Is it legal to fish in a river that borders my backyard? I’ve been wanting to try fishing and there is a small river behind my house. Our property goes up to the bank, so I was...

FS Digest

I’ve been wanting to try fishing and there is a small river behind my house. Our property goes up to the bank, so I was thinking it would be ok to fish there. I’m waiting to clear a better path down to it, as there’s a steep drop off to navigate. I plan to fish at a nearby public pond until I figure out whether it’s legal to use the stream.

I live in Massachusetts, but haven’t been able to find much about the laws on this. I’d appreciate any input.

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by marcelspencils

charlykilo Loc: Garden Valley Ca

Check the laws governing your situation. different locals =different laws.

Fiberglassworker Loc: cleveland Tn

Check your property deed, Unless your property extends into the river, you may need to get permission from the land owner.

Big dog Loc: Bayshore, Long Island, New York

FS Digest wrote:

I’ve been wanting to try fishing and there is a small river behind my house. Our property goes up to the bank, so I was thinking it would be ok to fish there. I’m waiting to clear a better path down to it, as there’s a steep drop off to navigate. I plan to fish at a nearby public pond until I figure out whether it’s legal to use the stream.

I live in Massachusetts, but haven’t been able to find much about the laws on this. I’d appreciate any input.

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by marcelspencils

Get a license ! The water belongs to the State as do the fish in it. It’s not a farm pond nor do you own the entire body of water.

maddog10e Loc: Woburn

You absolutely need a license unless you are Native American, which I'm assuming you are not.

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

Marcel you would need a license I think . Call the Massachusetts division of fisheries and wildlife. Fish and game department office: Boston ( 617) 626-1500 to be sure don't forget to send pictures

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Call the local game warden. He is the one you will have to deal with. Most (not all) wardens are pretty good people, though sometimes misinformed themselves. Be sure to record time date and who you talked to.

maddog10e Loc: Woburn

I used to live on the Merrimac River in Haverhill. I could fish from my bedroom window, and once I did! My wife hated me - we got divorced. Believe me, you need a license.

Big A Loc: Mesa, Arizona

maddog10e wrote:

I used to live on the Merrimac River in Haverhill. I could fish from my bedroom window, and once I did! My wife hated me - we got divorced. Believe me, you need a license.

Most states I've been to/through,
you can fish without a license if
the body of water is totally on your property - if your property is
adjacent to a larger river/lake/
pond that is not exclusive to your property, then you would most certainly need a license !

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

Big A wrote:

Most states I've been to/through,
you can fish without a license if
the body of water is totally on your property - if your property is
adjacent to a larger river/lake/
pond that is not exclusive to your property, then you would most certainly need a license !

That makes sense BigA what about when your fishing in a yak down the river can the owner of the land stop you from passing through and you as the land owner can you put up fencing to keep fish in on your property's lines?

Big A Loc: Mesa, Arizona

HenryG wrote:

That makes sense BigA what about when your fishing in a yak down the river can the owner of the land stop you from passing through and you as the land owner can you put up fencing to keep fish in on your property's lines?

I believe that may be a state by state
regulation - I know that on certain rivers in Texas that border private
land, the landowner has the right to deny access through his property,
but I doubt they would be allowed to 'fence' the fish in at their property
line, especially if that river is stocked by the state !

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

Big A wrote:

I believe that may be a state by state
regulation - I know that on certain rivers in Texas that border private
land, the landowner has the right to deny access through his property,
but I doubt they would be allowed to 'fence' the fish in at their property
line, especially if that river is stocked by the state !

Hey a BIG A thanks for th reply.and can understand the stocking would come into play I was just thinking of your own river play ground in your back yard😈