Episodes

  • Fishing the Charles River in Boston: Tide, Weather, and Top Spots for February 15, 2025

    Fishing the Charles River in Boston: Tide, Weather, and Top Spots for February 15, 2025
    Feb 15 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on fishing in and around the Charles River in Boston for today, February 15, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. According to the tide forecast, today we've got a high tide at 00:56 AM with a height of 9.61 feet, followed by a low tide at 6:56 AM with a height of 0.35 feet. The next high tide will be at 1:09 PM, reaching 9.96 feet, and the final low tide of the day will be at 7:19 PM with a height of 0.13 feet.

    The weather is looking decent, with sunrise at 6:40 AM and sunset at 5:16 PM. It's still a bit chilly in February, but the early morning and late evening are usually the best times to catch some fish, especially when the sky is overcast or just before the sun hits its peak.

    Now, let's dive into the fish activity. The Charles River is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, black crappie, and of course, the migrating striped bass. Although we're not yet in the peak season for striped bass, which typically runs from April to June, you can still catch some resident species like chain pickerel and common carp.

    For today's fishing, I recommend focusing on the bridge pilings and deeper waters of the Lower Basin. These areas provide excellent shade and ambush points for feeding fish, especially during the cooler parts of the day. The bridge pilings around Charlestown Bridge are particularly productive, as they offer a mix of structure and shade that fish love.

    When it comes to lures and bait, soft-plastic baits work exceptionally well in these waters. Try using dark colors like black and blue, and consider adding a soft-plastic trailer to your jig. Mimicking crayfish, which are abundant in the Charles River, can also be very effective. For those who prefer crankbaits and spinnerbaits, bright colors like chartreuse can produce some nice catches, especially in the shallower areas downriver from the Watertown Dam.

    Here are a couple of hot spots to check out:

    The Area Downriver from Watertown Dam: This stretch has beautifully maintained shorelines with trees, overhanging bushes, and plenty of downed timber in the water. It's a great spot for using soft-plastic baits and targeting bass in the 2- to 5-pound range. The quieter, sheltered shorelines here are littered with downed timber, rocks, and overhanging cover, making them ideal for topwater baits in the morning and evening.

    The Bridge Pilings in the Lower Basin: As mentioned, these areas are gold for fishing, especially during the cooler parts of the day. Look for the deeper waters and underwater holes and ledges where fish tend to congregate. The bridge pilings represent major static pieces of structure that provide ambush points for feeding fish.

    In summary, today's fishing on the Charles River looks promising, especially if you hit the right spots at the right times. Keep an eye on those tides, and don't hesitate to try out different lures and baits to see what works best for you.

    Tight lines, and see you on the water
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    4 mins
  • Fishing the Charles River in Boston for Bass and Stripers

    Fishing the Charles River in Boston for Bass and Stripers
    Feb 14 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share my fishing report for the Charles River in Boston, as of February 14, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. According to the tide forecast, today we have a high tide at 12:26 PM with a height of 10.25 feet, and a low tide at 6:12 AM with a height of 0.32 feet. These tidal changes can significantly impact fish activity, so it's crucial to plan your fishing trip accordingly[2].

    The weather today is quite pleasant, with a sunrise at 6:41 AM and a sunset at 5:15 PM. The calm waters and mild temperatures make it an ideal day to hit the river.

    The Charles River, despite its historical reputation for pollution, has transformed into a thriving fishery. Recently, anglers have been catching a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, carp, and even the occasional rainbow trout[1][3].

    For those targeting largemouth bass, the area downriver from the Watertown Dam is a hotspot. This section features beautifully maintained shorelines with trees and overhanging bushes, along with downed timber and rocky sections that provide excellent cover for bass. Soft-plastic baits, especially those mimicking crayfish, have been very effective here. Jigs in dark colors like black and blue, paired with a soft-plastic trailer, are also highly recommended[1].

    Another prime spot is near the Elliot Street Bridge and the Cambridge Boathouse. This area is known for its consistent production of quality largemouth bass. The bridge pilings here act as major static structures that attract fish, especially during the warmer months when the water temperature rises. Using jigs or weightless soft-plastics near these structures can yield impressive results[1].

