Fishing in Colonial New England
Fishing in the New England colonies dates back to the early 1600s when the first Pilgrims made the journey across the ocean to the New World. The poor farmland caused the fishing industry to become vital to the success of the 13 colonies. Today, modern anglers still fish for the same species and in many of the same locations as fishermen from hundreds of years ago.
Colonial saltwater fishing took place in the bays and in the river outlets that flowed into the Atlantic Ocean. Today, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, offers easy access and one of the most productive spots for catching saltwater species such as striped and sea bass, flounder, blue fin tuna, fluke, tautog and mackerel. Head to Cape Cod National Seashore to fish from a boat, the piers or along the shore. Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island is another favorite ocean fishing location. Head to the 464-acre Colt State Park in Bristol, and cast your line from anywhere along the west side of the park to catch striped bass and flounder. The park includes a ramp and a dock if you want to launch a boat.
Hundreds of rivers and lakes give you plenty of options on where to fish for freshwater species. The Connecticut River, the longest in New England at 407 miles in length, boasts excellent trout fishing. The river flows from northern New Hampshire all the way to Long Island Sound in New York. While anglers can cast their lines just about anywhere along the river, the upper portion near the border with Canada appeals to fly fishermen who hope to hook brown, brook and rainbow trout. For lake fishing, head to Stanisfield State Forest in Massachusetts where six small lakes stocked with trout are open to fishermen. Some are easily accessible while others require a hike.
Before dropping your line into the water, buy the proper state fishing license. Some states sell separate state licenses for saltwater and freshwater fishing, so buy both if you plan to fish in the ocean and inland. Experienced fishing guides offer trips up and down the coast, ideal if you’re short on time and want to find the hot spots quickly. Plus, guides help you figure out what gear and bait works best to catch the species of your choice.
The best time to fish in colonial New England occurs during late spring through fall. Cold winter weather makes fishing fairly uncomfortable although ice fishing is possible. Lake Champlain, Lake Memphremagog and the Waterbury Reservoir in northern Vermont make prime locations for ice fishing for pike, walleye and bass. A handful of companies provide ice shanty rentals and tackle.
- ProQuest Discovery Guides: Colonial Fisheries
- Cape Cod Web: Where to Fish on Cape Cod
- BershireHiking.com: 20 Scenic Drives – Berkshire Hiking
- Stripers247.com: Rhode Island Striped Bass Fishing
- TroutU: Fly Fishing Upper Connecticut River
- Vermont’s Recreation and Adventure Directory: Ice Fishing in Vermont
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