Description
Chicopee Reservoir is a 24-acre impoundment of Cooley Brook located within Chicopee Memorial State Park off of Burnett Rd. near the southern tip of Westover Air Force Base in Chicopee. Chicopee Reservoir has an average depth of 9 feet, a maximum depth of 38 feet and the waters are darkly colored with a transparency of only 3 feet. The bottom is gravel and mud and aquatic vegetation is infrequent. Aside from a large state beach, the shores of Chicopee Reservoir are undeveloped.
Recreational access
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages a beach and picnic area where shore fishing is permitted; no boats are allowed on Chicopee Reservoir (get directions). Parking is provided for a fee during the swimming season. With the exception of the beach area, the entire shoreline is open and accessible for shore fishing. Please contact DCR offices of Chicopee Memorial State Park for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Chicopee Reservoir.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- pumpkinseed
- bluegill
- brown bullhead
- white sucker
- golden shiner
- banded killifish
Chicopee Reservoir is stocked each spring and fall with trout.
Fishing
For families and children that come to swim and fish, abundant sunfish populations will keep youngsters busy all day. Largemouth bass are the primary game fish and some larger fish have been reported here. Trout fishing is also popular around the stockings. Chicopee Reservoir has produced largemouth bass, shad, bullhead, sunfish, and brook trout that meet minimum sizes for recognition by the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Programs.
More fishing resources:
Stop aquatic hitchhikers
Prevent the transport of nuisance species; clean all recreational equipment. Visit ProtectYourWaters.net to learn more.