- Department of Fish and Game
Media Contact
Julia E. Hopkins, Communications Director
PETERSHAM — Today, the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Office of Fishing & Boating Access (OFBA) and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) celebrated the new boat ramp at the DCR's Quabbin Reservoir Fishing Area #3. To mark the completion of the project, officials held a ribbon cutting ceremony with state legislators, local leaders, and community members to highlight improved public access and kick off the annual Quabbin Reservoir fishing season, which opens on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
“The Quabbin Reservoir has some of the best freshwater fishing our state has to offer. Whether you’re fishing for landlocked salmon, trout, or smallmouth bass, you can’t find a better spot to cast a line, take in the scenery, and if you’re lucky, watch bald eagles soar overhead,” said DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “DFG is proud to provide improved access for all to this incredible natural resource. Thank you to DCR’s Division of Watershed Protection, state and local leaders, and the fishing community for your continued support.”
“Nothing says springtime like the start of the Quabbin Fishing Season! We are thrilled to welcome anglers back the Quabbin Reservoir bright and early Saturday morning. With the new boat ramp and the repaved access road we look forward to seeing the community enjoying the improvements and beauty of the Quabbin Reservoir,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo.
Over the past several months, OFBA reconstructed the popular boat ramp at Fishing Area #3 in partnership with DCR’s Division of Watershed Protection. Through a modest $280,000 investment, OFBA demolished the old ramp, constructed a new and improved facility, and resurfaced the parking lot to improve access for anglers to premier freshwater fishing on the Quabbin Reservoir. With these improvements, the facility will be able to serve the Quabbin fishing community for over 30 years.
“As the state office responsible for providing access to the public waters of the Commonwealth at over 300 locations, we take our role very seriously and are glad to provide a much-improved ramp at a very popular location ahead of the fishing season. We are grateful for the support of DCR’s Division of Watershed Protection and proud to share that by working during the off-season with low water levels, we were able to deliver a high-quality facility at a low cost,” said OFBA Acting Director Terry Smith.
The 2025 Quabbin Fishing Season will be open April 19 through October 18. As the principal drinking water supply for 3 million Massachusetts residents, the Quabbin Reservoir has special rules and regulations. DFG and DCR remind anglers to fish responsibly to protect this incredible resource: take precautions to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species, use sustainable fishing gear to protect iconic species like the common loon and bald eagle, and properly dispose of all fishing line, leaders, and sinkers in recycling receptacles at boat launch areas. Learn more about the Quabbin Reservoir Fishing Season and get your freshwater fishing license today.
“This is the second time I have been able to attend a ribbon cutting for improvements at Quabbin that create better, easier access for fishermen and women. It is so important to keep these areas accessible to the very people who are the best stewards of the Quabbin watershed, which provides drinking water to Boston,” said State Senator Peter Durant (R—Worcester and Hampshire).
“I am tremendously appreciative for indispensable advocacy of the angler community and in particular the Quabbin Fishermen's Association. Their efforts, combined with the work of the Department of Fish and Game, will allow many in our community to continue to enjoy what the Quabbin has to offer," said State Representative Aaron Saunders (D—7th Hampden).
“The Quabbin Reservoir is a true gem of Central Massachusetts, and this new boat ramp will make it easier for families, friends, and anglers of all ages to enjoy it. This investment not only enhances access to great fishing but also strengthens the connection between our community and the outdoors. I am proud to support this project and grateful to all who made it possible,” said State Representative Todd Smola (R—1st Hampden).
“We are grateful for the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, Office of Fishing and Boating Access, and DCR Quabbin staff for their dedication to this project that will improve the two boat launches and parking lot for our current and future anglers,” said Quabbin Fishermen’s Association President Clayton Sydla.
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