MERRIMACK RIVER, MA — Massachusetts Environmental Police arrested four individuals on illegal fishing charges during two consecutive days of patrols along the Merrimack River.
On May 8, 2026, officers arrested two individuals for multiple violations, including fishing without a license, fishing on posted property, entering a restricted fish propagation area, and possessing more than two dozen protected river herring.
River herring possession is strictly prohibited under state law.
On May 9, officers returned to the same location and arrested two different individuals fishing illegally.
Both individuals had been prosecuted for illegal fishing in the same location one year ago, according to Environmental Police.
Charges included restricted-area fishing, posted-property violations and striped bass violations.
One individual was also charged with fraudulently obtaining a fishing license after having their license revoked last year.
Officers seized fishing gear from both individuals.
The illegally caught striped bass was placed near a local eagle nest.
State regulations allow only one striped bass to be kept per day, and it must measure between 28 and 31 inches.
Any incidental catch of river herring must be released immediately.