    If you're after striped bass, keep an eye out for the spring shad runs, which typically attract stripers. The west side of the Longfellow Bridge is a good spot to look out for, especially where channels may have been dredged[1].

    For bait, plastic worms and crankbaits in natural colors like green and brown are excellent choices for largemouth bass. For smallmouth bass, tube jigs or drop shot rigs with soft plastic worms have proven to be very effective[3].

    Given the light fishing pressure on the Charles River, you're likely to find some quality fish without much competition. Just be mindful of the rowers and kayakers, especially around the Cambridge Boathouse area.

    In summary, today's conditions are perfect for a fishing trip on the Charles River. With the right lures and bait, and by targeting the right spots, you're set for a memorable and rewarding fishing experience in the heart of Boston. Happy fishing
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    3 mins
  • Fishing the Charles River in Boston on February 12, 2025

    Fishing the Charles River in Boston on February 12, 2025
    Feb 12 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on fishing in and around the Charles River in Boston for today, February 12, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. According to the tide forecast, today we've got a low tide at 4:42 AM with a height of 0.55 feet, followed by a high tide at 10:59 AM reaching 10.5 feet. The next low tide will be at 5:20 PM with a height of -0.35 feet, and the final high tide of the day will be at 11:33 PM, hitting 9.39 feet.

    The weather is looking decent, with sunrise at 6:44 AM and sunset at 5:12 PM. It's still a bit chilly in February, but the early morning and late evening are usually the best times to catch some fish, especially when the sky is overcast or just before the sun hits its peak.

    Now, let's dive into the fish activity. The Charles River is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, black crappie, and of course, the migrating striped bass. Although we're not yet in the peak season for striped bass, which typically runs from April to June, you can still catch some resident species like chain pickerel and common carp.

    For today's fishing, I recommend focusing on the bridge pilings and deeper waters of the Lower Basin. These areas provide excellent shade and ambush points for feeding fish, especially during the cooler parts of the day. The bridge pilings around Charlestown Bridge are particularly productive, as they offer a mix of structure and shade that fish love.

    When it comes to lures and bait, soft-plastic baits work exceptionally well in these waters. Try using dark colors like black and blue, and consider adding a soft-plastic trailer to your jig. Mimicking crayfish, which are abundant in the Charles River, can also be very effective. For those who prefer crankbaits and spinnerbaits, bright colors like chartreuse can produce some nice catches, especially in the shallower areas downriver from the Watertown Dam.

    Here are a couple of hot spots to check out:

    1. **The Area Downriver from Watertown Dam**: This stretch has beautifully maintained shorelines with trees, overhanging bushes, and plenty of downed timber in the water. It's a great spot for using soft-plastic baits and targeting bass in the 2- to 5-pound range. The quieter, sheltered shorelines here are littered with downed timber, rocks, and overhanging cover, making them ideal for topwater baits in the morning and evening.

    2. **The Bridge Pilings in the Lower Basin**: As mentioned, these areas are gold for fishing, especially during the cooler parts of the day. Look for the deeper waters and underwater holes and ledges where fish tend to congregate. The bridge pilings represent major static pieces of structure that provide ambush points for feeding fish.

    In summary, today's fishing on the Charles River looks promising, especially if you hit the right spots at the right times. Keep an eye on those tides, and don't hesitate to try out different lures and baits to see what works best for you.

    Tight lines, and see you on the water
    Show more Show less
    4 mins
  • Fishing the Charles River Boston Tides, Tactics, and Hotspots for February 10, 2025

    Fishing the Charles River Boston Tides, Tactics, and Hotspots for February 10, 2025
    Feb 10 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on fishing in and around the Charles River in Boston, specifically for today, February 10, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. According to the tide forecast, today's high tide at Charlestown Bridge is at 9:24 AM with a height of 10.32 feet, and the low tide is at 3:52 PM with a height of -0.15 feet[2].

