Local Waters
Lake Attitash
Merrimac, MA · about 40 min from Portsmouth (typical, off-peak)
The Merrimac Valley trout lake with an OFBA pin. North of the Merrimack, not a private camp.
Salt River / stream Lake / pond Shop (desk) Guide only Parking Stay State access Private — ask first
Around now
Most likely in this drive this week. Not a guarantee — confirm the official rule.
-
Trout
-
Smallmouth bass
-
Sunfish and crappie
Also worth a thought: Largemouth bass, Chain pickerel.
- Season
- Lakes and ponds are generally open year-round in MA. Spring and fall stocking are why people actually go. Official rule
- License
- Massachusetts freshwater license
- Park
- OFBA Lake Attitash ramp, Merrimac. Public lot on the Amesbury / Merrimac lake.
- Walk in
- Short walk from the ramp to public shore.
- Wading
- Shore at the public ramp. Interstate water with Amesbury.
- Usual window
- Spring and fall stocking.
- Tuesday conditions
-
SW 3 mph around dawn. Fine to go.
- Sky
- ⛅ 68° partly
- Sun and moon
- Rise 6:07 · 🌖 Waning gibbous · Set 7:21
- Wind at dawn
- SW 3 mph · Mostly Cloudy · 50°F
- Wind later
-
- dawn: SW 3 mph
- 10am: SW 3 mph
- 2pm: NW 2 mph
- dusk: NW 2 mph
- A setup that belongs here
- 5-wt, bugger, nymph.
- Notes
- OFBA ramp. Stocked pond. Confirm MassWildlife / DMF.
Log this trip
Private. On this phone, and in your test book if you signed in on Journal.
Shops
Guides
Shop desks, plus a few independents who fish public water. We do not take a cut. Call them.
Concord Outfitters — book a day
Concord, MA · wade / shore · Half or full day — ask the shop
Good for: MetroWest rivers and ponds, first local trout day
Shop desk, not a scraped independent. Call them; they put you with someone they trust.