Charles River

Description

The Charles River is an 80-mile-long (129 km) river in eastern Massachusetts. It flows northeast from Hopkinton to Boston along a highly meandering route, that doubles back on itself several times and travels through 23 cities and towns before reaching the Atlantic Ocean. Fishing from the banks or small craft is common along the Charles. With catches from the Charles from Natick to Boston the public is advised not to eat carp, and for non-pregnant, non-nursing adults, to limit large mouth bass consumption to no more than twice a month. Children and pregnant or nursing women should eat nothing from the Charles River. Both cautions are due to PCB and pesticide contamination. Up river from Natick, similar advisories are in effect for all fish on account of mercury, chlordane, and DDT in the fish. Most common fish species are Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Carp, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Yellow Perch, Crappie, Pickerel, American Eel... Best Fishing Spots are:

• Herter Park: A quiet spot with good shoreline access
• Magazine Beach: Near the Cambridge side, good for bass fishing
• Charles River Esplanade: Easy access in Boston, with docks and walking paths
• Watertown Dam: Known for larger fish, particularly carp and bass.