Description
Ashland Reservoir is a 173-acre impoundment of Cold Spring Brook located approximately one mile south of Ashland center. The average depth of Ashfield Reservoir is 24 feet with a maximum of 50 feet and the water is typically transparent to 9 feet. Aquatic vegetation is scarce and generally limited to a few coves and shoreline areas. The bottom is dominated by rubble, rock and clay. The reservoir is encompassed by Ashland State Park thus its shores are undeveloped, which make it a peaceful place to fish, boat, and recreate.
Recreational access
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages a small gravel ramp suitable for trailered craft off of Spring Street on the southern tip of the reservoir (get directions). Parking for approximately 20 cars is possible in a small gravel lot off of spring street. Cartop boat access is also possible from Ashland State Park located off of Rt. 135 on the western shore (get directions). Boats will need to be carried in from the parking lot and a parking fee will apply. The entire shoreline is accessible from trails emanating from the launch areas. Please contact the DCR offices of Ashland State Park for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Ashland Reservoir.
The gravel ramp at Ashland Reservoir off Spring Street.
Parking for he gravel ramp off of Spring Street.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- smallmouth bass
- black crappie
- yellow perch
- pumpkinseed
- bluegill
- brown bullhead
- golden shiner
Ashland Reservoir is stocked each spring and fall with trout.
Fishing
Ashland Reservoir maintains a layer of cold, oxygenated water throughout the warm summer months which allows stocked trout to survive multiple seasons. Trout can be caught year round but anglers will find the best action in the spring and fall. Fishing pressure for trout can be high during the peak of the season, so plan to arrive early to get a parking space. If interested in warmwater game fish, largemouth bass in the 10 to 14 inch range are abundant around the drop-offs associated with the islands along the western shore. Ashland Reservoir has produced brown trout, rainbow trout, and tiger trout that meet minimum sizes for recognition by the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program.
More fishing resources:
Stop aquatic hitchhikers
Prevent the transport of nuisance species; clean all recreational equipment. Visit ProtectYourWaters.net to learn more.