Can I Keep?Atlantic Herring Regulations in Massachusetts (2026)
Recreational atlantic herring rules in Massachusetts saltwater, as published by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
None
Bag limit
Unlimited
Season
All year
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Atlantic Herring rules in Massachusetts
- Where
- Federal waters (EEZ) (ocean)
- Size limit
- None
- Bag limit
- Unlimited
- Season
- All year
- Federal (EEZ) regulation published by NOAA Fisheries GARFO; Massachusetts state-waters rules may differ.
- To harvest Atlantic herring as bait with gear other than hook and line, you will need a federal commercial permit.
Quick answers
What is the atlantic herring size limit in Massachusetts?
None.
How many atlantic herring can I keep in Massachusetts?
Unlimited.
When is atlantic herring season in Massachusetts?
All year. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More offshore & pelagic in Massachusetts
- Atlantic angel shark
- Atlantic bonito & false albacore
- Atlantic Mackerel
- Atlantic sharpnose shark
- Basking shark
- Bigeye sand tiger shark
- Bigeye sixgill shark
- Bigeye thresher shark
- Bignose shark
- Blacknose shark
- Bluefish
- Bluntnose sixgill shark
- Bonnethead shark
- Butterfish
- Caribbean reef shark
- Caribbean sharpnose shark
- Dusky shark
- Finetooth shark
All Massachusetts saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Most anglers need a Massachusetts saltwater license or registry: get one here.