Description
Hamilton Reservoir is a 423-acre impoundment of the Quinebaug River extending from Sturbridge Rd. in Holland center to interstate 84 in Connecticut. The reservoir consists of two basins separated by a small, non-navigable culvert under Mashapaug Rd. The Northern basin is 248 acres in size with a mean depth of 8 feet and a maximum of 23 feet, while the southern basin is 175 acres in size with a mean depth of 7 feet and a maximum of 12 feet. The bottom is predominately mud with limited aquatic vegetation and the waters are slightly tannic and transparent to roughly 6 feet. The shoreline is extensively developed which contributes to heavy recreational use of the reservoir during summer months. Hamilton reservoir is drawn down annually during fall and winter so use caution when navigating during these times as depth varies seasonally.
Recreational access
The town of Holland manages a concrete boat ramp in the north basin which is suitable for trailered craft and located off of Leno Rd on the northern tip of the reservoir (get directions). Parking for 12 trailers is provided at the ramp and the shoreline is accessible here via a fishing pier. In the southern basin there is a paved boat ramp but it is privately held and available for use only to lake association members and shore front owners; there is no legal parking nearby (get directions). Please contact the offices of the town of Holland for additional information and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Hamilton Reservoir.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- smallmouth bass
- chain pickerel
- common carp
- yellow perch
- white perch
- black crappie
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- redbreasted sunfish
- brown bullhead
- yellow bullhead
- white sucker
- golden shiner
- landlocked alewife
- banded killifish
Both basins of Hamilton Reservoir are stocked each spring and fall with trout and occasionally with northern pike or tiger muskellunge when available. Please check the MassWildlife northern pike and tiger muskellunge stocking page for stocking dates.
Fishing
Hamilton Reservoir is stocked with good numbers of trout each year and thus is a popular destination for trout anglers during spring and fall. In addition to trout, a strong forage base supports an abundance of largemouth bass and chain pickerel with some larger individuals. Carp are also a popular draw at Hamilton Reservoir with individuals commonly exceeding 10 pounds. Both yellow and white perch are also numerous and can be caught easily from a boat or through the ice in winter. Hamilton Reservoir has produced largemouth bass, northern pike, common carp, yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish, brown trout and rainbow 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.