Northampton, MA Fishing: The Charm of the Paradise City

Northampton, Massachusetts, is located in Hampshire County and is known for its music, arts, and exceptional academies; surrounded by forests, mountains, farmlands, and patched with historical buildings, it is indeed a perfect mix of culture and nature. Some of the names given to the city include Paradise City, Happy Valley, and Emerald City. The locals in Northampton are warm and accommodating. The variety of recreational fun this city offers is certainly for people yearning for outdoor adventure.

Originally, the first inhabitants of Northampton were named Norwottuck by the Pocumtuc people. The old name means “the midst of the river,” where the city is situated. Later on, it was given its current name by John A. King, who hailed from Northampton, England. In the 1840s, it was called The Paradise of America. It was home to a utopian community that fought for justice and believed that people’s rights should all be equal regardless of their sex, color, condition, religion, or sect. The city was officially established in 1883 and remained a thriving city for culture.

Northampton is nestled along the western banks of the Connecticut River. Around the city, lakes and streams are available for recreational fishing. For anglers who love freshwater fishing, the place is the perfect destination.

Northampton Fishing

Northampton is very supportive of recreational freshwater fishing. Events are held in Look Park, north of the city, for fishing like the Annual Kids Fishing Derby. The park is privately owned but waives entrance fees for this event. Kids compete by bringing their equipment and fishing at Willow Pond, located in the park. The pond gets stocked with rainbow trout for this event. Willow Pond is a tributary to the Mill River, which runs through the park. 

The Mill River stretches for 13.5 miles and is a tributary of the Connecticut River. In the mid 19th century, the river was home to dozens of mills, taking advantage of the waterpower. There were also four reservoirs built in the higher tributaries of the river. Mill River offers relaxed fly fishing opportunities, but anglers must practice responsible fishing by complying with state regulations like Massachusetts. This is to ensure the protection of fish species. Anglers may expect to catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, channel catfish, common carp, rock bass, rainbow trout, and yellow perch in Mill River.

Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area is an attractive green sanctuary for hiking trails and wildlife viewing to the east of Look Park. Despite its small size, anglers find it convenient to come to the lake and relax. The lake has a dock on its west edge for fishing access, and its banks are perfect for shoreline fishing. The primary game in the lake are bluegill and largemouth bass, often found in the shades of lilies. Even though the lake may seem like a modest spot for fishing, good size of bass can put up a strong fight, especially to those using light tackle. Non-motorized boats, canoes, and kayaks are also allowed in the lake for drift fishing and further access to deeper parts of the water. The lake is a little shallow and weedy with a mucky bottom. Other fish species found in the lake include trout, channel catfish, pumpkinseed, black crappie, white crappie, yellow perch, and common carp. Anglers may come and fish in Fitzgerald Lake throughout the year.

The primary freshwater fishing spot in Northampton is the Connecticut River. It is the longest river in New England, stretching 406 miles. To the west border of Northampton, the river runs southwards. Connecticut River Greenway State Park provides access to the river, offering year-round fishing. It has a wide diversity of fish species, including common carp, brown bullhead, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, white catfish, chain pickerel, pumpkinseed, golden shiner, fallfish, and rock bass. The river was also repopulated with Atlantic salmon by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Many anadromous and catadromous fish inhabit the river, including brook trout, winter flounder, rainbow trout, brown trout, shad, hickory shad, smallmouth bass, Atlantic sturgeon, blueback herring, alewife, striped bass, American eel, sea lamprey, and the endangered shortnose sturgeon.

Top 10 Fish Species in Northampton, MA

The top 10 fish species in Northampton, MA, are largemouth bass, chain pickerel, smallmouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch, rock bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, channel catfish, and common carp.

Seasonal Fishing

With the Connecticut River running on the east of the city, Northampton offers year-round fishing opportunities to all local and visiting anglers, with strict compliance to Massachusetts recreational fishing regulations. 

When fishing in Fitzgerald Lake, it is important to note that its shallower areas get filled with water lilies, pondweed, and water shield starting in the middle of spring. While this provides shade and ensures the abundance of bluegill and largemouth bass, casting in the surface brimming with floating plant species is challenging.

Summer is always a productive time to fish in Northampton. Although, some anglers may not like the idea of fishing among the mob of people. Since the water is warm, the cold-blooded largemouth bass is more active, and people often go after trophy ones.

December through March is a good season for ice fishing, but anglers must be cautious and alert to temperature changes before heading out. The state regulation for ice fishing is no more than five hooks at one time can be lodged through the ice.

Be Amused in the Happy Valley

1. Book a Fishing Guide

Northampton is called the Happy Valley for a reason. Even fishing is enjoyable here, with spots that suit every fishing style. Book a local guide when you come to Northampton and make your trip smoother. Get your freshwater fishing gear ready and head out now!

2. Mass Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

A paradise inside Paradise City, this wildlife sanctuary is blessed with a magnificent terrain of forests, grasslands, wetlands, meadows, and marshes home to an exceptional diversity of wildlife. Its rich loam soil supports the growth of beautiful wildflowers and gives a perfect 360-degree view of stunning nature. This place is a gem in Northampton and Easthampton, a destination you should not miss!

3. The Frank Newhall Look, Memorial Park

Central north of the city, in Florence Village, Look Memorial Park is located. The park is dedicated to providing exciting attractions and activities to visitors. It features playgrounds, a tennis court, a baseball diamond, a mini-golf course, pavilions for picnicking, a steam train, a small zoo, and a water park. The steam train operates on a one-mile track and is complete with a boarding station and a tunnel. A duck pond found in the park, Willow Pond,  is a tributary to Mill River. Pedal boats are available for fun paddling in the pond. Drop by anytime as the park is open year-round, ready to welcome everyone looking for some amusement!