Description
Buffumville Reservoir is a 451-acre impoundment of the Little River that is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The reservoir is bisected by Oxford Road splitting it into a 265 acre north basin which has a mean depth of 8 feet and a maximum of 15 ft and a 186 acre south basin with a mean depth of 10 ft and a maximum of 20 feet. Aquatic vegetation such as milfoil, pickerelweed and sedges are abundant in the southern basin and the western shoreline of the northern basin. Boaters should be weary of numerous submerged stumps and dead trees that are scattered along the eastern shore of the southern basin.
Recreational access
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages a concrete boat ramp suitable for trailered craft and large parking area at the north end of the south basin off Oxford Road (get directions). A large culvert under Oxford Road permits boat passage between basins at all but the highest water levels. Cartop boat access is also permitted at Buffumville Lake Park which is also off Oxford Rd but in the north basin (get directions). Boats must be carried in over the beach and a parking fee applies. The entire shoreline of the reservoir is undeveloped and accessible to shore fishing including several improved shore fishing areas at the ramp and in Buffumville Lake Park. Please contact the US Army Corps of Engineers for additional information, fee structure and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Buffumville Reservoir.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- white perch
- yellow perch
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- black crappie
- brown bullhead
- white sucker
Fishing
While largemouth bass can be taken throughout the reservoir, the southern basin with its extensive weed beds, submerged stumps, rocks, and standing dead trees make it particularly productive. Buffumville Reservoir has produced largemouth bass, chain pickerel and black crappie that meet minimum size 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.