Boston, MA Fishing: Fish Along the Cradle of Modern America

Boston, Massachusetts, is the place to be if you are looking for the right combination of a distinctively modern edge of architecture and a nostalgic vibe with the cobbled-stone streets. Covering around 48.4 square miles, it measures smaller compared to its neighboring major cities. Despite this, the city of Boston has been a home of world-class educational institutions, successful sports teams, and rich history.

Boston is one of the most historic cities in the United States. It is known to be the Cradle of Modern America as several key events of the American Revolution took place within its walls. Long before European colonization, the city was once inhabited by the indigenous Massachusett. When the Europeans came, Boston grew and prospered. This caused tensions between colonists and English governors. This colonial resistance led to violence in 1770, which was known as the Boston Massacre, soon leading to a Revolutionary war. Until 1776, the city celebrated the end of the Siege of Boston when the British evacuated. Since then, Boston has continued to grow, and Massachusetts became the first state in the Union to abolish slavery. 

Today, we witness the countless transformation of Boston for over four centuries as we celebrate its beauty and witness history as we walk along the Freedom Trail. We see how it transformed into a city that offers multiple opportunities for you to enjoy, learn and have fun. 

Boston Fishing

The city of Boston lies centrally on the Massachusetts Bay, an arm of the Atlantic Ocean. Though measuring less compared to other major cities, one-fourth of its total area is water. Needless to say, Boston is the place to be when you are looking for a unique angling experience as it has a lot more to offer. So, where to fish and what to target when in Boston? Let's start our list with Charles River.

The Charles River stretches for 80 miles and drains an area of 308 square miles. It is considered one of the most densely populated watersheds in Massachusetts. However, it contains a number of thriving ecosystems, such as wetlands and marshes. These rich natural areas are responsible for the unique and diverse wildlife. 

The river has more than three miles of waterfront available for fishing and is home to more than 25 species of freshwater fish. This includes largemouth bass, golden shiner, yellow perch, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, black crappie, common carp, white sucker, chain pickerel, redfin pickerel, smallmouth bass, and pumpkinseed. In addition, the river is also home to anadromous fish that return to the river for spawning. This species includes the two species of herring, alewife and blueback herring, American shad, white perch, rainbow smelt, and striped bass. 

The rich and diverse ecosystem of Charles River will require anglers to use a boat or kayak to effectively anchor its waterway. In addition, local anglers agree that fishing in the river is best during early mornings, just before the sun hits its peak, or in the evening, unless the sky is overcast. Fishing in the river is best during the months of April to June when striped bass fill the river as they feed on migrating alewife herring which also coincides with the spawning season of American Shad. Moreover, the use of soft-plastic baits in different styles and colors is effective when targeting striped bass. Topwater baits can also be used when targeting largemouth bass near the shoreline during the night. Meanwhile, anglers may use spoons along with weighted and lipless crankbaits when fishing in the deeper waters of the river. 

Notable stretches and areas include Brighton to BU Bridge, Elliot Street Bridge, BU Boathouse, the Lower Basin, Massachusetts Avenue Bridge, the Museum of Science, and Charles Esplanade.

Another freshwater fishing destination in Boston is the Mystic River which is home to species including salmon, alewife, blueback herring, striped bass, bluefish, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, carp, and more. In addition, the Neponset River is another must-visit location when you are in Boston. The river is home to species like alewife, blueback herring, American shad, white perch, bluegill, American eel, chain pickerel, pumpkinseed, largemouth bass, common carp, fallfish, redbreast sunfish, spottail, white sucker, and smelt.

Are you looking for something more than freshwater fishing? Why not head out to the ocean and experience some saltwater action on Massachusetts Bay?

Massachusetts Bay extends southwards for about 60 miles from Cape Ann to Cape Cod, with Boston lying in between. So if you are in the area, you might as well explore the bay and target some striped bass that is famous for their size. With live baits like herring and squid and lures like plugs and spoons, your chances of landing on one are high, especially in the months of April to November. 

Cod, pollock, and haddock are other reasons to explore Massachusetts Bay. The chances of landing - all three in this area are high - Angling for cod is available year-round which makes them a common target. This species lives and feeds close to the bottom and moves around cold water temperatures. If you plan on landing on one during the spring season, it is recommended to look for them in areas near the shore. Come March to late November, haddock becomes an angler’s target. You may search for them in deep waters ranging from 150 to 450 feet by still fishing. Meanwhile, if you are aiming for pollock, searching for them in underwater structures and breakwater increases the chance of landing on one. This species lurks along the Massachusetts coast and is most abundant during Spring. 

Massachusetts Bay is also home to species like the Atlantic Cod, black sea bass, bluefin tuna, flounder, bluefish, cusk, fluke, halibut, mackerel, American shad, wolffish,  and yellowfin tuna. 

Top 10 Fish Species in Boston, MA

The top 10 fish species in Boston are largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, black crappie, common carp, white sucker, chain pickerel, redfin pickerel, and smallmouth bass.

Fishing Seasonality

One of the reasons anglers visit the city of Boston is because of its year-round fishing. You can book an angling trip any day of the year with the assurance of landing on a productive catch. However, if you are to go angling in Boston, might as well go during the most productive time of the year, right?

So, if you are planning to go angling in Boston’s freshwaters, booking your trip in the months of April to June will give you an abundance of striped bass. It is also during this time that alewife herring returns to the river and American shad begins its spawning season. However, one must note that American Shad are for catch-and-release only on all waters in Massachusetts. 

Meanwhile, if you opt for saltwater fishing, booking your trip during the months of June to October will give you a great experience in targeting bluefish and some bluefins. Come March until November, the season for haddock and pollock and cod begins.

Make the Most of Your Boston Experience

1.Book a Fishing Charter

Boston, Massachusetts,  is one of the top angling destinations in Northern America. It offers multiple angling opportunities. For first-time visitors, this might seem overwhelming, but worry not for some of the best local guides are here to guide you! They can bring you to the city’s best spots. So, make sure to book your local guide to help you get the best angling experience possible.

2. Walk along the Freedom Trail

Rekindle the moments of the past by strolling along the Freedom Trail. The 2.5-mile self-guided tour of the American Revolution sites will bring you back to both the dark and glorious moments of American history. It will also allow you to appreciate the beauty of the modern architecture paired with cobblestone streets and a stunning skyline. 

3. Visit Boston Public Garden

Nothing feels more peaceful than walking through an ever-changing array of flowers and numerous trees. Visiting Boston Public Garden will allow you to appreciate the beauty of stillness in nature. With more than 600 varieties of trees and different animal species, you will fall in love over and over again. Is this not the best way to end your Freedom Trail journey?