Fishing Otis Reservoir

AKA: Otis Lake

Popular Fish Species
Otis Reservoir Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
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Otis Reservoir, MA

Popular Fish Species Otis Reservoir, MA

Otis Reservoir Popular Fish - Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout Fishing

Excellent stocking programs by the Department of Fish and Game has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout for anglers at Otis Reservoir. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. While fishing from a boat is preferred, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Otis Reservoir Popular Fish - Yellow Perch

Yellow Perch Fishing

Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Otis Reservoir. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

Otis Reservoir Popular Fish - Chain Pickerel

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. Otis Reservoir 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. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing can get very exciting with these big pike.

Otis Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, white perch, yellow perch, chain pickerel and tiger muskies at Otis Reservoir in Massachusetts.

Surrounded in part by Tolland State Forest, Otis Reservoir is a 1,200-acre lake in the southwest corner of Massachusetts. A nice variety of fish species inhabit the lake, including bass, catfish, trout, sunfish, perch, pike and muskie.

One of the popular fish species found in Otis Reservoir is smallmouth bass. Another sought-after species is yellow perch. The lake also supports populations of other fish species, including largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and sunfish.

There are about 30 miles of shoreline, most of which is surrounded by private homes with boat docks. One boat launch ramp is available to the public. Kayaks, canoes, pleasure, pontoon and fishing boats are all welcome, but click here for boating regulations on Otis Lake. Campgrounds, marina, stores and restaurants are all easily accessible at, or nearby the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Otis Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Otis Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

D & J Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Reservoir Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with limited parking.

Otis Reservoir Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Main Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Marinas

D&J Marina
1367 Reservoir Rd
Otis, Massachusetts 01253