Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area | FISHING

Fishing on the northwest shore of Deer Island, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Fishing on the northwest shore of Deer Island, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Fishing is allowed just about anywhere on the islands and peninsula parks within Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. Those over 16 years of age need the proper Massachusetts state saltwater fishing license; no special permit is needed from the National Park Service. Massachusetts fishing regulations apply. (Saltwater fishing licenses from Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island are also valid.)

With that said, I never saw anyone fishing on the islands. When you stop and think about it, who is going to spend the time and money to take a ferry out to an island in Boston Harbor when they can fish for free on the mainland? Thus, it is the peninsula parks where most people do their fishing.

Nut Island is a popular spot, for it has an actual fishing pier. In fact, other than a couple of people who were walking the paved path around the island, everyone I saw was there to fish.

Nut Island Fishing Pier, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Nut Island Fishing Pier, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Fishing is allowed anywhere along the shoreline of Deer Island, but most fishermen stick to the west side because a retaining wall runs along most of east side shoreline, making it very difficult to get to the water. Since people are basically lazy, you’ll find the most popular spots closest to the parking lot. There is a small cove right next to the entrance, and if you walk a quarter mile down the Harborwalk, there is a new fishing pier.

Fisherman at the Deer Island fishing pier in Boston Harbor

Fisherman at the Deer Island fishing pier in Boston Harbor

At the south end of the island—a 1.3-mile walk—is another fishing area with a few jetties. Keep in mind that the jetties and the coves may be underwater at high tide.

Jetties at the south end of Deer Island in Boston Harbor

Jetties at the south end of Deer Island in Boston Harbor

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Last updated on January 9, 2024
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