What Fan Pier offers and who should fish there
Fan Pier is a public fishing pier in Boston's Seaport District, built on the site of the old Fish Pier. It extends into Fort Channel and the inner harbor, giving you access to saltwater species without a boat. The pier is free to use and open to the public year-round during daylight hours. It's a working waterfront location, so you'll see commercial activity alongside recreational anglers.
The pier works best for beginners and people fishing from shore who want to reach deeper water than the beach allows. You can catch striped bass, bluefish, and flounder here, depending on the season. The structure and pilings attract baitfish, which draw larger fish in spring and fall. Summer can be slower, and winter is cold but productive for stripers if you're willing to stand outside.
Access is straightforward: the pier is at 350 Atlantic Avenue, accessible by the MBTA Red Line (South Station stop) or by car with paid parking nearby. There are no facilities on the pier itself—no restrooms, no bait shop, no shade. Bring water and sunscreen, and plan to carry your gear in and out.
Key Takeaways
- Fan Pier is a free public fishing pier in downtown Boston open year-round during daylight, requiring no permit or reservation.
- Spring and fall are the most productive seasons for striped bass and bluefish; summer is slower and winter is cold but can be good for stripers.
- The pier has no facilities, so bring your own water, sunscreen, and plan to carry all gear yourself.
- Flounder, scup, and mackerel are also present depending on season, making it a mixed-species destination rather than a single-species fishery.
- Massachusetts saltwater fishing regulations apply; check current size and bag limits for striped bass and other species before you go.
Seasons and what species are present when
Spring (April through May) is the strongest season at Fan Pier. Striped bass move through the harbor on their spawning migration, and the pier sits in a natural funnel where they concentrate. You'll also see bluefish arriving as water temperatures climb. Early morning and evening are most productive, and live or fresh baitfish work better than artificials in the murky harbor water.
Summer (June through August) is slower. Water temperatures rise, and many stripers move to deeper, cooler water offshore. Flounder and scup become more reliable targets, and you can catch mackerel on light tackle. Midday fishing is often dead; dawn and dusk are your best windows. The pier gets crowded with tourists, which can make finding space difficult on weekends.
Fall (September through November) picks up again as stripers return and water cools. Bluefish are aggressive and abundant. This is often considered the second-best season after spring. October and early November can be excellent, though weather becomes unpredictable.
Winter (December through March) is quiet but not empty. Striped bass are still present in the harbor, and some anglers catch them consistently. The pier is exposed to wind and cold; dress heavily and expect to be uncomfortable. Fewer people fish, so you'll have more space, but conditions are harsh.
Regulations and what you need to know before fishing
Massachusetts requires a saltwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older who is not a resident fishing from shore. Residents do not need a license to fish from shore, but non-residents do. You can purchase a three-day or seven-day non-resident license online through the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries website or at many tackle shops in Boston.
Striped bass have a minimum size of 18 inches and a daily bag limit of one fish per person in Massachusetts state waters. Bluefish have a 12-inch minimum and a 10-fish daily limit. Flounder (summer flounder) must be at least 19 inches. These rules change periodically, so check the current regulations on the Division of Marine Fisheries website before you fish.
Fan Pier is in Boston Harbor, which is state water, not federal. You do not need a federal permit. However, the pier is on private property managed by the city, and fishing is allowed by public access agreement. Do not leave trash, do not fish at night, and do not block walkways or interfere with commercial activity.
How to fish Fan Pier: tackle and technique
The pier is roughly 700 feet long and sits in a channel with moderate current. Water depth ranges from 15 to 30 feet depending on where you stand. The bottom is mud and silt with some rocks near the pilings. This is not a place for light tackle or finesse fishing—the water is turbid, and fish rely on vibration and smell more than sight.
