- Read our review guidelines
Massachusetts…famous for Boston, a Tea Party, a Bee Gees song…but what about fishing?
Massachusetts has a lot to offer when it comes to fishing, with access to a long coastline. And there’s plenty of inland rivers and lake, providing additional opportunities.
But with all the water, sometimes it can be difficult to narrow down your options.
So to give you a better idea of where to go bass fishing in Massachusetts, we’ve put together a quick guide to some of our favorite spots, before the lights go out! (sorry, that was a terrible reference to that Bee Gees song!).
Why Massachusetts For Bass?
Massachusetts can be a great place if you’re looking to target a variety of fish and even a variety of bass. Many of the rivers and lakes are home to smallmouth and largemouth bass and there are also striped bass that can be found along the coast and in some of the coastal rivers and estuaries.
Striped Bass
The striped bass can be found in various locations along the eastern Atlantic coast and Massachusetts is no exception. Striped bass are considered one of the top game fish in the state and there are plenty of places to catch them.
They can be found along the coast of Massachusetts, including in bays, such as Massachusetts Bay and Cape Cod Bay before they make their way into the rivers for the spring spawn, usually in late spring and early summer. Some rivers may even hold striped bass year round.
To fish for striped bass in coastal waters, you will need to have a valid Massachusetts saltwater fishing license.
Smallmouth And Largemouth Bass
Both smallmouth and largemouth bass can be found in a range of waters across Massachusetts, including lakes, ponds and rivers. Many of the waters will often be home to largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as a variety of other species.
Fishing for all freshwater species requires a valid Massachusetts fishing license for everyone aged 15 and over – More here
Ice Fishing
Many states may say they offer year round bass fishing, which can be true but not all states can offer ice fishing in the winter. Massachusetts can be ideal for ice fishing for bass in winter, with many lakes freezing over providing excellent opportunities to continue fishing all year round.
Massachusetts: Best Places To Go Bass Fishing
1: Boston Harbor Islands
The Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area can be a great place for saltwater fishing and a good spot for catching striped bass. The islands can be accessed by ferry if you want to fish from any of the islands’ shores or fishing piers, or you can take a boat out to explore the water and get closer to the fish.
2: Lake Singletary
Lake Singletary, which borders the towns of Millbury and Sutton, can be a good spot if you’re looking to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass. The 330 acre lake plays host to regular fishing tournaments and is home to a variety of fish, including trout.
Boats can be launched from the public ramp at the north end of the lake.
3: Pontoosuc Lake
While Pontoosuc Lake can become pretty busy during the summer months, it can be worth the trip if you’re looking for largemouth bass and clear water. It can be a good idea to get an early start in the summer before recreational water users hit the lake.
There are plenty of places to launch a fishing kayak or canoe on the Lanesborough side, with the Pittsfield side benefitting from having a public ramp for larger boats.
4: Upper Mystic Lake
Upper Mystic Lake, near Winchester, is a 200 acre lake that can be an ideal spot for largemouth bass fishing. You’ll also find crappie, yellow perch and several other species.
Video: Mystic Lakes Bass Fishing
There’s a state park on the southeastern shores and there are lots of fishing spots along the eastern shores.
While Upper Mystic Lake does not allow power boats, kayaks and canoes are permitted. However, boats can be launched on the Lower Mystic Lake.
5: Wachusett Reservoir
Known for its lake trout, Wachusett Reservoir is also home to smallmouth and largemouth bass. Because the reservoir provides freshwater to people in Massachusetts, boats are not allowed, so you can only fish from the shore.
There are also some restrictions regarding where you can fish, with the northeastern area completely off limits. Fishing is allowed at Gates 6 through 35 and at Thomas Basin in West Boylston.
> Read out full guide to Wachusett Reservoir
6: Connecticut River
The Connecticut River can be a great place to catch striped bass during the late spring and you might even be able to find them all year round. There are several parks and boat ramps located along the river, which begins in Canada and ends in Connecticut.
Smallmouth bass and other species, such as pike, walleye and carp can also be found in the river.
Wrapping Up
With access to both inland waters and coastal waters, Massachusetts can certainly offer up variety when it comes to fishing. It can also be one of the best states if you’re looking to target big striped bass.
There are many places in the Bay State where you can catch bass and these are just a few of our favorites.
Do you have a favorite Massachusetts bass fishing spot? Let us know below (in the comments section)! And share this with your East Coast anglers to make sure they don’t miss out.