River Herring Regulations in Massachusetts (2026)

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

Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date

Recreational River Herring rules in Massachusetts

Quick answers

How many river herring can I keep in Massachusetts?

Prohibited.

When is river herring season in Massachusetts?

Closed. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

Compare River Herring limits in other states →

More offshore & pelagic in Massachusetts

• Atlantic angel shark
• Atlantic bonito & false albacore
• Atlantic Herring
• 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

All Massachusetts saltwater fishing regulations →

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