Anglers do fish in the Hoosic. The Hoosic River is not highly polluted in the upstream portions. The North Branch above the North Adams flood control chutes is quite pristine. Please read our recent blog “Fish Consumption Cautions in the Hoosic River” for more information.
Here are a few links to get you started in finding that perfect fishing spot for fishing in the Hoosic River and beyond:
- Mass.gov Find Place to Fish in MA
- NYS DEC’s Trout Stream Fishing Map User Guide
- NYS DEC Public Fishing Rights Streams Access Map
- Public Fishing Rights Maps Hoosic River/Little Hoosic River
- VT Fish & Wildlife Family Friend Fishing
Advisories to Fishing in the Hoosic
Unfortunately, individuals should not eat the fish between the North Adams concrete flood control chutes and the Vermont state line due to PCB and PFAS/PFOA chemicals. NY and Vermont have similar fish consumption warnings.
Swimming in the Hoosic
HooRWA’s goal is a fishable & swimmable river. Please note that local Departments of Health have the ultimate responsibility of determining if a waterbody is safe for swimming. Periodic bacteria sampling and testing are necessary to assess the safety of the water. Unfortunately, most cities and towns do not perform that testing – due to either cost, schedule, or funding priority issues. HooRWA does perform periodic bacteria river testing but does not do the frequency of testing, nor have the authority to issue a health proclamation. We do post the results bi-weekly during the summer months on Facebook & Instagram. A number of over 235mpn would close a freshwater beach in MA. So if you choose to swim, we suggest you refrain from swimming up to 48 hours after a rainstorm as that can flush contaminants into the River. Personal judgement needs to be used by someone thinking to swim in the River.