Fishing in the Nashua River Watershed: Clean Water and Healthy Fisheries

The Nashua River watershed is home to numerous prized coldwater streams that support native Eastern brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), a favorite for fly fishers. In addition to native trout, MassWildlife stocks the Squannacook and Nissitissit Rivers, and other watershed streams, with brown, brook, and rainbow trout. The MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has been identifying coldwater fish resources (CFRs) based on fish samples collected by biologists. These CFRs are environmentally sensitive areas where brook trout reproduction has been identified.

In addition to the cold-water fisheries, bass fishermen also find great angling spots in the watershed. Pepperell Pond, the impoundment of the mainstem Nashua River above the Pepperell Dam, is a favorite. Both large and small mouth bass abound. Many local bass fishing groups hold their tournaments on Pepperell Pond.

The NRWA works to protect the water quality of these fisheries from threats which include stormwater runoff, stream fragmentation, sedimentation and thermal pollution, and invasive water chestnut, all of which have a direct negative impact on sensitive fish species. We welcome partnerships with local fishing groups, such as the Squan-a-Tissit Chapter of Trout Unlimited, as we work to protect these valued resources.

Fishing Resources

• The Fishes of the Nashua River Watershed
  Learn more about the species of fish that inhabit the waterways of the Nashua River watershed.

Massachusetts

• Division of Fish and Wildlife
  A great general resource for finding places to fish, learning about regulations, where to get fishing licenses, and which streams are stocked and when.
• MA Freshwater Fishing Spots (MassWidlife interactive map)
• Office of Fishing and Boating Access
• Mass Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Trout Stocking Program
• MA Fish Consumption Advisories
• Notice: Public Health Advisory

New Hampshire

• NH Fish and Game
  A great general resource for finding places to fish, learning about regulations, where to get fishing licenses, and which streams are stocked and when.
• NH Fish and Game Boating and Fishing Sites
• NH Freshwater Fish Consumption Advisories

Fishing Groups

Trout Unlimited Chapters:

• Squan-a-Tissit Chapter of Trout Unlimited
  Squannacook and Nissitissit Rivers are home rivers
• Central MA Chapter of Trout Unlimited
  Stillwater and Quinapoxet Rivers are home rivers