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.
Head of Westport Town Landing is a quaint spot for paddlers to begin a journey down the Westport River East Branch.
Size: 2 acres
Parking: Small unpaved roadside parking area on Drift Road; Small unpaved parking area off Old County Road; Additional street parking on Old County Road
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Parking: Small unpaved roadside parking area on Drift Road; Small unpaved parking area off Old County Road; Additional street parking on Old County Road
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Discover Buzzards Bay’s largest freshwater river at Horseshoe Mill, part of the growing Weweantic River Reserve in Wareham.
Size: 34 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
Dartmouth's Howland Reserve offers visitors a taste of the Southeastern Massachusetts Bioreserve without the vast size.
Size: 25 acres
Parking: Limited roadside parking along the west side of North Hixville Road across from gas easement and trailhead
Facilities: None
Parking: Limited roadside parking along the west side of North Hixville Road across from gas easement and trailhead
Facilities: None
Cool off at Falmouth’s Ice House Pond, a 7-acre kettle pond that's open for swimming, fishing, canoeing, and ice skating.
Size: 7 acres
Parking: Small paved parking area
Facilities: Canoe Launch
Parking: Small paved parking area
Facilities: Canoe Launch
An accessible boardwalk through diverse wetlands and forest holds outdoor adventures that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy.
Size: 168 acres
Parking: Large unpaved parking area next to the soccer field on Meetinghouse Lane; medium-sized unpaved parking area along West Main Road, just north of intersection with Treaty Rock Rd.
Facilities: Boardwalk, Trash
Parking: Large unpaved parking area next to the soccer field on Meetinghouse Lane; medium-sized unpaved parking area along West Main Road, just north of intersection with Treaty Rock Rd.
Facilities: Boardwalk, Trash
With nearly 50 acres of meadows and forests on the Acushnet River, LaPalme Farm celebrates Acushnet’s pastoral charm.
Size: 47 acres
Parking: Limited street parking at the end of Blain Street
Facilities: None
Parking: Limited street parking at the end of Blain Street
Facilities: None
Take in a lovely view of Leonard’s Pond in Rochester from the shores of these two small waterfront properties.
Size: 4.1 acres and 2.95 acres
Parking: Two small roadside parking areas along Mary’s Pond Road
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch, Picnic Table
Parking: Two small roadside parking areas along Mary’s Pond Road
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch, Picnic Table
This diverse paradise of woods, wetlands, and salt marshes in Plymouth shelters rare sea-run brook trout in Red Brook.
Size: 210 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables, Trash
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: Picnic Tables, Trash
A natural kettle hole, Mary’s Pond in Rochester is a popular destination for picnicking, paddling, and fishing.
Size: 10.29 acres
Parking: Two small unpaved parking areas on Perry's Lane
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Parking: Two small unpaved parking areas on Perry's Lane
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Pick fruit at the community orchard, explore the woods, or watch the river flow by at Mill Pond Conservation Area in Westport.
Size: 8 acres
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area (space for 4-5 cars)
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area (space for 4-5 cars)
Facilities: None
Known by locals as "Lake Street," the New Bedford Reservoir in Acushnet is a peaceful destination for fishing and paddling.
Size: 4 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area; several small pulloffs along Lake Street
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area; several small pulloffs along Lake Street
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Discover a peaceful beech tree forest and remarkable freshwater views at New Bedford Waterworks, part of the protected Assawompset Pond Complex.
Size: 842 acres
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved lot at the North Rochester Congregational Church (near entrance gate R10); roadside parking at any fire road entrance gate (R1-18) not marked “no admittance” (do not block gates/fire lanes)
Facilities: None
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved lot at the North Rochester Congregational Church (near entrance gate R10); roadside parking at any fire road entrance gate (R1-18) not marked “no admittance” (do not block gates/fire lanes)
Facilities: None
With a canoe launch, picnic table, and bench by the river, Paskamansett Park is a peaceful streamside setting.
Size: 6.7 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: Canoe Launch, Picnic Table
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area
Facilities: Canoe Launch, Picnic Table
Cast out a fishing line or stroll sandy shores on the edges of Bourne’s freshwater Picture Lake.
Parking: Medium-sized parking lot on Old County Road; Bourne beach sticker required
Facilities: Kayak launch (shoreline), benches, trash (seasonal)
Facilities: Kayak launch (shoreline), benches, trash (seasonal)
Located on a quiet bend of the Slocums River in Dartmouth, Russells Mills Landing is a fantastic places for paddlers.
Size: 1.5 acres
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch, Picnic Tables, Playground
Parking: Medium-sized gravel parking area (vehicles and trailers)
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch, Picnic Tables, Playground
Cast your line out for a bass or take a relaxing paddle in the calm, clear waters of this Carver pond with lovely shoreline views.
Parking: Small unpaved parking lot next to the boat ramp
Known for its educational signs, this Little Compton reserve is popular among hunters, hikers, paddlers, and curious young explorers.
Size: 433 acres
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area on Coldbrook Road; small unpaved parking area on John Dyer Road
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Parking: Medium-sized unpaved parking area on Coldbrook Road; small unpaved parking area on John Dyer Road
Facilities: Canoe/Kayak Launch
Smith Farm offers a peek at Dartmouth's coastal habitats, from forested swamps and ponds to scenic salt marshes.
Size: 140 acres
Parking: Small dirt roadside parking area on Smith Neck Road
Facilities: None
Parking: Small dirt roadside parking area on Smith Neck Road
Facilities: None
Find surprising beauty in the old woodlands beside Great Quittacas Pond on this Middleborough trail.
Size: 35 acres
Parking: Two small dirt parking areas on either side of Long Point Rd.
Facilities: None
Parking: Two small dirt parking areas on either side of Long Point Rd.
Facilities: None
Picnic in a bird-filled meadow or launch a kayak to explore beautiful marshes at this hidden gem in Lakeville.
Size: 49 acres
Parking: Large paved parking area on west side of circular drive
Facilities: Kayak Launch, Picnic Tables
Parking: Large paved parking area on west side of circular drive
Facilities: Kayak Launch, Picnic Tables