The Ware River flows through central Massachusetts and offers accessible, reliable trout fishing, a good river for a spring outing or to introduce someone to moving-water trout. It is regularly stocked, holds some fish over, and has enough freestone character to fish well with fly or spin gear.
The water
Classic freestone runs, riffles and pools, with good road access along much of its length. Like most freestone water it fishes best in the cooler months before summer warms it.
How to fish it
Nymphs and dries for fly anglers, and small spoons and spinners for spin fishermen, all produce, especially right after stocking and through the spring.
Tip Check the stocking reports and time your trip to fresh fish and cool water. In spring the Ware fishes generously, but as summer sets in, shift to the coldest water and the early hours.