Fishing Report For Wachusett Reservoir, MA

By Rick Seaman

April 21, 2025

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Wachusett Reservoir Fishing Video
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Fishing Report Wachusett Reservoir, MA

Fishing Reports

Popular Fish Species Wachusett Reservoir, MA

Smallmouth Bass

Current Report: Fair To Good
Outlook: Good

Wachusett Reservoir is considered a good, smallmouth bass fishery and is home to the state record of over 8 pounds. Since anglers are limited to fishing from specific sections of the shoreline, many bass never see a lure. Tube baits in crawfish colors continue to fool smallmouth here. Typically, long casts are in order. Jerkbaits, and topwater baits once the water temperature rises into the mid-50's, and are both good ways to cover water without snagging bottom. Anglers report spoons retrieved at a fast pace will also catch smallies, as well as other species in the lake. In cooler months, the fishing is often good on cold, windy, cloudy and rainy days.

Lake Trout

Current Report: Good
Outlook: Good

MassWildlife reports a 39" laker being caught recently from Wachusett Reservoir, and 20" late trout are quite common. Lake trout prefer deep water, nearby even deeper water. This is where they cruise and feed on small fish. Lures imitating baitfish, sunfish or small trout are catching nice lakers here, especially. Shiners, fished on Jigheads, Carolina rigs, or as drop-shots are a good way to still-fish with bait. Flashy spoons can be fished at any depth, making long casts and slow, steady retrieves. Long rods and heavy lures are important, and most successful anglers us a minimum of 7' rods and lure weights in the 3/4 oz to 1 oz range. Fishing the deep ledges where these lakers feed and travel is important, so topographical maps are very helpful when planning your trip.

White Perch

Current Report: Good To Very Good
Outlook: Very Good

This is home to the state record white perch weighing 3 1/2 pounds. They grow fat and sassy here as they get limited fishing pressure. Jigs tipped with minnows, nightcrawlers, grubs or prepared bait catch perch here year after year. A healthy, stable population of white perch reside in the lake, providing a steady food source for larger, predator fish. Spinners and underspins also work well.

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 Wachusett Reservoir in Massachusetts.

Wachusett Reservoir is a 4,100-acre lake with 37 miles of shoreline. Fishing for bass, sunfish, perch, trout, crappie, salmon and pike are all popular at this reservoir in the east-central part of the state. Access for fishing is limited to specific areas, and boating is not allowed.

Primary fish species to catch

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing License

Click here for a Massachusetts Fishing License.

Map - Fishing & Access

Rick Seaman is a fishing enthusiast with over five decades of fishing experience, a retired tournament fisherman, author of numerous published articles on fishing, and co-author of the book "Bass Fishing - It's not WHAT you throw, It's WHERE you throw it".