    The weather is looking decent, with sunrise at 6:47 AM and sunset at 5:10 PM. The moon is setting at 6:01 AM and rising at 3:04 PM, which could influence fish activity, especially for those nocturnal feeders.

    Now, onto the fish. The Charles River, despite its historical reputation for pollution, has come a long way and offers some fantastic fishing opportunities. You can expect to catch a variety of species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, carp, and even the occasional rainbow trout[1][3][4].

    For largemouth bass, the areas around Watertown Dam down to the Brighton community boat launch are hot spots. Look for downed timber, rocky sections, and overhanging cover. Soft-plastic baits, especially in bright colors like chartreuse, work well here. Topwater baits in the morning and evening can also yield some great results, especially in the quieter, sheltered shorelines[1].

    If you're targeting striped bass, the spring season is usually the best time, but if you time it right, you can catch them feeding on shad and alewife herring. A good spot to try is around the Longfellow Bridge, particularly on the west side where a channel may have been dredged[1].

    For today's fishing, given the tidal conditions, focusing on the bridge pilings and deeper waters of the Lower Basin could be productive. Jigs with dark colors like black and blue, paired with a soft-plastic trailer, can mimic the abundant crayfish in the river and attract largemouth bass[1].

    In terms of bait, for largemouth bass, plastic worms or crankbaits in natural colors like green and brown are excellent choices. For smallmouth bass, tube jigs or drop shot rigs with soft plastic worms can be very effective[3].

    If you're looking for a couple of hot spots, the area near the Elliot Street Bridge close to the Cambridge Boathouse and Mount Auburn Hospital is known for producing quality largemouth bass. Be patient, though, as this area can get congested with rowers and kayakers[1].

    Another spot worth trying is the stretch from Needham to Boston, which offers a diverse and scenic fishing experience. Here, you can find tranquil waters and picturesque surroundings that are home to a variety of fish species[3].

    So, grab your gear, and head out to the Charles River. With the right lures and a bit of patience, you're bound to have a memorable and rewarding fishing experience in the heart of Boston. Tight lines, everyone
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    3 mins
  • Fishing the Charles River in Boston's Winter Wonderland

    Fishing the Charles River in Boston's Winter Wonderland
    Feb 9 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm excited to share my fishing report for the Charles River in Boston, as of February 9, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the weather. Today, we're looking at a partly cloudy sky with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s to the mid-40s Fahrenheit. It's a bit chilly, but that's perfect for some early morning and late evening fishing.

    Sunrise was at around 6:45 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:45 PM, giving us a good window for both morning and evening fishing sessions. The tidal report isn't as crucial for freshwater fishing in the Charles River, but it's worth noting that the river's water levels can fluctuate slightly due to the dams and locks.

    Now, onto the fish activity. Despite the colder weather, the Charles River still offers some great fishing opportunities. Recently, anglers have been catching a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, carp, and the occasional striped bass, especially during their migratory periods.

    For this time of year, the best spots to focus on are areas with structure and cover. The Charles River Basin, particularly around the Watertown Dam and down to the Brighton community boat launch, is a hotspot. Here, you'll find plenty of submerged timber, rocks, and downed wood that attract largemouth bass. Soft-plastic baits, especially in natural colors like green and brown, have been producing nice bass in the 2- to 5-pound range.

    Another great spot is around the bridges, such as the North Beacon Street Bridge and the Elliot Street Bridge near the Cambridge Boathouse. These areas offer deeper water and bridge pilings that serve as ambush points for feeding fish. Using weighted soft-plastics, shaky heads, and deeper-diving crankbaits can be very effective here.

    If you're looking for a more urban fishing experience, the area around the BU Boathouse and the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge is excellent. The complex network of bridge pilings and cement footings here tends to hold baitfish and larger predators like largemouth bass.

    For bait, live eel, pogies, and mackerel can be great for striped bass, although they might be less active in the colder months. For largemouth bass, plastic worms and crankbaits are your best bet. If you're into fly fishing, this river can also be quite rewarding, especially in areas like Newton and Waltham where the water is a bit calmer.

