30 ft Bluegill / Bream FAIR Bluegill in slower mode. Small jigs under a float near dock pilings and woody structure. **Top Bait**Cricket, Worm, Small Jig (1/32 oz) **Depth**Spawning: 1-4 ft. Non-spawn: dock edges 4-10 ft Trout ACTIVE Trout active in stocked waters. Cold water temperatures keep fish feeding. **Top Bait**PowerBait, Night Crawler, Inline Spinner **Depth**Stocked areas β€” designated lakes and streams Species status is based on seasonal patterns and current conditions for Suffolk County waters. Always verify MassWildlife regulations for creel limits, size minimums, and any current advisories before heading out. [Report a Bite Update](/submit-a-tip/?topic=report-a-bite-update) Fishing Report Partners [Dick's Sporting Goods](https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/c/fishing) [Bass Pro Shops](https://www.basspro.com) [REI Co-op](https://www.rei.com/c/fishing) [Academy Sports](https://www.academy.com/fishing) First Look Weather & *Fishing Conditions* 66F Mostly Cloudy Feels like 66Β°F as of 9:05 PM ET Wind 16 mph WSW Humidity 88% Pressure 1004 hPa Est. Water Temp 63Β°F Moon Waxing Crescent Sunrise / Sunset 6:58 am / 6:00 pm Location Boston, MA On-the-Water Tips - Water temps in the prime range β€” bass are active on shallow structure. Topwater lures effective morning and evening. - Gusty conditions (16 mph) push baitfish to windward banks. Bass and crappie stack up on the wind-blown shoreline. Solunar Index Fishing *Conditions Dashboard* Air Temperature 66Β°F Optimal Bite Wind Speed 16 mph Gusty β€” Windy Bank Barometric Pressure 1004 hPa Low β€” Fish Deep Moon Phase πŸŒ’ Good GOOD Good fishing. Work structure and cover β€” fish are biting. Extended Outlook 5-Day Fishing *Forecast* TONIGHT Patchy Fog 57Β° / 47Β° 13 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity FAIR SAT Slight Chance Rain Showers then Partly Sunny 50Β° / 33Β° 17 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity FAIR SUN Patchy Frost then Sunny 51Β° / 41Β° 6 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity FAIR MON Mostly Sunny 56Β° / 45Β° 7 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity FAIR TUE Partly Sunny 58Β° / 48Β° 12 mph wind β€’ 0% humidity FAIR Local Experts Field *Guides* No Boston-area fishing guides are listed yet. Guide Service or Charter Captain? Get listed in the Field Guides section and reach active anglers across Suffolk County and the HERE City Network. [List Your Guide Service](/contact/) [Launch Special$1 a day for up to 90 days β€” Best deal in Boston Reach all the Fishing traffic in Boston β€” it’s a deal! Find out how](#fr-banner-form) Launch Special Your Banner *Here* $1/day Up to **90 days** at the launch rate. Cancel anytime. - Drop us your website URL β€” we build the banner for you - Runs above the **Community Reviews** section - No contract. No setup fee. Cancel anytime. - Local Boston anglers see your business every visit Your Name * Business Name * Website URL * Email * Phone (optional) How long would you like to reserve it? Daily $1 Weekly $7 30 days $30 60 days $60 90 days $90 Lock in $1/day β€” Build my banner No payment now. We email a preview within one business day. Your launch rate is locked when you approve. Community Reviews I Fished *Here* Share Your Trip Fished a Boston-area lake or river? Tell us about it in 280 characters or fewer. Water Body Fished * Select a water body... Other Lake / Pond Other River / Creek Your First Name * How Was the Fishing? * (280 characters max) Species Caught Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill / Bream Trout Multiple Species Other Lure / Bait That Worked Best Spot / Area on the Water Submit Review Community Here *We...* Reel Them *In...* Big catches, personal bests, and tournament fish from Boston anglers. Your First Name * Where Did You Catch It? Species * Select species... Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Crappie Catfish Bluegill Trout Other Weight / Length / Details Tell Us About It * (200 chars max) Photo or Video (optional, max 8MB) Submit Catch Cast Them *Cold...* Your favorite post-fishing spots. Where do you go when the rods are stowed? Your First Name * Bar / Restaurant Name * Go-To Drink Why This Spot? * (200 chars max) Photo of the Bar or Drink (optional, max 8MB) Submit Pick Coverage Fishing News *HERE* Presented by [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Local β€” Boston and Greater Boston MassachusettsOfficialBoston fishingNo new Boston-area fishing stories this week. Check current Massachusetts fishing rules from the state wildlife agency, and watch this page for the next local report. [View All Boston Fishing Coverage β†’](https://www.hereboston.com/?s=fishing) More at Outdoor Sports Hunting, camping, hiking, and all outdoor sports coverage for Boston and Greater Boston MA [See All at Outdoor Sports](/outdoor-sports/) Partner [Advertise Here](/section-sponsorship/) Tackle, Rods and Reels Essential *Gear HERE* Gear reviews and picks for the Boston angler β€” rods, reels, tackle, and kayaks tested for Greater Boston MA waters. Presented by https://www.amazon.com/?tag=hereboston-20 Shop our hand-picked fishing gear on Amazon. Free Prime shipping, easy returns. [Become a Sponsor](/section-sponsorship/?section=fishing) Gear Reviews β€” Tested for Greater Boston MA Waters As an Amazon Associate, HERE earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability subject to change. