Fishing and Shellfishing

Fishing

Many popular recreationally fished species can be found in the rivers, including striped bass, menhaden, and bluefish, particularly near the mouth at "the Spit". 

Reminder: It is illegal to catch river herring in the state of Massachusetts!

Massachusetts Divison of Marine Fisheries Saltwater Recreational Fishing Guide

 

Shellfishing

Shellfish beds are closed as of June 23, 2010 on the North River

The North River has shellfish beds that are conditionally open from roughly December through June 30th, from the 3A bridge to the mouth. The beds are only open to residents with a valid shellfish permit.

The towns of Scituate and Marshfield, in cooperation with the Division of Marine Fisheries, do shellfish seeding. After seeding, recreational shellfishing is closed.  The most recent shellfishing seeding occurred on June 23rd thus the closure earlier than June 30th.  Water quality is still good but shellfishing is prohibited due to the seeding project.  

Shellfishing is prohibited in the South River due to poor water quality at all times.

• Town of Marshfield shellfish information. Permits can be obtained from the Harbormaster. 
• Town of Scituate shellfish regulations. Permits can be obtained from the Town Clerk.

Mass. Division of Marine Fisheries maps of shellfish growing areas for the North River and South River