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The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) has officially begun its annual spring trout stocking program, bringing hundreds of thousands of healthy, hatchery-raised trout to over 450 rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds across the state. This initiative provides excellent fishing opportunities to anglers of all ages and skill levels.
MassWildlife raises brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout that are both fun to catch and delicious to eat. The fish are raised at hatcheries in Sandwich, Palmer, Belchertown, Sunderland, and Montague. Over 260 Massachusetts cities and towns are scheduled to receive trout this spring. Anglers are encouraged to visit MassWildlife’s website at mass.gov/trout to find daily stocking updates and locations.
“The trout stocking program is a key part of MassWildlife’s mission to enhance recreational fishing and connect people to nature,” said Todd Richards, MassWildlife Assistant Director of Fisheries. “We stock high-quality trout in hundreds of beautiful waterbodies across Massachusetts—so whether you live in Greater Boston, downtown Worcester, or a small town in the Berkshires, there are ample opportunities to get outside and enjoy fishing.”
This year’s fish are bigger and better than ever. While the quantity of stocked trout (measured in total pounds) has remained about the same for the last decade, MassWildlife has been steadily producing larger trout by adjusting hatchery growing techniques. Just ten years ago, less than 60% of stocked trout were over 12 inches—now, more than 80% measure over a foot.
A valid Massachusetts freshwater fishing license is required for anyone 15 years and older. Licenses can be purchased online through MassFishHunt or at authorized vendors statewide. MassWildlife reminds all anglers to familiarize themselves with regulations, including daily catch limits and seasonal restrictions.
Public stocking events in April
As part of this year’s stocking efforts, MassWildlife will host special public stocking events during school vacation week in April. These events offer a unique opportunity for families, students, and fishing enthusiasts to watch trout being released into local waters and learn more about fish stocking and conservation efforts. Attendees will also have the chance to interact with MassWildlife fisheries staff and ask questions about local fish species and habitats. These events are free and do not require registration.
- April 22: Little Pond, Plymouth — Meet at 11 a.m. at the Little Pond Boat Launch on Morton Park Road.
- April 22: Hampton Ponds, Westfield — Meet at 11 a.m. at Hampton Ponds Boat Ramp off Old Apremont Way.
- April 23: Lake Quinsigamond, Worcester — Meet at 11 a.m. at Regatta Point in Quinsigamond State Park at 10 Lake Avenue North.
- April 23: Chicopee Reservoir, Chicopee — Meet at 11 a.m. at Chicopee Reservoir on Johnny Cake Hollow Road.
- April 23: Onota Lake, Pittsfield — Meet at 12:30 p.m. at Burbank Park on Lakeway Drive.
- April 24: Lake Wyola, Shutesbury — Meet at 11 a.m. at Lake Wyola State Park.
- April 24: Hathaway’s Pond, Barnstable — Meet at 11 a.m. at Hathaway’s Pond Boat Ramp.
- April 24: Lake Saltonstall, Haverhill — Meet at noon at the Plug Pond Recreation Area.
- April 25: Colburn Pond, Leominster — Meet at 11 a.m. at Colburn Pond at Barrett Park, 40 Barrett Parkway.
Media Contact: Nicole McSweeney, masswildlife.news@mass.gov, 617-429-2128