The Pioneer Valley is blessed with incredible fishing opportunities and getting active with PVTU is one of the best ways to meet passionate anglers eager to share their knowledge on where to go, how to improve your skills and what to use to find success fishing the rivers and streams we work together to restore.
Listed below are some of our best local and nearby waters with information on the fishing opportunities all around the area. Always be sure to check the MA fishing regulations and never hesitate to attend a PVTU event to meet people who can answer your questions.
SWIFT RIVER
The Swift River is one of our region’s best trout fisheries, renowned for its prolific insect hatches and large, eager trout! Best of all, the decades of restoration work by Pioneer Valley Chapter to restore the Swift River habitat and improve its health through tree plantings and other volunteer projects has helped make it even better. Some of the most popular sections to fish are the Catch & Release section along Rte 9 in Belchertown, and the more remote waters accessible by hiking in from the TRAIL NAME along ROAD NAME in TOWN NAME. Some of the best fishing on the Swift takes place from DATE to DATE when the FLY NAME are hatching. Fishing is open from DATE to DATE and along with a Massachusetts fishing license.
WESTFIELD RIVER
If you are seeking solitude, scenery and abundant, wild trout, the Westfield River is the place to be, especially in the Spring! Since YEAR, the NAME Chapter has helped care for the RIVER NAME through community science, support of improved state fisheries management and annual restoration projects. The entire length of the Westfield is open year-round to catch and release fishing with flies or artificial lures only and only single, barbless hooks. Despite the lower pressure, these wild trout are finnicky and seek thermal refuges when water temperatures spike. Be sure to have a thermometer on hand if you go during the Summer/early fall. Access to Westfield is through the Chesterfield Gorge off of River Rd., in Chesterfield. After parking, take the trail to the river and follow it to and along for some good spots. Fishing is open from DATE to DATE and along with a STATE NAME fishing license.