Striped Bass Fishing in Massachusetts
When striped bass are caught across Massachusetts, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Striped Bass catch through the year
Recreational catch in Massachusetts by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
Seasonal catch and conditions for Massachusetts
Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional Pathr update. No spam.
Catching striped bass in Massachusetts
Striped Bass catches in Massachusetts run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and May-Jun. Anglers keep about 7% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Massachusetts fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch striped bass in Massachusetts?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug and May-Jun. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release striped bass in Massachusetts?+
Across Massachusetts, about 7% of the striped bass caught are kept and 93% are released. That works out to roughly 258K kept and 3.2M released in 2024.
How many striped bass are caught in Massachusetts?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 3.5M striped bass caught by recreational anglers in Massachusetts in 2024, making it the #1 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this striped bass data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