    In terms of specific lures, tube jigs and drop shot rigs with soft plastic worms are excellent for smallmouth and largemouth bass. For those targeting striped bass, jigs, tubes, and plugs can work well, especially around the deeper structures and bridge pilings.

    In conclusion, the Charles River offers a unique and rewarding fishing experience, even in the colder months. With the right gear and knowledge of the best spots, you can have a successful day on the water. So, bundle up, grab your favorite rod, and enjoy the beauty of Boston's urban fishery.

    Happy fishing, and see you on the water
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    3 mins
  • Fishing the Revived Charles River in Boston's Winter Wonderland

    Fishing the Revived Charles River in Boston's Winter Wonderland
    Feb 8 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers It's Artificial Lure here, and I'm excited to share my fishing report for the Charles River in Boston, as of February 8, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the conditions. Today, the sunrise was at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM, giving us a decent window for some early morning and late afternoon fishing. The weather is quite chilly, with temperatures ranging from 28°F to 42°F, so make sure to bundle up.

    Now, let's dive into the fishing scene. The Charles River, despite its historical reputation for pollution, has undergone significant restoration and is now a thriving fishery. Recently, the river has seen a good mix of fish activity, especially in the lower basin.

    ### Fish Activity and Catches
    In the winter months, the fish tend to congregate in deeper, warmer areas. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and carp are some of the species you can expect to find. Striped bass, although more common in the spring and summer, can still be present, especially around the bridges and deeper sections.

    From recent reports, anglers have been catching some nice largemouth bass in the 2- to 5-pound range, particularly around the Brighton community boat launch and the area near the BU Boathouse. Carp and catfish are also abundant, with some anglers reporting catches of carp over 20 pounds near the duck feeding spots in Newton.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For largemouth bass, soft-plastic baits like plastic worms and crankbaits in natural colors such as green and brown are highly effective. In the colder months, using weighted soft-plastics, jigs with soft-plastic trailers, and deeper-diving crankbaits can be very productive. For carp, corn and dough baits work well, while catfish can be caught using nightcrawlers and chicken livers.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of my favorite spots is the area around the BU Boathouse, just under the BU Bridge. This section is filled with bridge pilings and cement footings that provide excellent cover for bass and other species. The deeper water here, combined with the shade from the bridges, makes it an ideal spot even in the colder months.

    Another hot spot is the stretch from Watertown to Brighton. Here, you'll find downed timber, rocky sections, and lily pad beds that are perfect for targeting bass with topwater baits in the morning and evening. The quieter, sheltered shorelines in this area are also great for catching bass on spinnerbaits and shallow-diving crankbaits.

    ### Tidal Report
    Since the Charles River is a freshwater river, tidal reports aren't as relevant, but it's worth noting that the river's flow can be affected by the dams and water releases. However, this doesn't significantly impact the fishing conditions in the areas we're targeting.

    In summary, the Charles River offers some fantastic fishing opportunities even in the winter. With the right gear and knowledge of the hot spots, you can have a successful and enjoyable day on the water. So, grab your gear, and let's hit the Charles River – you never know what you might catch!

    Stay warm and tight lines,
    Artificial Lure
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    4 mins
  • Fishing the Charles River in Boston: Tides, Weather, and Top Spots for February 7, 2025

    Fishing the Charles River in Boston: Tides, Weather, and Top Spots for February 7, 2025
    Feb 7 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on fishing in and around the Charles River in Boston, specifically for today, February 7, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. According to the tide forecast, today we've got a high tide at 6:12 AM with a height of 10.16 feet, followed by a low tide at 12:46 PM with a height of just 0.27 feet. The next high tide will be at 7:01 PM, reaching 8.4 feet[2][5].

    The weather is looking decent, with sunrise at 6:50 AM and sunset at 5:06 PM. While it's still a bit chilly in February, the early morning and late evening are usually the best times to catch some fish, especially when the sky is overcast or just before the sun hits its peak[4].

    Now, let's dive into the fish activity. The Charles River is home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, black crappie, and of course, the migrating striped bass. This time of year, we're not yet in the peak season for striped bass, which typically runs from April to June, but you can still catch some resident species like chain pickerel and common carp[4].

