Rebuilt Fishing Pier Opens in Salem, Massachusetts

A popular fishing spot at the mouth of the Danvers River in Salem has reopened after a $5 million upgrade. The newly rebuilt Salem Willows Fishing Pier will provide access to anglers looking to tangle with striped bass, bluefish, flounder and squid.

“Access to nature is essential for the health and well-being of our communities. By creating inclusive outdoor recreation opportunities like Salem Willows Fishing Pier, we can ensure all people have a unique chance to be on the water connecting with the ocean and natural world around them,” said Department of Fish & Game Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “We are so excited to see people already fishing from the pier and look forward to educating countless new anglers at our fishing clinics in the years to come.”

Originally constructed in 1894, the pier stood for over 100 years before it was demolished due to deterioration, storm damage, and sea-level rise impacts. In 2020, the City of Salem and Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) formalized a multi-year partnership to rebuild the iconic pier, the centerpiece of Salem Willows Park. Completed in November 2024, the new pier extends over 300 feet into Salem Sound and features a T-shaped end, allowing for maximum access to the most coveted location for angling. The pier provides essential public access for urban and Environmental Justice communities to fishing and outdoor recreation, a key priority of DFG. The new pier is fully ADA compliant, expanding access for people of all abilities to visit, cast a line, and enjoy the scenery.

The $5 million project was funded by numerous partners. The City of Salem contributed over half of the funding for the project, including the full cost of demolishing the old pier. Nearly $2 million came from the sale of saltwater fishing licenses, through DMF’s Saltwater Recreational Fishing Fund, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program. The US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program provides funds to fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access, and education. Finally, the Seaport Economic Council contributed $700,000 to support this project, which will drive tourism and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike.

“Today’s celebration would not be possible without the significant contributions of our state’s recreational anglers, who’s annual purchase of saltwater fishing licenses plays an important role in funding public access projects like this statewide,” said DMF Director Daniel McKiernan. “Thank you to the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program, Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Panel, the Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission, DFG’s Office of Fishing & Boating Access, and our many partners and dedicated staff who’ve championed this project and secured a world-class fishing pier that will be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Source: https://onthewater.com/rebuilt-fishing-pier-opens-in-salem-massachusetts

$post[‘post_content’] .= ‘Source‘;