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Best Places To Go Fishing Near Boston

Generic Fishing
(Photo Credit: Sandra Mu/Getty Images)

Cities are not notoriously good for fishing, though Boston tends to be better than others. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean does not hurt, but most of the best fishing in Massachusetts is outside of Boston. Anglers do not have to travel far to find great salt and freshwater sites for any fishing type. Most are accessible by boat and nearly all have access for those who like to stay dry or stand in the water. The variety of fish is excellent; just make sure to have a valid local license for the type of fishing being done.

Long Pond
Plymouth, MA
www.mass.gov

Long Pond is 211 acres in area and quite deep, which makes for good boating. There is a launch off Long Pond Road on the north end of the pond. The pond is stocked regularly and has a population of naturally occurring fish that are typical of the area. Fish in the pond include salmon, perch, bass, bluegill, killifish, smelt and eel. The main attraction is trout, with four varieties being stocked annually. Wading and fly-fishing are popular on this pond, so do not be scared to walk on in.

Related: A Guide To Fishing In Boston

Duxbury Beach Bridge
Duxbury, MA
www.duxburybeach.com

Saltwater fishing at Duxbury Beach is great not just because of the Atlantic fishing, but also the view. The bridge, which anglers can use on the sidewalk side, is on a large reservation. Boats will not interfere with fishing because they are not allowed near the shore. Those who choose to fish from the shore must keep their poles at the water's edge until they are finished fishing. Of course, cleanup of carcasses is necessary and special permits are required for shell fishing.

Myles Standish State Forest
Carver, MA
www.mass.gov

Myles Standish State Forest is home to numerous fishing ponds that offer up all of the local freshwater fare from perch to bass. Ponds include Federal, Charge, Barrett and College. There are no fees for fishing or visiting, except for those who park in the common area of College Pond in the busy summer months. There are plenty of areas for camping for those anglers who want to make a weekend or even a week out of it. Just be sure to bring hiking boots, as some places have drive up access while others require a bit of walking.

Fourth Cliff
348 Central Ave.
Humarock, MA 02047
(781) 837-6785
www.hanscomservices.com

Fourth Cliff is a stunning cliff on a peninsula facing the Atlantic Ocean and North River. The view alone is enough reason to visit, but the saltwater fishing is just as good. Fishermen are welcome all year, but the warmer months are best because they can make use of the resorts affordable campsites. There are also pricier rooms and cottages available. However, the facilities are only open to select military, former military, military family and I.D. holders, as Fourth Cliff is located on Hanscom AFB property.

Related: Best Places To Fresh-Water Fish In The Boston Suburbs

Norton Reservoir
Norton, MA
www.mass.gov

This is arguably one of the best spots for fishing in waders on the South Shore. Most of the reservoir is quite shallow, being only 10 feet at its deepest and about 4 feet everywhere else. Boats can access the 529-acre reservoir from Reservoir Avenue near where the water is at its deepest. For the most part, white perch are the main attraction here. However, bass, pickerel, crappie, shiners and bluegills are also present.

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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