Smallmouth, Largemouth, and Striped Bass. The Mass Bass Grand Slam on the fly.
After arriving in Boston, we will venture west to the Berkshires. Tucked along the Appalachian Mountains, the Berkshires are home to countless lakes and ponds, hundreds of miles of streams, and the headwaters of the Housatonic River. The fishing kicks off with some action-packed smallmouth fishing mixed with the chance for an enormous pike. The combination of wade-fishing and time in canoes provides a good mix of opportunities for some trophy smallmouth and a chance for an aggressive pike. It will also help prepare us for our backcountry canoe trip to a hidden lake full of largemouth bass and pickerel. Then, with two bass species under our belts, we will head to the Cape, searching for some striped bass on the flats to complete the Mass Bass Grand Slam. Our final adventure will take us to the North Shore. The following day, three of the best captains in MA will pick us up right from our campground for a day spent fly and light tackle fishing for massive stripers. Cap it off with a final banquet dinner before everyone heads home from Boston the next day.
Upcoming Trips
| Dates | Cost | Arrive/Depart Location |
|---|---|---|
| Jul 02 - Jul 11, 2025 | $3495 |
Boston, MA |
- Ages
-
Entering 7th GradeEntering 8th GradeEntering 9th GradeEntering 10th Grade
- Community Service
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5 Hours
- What to Bring
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We have put together a list of all that you will need for a successful and comfortable expedition. We offer a rental program for most of the big ticket items like fly rods, reels, sleeping bags, etc.. If you are already enrolled, you can rent gear by logging into your account at: https://lillard.campintouch.com/v2/login/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f and navigating to Forms & Documents —> Rental Options.
After reading the reviews of Lillard, we decided to take a chance and send our son for two weeks. Turned out to be one of the best summer experiences he's ever had, one he will remember forever. The 15 boys bonded while fishing, hiking, learning, and working. Great guides and a unique program reinforced his love of the great outdoors and fishing. He is looking forward to another Lillard adventure next summer!
Arrival Day
Day 1
After gathering our group in Boston, we will head to Western MA to set up our camp for the next few days, cook some burgers on the grill, and go over plans for the trip. After dinner, we will practice our casting and knots to get ready for the excellent fishing to come.
Freshwater Fun
Day 2-4
The first 3 days will be spent building up our fly fishing skills on the amazingly diverse fishing opportunities in the Berkshires. The smallmouth and trout right in front of our campsite are happy to reward well-presented flies, and as our skills improve, participants will have chances at the elusive pike that lurk in the shadows.
The Flats
Day 5-8
After building some confidence in the freshwater, we will head to the Cape for some of the coolest fly fishing in New England. Walking the tidal flats of the feels, you are in the Bahamas, but instead of bonefish, we are after striped bass. After fishing the flats hard all morning, we can fish the freshwater kettle ponds at camp or play games on the beach.
Charter Time
Day 9
After moving camp to the North Shore the night before, three of the best charter captains in MA will meet us at our campground for a morning spent chasing giant striped bass and blue fish from the boat. After getting cleaned up and organized for our next day's departure, we will head to town for our final banquet dinner.
Departure Day
Day 10
Arrive at the airport in time for the first participant's flight. Trip leaders will help you check in and stay with the group until the last participant's flight leaves the ground.
Species
- Brown, Brook, and Rainbow Trout
- Smallmouth Bass
- Largemouth Bass
- Northern Pike
- Striped Bass
- Blue Fish
HOW, WHERE, AND WHEN DO PARTICIPANTS MEET THEIR GROUP?
The Mass Bass Adventure begins and ends at Boston Logan International. Participants can fly to/from the airport on arrival/departure day or be dropped off/picked up by a parent/guardian. Please plan to arrive before 3 pm. On the last day of the trip, flights that depart before 2 pm are ideal. We will meet unaccompanied minors at their gate. Participants flying as an adults should follow signs to the baggage claim area. Their trip director will meet you there. On departure day, your trip leaders will help you check in and wait with the group until the last participant's flight leaves the ground.
Do I need to have fly fishing experience?
Our Expeditions are made up of students ranging in experience from excited beginners to seasoned experts. Regardless of your skill level, your guides will work with you to make you a more confident and independent angler.
Do I need my own fishing equipment?
Students are responsible for their own fly rod, reel, line, and a few other personal fishing items. Please contact us for a full packing list. Don’t have your own gear? Not a problem. We have top-quality Orvis rods and reels available to rent.
What other equipment will I need?
We will send you a full packing list if you are interested in signing up for one of our Adventure Academies. Group gear such as tents, stoves, etc., is all provided by LFFE. Personal gear such as sleeping bags and backpacks are all available to rent.
