Ipswich, MA Fishing: Classic New England Town with Historic Sights and Great Fishing

Rich history and plenty of fishing opportunities are what you will discover if you visit Ipswich, MA.

Ipswich, MA Fishing: Classic New England Town with Historic Sights and Great Fishing
Ipswich, MA Fishing: Classic New England Town with Historic Sights and Great Fishing
Team Guidesly

September 2, 2021, 6 min read

Updated on August 30, 2021

copyCopy Link
copyCopy Link

Ipswich, Massachusetts is situated in the central part of Essex County, a true-blue New England town with a vibrant tourism industry and a warm hometown atmosphere. It is drained by the Ipswich River and Plum Island Sound and with Ipswich Bay directly linked to the Atlantic Ocean. It is surrounded by towns just as vibrant and worth visiting such as Gloucester, Newburyport, and Lawrence. Like these towns with easy access to the Atlantic, Ipswich is a lively fishing community and is itself known for its clams which the town celebrates at the Annual Ipswich Chowderfest.

Originally known as Agawam by the Native Americans that first settled in the area, Ipswich became an incorporated town in 1633. In the 1800s, Ipswich became prominent for its production of stagecoaches, which revolutionized travel back in those days. However, with the rise of the railroad, the industry quickly fell, and with it, the economic status of the town. The town’s early wealth, though, is still evident in many of the First Period houses that characterize much of its landscape.

Historically, fishing was a great source of livelihood both for the original tribe that made its home in the area, as well as for the early settlers. These settlers harvested river herring, shad, and other anadromous fish species in the bountiful waters of the river. Today, the river may not be a miraculous water body the way the early settlers found it, but it remains one of the town’s greatest sources of pride and a fishing destination not to be missed.

Ipswich Fishing

Fishing in Ipswich primarily happens on the great Ipswich River. The river itself begins in Burlington, passing through towns such as Wilmington and Reading, before heading to the Atlantic Ocean via the Ipswich Bay. As the main source of drinking water for the surrounding communities, Ipswich water is clean and has a very high quality, and with the kind of chemistry that makes it perfect for trout and their choice of forage.

Aside from trout species like rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, shad, and striped bass can be found in the Ipswich River. In the town itself, Hood Pond is a great spot to fly fish. This beautiful 100-acre pond is surrounded by woodlands, wetlands, and streams and is situated within the lush Willowdale State Forest. It is regularly stocked with a variety of trout species, though anglers are advised not to regularly consume any fish caught in these waters due to mercury. That’s why authorities in the area advise strongly that anglers practice catch-and-release within the Ipswich River. This is not just to protect oneself from mercury but also to encourage the growth of the different fish species stocked in the waters. Other species that can be caught in Hood Pond include chain pickerel, crappie, bullhead, bluegill, white perch, and walleye. Do note that you cannot use motorized boats on Hood Pond.

Another productive way to access the Ipswich River within the town of Ipswich is to head over to the Town Landing estuary, where plenty of striped bass and bluefish are up for grabs, depending on the season of course. Look for public access where you can launch your boats in.

Sandy Point State Reservation is a favorite among nature-lovers and anglers alike. This beautiful state park, located right at the tip of Plum Island, is home to the town’s most well-loved coastal beaches. Anglers who come to fish here love the Emerson Rocks, a naturally occurring rocky structure that attracts plenty of fish. It’s a great spot to catch some mackerel and bass. You can easily wade here as it is quite shallow. 

While strictly not a part of Sandy Point State Reservation, Stage Island is a great fishing destination that can be accessed by walking on the shoreline from the reservation. It is technically within the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Fishing here is permitted all year round, as long as you stick to the shore.

Crane Beach, one of Ipswich’s most popular destinations, is not just a great swimming beach but also a fantastic surf casting destination. Fishing is allowed on the beach as long as you’re out of the swimmers’ way. Access to the beach requires getting a parking permit. The best way to find the holes and ridges in the sandy shore is by going there during low tide, so you can get a better idea of where your target striped bass might be once you’re ready to fish for them.
 

Top 10 Fish Species in Ipswich MA

The top 10 fish species to catch in Ipswich, MA are striped bass, largemouth bass, shad, rainbow trout, brown trout, Atlantic mackerel, bluefish, smallmouth bass, brook trout, chain pickerel, and walleye. 

Seasonal Fishing

Like many New England territories, fishing in Ipswich can be year-round, though the best months tend to be from April to November. Warmer months are of course the best time to fish as this is when most fish are active. October to November is prime time for striped bass. Do note that Ipswich River suffers from extremely low flow to no flow during the warm season, so it’s best to check the water release schedule of the river dams before going there with your gear.
 

Enjoy History with a Side of Local Delicacies in Ipswich

Ipswich is a small community but with plenty of beautiful sights to uncover and discover for the entire family.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Ipswich and all the surrounding towns on the North Shore are great places to book a fishing charter that will help you maximize your fishing trip in unfamiliar territory.

2. Walk Down the Town’s Memory Lane

Ipswich is known for its four historic districts which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places in the US. In fact, one of its beautifully preserved historic districts is home to more First Period structures than any other town in America. Spend a day navigating the Architectural Preservation District of Ipswich to immerse in the town’s local history.

3. Partake in the Local Produce

Ipswich has a rich agricultural community and takes pride in its produce. One of the best ways to experience this heritage is by visiting Appleton Farms, one of the oldest farms still operating in the US. The best way to experience it is by joining one of its walking trails and joining some of its seasonal activities.

4. Join the Chowderfest

Ipswich is famous for its fried clams and seafood, and the town takes great pains in celebrating their local delicacies. The best way to immerse in the town’s pride is by joining the annual Chowderfest which happens every fall. The event is hosted annually by the Ipswich Lions Club during which over a dozen local restaurants at the River Walk in Downtown Ipswich vie for the title of best chowder.

Fish in Ipswich and beyond.