Fishing at Breakheart

Fishing is allowed at Breakheart Reservation. DCR lists it among the park's activities, and there are three places to cast: Pearce Lake, Silver Lake and the Saugus River along the park's northern edge. You need a Massachusetts fishing license, the same as anywhere in the state, and parking is free. DCR does not publish a species list or stocking schedule for Breakheart, so this page sticks to what DCR does say.

Where to Fish

Pearce Lake (Lower Pond). Home to the swimming beach. The Pearce Lake Trail circles it for 1.4 miles, with rocky outcrops along the shore that DCR describes as having views across the water. In summer, fish well away from the designated swimming area and the lifeguards. See Pearce Lake. Silver Lake (Upper Pond). DCR labels it "no swimming," which means a quieter shoreline. The blue-blazed Silver Lake Trail follows the shore for 0.8 miles around the lake and passes a picnic area and several scenic vantage points, per DCR. The Flume carries its overflow to Pearce Lake. The Saugus River. DCR's yellow-blazed Saugus River Trail follows the banks of the river and its wetland along the park's northern boundary. DCR's map also marks the Old Mill Site, with its 1814 milldam, and a wildlife blind along this stretch. Distances and directions for each trail are on the hiking page.

A Little History: Lakes Built for Fishing

Both lakes are man-made. After 1891, a Lynn attorney, Benjamin Johnson, and his associates bought up the land for a private retreat, dammed two spring-fed marshes to create the lakes and stocked them with fish, according to DCR's Stories in Stone guide. In the 1930s the Civilian Conservation Corps restored both dams. The full story is on the history page.

License and Rules

• License: DCR's Revere Beach page puts it simply: a fishing license is required to fish anywhere in Massachusetts. Buy one from the state online before you go.
• Clean your gear: DCR reminds visitors that moving nuisance species between waters is illegal; clean all equipment before and after.
• Life jackets: if you bring a boat elsewhere, Massachusetts requires a personal flotation device for boaters 12 and under, and for canoeists and kayakers from September 15 to May 15, per DCR.
• Hours: the reservation is open sunrise to sunset.
• Pack it out: carry out all line, hooks and trash. Discarded line is a hazard to herons, which DCR says returned to the park after the CCC era.
• Swim area: swimming is allowed only in the designated area at Pearce Lake; stay clear of it.

DCR does not list a boat launch at Breakheart. Plan to fish from shore.

Good For

• A short evening session on Silver Lake, where nobody swims.
• Kids' first fish from shore, close to the paved loop and the playground.
• Combining a river walk with a few casts on the Saugus River Trail.

Maybe Skip If

• You want salt water: DCR's Revere Beach has miles of coastline for fishing, and DCR lists fishing at Lynn Shore & Nahant Beach. DCR also lists fishing at Rumney Marsh Reservation, a 600-acre salt marsh in Saugus.
• You want to fish from a boat: DCR lists boat ramps at Lynn Shore & Nahant Beach, not at Breakheart.

Before You Go

Parking is free at both entrances; the Wakefield entrance is closest to Pearce Lake. Check the rules and bring the trail map.