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Raft Float Trips
Enjoy river and pond float trips in Massachusetts from the comfort of a 13-foot oar-powered raft. Trips are generally based on 3-6+ hours on the water. We manage the boat; you manage the fishing lines while we float. Expect to spend some time off the water at access points, wading or shuttling vehicles if the itinerary requires
One or two anglers provides for the best float fishing experience. Looking for a casual river float with family or a small group?
We can do that too! Outdoor photographers' welcome!
Raft Float, One or Two Anglers: $250
Available 2026 dates: April 13, April 26, May 4, May 18, June 8, June 15, July 20, August 3, August 10, August 24
Evening/night float on the Quaboag or Swift Rivers (5:30-8:30 PM) $100 special: April 24 and April 25
To schedule email the Eddyline@river-angler.com
We can rig the raft to seat 3-5 passengers plus a guide. This configuration also works as a wade/shore fishing taxi for a small group where such activities are allowed. A great option for a small group looking to spend some time out on the water. If you have your own itinerary in mind and need a raft guide, send us an email. We are always exited to get out on different water bodies or assist you with an expedition or day trip.
What else does River Angler include with the trip?
- Snack (granola bars, chips, apples or other per your request).
- Bottled Water to Drink
- Personnel floatation device (PFD/life jacket).
- Basic fishing rod combos, basic tackle, worms, lures and flies.
- A small dry box in the raft for your personal items.
- A medium roll top dry bag or storage box for your gear
- A small cooler with ice in the raft
- Landing net, tape measure, fishing pliers, back-up fishing rod, anchor, throwable rescue device, first aid kit, trash bags, sanitary waste bags or camp toilet, hand sanitizer.
- By request and at cost; deli-made sandwiches, hot lunch, or other pre-packaged food items and drink.
What do I need to bring with me?
- A Valid Massachusetts Fishing License is Required (see: https://massfishhunt.mass.gov/)
- Secure footwear that can/will get wet is required: such as sneakers, river sandals, water shoes, rubber boots, comfortable waders or wading boots. Please no heavy steel toe boots or metal spiked corker boots.
We suggest you bring the following:
- Hat / Sunscreen
- Polarized Sunglasses
- Weather Appropriate Clothing.
- Long or short sleeve sun shirt. Outer layers if cool. Jacket/wind protection.
- Fleece socks and synthetic materials are great. Avoid cotton clothing during cool wet days.
- Expect to get wet, typically from the waist down wading or entering/exiting the raft, or from brief splashes from fish tails or rain. Extra layers may be stashed in River Angler dry bags in the raft.
- Comfortable waders or quick drying long pants, or paddling pants, fishing bibs, wind or rain pants. (Jeans are generally discouraged in cool weather but allowed on a case-by-case basis and conditions.)
- Wading shoes, and/or comfortable waders with appropriate underlayers during cooler weather.
- Rubber boots if appropriate.
- Packable Rain Gear (if weather is questionable).
- Lunch / Snacks / Beverages
- Any Necessary Medications
- Extra Set of Dry, Warm Clothes to leave in your own vehicle for the end of the trip during cooler weather.
River Angler does our best to keep our participants dry and comfortable during cool weather. Cool weather boating activities are approached at a cautious pace with an emphasis on safety and fun!
If the itinerary or weather calls for it:
- Comfortable waders
- Dry suit or wet suit, whitewater gear, wet suit boots or socks.
- Please contact us if you have any questions. We have a limited selection of gear available to make your day comfortable on the water.
Feel free to bring your own freshwater fishing gear. We primarily like to fish with fly rods and spinning reels. Bait casters are recommended only for the experienced. We'll give you various tips and techniques we can muster up. But we find those interested in fishing typically come overly prepared, and always teach us a thing or two. Generally, what you use and how you fish it, is up to you.
Let us know your style!
If you need to borrow a rod and reel for the day, not a problem. We'll hook you up with our rods and tackle. It's nothing fancy. Basic #5-6 weight fly rods with floating or sink tip line, or durable Ugly Stick spinning combos. Gear can be shipped to us if you are traveling.
