From young beginners to expert fishers, anglers of all ages will enjoy freshwater fishing in Buzzards Bay’s ponds and streams. If you’re an outdoor explorer seeking a peaceful respite, venture into the woods for a tranquil morning of catch-and-release fly fishing for native brook trout. Or zip around your favorite pond in a bass boat with friends in search of your next big catch. Curious kids can cast a line by the water’s edge for pumpkinseeds and perch. (Anglers under 15 don’t even need a freshwater fishing license!) Wherever you’re located, you can find a perfect freshwater fishing spot in southeastern Massachusetts.
Glide down the tranquil Agawam River for a long paddle or a freshwater fishing trip from Agawam Mill Pond Boat Launch in Wareham.
Parking: Large paved parking area
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch
The Agawam River Trail in East Wareham offers a peaceful stroll, vistas of the Agawam River, and a paddling launch.
Size: 8.5 acres
Parking: Small parking area along the end of Knowles Avenue
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Parking: Small parking area along the end of Knowles Avenue
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Betty’s Neck in Lakeville offers miles of secluded trails and freshwater views in the Assawompset Pond Complex.
Size: 350 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables, Visitor Center (limited hours)
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables, Visitor Center (limited hours)
The deep, clear waters of Big Sandy Pond in Plymouth are a delight for freshwater anglers.
Size: 134 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: Boat Ramp
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: Boat Ramp
Birch Island in Wareham isn’t actually an island. But with river views in every direction, you might mistake it for one!
Size: 20 acres
Parking: Medium sized parking area at the end of Station Street
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium sized parking area at the end of Station Street
Facilities: None
Savor the serenity to be found in the woods and along the shore of this strand of ponds that empty into Blackwater Brook.
Size: 106 acres
Parking: Small, unpaved parking area, plus several turn-out parking spots along the access road
Facilities: No
Parking: Small, unpaved parking area, plus several turn-out parking spots along the access road
Facilities: No
Enjoy the peaceful beauty of Bread and Cheese Brook along Brookside Conservation Area's streamside trail in Westport.
Size: 9 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for 3-4 cars) off Route 177
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved parking area (space for 3-4 cars) off Route 177
Facilities: None
From the fish ladder to the glacial moraine, explore Bourne's natural history at Carter Beal Conservation Area.
Size: 29.7 acres
Parking: Small dirt parking area
Facilities: Benches, Trash
Parking: Small dirt parking area
Facilities: Benches, Trash
Hunt for remnants of an old settlement among fields and forest along the Mattapoisett River at Church's Field in Rochester.
Size: 32 acres
Parking: Small gravel parking area
Facilities: Picnic table
Parking: Small gravel parking area
Facilities: Picnic table
The Doggett's Brook nature trail tucked into the woods behind the ball fields in Rochester is perfect for a walk after a game.
Size: 100 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking area at Dexter Lane Field
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Playground
Parking: Large unpaved parking area at Dexter Lane Field
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Trash, Playground
Canoe or kayak upstream from Fearing Hill Swamp in Wareham to explore the Weweantic River's protected wooded shores.
Size: 0.2 acres
Parking: Small roadside pull-off
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Parking: Small roadside pull-off
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
From fishing to hiking to paddling, discover a variety of activities on this eight-acre Westport property.
Size: 7.8 acres
Parking: Small pull-off area along Forge Road, on north side of Forge Pond
Facilities: None
Parking: Small pull-off area along Forge Road, on north side of Forge Pond
Facilities: None
Explore tranquil ponds, wetlands, and woods at Bourne's Four Ponds Conservation Area and Town Forest in Pocasset.
Size: 280 acres
Parking: Small gravel parking area
Facilities: None
Parking: Small gravel parking area
Facilities: None
For a true adventure, head to vast Freetown-Fall River State Forest, part of the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve.
Size: 5,441 acres
Parking: Large paved parking area at forest headquarters; Medium-sized unpaved parking areas at Profile Rock and on Copicut Road and Bell Rock Road; Roadside parking at trailheads throughout forest
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash
Parking: Large paved parking area at forest headquarters; Medium-sized unpaved parking areas at Profile Rock and on Copicut Road and Bell Rock Road; Roadside parking at trailheads throughout forest
Facilities: Restrooms (seasonal), Picnic Tables, Trash
Explore Snipatuit Pond on a canoe, kayak, or small boat from this state launch ramp in Rochester.
Parking: Small unpaved parking area
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch
Facilities: Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak Launch
Families flock to Goodwill Park in Falmouth to enjoy grassy lawns and sandy beach along the cool waters of Grews Pond.
Size: 86 acres
Parking: Three free parking areas on Goodwill Park Road
Facilities: Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Grills, Trash, Pavilion, Playground
Parking: Three free parking areas on Goodwill Park Road
Facilities: Restrooms, Picnic Tables, Grills, Trash, Pavilion, Playground
This Bourne boat ramp is a great place to launch paddle crafts or small boats, as well as a popular fishing spot.
Parking: Small unpaved parking lot (space for 6-7 cars) on Little Sandy Pond Road
Facilities: None
Facilities: None
Venture through deep pine and beech forests that provide a vital lakeside home for Plymouth wildlife.
Size: 124 acres
Parking: Small unpaved pull-off at intersection of Halfway Pond Rd. and Mast Rd.
Facilities: None
Parking: Small unpaved pull-off at intersection of Halfway Pond Rd. and Mast Rd.
Facilities: None
Hamlin Crossing’s peaceful wildflower meadow and quiet woods in Acushnet are a perfect place for a short, refreshing walk.
Size: 9 acres
Parking: Small roadside parking area on Hamlin Street across from entrance
Parking: Small roadside parking area on Hamlin Street across from entrance
Take in scenic water and woodland views around the seven ponds of this wildlife management area in Rochester.
Size: 70 acres
Parking: Small unpaved parking area off Hartley Road (space for 3-4 cars)
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Parking: Small unpaved parking area off Hartley Road (space for 3-4 cars)
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch