The calendar has officially turned to late October, and with it, the Massachusetts fishing scene is undergoing a classic fall transition. While the great striped bass run of the season is sadly winding down, anglers are finding new, exciting action both on the coast and in the state’s pristine freshwater reserves.
Tautog Take Center Stage in the Salt
The most electrifying news from the saltwater front is the tautog (blackfish) bite, which has absolutely lit up. Captains and shore anglers alike are reporting terrific action, especially across the South Shore and South Coast.
Hot Spots: Areas around Minot Light in Scituate have been producing impressive "whitechins," including fish up to 10 pounds. Further south, Buzzards Bay action, near the Westport River, is seeing boats limit out on blackfish, occasionally being distracted by busting bonito still on the feed.
Striper Update: The number of migrating striped bass has "fallen off a cliff." However, dedicated nighttime anglers are still finding slot stripers and a few larger bass in estuaries and river systems (Weir, Weymouth Back, Neponset Rivers), primarily using eels.
Smelt Comeback: In the Greater Boston area, there is a robust and surprising fishery for rainbow smelt, which hasn't been this strong in years. Piers like Pemberton, Hull Public, and A Street are seeing constant demand for grass shrimp bait, suggesting a fantastic cold-weather option well into the winter.
Quabbin Reservoir's Extended Season is Huge News
For freshwater enthusiasts, the most important development is the extended shore fishing season at Quabbin Reservoir, now open until the end of the year (December 31st). This special opportunity—a gift from the DCR and MWRA—opens up one of the best cold-water fisheries in the Northeast.
Target Species: Now is prime time for lake trout spawning, with fish moving close to shoal water. Anglers hiking to spots like Pelham Hollow (near Gate 12) or Hop Brook (near Gate 22) should target salmon, lake trout, and rainbow trout.
Gear Tips: Due to the long walks required to access prime spots, comfortable hiking boots are a must. For tackle, "blown-up" shiners and worms on a fish finder rig are effective for a variety of species, while metal lures like Hopkins Smoothies and Kastmasters are recommended for covering different depths.
Wachusett Action: Not to be forgotten, Wachusett Reservoir continues to produce excellent action for lakers and rainbows, especially in the area from the Power Lines to the Causeway.
In summary, while the striper season fades, anglers have a rich array of new options to explore. The tautog bite is sensational, and the extended access to Quabbin promises fantastic freshwater fun for the remainder of the year.
Source:
This report is based on information from the Massachusetts Fishing Report – October 23, 2025 by Ron Powers, published on On The Water.
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