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=hereboston-20 Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with… Rod Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Fishing Rod Holder Smart Fish Catcher Fishing Pole Holders Automatic Spring Tip-Up Hook with…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $26.96 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088K2K149?tag=hereboston-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQCB1HZ9?tag=hereboston-20 HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B… Lure Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. HADORAM Robotic Swimming Lure 5.1” Fishing Lure 4-Segement Multi Jointed Swimbait Electric B…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $22.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQCB1HZ9?tag=hereboston-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=hereboston-20 Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in… Reel Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Garmin Striker Cast, Castable Sonar, Pair with Mobile Device and Cast from Anywhere, Reel in…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $129.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LDZWMKF?tag=hereboston-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=hereboston-20 Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an… Fish Finder Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder For Kayaks, Boats an…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $159.99 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BD7YYBJ?tag=hereboston-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=hereboston-20 Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS … Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. Chasing Gladius MINI S Upgraded Professional Underwater Drone Set, with 4k Resolution + EIS …. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1399.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPMC52G7?tag=hereboston-20) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=hereboston-20 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY… Fishing Gear Hand-picked by the HERE Fishing desk this week. 【2025 New】FIFISH V-EVO 4K60FPS Underwater Drone with Robotic Arm, with Removable SD Card, QY…. β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜† 4.6 / 5 $1699.00 Best for: Recommended by the HERE Fishing desk [View on Amazon β†’](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FL28MMF9?tag=hereboston-20) Tackle Shop, Guide Service, or Marina? Get featured in the Essential Gear section and reach active anglers across the HERE City Network β€” 100+ cities. [Learn About Gear Advertising](/contact/) MassWildlife MassWildlife *Regulations* License requirements, bag limits, and size limits for Suffolk County waters. Always verify current regulations at mass.gov. MA Fishing Licenses Freshwater license Required at age 15+; free for ages 15–17 and 70+. Buy on MassFishHunt. Saltwater permit Massachusetts recreational saltwater fishing permit required (MassFishHunt). [Buy a license β€” MassWildlife](https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-fisheries-and-wildlife) Bag & Size Limits β€” Boston Waters Black Bass (largemouth & smallmouth) Β· Freshwater 5 per day combined **Size:**12" minimum Open all year. Source: [MassWildlife Freshwater Fishing Regulations (321 CMR 4.00)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/freshwater-fishing-regulations) Trout (brook, brown, rainbow, tiger) Β· Freshwater 6 per day **Size:**No statewide minimum Only 3 of the 6 may be brook, brown or tiger trout. Source: [MassWildlife Freshwater Fishing Regulations (321 CMR 4.00)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/freshwater-fishing-regulations) Chain Pickerel Β· Freshwater 5 per day **Size:**15" minimum Source: [MassWildlife Freshwater Fishing Regulations (321 CMR 4.00)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/freshwater-fishing-regulations) Northern Pike Β· Freshwater 1 per day **Size:**28" minimum Tiger muskie: 1 per day, 28" minimum. Source: [MassWildlife Freshwater Fishing Regulations (321 CMR 4.00)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/freshwater-fishing-regulations) Walleye Β· Freshwater 5 per day **Size:**14" minimum Source: [MassWildlife Freshwater Fishing Regulations (321 CMR 4.00)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/freshwater-fishing-regulations) Striped Bass Β· Saltwater 1 per day **Size:**28" to less than 31" Inline circle hooks required with natural bait; no gaffing. Source: [MA DMF Recreational Saltwater Regulations (322 CMR)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/recreational-saltwater-fishing-regulations) Black Sea Bass Β· Saltwater 4 per day May 16 – Aug. 31; 2 per day Sept. 1 – Oct. 14 **Size:**16" minimum Closed outside those dates. Source: [MA DMF Recreational Saltwater Regulations (322 CMR)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/recreational-saltwater-fishing-regulations) Summer Flounder (fluke) Β· Saltwater 5 per day (May 24 – Sept. 23) **Size:**17.5" from a vessel; 16.5" from shore Source: [MA DMF Recreational Saltwater Regulations (322 CMR)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/recreational-saltwater-fishing-regulations) Scup Β· Saltwater 30 per day (May 1 – Dec. 