Lawrence, MA Fishing: Angling in a Diverse City

Lawrence is located in Essex County in northern Massachusetts. It is part of the Merrimack Valley and sits on the Merrimack River. It is surrounded by Methuen, Andover, and North Andover communities. Thousands of years before Europeans colonized the Americans, Native Americans inhabited the Merrimack River. In 1642 and 1646, Lawrence’s territories were purchased for English settlements from Pennacooks and the Massachusett people. Lawrence has also been nicknamed the ‘Immigrant City’ for it has been the home of various immigrant communities since the great wave of immigration that ended in the 1920s. 

Lawrence has a solid historical and arts scene as a multi-ethnic and multicultural gateway city. Massive mill buildings that line the river, historic clock and bell towers, and the astounding Great Stone Dam pay tribute to the city’s industrial heritage. Lawrence is strategically located in the middle of the Merrimack Valley, making it a good area for economic activity and development. Lawrence sits on both sides of the Merrimack River, making it an excellent place for anglers to try out. With the river and its canals running through the city, fishing in Lawrence is easily accessible.

Lawrence Fishing

With how accessible local waterways are in Lawrence, anglers can have tons of opportunities to reel in their targets. Whether casting by the banks or moving through the freshwaters, the city makes fishing riveting as it pairs it with a chance to immerse in diverse cultures and views. 

Fishing in the Merrimack River can be an exciting endeavor as it offers a chance at urban fishing. The main draw of its warm waters are species such as smallmouth bass, common carp, and northern pike; trophy-sized panfish like black crappie and redbreast sunfish also abound in its waters. The upper reaches of the river are stocked with brook trout. Other fish throughout the river include Atlantic salmon, American shad, Atlantic sturgeon, bluegill, brown bullhead, bluefish, channel catfish, mirror carp, largemouth bass, and striped bass. Anglers can fish from the river’s banks or go fishing by boat. A concrete public boat access ramp found at Riley Park only allows shallow draft boats. Fly fishing is a great way to target species like brook trout, smallmouth bass, carp in the canals, and striped bass near the river’s mouth. Spinning with big swimbaits is also great to catch smallmouth bass and striped bass. Baitcasting is an effective technique to reel carp and catfish. The Merrimack River Reservoir, located near Great Stone Dam, also hosts smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, common carp, northern pike, striped bass, black crappie, channel catfish, and yellow perch. It has a boat ramp and provides fishing access with piers and docks.

South Canal is a terrific spot to fish for smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, northern pike, yellow perch, black crappie, black bullhead, and pumpkinseed. It is one of the canals of the Merrimack River within Lawrence. Anglers can find it just by the Merrimack River Reservoir. The North Canal is located just above the Great Stone Dam area, where similar species can be seen as well as white bass. The Great Stone Dam area has an easily accessible shoreline for inshore anglers and boaters. It’s popular for breeds like white perch, river herring, American shad, and seasonal striped bass.

Flowing to the Merrimack River from the north of the city is Spicket River. The stream’s waters host various freshwater species such as smallmouth bass, striped bass, common carp, brook trout, yellow perch, black bullhead, rainbow trout, chain pickerel, fallfish, and white sucker. It’s a great spot for anglers who wish to fish in the banks or from bridges. Baits commonly used to fish in the stream include canned corn, oatmeal, luncheon meat, and minnows. The best fishing area in the stream is at the Spicket River Greenway, which acts as a viewing trail. Another promising area is where it meets with the Merrimack River near the North Canal Reservoir. 

Shawsheen River is another tributary of the Merrimack River located in Lawrence. It acts as the city’s southeastern border. Fish such as brown trout, tiger trout, black crappie, bluegill, chain pickerel, pumpkinseed, rainbow trout, brook trout, white sucker, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, fallfish, and common carp can be found in the tributary. Popular baits and lures used in its waters are chickpeas, minnows, crawlers, and shiners which are most effective in catching bass.

An annual fishing tournament organized by Salt Addiction Fishing is held in Pemberton Park every summer, coinciding with National Fishing and Boating Week. The event encourages people to volunteer and donates to local causes. Before the tournament is held, the organization hosts a cleanup of the popular fishing area to volunteer and help. Winners are determined whether they’ve caught the heaviest or largest fish.

Top 10 Fish Species in Lawrence, MA

The top 10 fish species found in Lawrence, Massachusetts are smallmouth bass, common carp, northern pike, American shad, largemouth bass, striped bass, black crappie, brook trout, chain pickerel, and pumpkinseed.

Seasonal Fishing

Because Merrimack River is the main waterway in Lawrence, the fishing season is primarily from April to November. Anglers targeting northern pike can see the most action during April. Late May is an excellent time to fish for common carp and smallmouth bass. During that time, shad start running, and migratory striped bass arrives. Those who want to catch some trout are better off angling during the spring just until June. Mid-summer to fall is also an excellent time for carp, smallmouth bass, and striped bass. Most freshwater species in Lawrence, like largemouth bass, landlocked salmon, American shad, and chain pickerel, can be caught year-round. The biggest challenge when fishing in Lawrence is the fluctuating water levels. Sometimes canals are drained, and other time levels are too high for wade fishing. It’s a good idea to check daily weather and water conditions before venturing out to fish.

Take In More of Lawrence, MA

Lawrence has numerous attractions and offers many things to do that let people learn more about its unique identity as a Massachusetts city.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

With Lawrence straddling the Merrimack River, anglers can book amongst fishing charters and local guides. Fishing charters and guides can navigate anglers through the river and its tributaries so they can make the most of their angling trip. There are also boat rental services available near the main waterway. 

2. Visit Great Stone Dam

Great Stone Dam is found in the middle of the city on the Merrimack River. It provides astonishing views of the city and river and is a fantastic recreational area. Upstream the dam, there is an area where people can sail, kayak, and boat. People can also visit the historic boathouse that supports recreation at the site. 

3. Learn More About Lawrence’s History

Lawrence boasts a rich history showcased through many sites found throughout the city. People can visit the Lawrence History Center on 6 Essex St. It used to be known as the Immigrant City Archives and hosts a collection of photographs, glass plate negatives, mastered oral histories, and various historical records of the city. Campagnone Common is a historical park that is located across from City Hall. It contains a baseball field, playgrounds, and a Civil War memorial that lists people from the city that fought for the Union. The park is also home to World War II, Spanish-American War, Gulf War, and Korean War memorials.