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". In the freshwater portions of the rivers brook trout, large and small mouth bass and other freshwater species can be found.

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

Massachusetts Divison of Marine Fisheries Saltwater Recreational Fishing Guide

 

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Shellfishing

As of December 2, 2011 the North and South River Shellfish beds are open for recreational shellfishing. Please see below for more information on obtaining a permit and where shellfishing is allowed.

Last year, the South River shellfish beds reopened after twenty years of closures. Over the past two decades, we have together worked with the Towns of Scituate and Marshfield to improve water quality by increasing treatment of polluted runoff from rainstorms; upgrading septic systems; and extending the sewer system in Marshfield. Over the past 5 years, in order to open the beds the water quality had to be tested consistently to prove that water quality had improved to safe shellfishing levels. The town of Marshfield's Harbormaster stepped up to help ensure that the Division of Marine Fisheries could collect that data consistently. We appreciate both the Town of Marshfield and Division of Marine Fisheries persistence in making the opening a reality. And of course thank you to our members for supporting the cause of cleaner water!

 

  South River Shellfish Beds are open December 2.

 Shellfishing may occur on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Read Marshfield's shellfishing regulations.

 

RECLASSIFICATION & REDEFINITION

CLASSIFICATION: CONDITIONALLY APPROVED

STATUS: Open To Shellfishing

December 1 – May 30

  [All dates Inclusive]

South River North

MB6.1

“The Waters and flats of that portion of the South River in the towns of Marshfield and Scituate, west of a line drawn in a northerly direction from the eastern end of Grandview Ave. in Marshfield to the northern intersection of Atlantic Drive and Central Ave. in Scituate” (313 acres)."

REDEFINITION

CLASSIFICATION: PROHIBITED

STATUS: CLOSED TO SHELLFISHING

South River South

MB6.0

“The Waters and flats of that portion of the South River in the towns of Marshfield and Scituate, east of a line drawn in a northerly direction from the eastern end of Grandview Ave. in Marshfield to the northern intersection of Atlantic Drive and Central Ave. in Scituate” (163 acres)."

 

 

North River Shellfish Beds OPEN December 2 - May 30th

The North River shellfish beds are open 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. This is often done in June so the shellfish beds are closed before then to allow for the seeding program.  Water quality is still good but shellfishing is prohibited due to the seeding project.  

• 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 the new areas in the South River