Fishing Lake Cochituate
AKA: Cochituate Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Cochituate, MA
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Lake Cochituate continues to deliver great catches of largemouth bass, as it has for several years now. Thorough fisheries management by the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game has maintained a quality bass fishery providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding lately. A significant number of larger bass also roam these waters, so there is always the potential for catching a lunker. Bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If you find them shallow, and they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Lake Cochituate on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass can range from fair to very good here, year round.
Black Crappie Fishing
Lake Cochituate holds a plentiful population of black crappie, and they are running in good sizes this year. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Chain Pickerel Fishing
Chain pickerel prefer to weedy areas of lakes and rivers. They ambush baitfish and sunfish which requires cover for them to hide within. Submerged aquatic vegetation, brush, fallen tree limbs, or structures such as rock piles, bridge pilings, rip-rap, or debris. Lake Cochituate has a very healthy population of these toothy critters, many approaching 30 inches and exceeding 5 pounds. Unlike many freshwater fish species, chain pickerel do not school up. They tend to be loners. Once you catch one, find other, spots with similar cover and depth to fish. Flashy spoons, live minnows, and bait-imitating crankbaits all work well. For added excitement, try fishing topwater lures over vegetation areas. Topwater lures that mimic wounded baitfish are very tempting to these predators.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, white perch, yellow perch, chain pickerel, northern pike and tiger muskie at Lake Cochituate in Massachusetts.
Lake Cochituate Fishing Video
Lake Cochituate, located in Natick, Massachusetts, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. This picturesque lake covers approximately 625 acres and offers anglers a diverse range of fish species to target.
Cochituate State Park wraps around Lake Cochituate, which is a 610-acre lake in the northeast part of the state, at Natick. Kayak or canoe around a dozen miles of shoreline in search of your favorite fish species.
One of the popular fish species found in Lake Cochituate is largemouth bass. Anglers are drawn to the lake for the opportunity to catch these prized game fish. Largemouth bass can be targeted using various techniques, such as casting with plastic worms, crankbaits, or topwater lures. The lake's structure, including weed beds, submerged logs, and rocky areas, provides ideal habitats for bass to thrive.
Another popular species in Lake Cochituate is yellow perch. These panfish offer anglers a fun and rewarding fishing experience. Yellow perch can be caught using techniques such as jigging with small jigs or using live bait, such as worms or minnows. They can be found near weed edges, submerged structures, or drop-offs.
Lake Cochituate also supports populations of other fish species, including black crappie, white perch, and sunfish. Black crappie, known for their tasty fillets, can be targeted using similar techniques as yellow perch. White perch provide additional angling opportunities and can be caught using bait fishing or jigging. Sunfish, such as bluegill and pumpkinseed, are abundant and offer a great option for novice anglers and families.
Anglers visiting Lake Cochituate should be aware of fishing regulations and obtain the appropriate licenses. It's important to follow catch limits, size restrictions, and specific rules to ensure the sustainability of the fish populations and the preservation of the lake's ecosystem.
With its diverse fish species, convenient boating access, and nearby recreational facilities, Lake Cochituate offers anglers a rewarding fishing experience in Massachusetts. Whether it's targeting largemouth bass, pursuing yellow perch, or casting for other popular fish species, Lake Cochituate provides a tranquil and enjoyable angling adventure amidst the natural beauty of the area.
Check with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health before consuming the fish here, as often there are high levels of PCBs. Generally speaking, this is an ideal catch-and-release lake. There are no campgrounds or marinas here, and most services are scattered throughout the town of Cochituate.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Cochituate
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake Cochituate Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is allowed on Lake Cochituate, and anglers can enjoy the convenience of launching their boats from the public boat ramps available. The lake allows for non-motorized boats, as well as boats with electric motors, creating a peaceful and enjoyable boating and fishing experience. It's important to note that certain regulations and restrictions may apply to boating, so anglers should be familiar with the rules and guidelines set by the local authorities.
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boating in Boston
Rentals: Kayaks and canoes
617 299-3392
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Cochituate State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Commonwealth Road, this is a multi-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Cochituate
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Massachusetts Fishing License.
While there are no camping facilities directly on Lake Cochituate, nearby parks and recreational areas provide camping options for those looking to extend their stay. Cochituate State Park, located on the eastern shore of the lake, offers camping facilities with amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and hiking trails. This provides anglers and their families with the opportunity to enjoy a complete outdoor experience.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
There are no RV parks or campgrounds nearby.
Lake Cochituate MA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Cochituate
Cochituate State Park
43 Commonwealth Rd
Natick, MA 01760
508 653-9641
Fishing lakes in each state.
062824
Lake Cochituate in Massachusetts.
MASSACHUSETTS
Information about fishing lakes in Massachusetts
Fishing for bass, crappie, trout, sunfish, perch, pike and muskie at Lake Cochituate in northeast Massachusetts.