Haddock Regulations in Massachusetts (2026)

Recreational haddock rules in Massachusetts saltwater, as published by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.

Size limit

Min: 17"

Bag limit

15 fish

Season

Apr 1 - Feb 28

Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date

Recreational Haddock rules in Massachusetts

Where: Gulf of Maine
Size limit: Min: 17"
Bag limit: 15 fish
Season: Apr 1 - Feb 28

Multi-Species Groundfish: Regulated groundfish species in state waters are defined as American plaice, cod, haddock, halibut, monkfish, ocean pout, pollock, redfish, windowpane flounder, winter flounder, witch flounder, wolfish and yellowtail flounder. Gulf of Maine refers to all waters north of Cape Cod, including Cape Cod Bay, and those waters east of Cape Cod that are north of 42°00'N latitude. Southern New England refers to all waters south and west of Cape Cod, including Nantucket Sound, Vineyard Sound, Buzzards Bay and Mount Hope Bay, and all waters east of Cape Cod that are south of 42°00'N latitude including Nauset Harbor and Pleasant Bay. The limits listed apply to state-waters only. Vessels fishing lawfully in federal waters may possess and land fish in accordance with federal rules - consult NOAA Fisheries for regulations.
Cod: It is unlawful to fish with hook and line gear in the Winter Cod Conservation Closure from November 15 through January 31. It is unlawful to take cod from the Spring Cod Conservation Closure from April 16 through July 21. See maps in 322 CMR 8.07 for more details. Western Gulf of Maine refers to all state waters north of Cape Cod and those waters down the backside of Cape Cod and east of Nantucket west of the 70th meridian. Southern New England refers to all state waters south and west of Cape Cod that are west of the 70th meridian. State-waters within the Southern New England Cod Management Area are closed to the retention of cod. Vessels fishing lawfully in federal waters may possess and land fish in accordance with federal rules - consult NOAA Fisheries for regulations.
For any dates not listed in the "Season" column, the recreational fishery is closed.

Official source

Where: Southern New England
Size limit: Min: 18"
Bag limit: No Limit
Season: Year Round

Multi-Species Groundfish: Regulated groundfish species in state waters are defined as American plaice, cod, haddock, halibut, monkfish, ocean pout, pollock, redfish, windowpane flounder, winter flounder, witch flounder, wolfish and yellowtail flounder. Gulf of Maine refers to all waters north of Cape Cod, including Cape Cod Bay, and those waters east of Cape Cod that are north of 42°00'N latitude. Southern New England refers to all waters south and west of Cape Cod, including Nantucket Sound, Vineyard Sound, Buzzards Bay and Mount Hope Bay, and all waters east of Cape Cod that are south of 42°00'N latitude including Nauset Harbor and Pleasant Bay. The limits listed apply to state-waters only. Vessels fishing lawfully in federal waters may possess and land fish in accordance with federal rules - consult NOAA Fisheries for regulations.
Cod: It is unlawful to fish with hook and line gear in the Winter Cod Conservation Closure from November 15 through January 31. It is unlawful to take cod from the Spring Cod Conservation Closure from April 16 through July 21. See maps in 322 CMR 8.07 for more details. Western Gulf of Maine refers to all state waters north of Cape Cod and those waters down the backside of Cape Cod and east of Nantucket west of the 70th meridian. Southern New England refers to all state waters south and west of Cape Cod that are west of the 70th meridian. State-waters within the Southern New England Cod Management Area are closed to the retention of cod. Vessels fishing lawfully in federal waters may possess and land fish in accordance with federal rules - consult NOAA Fisheries for regulations.
For any dates not listed in the "Season" column, the recreational fishery is closed.

Official source

Where: Federal waters (EEZ) - Outside Gulf of Maine Regulated Mesh Area (ocean)
Size limit: 18 inches
Bag limit: Unlimited
Season: All year

Federal (EEZ) regulation published by NOAA Fisheries GARFO; Massachusetts state-waters rules may differ.
Filleting at sea is allowed. Recreational vessels remain subject to the Whaleback Cod Spawning Protection Area.

Official source

Where: Federal waters (EEZ) - In Gulf of Maine Regulated Mesh Area (ocean)
Size limit: Private Anglers: 17 inches Party/Charter: 17 inches
Bag limit: Private Anglers: 15 fish per day Party/Charter: 15 fish per day
Season: May 1–Feb 28/29; April 1–30

Federal (EEZ) regulation published by NOAA Fisheries GARFO; Massachusetts state-waters rules may differ.
Filleting at sea is allowed. Fillets must have some skin left on, and be consistent in size as that taken from legal size fish. Recreational vessels remain subject to the Whaleback Cod Spawning Protection Area.

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule

Where: Statewide
Size limit: 16 in.
Bag limit: no limit
Season: 1/1/ - 12/31 (Sun - Sat)

Multi-Species Groundfish: Regulated groundfish species in state waters are defined as American plaice, cod, haddock, halibut, monkfish, ocean pout, pollock, redfish, windowpane flounder, winter flounder, witch flounder, wolfish and yellowtail flounder. The trip limits listed apply to State Waters Groundfish Endorsement holders and federally-permitted vessels while fishing in state waters unless the federal limit is more restrictive. Commercial fishers who do not hold a State Waters Groundfish Endorsement or federal limited entry permit may take up to 25 pounds of regulated groundfish per day while fishing in state waters. DMF has renewed the consecutive daily trip limit programs for trawlers and gillnetters with a State Waters Groundfish Endorsement. This allows vessels who obtain a Letter of Authorization to possess and land up to two trip limits of winter and yellowtail flounder that were lawfully caught over two consecutive calendar days provided each day's catch is segregated and labeled. Fishing for groundfish or with gears capable of catching groundfish in state waters is subject to various spatial/temporal closures, gear closures, and spawning closures. Please review 322 CMR 4.04, 4.06, 6.03 8.00 and 12.00 for more details. Gulf of Maine refers to all waters north of Cape Cod, including Cape Cod Bay, and those waters east of Cape Cod that are north of 42°00'N latitude. Southern New England refers to all waters south and west of Cape Cod, including Nantucket Sound, Vineyard Sound, Buzzards Bay and Mount Hope Bay, and all waters east of Cape Cod that are south of 42°00'N latitude including Nauset Harbor and Pleasant Bay. Federal rules apply beyond state waters and vessels may possess and land groundfish lawfully taken in federal waters in accordance with federal rules.
Open days: Sun - Sat
DMF commercial regulations tables were updated on July 1, 2026.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the haddock size limit in Massachusetts?

Min: 17" (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

How many haddock can I keep in Massachusetts?

15 fish (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

When is haddock season in Massachusetts?

Apr 1 - Feb 28. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

Compare Haddock limits in other states →

More groundfish & flatfish in Massachusetts

All Massachusetts saltwater fishing regulations →

Source: Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Most anglers need a Massachusetts saltwater license or registry: get one here.