River-Angler's on Fishing Booker and Guidesly!
https://fishingbooker.com/charters/view/39327
https://guidesly.com/book-a-guide/guide-details/River-Angler
Where we like to go.
We really enjoy floating and fishing new areas with our guests. Got a place in mind? Let us be your river or pond taxi. Send us a message. We're always excited to meet guests to try new areas. Discounts available. If it can be floated in a kayak or canoe, it can be floated with our raft.
Weather and flow conditions depending, Mark of River Angler runs sections of the Westfield River, Quaboag, Ware, and Swift Rivers. Small rivers that require a bit of wading or portaging around downed trees and obstacles are some of our favorites, as these rivers are less frequented by other boaters and offer great stocked trout fishing in the spring. Mark has over a decade of commercial rafting experience and familiarity with the Deerfield and Millers Rivers in Franklin County. We also enjoy getting out on the Connecticut River as conditions allow. Big resident and anadromous fish swim the Connecticut. And, while the fishing this larger waterway can be challenging and inconsistent, the rewards can be worth it. On a less regular basis we venture down the Chicopee, Blackstone, Millers, Housatonic, and a section of the Charles River too.
Spring and medium/high-water conditions provide for some exciting whitewater in western Massachusetts. We selectively run novice whitewater with guests in our raft. And we cast streamers and bold offerings to aggressively feeding fish along the way. Angling for trout along warmer waterways tends to diminish as the heat of summer sets in, at which point we focus on warm water species and calmer waters. Whatever the condition, we like to enjoy the scenery of our local rivers.
Additional Details
- All trip participants will be required to sign a liability waiver.
- Age and physical limitations apply. Basic eligibility criteria apply for all participants. The criteria exist for your own safety and that of all trip participants. The criteria are not designed to discriminate based on any physical or mental disability and are uniformly applied to all potential trip participants, regardless of whether a disability is present or not.
- Minimum age requirements of 8 and 12. Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult or guardian at all times. From November through April, float trip activities are exclusively for adults.
- In general, handicap facilities are not available or limited.
- Access to restroom facilities may be limited in an outdoor setting.
- No guns, weapons, illegal drugs or illicit substances are allowed.
- We reserve the right to refuse anyone the opportunity to participate in our adventures because of a medical, physical or size limitation that we feel might expose them to extreme risk. In such a case, a full refund or an alternative trip arrangement will be offered. Trips require physical exertion and potential exposure to cold water, heat, wind and rain. Portions of these trips are often located in areas of limited access. Participants may accidentally enter or fall in the water and if rescue from the water is not possible or is unsafe, ability to self-rescue is imperative. Shorelines are often steep, slippery and challenging to navigate.
- Our lightweight folding boat seats have a seating capacity of 275 pounds. We kindly request that you inform us prior to the trip if any participants weigh close to or exceed this limit, so we can arrange alternative seating well in advance of the trip date. Last minute reconfigurations of the raft will delay the start of your day on the water.
- Our universal personal floatation devices (PFDs or life jackets) are manufactured to accommodate a maximum chest size of 52 to 56-inches. Please kindly inform us ahead of the trip if trip participants may exceed a chest size of 52-inches or weigh more the 375 pounds.
- River conditions vary and can be more unpredictable than the weather.
- Alternative trip arrangement locations may include waterways or ponds with better public facilities/parking, and/or those that are local within the state to accommodate the trip participant(s).
- River Angler retains the right to cancel, delay, or reschedule any trip-related activities due to severe weather, unforeseen events, or changing circumstances. A full or partial refund will be issued.
- On-line bookings require a $20 deposit. Balance due upon arrival or before the trip date. Cash, check and most major credit/debit cards accepted.
- E-mail the Eddyline@river-angler.com to tentatively schedule a date or time window without a deposit. Please include your name and contact information. Payment due upon arrival or after the trip per agreement.
