Witch Flounder Regulations in Massachusetts (2026)

Where

Statewide

Size limit

13 in.

Bag limit

750 lb.

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