Great Marshes is a Swamp located in Barnstable County, MA. Starting in the Great Marshes has a total surface area of 3.1 miles. The Great Marshes has an elevation of 7 feet. Find maps, fishing guides and recreation info at Guidesly.

All About the Great Marshes, MA

The Great Marsh is one of the longest marshes in New England, measuring up to 20,000- 30,000 acres. The topography of the location is diverse with varying dunes, rivers, small islands, mudflats, and saltwater marshes. It is located in the state of Massachusetts.

In the past, the coastal islands surrounding the Great Marsh were used for its regional industries like fishing, clamming, and boat-building. In particular, boat-building was the most important factor in driving up the economy in the region, with the Essex yards building about 3,300 to 4000 ships between 1650 to 1950, 27 of which were US-flagged vessels.

Other than its successful shipbuilding industry the region is also known for accommodating a diverse population, both aquatic and otherwise. With around 300 bird species both living and migrating, have been recorded at the site. The Great Marsh is also an internationally recognized Important Bird Area. With the surrounding parks serving as rest spots for visitors to take advantage of the scenic views the great marsh has to offer.

All About Fishing in the Great Marshes, MA

In regards to fishing in the great marshes, two species of fish come in abundance. Weighing from 10 to up to around 70-80 lbs, the striped bass is easily recognizable and popular for both recreational and commercial fishers in the state of Massachusetts. It’s best to look for bass in moving waters and at cooler temperatures like dusk or dawn. Fly fishing is recommended when catching the striped bass. Rods with 8 to 14 feet in length as well as using a braided line will also help you out a lot. Remember to use live bait like mackerel, squid, and anchovies.

The bluefish is also something you can find in the great marshes. The bluefish is characterized by its grayish to blue-green colored dorsal area and its uniformly razor-sharp teeth. You can catch these fish easily by using hook and line. Take note that recreational anglers can only catch up to 3 per day. Be sure to handle the bluefish carefully, as their teeth can cause injuries. As bait, it’s best to use oily fish with a strong scent like the menhaden or mackerel will do. 

Other known fish found in the Great Marshes are the winter flounder and brook trout. Both the flounder and trout need a lot of patience to catch. The winter flounder is known to take small bites first before tugging on for real. That’s why it is recommended to use bigger sea worms and clams as bait as well as a more sensitive rod that can differentiate nibbling flounder from a tugging one.  Brook trout are known to be found in smaller, shallow, or areas near fallen trees and boulders. Fly fishing with a long, precise rod with small spinners and plugs as bait, are the most preferred equipment to use. 

The invasive green crab species are also in abundance in the great marshes and has been a source of problem for Essex county and the great marsh ecosystem.  

Fishing Seasonality

Though the striped bass can be found all year round, it’s best to catch them from around May to November. When attempting to fish in the hotter months of the year, it is best to do so during nighttime, when the waters are cool. For bluefish, they peak from around June to October. Winter flounders are best caught during early spring through May while the brook trout are more particular with the temperature, with 55-60° F being the most optimal water temperature to catch them.

Fishing Seasonality

Though the striped bass can be found all year round, it’s best to catch them from around May to November. When attempting to fish in the hotter months of the year, it is best to do so during nighttime, when the waters are cool. For bluefish, they peak from around June to October. Winter flounders are best caught during early spring through May while the brook trout are more particular with the temperature, with 55-60° F being the most optimal water temperature to catch them.

All About Fishing in the Great Marshes, MA

In regards to fishing in the great marshes, two species of fish come in abundance. Weighing from 10 to up to around 70-80 lbs, the striped bass is easily recognizable and popular for both recreational and commercial fishers in the state of Massachusetts. It’s best to look for bass in moving waters and at cooler temperatures like dusk or dawn. Fly fishing is recommended when catching the striped bass. Rods with 8 to 14 feet in length as well as using a braided line will also help you out a lot. Remember to use live bait like mackerel, squid, and anchovies.

The bluefish is also something you can find in the great marshes. The bluefish is characterized by its grayish to blue-green colored dorsal area and its uniformly razor-sharp teeth. You can catch these fish easily by using hook and line. Take note that recreational anglers can only catch up to 3 per day. Be sure to handle the bluefish carefully, as their teeth can cause injuries. As bait, it’s best to use oily fish with a strong scent like the menhaden or mackerel will do. 

Other known fish found in the Great Marshes are the winter flounder and brook trout. Both the flounder and trout need a lot of patience to catch. The winter flounder is known to take small bites first before tugging on for real. That’s why it is recommended to use bigger sea worms and clams as bait as well as a more sensitive rod that can differentiate nibbling flounder from a tugging one.  Brook trout are known to be found in smaller, shallow, or areas near fallen trees and boulders. Fly fishing with a long, precise rod with small spinners and plugs as bait, are the most preferred equipment to use. 

The invasive green crab species are also in abundance in the great marshes and has been a source of problem for Essex county and the great marsh ecosystem.