Charles River Breakdown

I'm searching for info but trying to piece it together from 5+ different sources is too tedious. Bottom line, I want to fish the Charles talking I-95 and east. From I-95 to say Cambridge, I see there are two launches, Watertown and Brighton. There are three falls as well. The Watertown launch allows access from I-95 (and farther west) to the Moody Street dam and the Brighton launch from Watertown Dam to the sea.

Question 1: From either boat launch, are there hazardous areas (rocks,stumps) that are not obvious visually? Around the dams?

Question 2: How far west can you go from Watertown launch?

Question 3: Where does the brackish water start? I've read some guys on here saying they caught smallies all the way into Cambridge so I doubt this is an issue.

Question 4: In between the dams that I mentioned, is there any place to launch a canoe?

Thanks.

i know that the watertown dam to the rt 16 bridge is very shallow and rocky not fishable whatsoever. but around that launch there ive caught some good size bass around the marinas

from the brighton launch, if you go left, you won't make it to the falls because of the depth. the best stretch in a bass boat that way is up to watertown square around the marina. just past the marina before a bend, there's a very shallow sandbar that isn't always visible. i'd say that's the biggest hazard. a few smallies in this area.

if you go right, you can get all the way down to boston and the science museum area. there are good fish but it depends on the time of year b.c there's a ton of traffic and not a ton of cover. you can catch smallies though and fish bridge pilings.

by watertown i think you mean waltham near the twin coves and moody street correct? not sure about hazards, but this is a great area to fish the charles. tons of coves, pads, laydowns, mats, you name it. a lot of tournaments here and a lot of big bass. great springtime spot as well before it gets choked up.


i would say the damn below waltham is where the smallies start. you won't find them around the Waltham launch as that's where it gets nasty.

not sure about the canoe but there's plenty of shore access so probably. the current gets strong in some areas though so be careful.

there are also some launches further down around dover and other areas. smoke would probably know those better but the Charles Waltham is probably the best between Brighton / Waltham right johnny?

Thanks, just the info I was looking for. I'll keep the canoe for smaller ponds around my area. And yes, I meant Waltham instead of Watertown.

you got it, let me know if you need any more specifics.

ive been in there with a canoe with my buddy, i wouldnt worry about it, the current isnt bad.

i think there are some spots below the falls and dam where the water's not even deep enough for a canoe. no issues around the waltham stretch or around brighton but i'm not certain about the heavy current areas below the falls and dams.

I've caught smallies just below the Moody St. Dam and Larrys above the Woerd Ave launch. The fingers aren't bad but can be slow going.