Description
Quabbin Reservoir is a 24,012-acre impoundment of the Swift River and primary drinking water supply located in several central Massachusetts communities. The Quabbin Aqueduct connects Quabbin Reservoir to Wachusett Reservoir (40 miles to the east) and points further east to supply drinking water to millions of residents of the commonwealth. Much of the land surrounding the reservoir is managed for drinking water protection, and depending on its proximity to the reservoir or critical infrastructure, its use is restricted to varying degrees.
Recreational access
The Department of Conservation and Recreation Division of Water Supply Protection manages the lands surrounding the reservoir to safeguard the quality and security of the drinking water supply. Foot access is permitted at gated forestry roads that permeate the watershed lands. Boat access is permitted at 3 boat launch areas at gate 8 (fishing area 1; get directions), gate 31 (fishing area 2; get directions) and gate 43 (fishing area 3; get directions). Boats are available to rent at these locations and personal craft must be decontaminated prior to launching. Before visiting, please review the Quabbin Reservoir fishing and access rules as fishing and access in general is seasonal and varies depending upon location. Access sites, gates, parking areas and trail maps can be found using the Quabbin Reservoir interactive fishing map.
Boat launch at gate 8 (fishing area 1)
Parking at gate 8 (fishing area 1)
Boat launch at gate 31 (fishing area 2)
Another boat launch at gate 31 (fishing area 2)
Shore access at gate 31 (fishing area 2)
Parking at gate 31 (fishing area 2)
Boat launch at gate 43 (fishing area 3)
Parking at gate 43 (fishing area 3)
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- smallmouth bass
- lake trout
- landlocked salmon
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- white perch
- black crappie
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- rock bass
- brown bullhead
- rainbow smelt
- white sucker
- banded killifish
- golden shiner
Quabbin Reservoir is stocked each spring with trout.
Fishing
Quabbin Reservoir is one of the premier fishing destinations in the state. It is one of two waterbodies in Massachusetts with natural reproducing populations of lake trout and landlocked salmon and also has abundant populations of smallmouth bass and white perch which reach considerable size. Shore anglers will have the best luck for salmonids in spring when these fish roam the shallow margins of the reservoir looking for smelt. During summer, a boat is required to catch these fish as they recede to deeper water. Smallmouth bass are abundant with some large fish and can be caught throughout the year from shore or boat. Quabbin Reservoir has produced largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, lake trout, landlocked salmon, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch, sunfish, bullhead, black crappie, 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.