PlumIsland Surfcasters

09/22/2026

Be a beach hero with the Friends of Parker River this Saturday September 26 at the annual fall cleanup. Drop by Lot 1 any time between 9am - 3pm to get a trash bag and assignment. Plus, opportunities to help with trail work. Bringing your little ones or feeling creative? Join local artist Grace Ostrander at the Lot 1 deck between 10am - 1pm during the cleanup to make your own pop up plover! All materials provided. No need to register for the cleanup or art, just show up and stay as long or as little as you'd like. The wildlife thanks you!

09/15/2026

Reminder! Personal floatation devices (PFDs) must be worn during paddlecraft use from Sept. 15 to May 15th

09/04/2026

08/31/2026

07/27/2026

$300?

07/24/2026

Our biologists were doing a fish community survey on the Connecticut River this month and they came across this common carp with a rare genetic mutation! While these fish are sometimes called “fantail carp”, they are actually the same species as common carp, but the genetic mutation causes them to have long, fan-like fins.

07/09/2026

Did you know that your recreational saltwater fishing permit fees go directly into a dedicated fund that benefits recreational fishing in the Commonwealth?

Over the past 15 years, the fund has supported important public access projects, including the construction of new fishing piers and repairs and improvements to ramps, decks, and other facilities up and down the coast.

Permit dollars have also made it possible to build artificial reefs, restore diadromous fish passage in our coastal rivers, and lead cutting-edge research that improves the management of striped bass and other popular recreational species.

Projects like these, along with a growing Saltwater Angler Education Program, have a lasting impact on the future of recreation saltwater fishing in Massachusetts. Learn more about the projects, programs, and people that your permit fees support.

https://www.mass.gov/news/where-do-your-recreational-saltwater-fishing-permit-fees-go

07/01/2026

Striped bass are an anadromous species, meaning they live in saltwater and migrate up rivers to spawn in freshwater. Their migratory nature along the Atlantic Coast makes them susceptible to overfishing as they make their journey north in the spring, and south in the fall. With their population in a decline, enhanced management strategies have been put in place to aid in rebuilding the stock. All laws pertaining to striped bass are a priority for MEP officers.

On June 16, 2026, MEP Officers were made aware of a party illegally fishing within a restricted area along the Merrimack River. The party left the area before MEP Officers were able to arrive on scene. An MEP Officer reached out to the Lawrence Police Department Detective Division requesting assistance in locating the vehicle involved in the illegal fishing. LPD was able to obtain footage of an involved vehicle, allowing MEP Officers to identify the party. MEP Officers located the party, who was then placed under arrest for multiple fishing violations. These violations included fishing on posted property, fishing within a fish propagation area, possession of over the limit striped bass, and possession of striped bass exceeding the legal slot size. So far this season, there have been thirteen arrests at the Lawrence Dam for fisheries related violations. MEP thanks the Lawrence Police Department Detective Division and Patrol Division for their assistance in the investigation and support into MEPs mission of conservation law enforcement.

MEP reminds everyone that the legal limit for recreational striped bass is one fish per angler measuring 28" to under 31" from the lower jaw to the furthest extremity of the tail with the tail squeezed together.

06/29/2026

Commercial and recreational fishermen, please be advised that a major wastewater pipe broke over the weekend, releasing millions of gallons of sewage into the Merrimack River.
The break occurred in Haverhill in a pipe that carries wastewater from the main pumping station to the treatment plant.
As a result, approximately 8 million gallons of wastewater per day are currently being discharged into the river.
Fishing in the Merrimack River, its estuaries and beaches are not prohibited at this time; however, please be aware of the current conditions and use caution.