Winter Flounder
Winter Flounder are a commercially and recreationally important flatfish species ubiquitous in Massachusetts coastal waters, though their abundance has declined significantly in recent decades.
Scientific Name: Pseudopleuronectes americanus
- These right-eyed flounders are thick-bodied, oval-shaped fish that typically measure 31-38 cm and weigh 0.7-0.9 kg inshore, with larger specimens found on Georges Bank reaching 2-3 kg.
- They're distinguished from other flatfish by their nearly straight lateral line, small mouth with incisor-like teeth on the blind side, and ability to change color to match their surroundings - usually muddy brown, olive green, or dark slate above with a white blind side.
Fishing in Massachusetts
Wachusett Reservoir
Lake Cochituate
Massachusetts Bay
Sudbury River
Concord River
Broad Sound
Lake Quinsigamond
Assabet River
Dorchester Bay
Merrimack River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They inhabit estuarine and coastal waters from brackish river mouths to depths of 18-37m in Cape Cod Bay and around Stellwagen Bank.
Key Locations
- Prime locations include south of Manomet Point in Plymouth, around Billingsgate Shoals off Dennis, deeper areas of Cape Cod Bay, and channels in Sesuit Harbor and Wellfleet Harbor areas.
- Cape Cod Bay, Stellwagen Bank, and coastal embayments.
Specific Spots
- Prefer muddy sand bottoms broken by eelgrass patches, though they're also found on clean sand, clay, and even pebbly grounds.
Winter Flounder FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Winter Flounder in Massachusetts?
Top baits are sea worms presented with a flickering tail action that creates predatory response, though clam strips, bellies, and fish strips also work well. Small yellow curly-tail grubs on 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jig heads can be effective artificial alternatives, worked slowly along bottom.
When is the best time to fish for Winter Flounder in Massachusetts?
Best from late spring through fall, avoiding the spawning restriction periods (January 15-May 31 in southern Massachusetts, February 1-June 30 for Cape Cod Bay, and February 15-June 30 for the north coast).
How do you catch Winter Flounder in Massachusetts?
The most productive technique involves casting uptide and slowly bouncing bait back along the bottom at current speed - flounder grab bait and hold it briefly before swallowing, so wait 3-4 seconds before setting the hook with J-hooks or just start reeling with circle hooks.
What do Winter Flounder eat?
Winter flounder are opportunistic bottom feeders with a diet consisting primarily of polychaetes (35.6%), anthozoans (33.4%), and amphipods (6.7%), along with small crustaceans, mollusks, and occasionally small fish like sand lance.
Where do Winter Flounder live in Massachusetts?
They inhabit estuarine and coastal waters from brackish river mouths to depths of 18-37m in Cape Cod Bay and around Stellwagen Bank.
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