Given that the state is home to so many other wonderful sights and tourist destinations, it makes the ideal location for the fly fisherman who may want to engage in some other activities in between angling adventures. During this time it’s best to seek out areas that aren’t easily accessible by boat in order to enjoy more relaxing angling.On Cape Cod Bay the striped bass come out strongest in May. There is parking available as well as canoe launch sites. In addition, it’s a good idea to bring a collapsible wading staff and spiked, felt-bottom boots, particularly for the Deerfield river, which has some tricky terrain and slick spots.For the typical trout streams like the Deerfield and West Branch, the usual trout rig will do – a 4-6 weight rod with 5X or 6X tippet with a 9-foot leader. saltwater tippet.Again, for the bay you’ll need completely different flies than you’d normally use for trout. You might even want to toss some San Juan worms in your box just for fun.Massachusetts offers both freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses. Another area called Black Rock is known for trophy trout and impressive hatches. The only catch is the lengthy hike it takes to reach it, but the area (so-called due an imposing boulder overhang) is known as one of the best trout spots the Squannacook has to offer.This well-known area begins in Marshfield and swings down and around, coming to a head at Provincetown. These include:There are countless spots along the bay at which to stop and cast a line. Aside from its rich historical significance in the formation of the United States, Massachusetts also brings to mind the powerful Kennedy family, and of course, Beantown. On Cape Cod Bay you’re dealing with a totally different animal – saltwater requires a much heavier rod, so go for a 9-foot 9 weight with a 9-foot leader and 16 lb. Some rivers and streams have seasons of April through September, and September through March, so you’ll need to check the regulations to make sure you adhere to the law.Aside from the usual – waders, polarized sunglasses (these allow you to see schools of fish under the water more easily), a wide-brimmed hat, rain jacket, and pack or vest to hold personal items. People between ages 15 and 17, as well as those age 70 and over may obtain a freshwater permit for free. The Commonwealth makes sure that residents and visitors alike have an abundance of angling options throughout the year. Check for the edges of troughs about 10-20 feet into the water, and cast there. Throughout the entire year you can catch on nymphs, dry flies, or streamers. These waters hold over 80 species of fish, from the native brook trout to rainbows and browns, to largemouth and smallmouth bass, as well as Atlantic salmon and yellow perch. The West Branch lies along Route 202 near Shutesbury and New Salem. While the permits are free for seniors, you may be charged a small processing fee to purchase your fishing license online.Massachusetts is one of the few states that offers the exciting opportunity to fish in both inland freshwater as well as the saltwater of the Atlantic Ocean. People age 15 and over require a freshwater fishing permit, available at the cost of $27.50 for residents and $37.50 for non-residents. In the upper portion – between Fife Brook Dam and the Number 4 Dam – you’ll find 17 miles of swift riffles and pools harboring sizable browns, rainbows, and brookies. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife stocks the state’s rivers, lakes, and streams with roughly half a million trout annually, with one deposit in spring and one in the fall. Those 16 and up must have a permit to fish in saltwater – this permit runs $10 for residents and non-residents, and is free to those age 60 and up. There are sections with specific regulations so be sure to check the state laws before fishing there.The Deerfield is a year-round river, with the most productive times occurring April through December. A couple things to remember when fly fishing Cape Cod Bay – if you shore fish on the beach, don’t overdo your casting distance. They stock brookies, browns, rainbows, and tigers, giving fishermen of all ages a great recreational activity in which to engage throughout most of the year.There are a few standouts among the dozens of potential fishing locations, so grab a rod and choose from these favorites.This little-known gem of the northwestern Massachusetts hills contains the nice chilly water that trout require to thrive, due to water supplied from dams upriver. You want full-bodies like a herring streamer, clouser minnows, sand eel imitators, poppers, crab flies, and squid flies.The Deerfield River requires patterns like the pheasant tail, ants, nymphs, sculpins, eggs, and parachutes. This means water flows can happen swiftly and unpredictably, so you must be prepared to move if necessary. Conway’s Bardwells Ferry Bridge is a good choice as well, with deep pools that give shelter to bigger fish.The important thing to keep in mind when fly fishing the Deerfield River is that there is approximately one dam per seven miles. While a variety of fish species are known to migrate through the area, including Bluefin tuna and bluefish, but the coup de grace sought by most fly fisherman is the highly prized striped bass. The variety and culture throughout this little powerhouse state allow you to stay entertained even if your stay includes a rainy day or two. Copyright 2017 DIY Fly Fishing