Description
Cheshire Reservoir is a 575-acre impoundment of the Hoosic River located immediately west of Route 8 in Cheshire and Lanesborough. Cheshire Reservoir has three distinct basins separated by causeways. The northern basin (295 acres) is the largest with an average depth of 7 feet and a maximum depth of 14 feet; the middle basin is 187 acres with an average depth of 5 feet and a maximum of of 10 feet; the southern basin is 93 acres and is very shallow. Submerged aquatic vegetation becomes dense as the summer progresses, particularly as you move into shallower areas of the reservoir. With the exception of the western shore of the northern basin which is moderately developed with houses, the shores of Cheshire Reservoir are largely free from development. A rail trail runs along the eastern shores of the northern and middle basin.
Recreational access
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages a concrete boat ramp and dock off of Route 8 on the northeastern shore of the north basin (get directions). A second DCR-managed gravel ramp, suitable for trailered craft, is located off of Farnams Road on the northeastern shore of the middle basin (get directions). Across the street, is a town managed picnic, shore fishing, and cartop launch on the south western shore of the north basin. Shore fishing is possible at all access points and parking is ample. Additional shore fishing is available along the rail trail that parallels the eastern shore of the northern and middle basins.
Concrete boat ramp managed by DCR off of Rt. 8 on the north eastern shore of the north basin.
Gravel boat ramp managed by DCR off Farnams Road on the north eastern shore of the middle basin.
Town managed shore fishing, picnic area, and cartop launch off of Farnams Road on the southern shore of the northern basin.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- northern pike
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- black crappie
- pumpkinseed
- bluegill
- brown bullhead
- white sucker
- golden shiner
- banded killifish
Fishing
Cheshire Reservoir is a fertile impoundment and contains impressive largemouth bass, yellow perch, and northern pike populations. Largemouth bass are typically larger than average size, yellow perch are both large and abundant, and northern pike over 40 inches are reported in most years. Many of these large individuals are caught through the ice in winter which is a popular time of year to fish at Cheshire Reservoir. Cheshire Reservoir has produced largemouth bass, northern pike, chain pickerel, yellow perch, black crappie, bullhead, and sunfish that meet the 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.