Boaters across Massachusetts face restricted access to waterways due to high water levels on the Connecticut River and ongoing construction projects at facilities statewide.
The Massachusetts Office of Fishing and Boating Access issued a water level alert for the Connecticut River, which is experiencing high flows from snow melt. The office warns that access sites along the river may temporarily close until water levels recede.
Construction projects have shuttered several facilities across the state. The Stockbridge Bowl facility on Interlaken Road in Stockbridge is closed for improvements until the end of May. The Mashpee Wakeby Pond facility in Mashpee is also closed through late May for paving reconstruction. In Chelmsford, the Southwell Field boat ramp on the Merrimack River will remain closed for reconstruction until the end of June.
Throughout the Connecticut Valley, boat ramps at Barton Cove in Gill and on Syrek Street in Chicopee are closed for the season. The Medina Street ramp in Chicopee has a seasonal closure from Jan. 1 to May 1. In Wilbraham, the Chicopee River canoe access and overflow parking area at Red Bridge Road are currently closed, though fisherman access above the dam remains available.
The boat ramps at the Oxbow on North Street in Easthampton and on School Street in Sunderland are open for the season.
Additional seasonal closures affect several Merrimack River boat ramps, including Riley Park in Lawrence, Riverside Drive in Methuen, and Pawtucket Boulevard in Lowell.
Lake Quinsigamond in Shrewsbury may experience weekend closures through May 23 due to rowing events. In Fall River, access to Cook Pond and South Watuppa Pond is restricted to weekends from dawn to dusk through March 31.
For a full list of statewide updates on fishing and boating access, head to the Office of Fishing and Boating Access.
Connecticut River Access Update (3/23/26):
-
Connecticut River (Barton Cove)—Cove View Road, GillThe boat ramp is closed for the season.Management Measure: The boat ramp will be closed mid-November and reopen mid-May when safety barrels are installed
-
Connecticut River—Syrek Street, ChicopeeThe boat ramp facility is closed for the season.Management Measure: The boat ramp facility will be closed seasonally mid-November to mid-May. Please note that short-term, temporary closures may occur due to increased river flows.
-
Connecticut River—Medina Street, ChicopeeManagement Measure: The boat ramp facility will be closed seasonally January 1 to May 1. Please note that short-term, temporary closures may occur due to increased river flows.
-
Connecticut River (Oxbow)—North Street, EasthamptonThe boat ramp is open for the season!Management Measure: The boat ramp facility will be closed seasonally mid-November to mid-May. Please note that short-term, temporary closures may occur due to increased river flows.
-
Connecticut River—School Street, SunderlandThe boat ramp is open for the season!Management Measure: The boat ramp facility will be closed 10 p.m.–4 a.m. Use of the facility from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. requires a permit from the managing authority.
-
Chicopee River—Red Bridge Road, WilbrahamThe canoe access and overflow parking area (below the dam) are currently closed. The Red Bridge Landing fisherman access (above the dam) is open with 2 cartop and 5 trailer spaces available. No on-street parking is allowed.
For radar and weather news, go to MassLive.com/weather, for all weather alerts, go to MassLive.com/weather-alerts
Read the original article on MassLive. Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