For striped bass, use live mackerel, herring, or mullet on a simple rig: a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook, a sinker heavy enough to hold bottom in the current (usually 2 to 4 ounces), and a leader of 20-pound monofilament. Cast and hold, or work the bait slowly along the bottom. Early morning and the hour before sunset are most productive. Stripers often feed in the shallower water near the pilings, so don't assume you need to cast far.
For bluefish, use similar rigs but with slightly heavier line (30-pound) because blues have sharp teeth. They're more aggressive and will chase baitfish, so you can also cast small metal jigs or spoons and retrieve steadily. Bluefish often feed throughout the day, unlike stripers.
For flounder, use a small live baitfish (silversides or sand eels) on a light sinker and let it sit on the bottom. Flounder are bottom feeders and won't chase; you need the bait in their zone. Retrieve very slowly or not at all.
Access, parking, and what to expect on the pier
Fan Pier is located at 350 Atlantic Avenue in Boston's Seaport District. The nearest public transit is the MBTA Red Line at South Station, about a 10-minute walk. If you drive, there is paid parking in the Seaport garage and on surrounding streets; expect to pay $15 to $25 for a few hours. The pier itself is free.
The pier is open during daylight hours year-round. There are no official posted hours, but fishing after dark is not permitted. The pier can be windy and exposed, especially in winter and when storms approach. Check the weather before you go, particularly wind speed—strong wind makes casting difficult and can make the pier uncomfortable.
There are no restrooms, water fountains, or bait shops on the pier. The nearest facilities are in the Seaport District restaurants and shops, a short walk away. Bring your own water, sunscreen, and a hat. The pier has no shade. In summer, the sun exposure is significant; plan accordingly.
The pier is a working waterfront. You may see commercial fishing boats, delivery trucks, and other activity. Stay out of the way of operations, and do not leave your gear unattended. The area is well-lit at night, but the pier itself is not, so bring a headlamp if you fish at dawn or dusk.
Comparing Fan Pier to other Boston-area shore fishing
Fan Pier is one of several options for shore fishing in the Boston area. The Charles River Dam (in the Charles River, not saltwater) holds striped bass and shad in spring and is free and accessible, but it's freshwater and the species mix is different. Deer Island offers saltwater fishing with similar species to Fan Pier but requires a reservation and has limited access. Spectacle Island is another harbor island with fishing access, also by reservation.
Beaches like Revere Beach and Nahant Beach offer free saltwater access but are shallower and more exposed to wave action. They can be good for stripers and blues but require different technique. Fan Pier's advantage is depth and shelter; its disadvantage is that it's in the middle of the city and can be crowded.
If you have a boat or can charter one, the outer harbor and Cape Cod Bay hold larger stripers and more consistent fishing. But for someone without a boat who wants to fish saltwater in Boston proper, Fan Pier is the most reliable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license to fish Fan Pier?
If you are a Massachusetts resident, you do not need a license to fish from shore. If you are a non-resident, you need a saltwater fishing license. You can purchase a three-day or seven-day license online or at tackle shops in the area.
What's the best time of day to fish Fan Pier?
Early morning (one hour before sunrise to mid-morning) and the hour before sunset are most productive for striped bass. Bluefish feed throughout the day but are often more active in early morning and late afternoon. Midday in summer is typically slow.
Can I keep fish I catch at Fan Pier?
Yes, as long as they meet the minimum size and you stay within the daily bag limit. Striped bass must be at least 18 inches (one per day), bluefish 12 inches (10 per day), and flounder 19 inches. Check current regulations before you fish because limits can change.
Is Fan Pier safe to fish at night?
Fishing after dark is not permitted on Fan Pier. The pier is closed to fishing at sunset. You can fish at dawn and dusk, but bring a headlamp because the pier itself is not lit.
What should I bring to Fan Pier?
Bring your own water, sunscreen, a hat, and a headlamp if you plan to fish at dawn or dusk. There are no facilities on the pier. Bring all your tackle and gear with you because there is no bait shop nearby. Dress warmly in winter and spring; the pier is exposed and windy.