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Wachusett Fishing Season

Quabbin Reservoir 2008 Fishing Guide
 

Click here for a downloadable version of the

2008 Quabbin Reservoir Fishing Guide

Welcome to Quabbin Reservoir, the principal drinking water supply for 2.5 million Massachusetts residents. Since 1946, shore fishing has been allowed at the reservoir, and since 1952 a limited boat fishing program has been in existence. Please help preserve your fishing privileges and protect Quabbin's resources by following all rules and regulations.

Season: The 2008 Fishing season runs from April 19 to October 18. Boat launch areas are open seven days a week from 6:00 AM until closing. From April 19th - May 11th the areas close at 8:00 PM, from May 12th - August 10th at 8:30 PM, then at 7:00 PM for the remainder of the season. Shore Fishing is open 7 days a week for the season. "Boats Off The Water" times are seasonally adjusted and posted at each boat launch area.

Licenses:

• All persons over 15 years must have a valid MA fishing/sporting license or a Quabbin Fishing License.

• One-day Quabbin Fishing Licenses are available for purchase at the boat launch areas for $5.00.
  

• Quabbin Fishing Licenses are limited to the designated shore and boat fishing areas on Quabbin Reservoir during the Quabbin Fishing Season.

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Security Issues

• Notify officials if anything seems out of the ordinary.

• Report violations of DCR Regulations, suspicious activities or abnormal environmental conditions to DCR Rangers or the MA State Police.

• Boat Launch Area attendants monitor Marine Band Radio Channel 16 on a routine basis.

• National security conditions may require the temporary closure of the watershed to all public access.

• Notices will be posted at all access points if closure is necessary.

Emergency Contact Numbers
Quabbin Watershed Rangers: 413-323-0191
MA State Police-Quabbin: 413-323-7561
Quabbin Visitor Center: 413-323-7221

Fishing Advisory

• The DCR and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health have issued a health advisory for persons consuming Quabbin fish.

• The advisory recommends limiting or eliminating consumption of certain species of fish due to elevated levels of mercury found in fish samples.

• Water testing results indicate that mercury has not affected the drinking water and its suitability for human consumption.

• Please consult the complete fishing advisory posted on the bulletin boards at the boat launch areas or ask the attendant for further information. You may also click here for the Department of Public Health’s complete list of fish consumption advisories.

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Shore Fishing

• Access is permitted during daylight hours along designated shorelines from Gates 8 to 16A, and from Gates 22 to 44.

• Vehicles parked in front of gates will be towed at the owner's expense.

• Bicycle access is permitted only on designated roads between Gates 29 and 35, and at Gates 40, 43, 43 & 44. Gate 8 bike access is permitted only April 14- October 13, 2007.

• Parking fees apply to shore fishing at Boat Launch Areas.

• Night access is allowed with a valid permit at Gates 16, 31, 33, 35, 41 and 43 during the Quabbin Fishing Season.

• No fires are permitted at any time.

• Call the Quabbin Visitor Center for further details: (413) 323-7221.

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Stream Fishing

Quabbin Reservation - (DCR land within Rts. 202, 122, 32A & 9):   Fishing is permitted during the Quabbin Fishing Season on tributaries which enter the reservoir along shorelines open for fishing.

Off-Reservation - (DCR land outside Rts. 202, 122, 32A & 9): Fishing is permitted during the regular State Fishing Season.

Swift River below Winsor Dam: The Swift River from Winsor Dam "Y Pool" to Route 9 is open year-round to fly fishing on a catch and release basis. A "No Trespassing Zone" has been established around the Power Station where all public access is prohibited.

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Pond Fishing

• Carry-in boat access and use is allowed on South Spectacle and Bassett ponds.

• Boat fishing is allowed on Pepper's Mill Pond with non-motorized, carry-in boats.

• Allowed on certain ponds in Off-Reservation areas (DCR land outside Rts. 202, 122, 32A & 9) with restrictions.

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Reservoir Boat Fishing

Boat Launching Area #1
Located in Pelham off Route 202, 4 1/2 miles north of the intersection with Route 9. This area is considered prime for coldwater fish such as trout and salmon.

Boat Launching Area #2 - The Robert D. Wetmore Fishing Area
The Robert D. Wetmore Fishing Area-located in New Salem off Route 122, just south of the intersection with Route 202. This area provides a great variety of warmwater fish in addition to trout and salmon.

Boat Launching Area #3
Located in Hardwick off Greenwich Road, west of Route 32A. This area offers excellent warmwater fishing, in addition to trout and salmon.

2008 Fees:

• Seniors (65 and older) pay half price except for rentals on weekends and holidays.
• Handicapped citizens pay half price at all times.

Outboard Motor Size Limits

• DCR rental boats are limited to 10 horsepower (hp) maximum.

• TWO-STROKE ENGINES - Private boats with two-stroke engines are limited to one-half the Boating Industries of America (BIA) or Outboard Boating Council (OBC) hp rating of the boat up to a maximum of 20 hp.

• FOUR-STROKE ENGINES - Private boats with four-stroke engines are limited to one-half the Boating Industries of America (BIA) or Outboard Boating Council (OBC) hp rating of the boat up to a maximum of 25 hp.

• Private boats may use two motors provided the total combined horsepower does not exceed the horsepower limits above.

• Combined four-stroke and two-stroke engines may not exceed 20 hp total.

• 25 horsepower two-stroke motors are not allowed.

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Rest Room Facilities

In order to address sanitary concerns for the fishing program, the DCR has placed temporary rest room facilities at sites throughout the Quabbin Reservation. These sites are marked with white buoys in the water near the landing areas. Please protect Quabbin's water by using the facilities and obeying the following regulations:

• Portable toilets are marked with white buoys.

