Whether it’s the excitement a big catch or the opportunity for serene reflection that draws you to this state, Massachusetts has a spot for all types of fishing. Discover the excellent fishing that the Bay State has to offer, from reservoirs to ponds and more. Both visitors and residents ages 15 and older must have a valid license to fish in Massachusetts. Consider these top fishing spots during your RV fishing trip in Massachusetts.
Fishing Spots in Massachusetts
Here are some of the best fishing spots in Massachusetts. You can fish for a variety of species, and you’ll enjoy the scenery and history of this amazing state.
Pontoosuc Lake
Head out to Berkshire County, north of Pittsfield, and you will find Pontoosuc Lake. Vacationers and anglers alike flock to this 500-acre lake for recreation. You can find a wide variety of fish species, including smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, northern pike, common carp, white perch, yellow perch, bluegill, black crappie, brown bullhead, and white sucker.
Bonnie Brae Campground is tucked in the Berkshires and has full hookups, showers, laundry facilities, and a pool. Pittsfield State Forest also has lots of camping options.
Wachusett Reservoir
Go fishing for smallmouth bass at the Wachusett Reservoir. Situated ten minutes from Worcester, this eight-mile-long reservoir is the second-largest body of water in Massachusetts. The area has numerous fish species, including trout, bass, sunfish, and salmon. May and June are the ideal months for smallmouth and largemouth bass.
Long Pond
Long Pond is just 30 minutes from Plymouth and 45 miles from downtown Boston. It’s the largest natural pond in the state. This spot is a perfect location for big largemouth bass and hosts many bass fishing tournaments. You can catch largemouth bass, chain pickerel, bluegill, white perch, yellow perch, white sucker, pumpkinseed, and brown bullhead here.
Myles Standish State Forest is near the pond, and has campsites. There are no hookups, but there is a dump station, showers, and flush toilets.
Martha’s Vineyard
Martha’s Vineyard celebrates fishing each year with its Martha’s Vineyard Bluefish and Striped Bass Derby. Located about a 45-minute ferry ride from Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard has nearly 100 miles of fishable shoreline, numerous harbor towns, and several sites to explore by boat, making it a haven for seasoned and beginner anglers alike. The spot teems with striped bass, bluefish, and fluke.
The Martha’s Vineyard Family Campground has full hookups, showers, laundry, a rec room, a playground, and more.
Quabbin Reservoir
Fishing in Massachusetts is a whole new experience when you cast a line at Quabbin Reservoir. Located in Belchertown, the reservoir occupies 39 square miles with 181 miles of fishable shoreline and adequate space for boaters. Fish for smallmouth bass, black crappie, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, lake trout, brown trout, white perch, bluegill, and yellow perch. Besides fishing, you can enjoy other activities like snowshoeing, hunting, biking, boating, and cross-country skiing in the area.
Chapin Pond
If you hope to catch chain pickerel, largemouth bass, white perch, yellow perch, or bluegill, Chapin Pond, also known as Haviland Pond, is a perfect spot to cast your line. This warm-water reservoir sits north of where Route 21 intersects with the Massachusetts Turnpike. Although there is a paved launch ramp, you will find ample parking at the Ludlow town beach.
Norton Reservoir
Norton Reservoir is located in Norton, a short drive south of Boston. This 580-acre reservoir is excellent for shore fishing. Although it’s renowned for the large volume of largemouth bass, you can also land other species, including pickerel and crappie.
Big Sandy Pond
Big Sandy Pond, commonly known as Sandy Pond, sits in the heart of Cape Cod. Located just 20 minutes south of Plymouth, this pond provides a great spot away from city life. Numerous fish species live in its 149 acres, including pumpkinseed, smallmouth bass, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, white sucker, banded killifish, and golden shiner. Big Sandy Pond gets stocked with brook and rainbow trout annually as well.
Where to Fish in Massachusetts
Boston is one of the best destinations to go fishing in Massachusetts. In this area, fishing is a long-standing tradition, and the city is near a handful of freshwater fishing spots. Boston has fishing for all types of anglers. You can fish everything from the blue waters of the Atlantic to pristine lakes and fish-filled streams. The area sees vast summer migrations of bluefin tuna, striped bass, sharks, and more. During the winter months, you can catch offshore fish such as haddock and pollock.
Camping and Fishing in Massachusetts
To have a smooth camping and fishing experience in Massachusetts, you’ll want to check over your rig to make sure that you have everything you need. Ensure that you have the right fishing gear, and pack the tackle box with lures and baits that are attractive to all fish species. Keep in mind that you could get wet, especially if you try fly-fishing. It’s a good idea to pack moisture-wicking clothes that can dry quickly.
Check or listen to the daily weather forecast to ensure that factors such as sunlight, wind, and rain will not affect your fishing plans.
With an RV rental, your fishing trip will be a little more comfortable! After you’ve spent a long day fishing, grill up your catch right at your campsite. Then, retire inside to enjoy all the comforts of home on board your RV. Plan your perfect fishing getaway with an RV rental from RVshare.
