Massachusetts
Merrimack River at Lowell
Location Snapshot
Merrimack River at Lowell is a large northeastern Massachusetts mainstem reach through the Lowell corridor. Smallmouth bass and other large-river warmwater species provide the principal freshwater fishing opportunity.
Current River Rating
Unavailable
Not enough local guidance to rate conditions.
Low confidence
Should I Go?
Not Enough Data
Timing Outlook
No reliable fishing window is available with the current data.
Why
- Current flow and stage observations are available, but this river does not yet have enough local fishing guidance to assign a rating.
Cautions
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 4170 CFS
- Gage Height
- 42.96 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 21, 2026, 12:30 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 01100000 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
54°F
Feels like
49°F
Wind
5 mph NE
Wind gust
8 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 7:30 PM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 10 PM
Clear
Temp 48°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Wed 2 AM
Clear
Temp 44°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Wed 6 AM
Clear
Temp 41°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Wed 10 AM
Clear
Temp 49°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 10 mph
Wed 2 PM
Overcast
Temp 57°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 12 mph
Wed 6 PM
Overcast
Temp 49°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Fog
High 67°F / Low 34°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 27 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 57°F / Low 40°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 22 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 63°F / Low 39°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 26 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Overcast
High 57°F / Low 38°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 24 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
American shad and smallmouth bass are in the mixed fishery on the Merrimack River at Lowell, along with largemouth bass.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Merrimack River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
American Shad
Alosa sapidissima
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- unknown
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: MassWildlife
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- unknown
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: MassWildlife
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus nigricans
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- unknown
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: MassWildlife
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
Official sources
Hatch Match
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Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Massachusetts
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
Management Category
Warmwater river
Regulation Scope
Merrimack River at Lowell freshwater gauge reach.
Regulation Summary
MassWildlife freshwater fishing regulations apply on the Lowell Merrimack. American shad harvest is allowed on the Merrimack including tributaries. Confirm current seasons and limits.
Target Species
American Shad, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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