Blackstone River

Boat Ramps: 5
Access Points: 6
Species: 24

The Blackstone River flows for approximately 48 miles from its headwaters in Worcester, Massachusetts, to Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where it becomes tidal and eventually empties into Narragansett Bay. Once known as one of America's most polluted rivers in the 1970s and 1980s, the Blackstone has undergone significant restoration efforts and now supports diverse fish populations. The river drops 438 feet along its journey, creating varied habitats through industrial and natural areas. As the birthplace of America's Industrial Revolution, the Blackstone is steeped in history with numerous dams that significantly impact its flow, ecology, and fish passage - something conservation efforts continue to address today.

Massachusetts licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Blackstone River and what's needed to catch them.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Blackstone River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Valley Falls Heritage Park Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Blackstone River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Massachusetts licenses and regulations

Massachusetts Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Massachusetts Fishing License

If you are 15 years of age or older, you need a license to fish. Licenses are FREE for Massachusetts residents 15-17 years of age, and those 70 and over. You can get your license online using MassFishHunt. You must carry your license with you when fishing, either as a paper copy or on your smartphone. If asked, anglers have to display a true, complete, and legible image of a valid license. Licenses expire each year on Dec. 31. You can renew your license online at MassFishHunt or print a duplicate copy if you’ve lost it.

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Massachusetts Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you to check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Massachusetts Stream Access Laws

Massachusetts protects the public right to freely pass over all waters in the state, regardless of navigability. The rights of passage include recreation. Navigable waters are those subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, are navigable in fact or simply have the capacity for navigation, commercial or recreational.

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Take Blackstone River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Blackstone River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Blackstone River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

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