Massachusetts state waters, out to 3 miles
SizeNo size limit
Bag50 per day
SeasonJun 16 – Mar 14Open today
Closed each spring (Mar 15 – Jun 15) to protect the spawning run.
MA DMF 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
How to tell it
Pencil-sized silver fish with an adipose fin and a fresh-cucumber smell; winter harbor runs. More on the rainbow smelt page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Rainbow smelt in other states4 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for rainbow smelt in Massachusetts?
No size limit.
How many rainbow smelt can you keep in Massachusetts?
50 per day.
When is rainbow smelt season in Massachusetts?
Jun 16 – Mar 14. As of Sep 21, 2026 it is open.
How current is this Massachusetts rainbow smelt rule?
Source: MA DMF 2026, 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.
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