Deer Island (Winthrop)

Deer Island, at the tip of Winthrop on Boston Harbor, is home to the MWRA's wastewater treatment plant, and wrapped around the plant are miles of public shoreline paths and an accessible fishing pier, opened in 2018, that Marine Fisheries calls a dynamic fishing location. Marine Fisheries lists winter flounder, striped bass, mackerel, bluefish, harbor pollock and, more and more, black sea bass.

Where to fish

• The fishing pier: fishing is allowed in the designated area at its south end.
• The shoreline: you can fish along the shore from the five miles of public walkways, including a 2.6-mile paved perimeter path that's wheelchair accessible.

Getting there

Use 190 Tafts Avenue, Winthrop, for GPS. Public parking is at the head of the island; the Water Resources Authority asks visitors not to park in the Winthrop neighborhoods. The public areas are open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Dogs must be leashed, and alcohol, camping, fires and motorized vehicles are banned; the fenced plant itself is off-limits. The shoreline is part of the Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area. You need a Massachusetts saltwater fishing permit; striped bass have a slot limit and a circle hook rule for bait, and black sea bass and winter flounder have seasons and limits.