Massachusetts state waters, out to 3 miles
Sea-run Atlantic salmon are federally endangered — all fishing for and possession of them is banned in US waters.
NOAA Fisheries / MA DMF · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
How to tell it
Silver with X-shaped black spots above the lateral line and a slim tail wrist. More on the Atlantic salmon page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Atlantic salmon in other states5 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep Atlantic salmon in Massachusetts?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Massachusetts. Release it in the water where you can. Sea-run Atlantic salmon are federally endangered — all fishing for and possession of them is banned in US waters.
How current is this Massachusetts Atlantic salmon rule?
Source: NOAA Fisheries / MA DMF, last checked Sep 7, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
In the appPoint the camera at an Atlantic salmon in Massachusetts and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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