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  4. Catfish fishing in Massachusetts

Catfish fishing in Massachusetts

Massachusetts provides strong freshwater fishing opportunities for catfish. Lakes, rivers, and reservoirs across the state offer reliable action for anglers.

Best baits and lures for Catfish in Massachusetts

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Biggest Catfish catches

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Latest Catfish fishing reports in Massachusetts

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Channel catfish

Hawes Brook

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Nabnasset Lake

16 in · 1 lb 5 oz

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Channel catfish

Chicopee River Reservoir

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Otis Reservoir

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Blackstone River

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Charles River

length · weight

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Channel catfish

Pond Meadow

9 in · 3 oz

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Hardhead sea catfish

Long Pond

length · weight

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Channel catfish

New Bedford Reservoir

10 in · 1 lb

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Channel catfish

Pecousic Brook

length · weight

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Regulations for Catfish in Massachusetts

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Massachusetts can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Channel catfish as of July 15th, 2026. To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.

Channel catfish

Seasons

Open
Restrictions & requirements
Required licenses
Anglers ages 15 years to 69 years need a license to fish. Buy a fishing license on MassFishHunt.
Additional information
No size limit. No bag limit. No closed season.
Edibility
Synonyms

Ictalurus punctatus

Regulations for

42°02′9.8″N 71°41′2.9″W
Regulations in the map
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FAQ

🎣 What Catfish species can you catch in Massachusetts?
Anglers in Massachusetts commonly catch several Catfish species, including Channel catfish, Gafftopsail sea catfish, and Hardhead sea catfish, according to reports from Fishbrain members.

These species can be found in many rivers and streams, lakes, and other waters throughout the area. If you are targeting a specific species, you can use the to filter catches by species and see where anglers are catching them and which baits they are using.
📍 Where are the best places to catch Catfish in Massachusetts?
Catfish are caught in rivers and streams, lakes, and other waters throughout Massachusetts. Popular fishing waters reported by Fishbrain members include Charles River, Barnstable County Coast, and Sudbury Reservoir.

The allows anglers to see exact catch locations shared by other members, helping you discover productive fishing spots where Catfish have recently been caught.