Massachusetts
Charles River at Waltham
Location Snapshot
The Charles River at Waltham is an accessible Greater Boston warmwater river reach distinct from the tidal lower basin. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and common carp provide the main fishing opportunities.
Current River Rating
Good
Conditions look favorable based on the available readings.
Low confidence
Estimated Conditions
Estimated from available current readings, weather, seasonal patterns, destination characteristics, and historical conditions. Some important on-water measurements may be unavailable.
Should I Go?
Consider
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Good.
Why
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 163 CFS
- Gage Height
- 1.49 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 9:30 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 01104500 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
Loading readings from the past 7 days…
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
Loading advisory…
Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
39°F
Feels like
32°F
Wind
7 mph NW
Wind gust
15 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 5:45 AM
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 6 AM
Clear
Temp 39°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Tue 10 AM
Clear
Temp 53°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 11 mph
Tue 2 PM
Clear
Temp 61°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 14 mph
Tue 6 PM
Clear
Temp 53°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 10 PM
Clear
Temp 48°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Wed 2 AM
Overcast
Temp 46°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 9 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Overcast
High 62°F / Low 38°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 28 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 51°F / Low 42°F
Chance 3%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 24 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 62°F / Low 43°F
Chance 3%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 26 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Overcast
High 56°F / Low 42°F
Chance 3%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 25 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
Loading historical flow…
Fishing Overview
Wild largemouth bass are in the regulated-flow fishery on the Charles River at Waltham, along with common carp and smallmouth bass.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Charles 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
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus nigricans
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: MassWildlife
Common Carp
Cyprinus carpio
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- Medium confidence
Source: MassWildlife
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Source: MassWildlife
Yellow Perch
Perca flavescens
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- Medium confidence
Source: MassWildlife
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Regulated flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Fly fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Popper-style surface flyGeneral warmwater surface family. Not an insect Hatch event.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral warmwater streamer family. Not a baitfish Hatch event.
- Crayfish-style flyGeneral subsurface family. Crayfish forage is not a Hatch insect.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
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
Target Species
Largemouth Bass, Common Carp, Smallmouth Bass
Access, Parking, and Regulations
Loading access and regulations…