MassWildlife will stock over 70,000 trout into waterbodies across Massachusetts starting in late September.
Fall 2026 stats:
- 10,750 brown trout over 12 inches
- 16,300 rainbow trout between 12–13 inches
- 43,500 rainbow trout over 14 inches
These fish, along with over 400,000 trout stocked in the spring, will provide for some great fall fishing! Fall stocking season will begin around the last full week in September depending on water temperatures and will conclude in mid-October. Once stocking begins, visit mass.gov/Trout for a stocking report that is updated daily.
As the weather cools down, the fishing heats up! With fewer crowds, fall is the perfect time to get on the water. Check out our best fall fishing tips, including how to target bass and trout.
Where trout grow: Tour a MassWildlife hatchery
Ever wonder how thousands of trout go from tiny fry to the fish stocked in your favorite waters? MassWildlife's Hatchery Staff work year-round to raise high-quality trout for Massachusetts anglers to catch. New informational signs have been installed at four hatcheries allowing visitors to take a self-guided tour to see trout in different stages of growth. Hatchery locations:
- Bitzer Hatchery, 37 Hatchery Rd., Montague, MA 01351 (open daily 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
- McLaughlin Hatchery, 90 East Street, Belchertown, MA 01007 (open daily 9 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.)
- Sandwich Hatchery, 164 Rte 6A, Sandwich, MA 02563 (open daily 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
- Sunderland Hatchery, 559 Amherst Rd., Sunderland, MA 01375 (open daily 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.)