Description
Sugden Reservoir is a 92-acre impoundment of Shaw Brook located off of Paxton Road roughly 2.5 miles northeast of Spencer Center. Sugden Reservoir has an average depth of 10 feet, a maximum depth of 17 feet, and water typically transparent to 7 feet. Aquatic vegetation is sparse, and the shores are heavily developed with year-round houses. Fishing, swimming, paddling, and water skiing are all popular activities here during the summer months.
Recreational access
MassWildlife manages a small gravel boat ramp and parking area suitable for 10 vehicles off of Donnelly Cross Road on the northeast corner of the reservoir (get directions). The ramp is situated at the end of a shallow cove which limits the size of boats that can be launched. Please contact the MassWildlife Central District Office for additional information and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Sugden Reservoir.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- smallmouth bass
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- white perch
- black crappie
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- brown bullhead
- yellow bullhead
- white sucker
- American eel
Sugden Reservoir is stocked each spring with trout.
Fishing
Trout fishing is popular here during spring which transitions to quality bass fishing throughout the summer. Anglers can expect to catch both largemouth and smallmouth bass in good numbers with the occasional larger fish. Yellow perch and black crappie are also plentiful. Sugden Reservoir has produced largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, yellow perch, and sunfish 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.