31) **Size:**11" private vessel; 9.5" shore Source: [MA DMF Recreational Saltwater Regulations (322 CMR)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/recreational-saltwater-fishing-regulations) Tautog Β· Saltwater 5 per day Oct. 15 – Dec. 31 (3 Apr. 1 – May 31 and Aug. 1 – Oct. 14; 1 June – July) **Size:**16" minimum Only one fish may exceed 21". Source: [MA DMF Recreational Saltwater Regulations (322 CMR)](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/recreational-saltwater-fishing-regulations) Regulations shown are for general reference (checked 2026-10-16). Special rules apply on many individual lakes and rivers. Always verify current rules with Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) at **mass.gov** before keeping fish. Spawn Timing & Key Dates Season *Calendar* Year-Round Freshwater trout, bass, pickerel, pike, walleye Statewide inland seasons are Jan. 1 – Dec. 31: trout 6/day (max 3 brook/brown/tiger), black bass 5/day 12", pickerel 5/day 15", pike 1/day 28", walleye 5/day 14". License needed at 15+. Inland waters Year-Round Striped Bass (marine) 1 fish per day, slot 28" to less than 31". Inline circle hooks required with natural bait; no gaffing. MA marine waters May 16 – Oct 14, 2026 Black Sea Bass 16" minimum; 4 fish May 16 – Aug 31, 2 fish Sept 1 – Oct 14. MA marine waters May 1 – Dec 31, 2026 Scup Private vessel 11", shore 9.5"; 30 fish. MA marine waters May 24 – Sep 23, 2026 Summer Flounder (Fluke) Vessel 17.5", shore 16.5"; 5 fish. MA marine waters Apr 1 – Dec 31, 2026 Tautog 16" minimum (one fish may exceed 21"). 3 fish Apr 1 – May 31, 1 fish Jun 1 – Jul 31, 3 fish Aug 1 – Oct 14, 5 fish Oct 15 – Dec 31. MA marine waters Sep 1 – Oct 31, 2026 Cod β€” Western Gulf of Maine 23" minimum, 1 fish. DMF notes cod and haddock rules may change after federal rulemaking. Southern New England cod: prohibited. Gulf of Maine (Boston Harbor/Mass Bay) Apr 1, 2026 – Feb 28, 2027 Haddock β€” Gulf of Maine 17" minimum, 15 fish. Subject to change after federal rulemaking. Gulf of Maine Year-Round Winter Flounder β€” Gulf of Maine 12" minimum, 8 fish. Gulf of Maine Year-Round Bluefish No size limit; 5 fish (shore and private vessel), 7 on for-hire vessels. MA marine waters Jun 16 – Dec 31, 2026 Smelt (marine) 50 fish. Also open Jan 1 – Mar 14. MA marine waters Jun 6–7, 2026 Free Fishing Weekend No freshwater license required (MassWildlife). Statewide Spawn timing is approximate and based on typical Suffolk County water temperature patterns. Actual timing varies by year and water body. MassWildlife trout stocking schedules are published annually β€” visit www.mass.gov for exact dates and stocking locations. Questions and Answers Fishing *FAQ* Common questions about fishing in the Boston area, answered. - Do I need a fishing license to fish in Boston MA? Yes. Massachusetts requires a freshwater fishing license for anglers 15 and older; it is free for residents 15 to 17 and 70 and over. Massachusetts' 2026 Free Fishing Weekend was June 6–7, when no freshwater fishing license was required.Sources: [MassWildlife: Who needs a freshwater fishing license?](https://www.mass.gov/info-details/who-needs-a-freshwater-fishing-license) Β· [MassWildlife: June 6–7, 2026 is Free Fishing Weekend](https://www.mass.gov/news/june-6-7-2026-is-free-fishing-weekend) - What are the best fishing lakes near Boston MA? Suffolk County has multiple public fishing lakes. Consult MassWildlife for a full lake-by-lake breakdown covering largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill, and bream. - When is the best time to fish for crappie in Boston? The best crappie fishing in Suffolk County is during the spring spawn, which typically runs from late March through April when water temperatures reach 55-65 degrees F. Fish move into shallower water (2-6 feet) around structure, brush piles, and bridge pilings. A second run occurs in fall (October-November) when fish stage deeper at 12-18 feet as water cools. - Can you kayak fish on Suffolk County lakes? Yes β€” kayak fishing is well-suited for Boston lakes, especially smaller electric-only water bodies. State-park lakes often offer kayak and canoe rentals and allow human-powered craft without a boating permit. Local rivers frequently offer scenic float trips combining paddling and bass fishing. Consult MassWildlife for blueway maps and put-in/take-out points. - What species can I catch in the local rivers? Rivers near Boston typically hold a diverse bass fishery β€” largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass, and rock bass in rocky shoals. Catfish (channel, blue, flathead) are common. Consult MassWildlife for stocking history and fly-fishing recommendations. Wade fishing at road crossings and kayak floats are the most productive approaches. - Do Boston lakes get trout stocked? MassWildlife stocks select Suffolk County waters with trout, typically in spring and fall when water temperatures are suitable. Stocking locations and schedules are posted annually on the MassWildlife website at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-fisheries-and-wildlife β€” search for the freshwater trout stocking report. The standard trout bag limit is 5 per day during stocking season. Check the current MassWildlife schedule for specific lakes and streams stocked near Boston. ITS ALL HERE! 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