    For today's fishing, I recommend focusing on the bridge pilings and deeper waters of the Lower Basin. These areas provide excellent shade and ambush points for feeding fish, especially during the cooler parts of the day. The bridge pilings around Charlestown Bridge are particularly productive, as they offer a mix of structure and shade that fish love[1][3][4].

    When it comes to lures and bait, soft-plastic baits work exceptionally well in these waters. Try using dark colors like black and blue, and consider adding a soft-plastic trailer to your jig. Mimicking crayfish, which are abundant in the Charles River, can also be very effective. For those who prefer crankbaits and spinnerbaits, bright colors like chartreuse can produce some nice catches, especially in the shallower areas downriver from the Watertown Dam[1][3][4].

    Here are a couple of hot spots to check out:

    1. **The Area Downriver from Watertown Dam**: This stretch has beautifully maintained shorelines with trees, overhanging bushes, and plenty of downed timber in the water. It's a great spot for using soft-plastic baits and targeting bass in the 2- to 5-pound range[3].

    2. **The Bridge Pilings in the Lower Basin**: As mentioned, these areas are gold for fishing, especially during the cooler parts of the day. Look for the deeper waters and underwater holes and ledges where fish tend to congregate[1][3][4].

    In summary, today's fishing on the Charles River looks promising, especially if you hit the right spots at the right times. Keep an eye on those tides, and don't hesitate to try out different lures and baits to see what works best for you.

    Tight lines, and see you on the water
    Show more Show less
    3 mins
  • Fishing the Revitalized Charles River: Battling Bass, Crappie, and More in Boston's Urban Oasis

    Fishing the Revitalized Charles River: Battling Bass, Crappie, and More in Boston's Urban Oasis
    Feb 5 2025
    Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on fishing in and around the Charles River in Boston, specifically for today, February 5th, 2025.

    First off, let's talk about the tides. According to the tide charts, today we're looking at a high tide of 10.54 feet at 4:14 AM and another at 9.09 feet at 4:50 PM. The low tides are at 0.1 feet at 10:38 AM and 0.57 feet at 10:54 PM[2].

    The weather is quite chilly, typical for this time of year, but that's not going to deter us from catching some great fish. Sunrise is at 6:53 AM, and sunset will be at 5:03 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to get out there and cast our lines.

    The Charles River, despite its past reputation for pollution, has come a long way and offers some fantastic fishing opportunities. Recently, anglers have been catching a variety of fish including largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, white catfish, and even the occasional striped bass[1][3].

    For today's fishing, I recommend focusing on areas with good structure. The stretch from Watertown to Brighton is particularly promising, with downed timber, rocky sections, and lily pad beds that attract bass. Soft-plastic baits, especially those mimicking crayfish, have been very effective in this area. Jigs with dark colors like black and blue, paired with a soft-plastic trailer, can also yield good results[1].

    Another hot spot is around the Elliot Street Bridge near the Cambridge Boathouse and Mount Auburn Hospital. This area tends to get congested with rowers and kayakers, but with a bit of patience, you can catch some quality largemouth bass. The bridge pilings here provide excellent ambush points for fish, especially during the warmer parts of the day when the water temperature rises[1].

    If you're looking for fast action, walking the shoreline with a light spinning rod and casting small crankbaits or spinnerbaits like a 1/8-ounce Johnson Beetle Spin can be very productive. Keep an eye out for natural and urban structures like brushpiles, boulders, and even submerged bed frames or shopping carts[3].

    For those targeting crappie and bass, late spring is usually the best time when they move to shallower areas to feed and spawn, but even now, you can find them in the deeper sections of the river. Large rubber swim shads and 9-inch Slug-Gos on jigheads can work wonders, especially around the Charles River Locks in Charlestown during the herring run[3].

    In summary, today's fishing on the Charles River looks promising, especially around the Watertown to Brighton stretch and the Elliot Street Bridge. Use those soft-plastic baits and jigs, and don't forget to check out the Charles River Locks for some exciting action. Stay warm, and tight lines
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    3 mins