• Beaching is permitted between the signs, only at designated sites (see map for locations).

• Ten-minute limit per boat.
  

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2008 Boat Rental Information
Hours of Operation:

• April 19 - May 11 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM

• May 12, - August 10 6:00 AM - 8:30 PM

• August 11 - October 18 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM

• Oars, gas, life preservers are supplied for each boat

• All Boat Launch Areas are open seven days a week for the season

To Rent a Boat:

• You must be 16 years or older

• You must have a valid MA fishing/sporting license or a Quabbin Fishing License

• Boats are rented First Come-First Serve

• Payments MUST be in cash

• NO bills larger than $20

• Rentals before 2:00 PM pay full day rate

Required:

• Chock blocks on vehicle when removing boat.

• Rubber boots when launching and removing boat from the reservoir.

• Safety equipment in compliance with U.S. Coast Guard Regulations.

Canoe and Kayak Access

• Canoes, kayaks and Jon Boats cannot be launched on the main body of the reservoir.

• Canoe and kayak access is permitted with a valid fishing license above the horseshoe dams at Gate #43 and Gate #31.

• All boats must be at least 12 feet in length

• All fees apply.

• Canoes and kayaks must be checked in with the DCR fishing area attendant before launching.

• State law requires life vests be worn September 15 -May 15.

• No canoe or jon boat may carry more than 3 people.

Boating Regulations:

• DCR Rental boats are limited to 10 horsepower (hp) maximum

• All boats must be at least 12 feet long and in compliance with MA boating laws. " Boats may carry only 4 people.

• Boats under 14 feet 6 inches are limited to 3 people.

• Boats must be returned at posted times.

• No Boats may be launched after 4:00 PM

• Boats must be operated at a safe and reasonable speed.

• Persons under 16 years MUST be accompanied by an adult.

• Flashlights or a cyalume chemical stick are recommended in the event you need to be rescued.

• Beaching is for rest room facility use only. Ten-minute limit per boat

PROHIBITED

• NO boating beyond marked limits

• NO lead fishing sinkers

• NO landing of boats on shoreline or islands except at designated areas.

• NO swimming or wading

• NO dogs or other animals

• NO camping

• NO fires

• NO alcoholic beverages

• NO disposal of materials in the reservoir or reservation

• NO acts that pollute the water supply

• NO pontoon boats, inflatable boats or sailboats

Bait & Tackle:

• Live bait may be used.

• Smelt bait is legal only AFTER May 15.

• Chumming is PROHIBITED.

Prevent the spread of aquatic invasive plants

• Clean your equipment of any plant fragments or animals before transporting.

• Dispose of material far away from water bodies.

• Eliminate water from equipment before transporting.

• Never release plants, fish or animals into a body of water unless they came from that water body.

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Quabbin Loons & Eagles
Quabbin Reservoir is one of the few places in Massachusetts where Common Loons and Bald Eagles are known to consistently nest. These birds can easily be disturbed during the nesting season and many abandon their nests if approached too closely. As well, loons and eagles can become entangled in monofilament fishing line and wire leaders. Line and leaders have been found in Quabbin Bald Eagle nests and could kill young eagles. To protect these special birds, please obey the following:

• Dispose of fishing line and sinkers properly.

• Put tangled monofilament line in your pocket or tackle box and dispose of properly.

• Use non-toxic weights and sinkers instead of lead, which is now banned at the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs.

• Stay well away from nest sites.

• Do not land boats on islands or shorelines.

• Steer boats away from swimming loons or perched eagles.

• Respect "Wildlife Research Areas" posted with signs or marked with red buoys.

• Read and obey notices posted at Boat Launch Areas.

• State and federal laws protecting loons and eagles are strictly enforced.

For further information on Fishing Sinker Regulations, please refer to the notices posted at Boat Launch Areas information boards.

Preserve your privilege to use this unique resource

• Be considerate in your use of land and water.

• Know and obey DCR DWSP rules and regulations.

• Report violators to:
  Watershed Rangers at (413) 323-0191
  State Police - Quabbin at (413) 323-7561 "
  Fishing area attendants

Violations of DCR/DWSP regulations are punishable by fines up to $50,000 or by imprisonment for not more than one year. Rule violations may result in the loss of fishing privileges. (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 92A½, Section 9)

Fishing Facts: Quabbin's fishery is comprised of both coldwater species (trout and salmon) and warmwater species (bass, pickerel, perch, and bullhead). Most of the deep coldwater species occur on Quabbin's west arm, accessible from Gate #8 (Boat Launch Area #1). Deep water fishing is also available on the main part of the reservoir, but Gate #31 (Area #2) and Gate #43 (Area #3) also provide access to shallower waters which are better for warmwater fishing.

Bait: Live bait can be used; however, smelt bait is legal only after May 15th. Chumming is prohibited.

* Total daily creel is three (3) trout for this group.
** Total daily creel is five (5) bass for this group.

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Bait & Tackle: Shops are located near the Boat Launch Areas in Pelham, Belchertown, Hardwick, and Orange.

Camping & Picnicking: For information on state park camping call (617) 727-3180. For information on private campgrounds call (617) 727-3201.

Accommodations: Available near the three Boat Launch Areas in Orange, Athol, Ware, and Amherst and near the turnpike access in Chicopee.

Other important numbers:
State Police - Quabbin Barracks : 413-323-7561
Quabbin Watershed Rangers: 413-323-0191
Quabbin Administration Building: 413-323-6921
Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife: www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw

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