Massachusetts Free Fishing Events

FISH WITH MASSWILDLIFE FOR FREE!

Fishing is a great way to spend some quality outdoor time with family and friends. If you are a beginner who wants to try this wonderful pastime, take family and friends to a free Family Fishing Festival near you! No fishing license is needed by participants of any age at these events. The Division of Fisheries & Wildlife’s (MassWildlife) Angler Education Program has teamed up with a variety of groups and organizations to provide free fishing opportunities and instruction for beginning anglers of all ages. If you have fishing equipment, take it along. A limited quantity of loaner fishing equipment and bait will be available at most events. Fishing events for the month of May are listed below and more are posted on the MassWildlife’s website in the Calendar of Events. Don’t forget that the statewide Free Fishing Weekend is June 7- 8, 2014! Recreational anglers may fish on both fresh and salt water in Massachusetts for free (no license or permit needed) during that weekend in June.

· May 3 – Needham Recreation Family Fishing Derby, Needham – This event will be held at Needham Reservoir from 9:00am – Noon. Contact: Needham Recreation Department, Karen Pierce (781) 455-7521.

· May 3 – Snows Pond Family Fishing Festival, Charlton – The event will be held at Snows Pond located at Fay Mountain Farm off 12 Cemetery Road from 10:00am -2:00pm. Contact: Charlton Conservation Commission, Todd Girard (508) 248-2247 or email: todd.girard@townofcharlton.net.

· May 3 – Westborough Spring Fishing Challenge, Westborough – Held at Sandra Pond at Minuteman Park, 123 Upton Road in Westborough from 9:00am -1:00pm. DFW’s Angler Education Program is loaning a limited quantity of fishing equipment at this event. Contact Jim Lagacy at (508) 389-6309 or email jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.

· May 4 – Brookline Reservoir Family Fishing Festival, Brookline – From 9:00am – Noon at the Brookline Reservoir Contact the Brookline Recreation Department, Stephanie Springer at sspringer@brooklinema.gov.

· May 10 – Coes Pond Fishing Derby, Worcester – Held on the shores of Coes Pond, from 8:00am – 11:00am. DFW’s Angler Education Program is participating in this festival in cooperation with the Worcester Fish & Game Association. Contact Jim Lagacy at (508) 389-6309 or email jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.

· May 17 – Disabled American Veterans Fishing Festival, Marlborough – This special festival is open only to disabled veterans at the Marlborough Fish and Game Club, 10:00 – 2:00pm. Contact Jim Lagacy at (508) 389-6309 or jim.lagacy@state.ma.us.

· May 17 – Burlington Recreation Department Family Fishing Festival, Burlington – Held on Burlington Reservoir, from 9:00 am – Noon. DFW’s Angler Education Program is participating in this festival in cooperation with the Burlington Recreation Department. Contact the Burlington Recreation Department at (781) 270-1695 for more details.

· May 18 – Whitman’s Pond Family Fishing Festival, Weymouth – Held on the shores of Whitman Pond, from 10:00am – 1:00pm. DFW’s Angler Education Program is participating in this festival in cooperation with the Whitman’s Pond Association and Weymouth Youth and Family Services. Contact Marie Feely at (781) 340-6976 for more details.