Squannacook River
Massachusetts · Middlesex
- County: Middlesex
- Shoreline outline: not yet matched (basemap OSM)
- Massachusetts freshwater fishing (MassWildlife)
The pin is approximate, near the middle of the water. The shoreline on the map comes from OpenStreetMap.
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Overview
The Squannacook River runs from its headwaters near the New Hampshire border through Ashby, Townsend, Groton and Shirley to the Nashua River. MassWildlife calls it an exceptional coldwater stream. The Squannacook River Wildlife Management Area is a patchwork of parcels that follows the river along much of its length.
Fishing
MassWildlife stocks the main stem with trout in spring and fall, and Cast The Water's MassWildlife records show trout stockings on Oct. 8, 2026. Many tributaries hold wild brook trout. MassWildlife suggests fly fishing the rapids reached from the Townsend Road parking area in Groton.
Species
Stocked trout in the main stem. Wild brook trout in many tributaries (MassWildlife).
Seasons
Trout stockings come in spring and fall.
Hotspots
The rapids reached from the Townsend Road parking area in Groton (MassWildlife).
Regulations
MassWildlife freshwater fishing regulations apply: https://www.mass.gov/freshwater-fishing-regulations. Confirm current seasons, limits and any special rules there; this page is not a legal source.
Licensing
Anglers 15 and older need a Massachusetts fishing license (MassWildlife).
Access
The Squannacook River WMA can be reached on several unmarked trails, and MassWildlife publishes a WMA map. If you paddle the river, leave downed woody debris in place, since it's important habitat.
Activities
Fly fishing, paddling, and wildlife watching in the WMA. Look for kingfishers, great blue herons, river otters, barred and great horned owls, and dragonflies and damselflies (MassWildlife).
Water facts
Coldwater stream in the Nashua River watershed. Towns: Ashby, Townsend, Groton and Shirley. Cast The Water's map pin is in Middlesex County.
Safety & advisories
Use care wading in rapids. Clean all boats and gear before moving between waters to stop aquatic hitchhikers (MassWildlife; see ProtectYourWaters.net).
Stocking history
| Species | Qty | Size | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trout | 10-08-2026 |
Nearby waters
- Robbins Pond · 4.9 km (MA)
- Sandy Pond · 4.9 km (MA)
- Long Pond · 5.5 km (MA)
- Mirror Lake · 6.2 km (MA)
- Lake Shirley · 6.8 km (MA)
- Lost Lake · 7 km (MA)
More in Middlesex
- Baddacook Pond (MA)
- Knops Pond (MA)
- Nissitissit River (MA)
- Althea Lake (MA)
- Barkers Pond (MA)
- Concord River (MA)
Fishery and WMA info: MassWildlife (Mass.gov). Hydrography: USGS.