Massachusetts Bass Fishing, Massachusetts Fishing Charters and Guides

Massachusetts offers some fine freshwater fishing, with almost 3,000 lakes and ponds and some 10,000 miles of rivers and streams. Popular fish species include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, trout, salmon, catfish, and the rare tiger muskie. If you’re not familiar with Massachusetts waters, hire a knowledgeable fishing guide. Quabbin Reservoir – This is one of the largest manmade lakes in the nation. It covers almost 40 square miles and has 180 miles of shore. This is a clean lake and is a major source of drinking water. There are several boat ramps, bait shops, and places to rent boats. There are also Massachusetts fishing guides available to help you find some nice landlocked salmon, lake trout, and smallmouth bass.

Webster Lake – Located in central Massachusetts, this 1,270-acre lake is loaded with numerous desirable fish species. The deeper parts of the lake include submerged rocks, while the shallow flats in some of the coves have abundant weed beds. This is a great place to fish for largemouth and smallmouth bass, trout, tiger muskies, salmon, and northern pike weighing more than 20 pounds.

Cochituate State Park – This park has Lake Cochituate, which actually consists of three smaller lakes or ponds: South at 233 acres, Middle at 143 acres, and North Pond, with 195 acres. Middle Pond is the only one with a boat ramp – the other ponds have fishing piers and docks. The ponds provide good bass fishing.

Massachusetts Fishing, Top Lakes, Rivers, and Streams

Wickaboag Pond – This pond covers 320 acres and has relatively warm water. Largemouth bass are the main target. Boaters and water skiers enjoy the lake in the summer, so the best times to fish are spring and early fall, when the lake is quieter.

Deerfield River – If you’re into trout fishing, you’ll love this stream. The upper part of the stream is fairly swift and has some remote areas, while the lower section has a more gentle current, but it also has more crowds. Expect to catch wild brook trout and stocked trout in this stream.

Spy Pond – If you want to catch a big Massachusetts tiger muskie, head to 100-acre Spy Pond, west of Cambridge. The pond is fed by a spring and has cold, clear water with submerged weeds, drop-offs, and deep holes. This pond has little fishing pressure, and a boat ramp is available.

Pontoosuc Lake – This is another great fishing spot for catching a trophy tiger muskie. The lake covers 480 acres and has lots of submerged vegetation. You’ll need a boat, and there’s a nice boat ramp and parking area. Other species in the lake include largemouth bass, bullheads, crappie, chain pickerel, northern pike, and rainbow and brown trout.

Buckley Dunton Reservoir – This lake covers 160 acres and is a great place for largemouth bass fishing. It has submerged vegetation, shallow coves, and lots of stumps. There’s a good number of largemouth bass, including some larger fish. You’ll also have a chance to catch a trophy chain pickerel.

Littleville Reservoir – This 275-acre lake was created by damming a section of the Westfield River and has clear, cold water and a rocky bottom. There’s a boat ramp, but boat motors must be 10hp or less. The lake provides excellent fishing for rainbow trout, along with a few browns. The lake is also a popular site for ice fishing in the winter.