Overview:
MassWildlife will stock over 400,000 trout in 450 lakes, ponds, rivers and streams across 264 towns in Massachusetts this spring, with 82% of trout over 12 inches and 45% over 14 inches. The way to get real-time trout stocking information is to visit the MassWildlife or Mass.gov websites. MassWildlife will hold a public hearing on April 13 to establish rules and regulations relative to the 2026-2027 migratory game bird hunting seasons.
MassWildlife annually stocks brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout in the spring and fall. 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 10 years ago, less than 60% of stocked trout were over 12 inches—now, over 80% measure over a foot. This spring:
- 450 lakes, ponds, rivers and streams in 264 towns across Massachusetts will be stocked with over 400,000 trout
- 82% of trout will be over 12 inches
- 45% will be over 14 inches
- 600 18”-plus retired brood brown trout and 400 retired brood brook trout will be stocked
- 2,500 14”-plus tiger trout will be stocked
As of Tuesday, local waters have not yet been visited, but the stocking trucks are rolling every day and that will likely change by the time you read this. The way to get “real time” trout stocking info is to go to the MassWildlife or Mass.gov websites and go to the trout stocking schedule, where you can either click on bodies of water on the map or enter a town and get reports of stocking activity, which includes date and species stocked.
Those of us old enough to remember “opening day” circled the third Saturday in April, as that was the first day of fishing season. Anglers descended on local stocked waters, and it was a spectacle with anglers sometimes “elbow to elbow” at popular spots. The change to year-round fishing in most waters now results in trout going out as soon as conditions permit. Quabbin Reservoir still opens on the third Saturday of April, but many are concerned as to what the historically low water level will mean. Stay tuned.
MassWildlife will hold a public hearing on Monday, April 13, at 6 p.m. via Zoom to establish rules and regulations relative to the 2026–2027 migratory game bird hunting seasons. You can go to the MassWildlife web page to see how to join the hearing and participate via Zoom.
Due to the migratory game bird season filing requirements of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board must vote to finalize and approve the 2026–2027 migratory bird seasons as soon as possible after the close of the hearing. Therefore, there will be no written comment period after this hearing.
The proposed seasons to be discussed are as follows:
- Woodcock Season: Oct. 1 – Nov. 21
- Youth Waterfowl Hunts: Sept. 26 and Oct. 3
- Veteran’s Waterfowl Hunts: Sept. 26 and Oct. 3
- Early Goose Season (statewide): Sept. 1 – Sept. 25
- Regular Goose Season
- Berkshire Zone: Oct. 12 – Nov. 28
- Central Zone: Oct. 10 – Nov. 28 and Dec. 15 – Jan. 2
- Coastal Zone: Oct. 10 – Oct. 17 and Nov. 27 – Jan. 27
- Late Goose Season
- Berkshire Zone: Dec. 15 – Feb. 13
- Central Zone: Jan. 16 – Feb. 13
- North Coastal Zone: Jan. 28 – Feb. 13
- Duck Season
- Berkshire Zone: Oct. 12 – Nov. 28 and Dec. 14 – Jan. 2
- Central Zone: Oct. 10 – Nov. 28 and Dec. 15 – Jan. 2
- Coastal Zone: Oct. 10 – Oct. 17 and Nov. 27 – Jan. 27
- Falconry Season: Oct. 12 – Feb. 12
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife announced that hunters have donated more than 100,000 meals of venison to families facing food insecurity across the state. Since its launch in 2022, the Hunters Share the Harvest program has connected hunters with a growing network of food banks and other charitable organizations to deliver locally-sourced protein to residents in need. That is a great testament to hunters doing something to make a difference!
All of a sudden there is a lot to do and not much time. Despite not being drawn in Kansas for a spring turkey permit this “good brother” will be flying to Kansas to visit sister Pat, AKA ‘Tish,’ anyways. Well, I did purchase a Missouri turkey license, and it is only a short drive to a very nice property where a successful opening day hunt two years ago resulted in a nice big tom. There will be a lot of visiting, restaurants (great BBQ!), a DU banquet, and of course a trip or two to Cabela’s to use those accumulated points.
Locally, turkeys are not everywhere but they are gobbling, and toms are strutting and displaying. My scouting will be limited due to the Kansas trip, but there will be plenty of time to see if I can find a bird and no competition. Trout, however, will have to wait.
Mike Roche is a retired teacher who has been involved in conservation and wildlife issues his entire life. He has written the Sportsman’s Corner since 1984 and has served as advisor to the Mahar Fish’N Game Club, counselor and director of the Massachusetts Conservation Camp, former Connecticut Valley District representative on the Massachusetts Fisheries and Wildlife Board, a Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructor and is a licensed New York hunting guide. He can be reached at mikeroche3@msn.com.