A MassWildlife-owned fishing and hunting access area along the Ware River in northeastern Ware, open to the public similarly to a Wildlife Management Area rather than being part of DCR's upstream, permit-controlled Ware River Watershed lands.
What to expect
Dogs
Must be leashed except when actively hunting or hunt-training with a licensed hunter, or in a permitted field trial, consistent with statewide MassWildlife land rules.
Non Motorized Boating
Allowed
Managed by
MassWildlife (Division of Fisheries and Wildlife)
508-389-6300 · WebsiteCommon questions
Is this the same as the DCR-controlled Ware River Watershed permit area?
No; this specific in-town access point is MassWildlife (Fish and Wildlife) land with open, permit-free public access, distinct from DCR's Division of Water Supply Protection lands further upstream near Barre and Rutland that require watershed access permits and ban swimming.
Is there an entry fee at Ware River Access?
No, entry is free.
Can I bring my dog to Ware River Access?
Must be leashed except when actively hunting or hunt-training with a licensed hunter, or in a permitted field trial, consistent with statewide MassWildlife land rules.
What rules should I know at Ware River Access?
Fall deer hunting season runs archery Oct 5-Nov 28, 2026, shotgun Nov 30-Dec 12, 2026 and primitive firearms Dec 14-31, 2026; anticipate hunters on MassWildlife-owned river-access land in those windows.