Fishing Quabbin Reservoir

AKA: Quabbin Lake

Popular Fish Species
Quabbin Reservoir Fishing Video
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Quabbin Reservoir, MA

Popular Fish Species Quabbin Reservoir, MA

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass fishing is a favorite sport for many locals at Quabbin Reservoir. These fat, brown bass are plentiful and easy to catch, once located. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers.

Lake Trout Fishing

Spring through Fall is the best time to be fishing for lake trout in Quabbin Reservoir. These large trout can be caught from as shallow as 15 to 30 feet in Spring and Fall, to as deep as 100 feet or more during Summer and Winter. It is a monumental help to use fish finders, or other electronics to help in locating these roaming schools of lake trout. They feed on baitfish, so jigs rigged to imitate their prey often work well straight down under the boat. Trolling with numerous set-ups, including bait and lures, can also produce good catches.

Landlocked Atlantic Salmon Fishing

Known as the “king of fish”, Atlantic salmon live in both fresh and saltwater, which means they are anadromous. They are renowned for their impressive athleticism, and delectable taste. Native to the North Atlantic Ocean, these fish undertake extraordinary journeys from their natal rivers to distant feeding grounds in the open ocean and back again to spawn. In recent years, the allure of fishing for landlocked Atlantic salmon in Quabbin Reservoir has grown in popularity. These are populations of Atlantic salmon that are confined to freshwater environments, unable to access the sea due to geographical barriers such as waterfalls or dams. Landlocked Atlantic salmon in lakes exhibit similar behaviors to their sea-run counterparts, including feeding frenzies and impressive displays of strength when hooked. Anglers most often target landlocked salmon by trolling open water. The pursuit of landlocked Atlantic salmon also comes with a responsibility. Conservation efforts are essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of these populations. Anglers must adhere to catch-and-release practices, follow local regulations, and support habitat restoration initiatives to safeguard the future of this cherished species.

Quabbin Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, white perch, yellow perch, Atlantic salmon and chain pickerel at Quabbin Reservoir in Massachusetts.

Pristine natural beauty surrounds Quabbin Reservoir, a 25,000-acre lake which covers approximately 39 square miles, in the west-central part of the state, at New Salem. There are over 180 miles of shoreline. The area from Gates 8 to 16A, and from Gates 22 to 44 are designated areas for fishing from the bank.

One of the popular fish species found in Quabbin Reservoir is lake trout, also known as togue. Another sought-after species is smallmouth bass. Quabbin Reservoir is also home to other fish species, including landlocked Atlantic salmon and stocked rainbow trout.

Fishing Report

A DCR Quabbin Boat Seal is required for all boats. Horsepower and other restrictions in place can be reviewed here. Kayaks, canoes and other boats are available for rent at the lake. Boat launch ramps are available via gates #8, #31 and #43. This is a popular fishing destination for anglers pursuing bass, trout, crappie, sunfish, perch, salmon and pike. The closest camping is at High View Campground, several miles from the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Quabbin Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Quabbin Reservoir Amenities

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

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