Towns: Chesterfield
Acreage: 622
Wildlife Management Zone: 4N
Description
The dominant feature of this WMA is the Dead Branch of the Westfield River. This slow-moving, meandering river has created a wide swath of marsh and flooded area. Beaver activity is common here and can greatly influence the amount of standing water on the WMA. Edges of the marsh transition from wetland shrubs to hemlock forests. Northern hardwoods can also be found here, increasing in frequency as one moves further from the flooded areas. The wetlands are most extensive at the northern end of the waterway where the headwater streams come together to form the Dead Branch.
Location, access, & parking
Because much of the WMA is flooded, the most common means of access is by kayak or canoe which can be carried to the water from Route 143 at the southern end of the WMA. Access is also available form Old Chesterfield Road on the eastern side of the area. The road into the WMA is rough and challenging to travel but users can walk from the upper portion of the road. See WMA map.
Note: WMAs are intentionally wild, visitors will find natural landscapes rather than maintained trails.
Hunting & fishing opportunities
Hunters can find many game species on this WMA. However, the extensive wetlands and flooded areas make Fisk Meadows an excellent area to target waterfowl. Hunters are advised to access the area by boat to reach the best waterfowl locations. The slow-moving Dead Branch of the Westfield River provides fishing opportunities for native brook trout and warmwater species. Anglers will find some chain pickerel, brown bullhead, and an occasional sunfish.
Wildlife viewing & other features
The river and the beaver impounded sections offer great wildlife viewing opportunities. Waterfowl frequent the area. Beaver can be readily seen from the roadway or from kayak or canoe. River otter have been known to use the northern section of the WMA. Great blue heron, red-winged blackbirds, and other wetland-dependent birds can be seen here. White-tailed deer and moose use the uplands adjacent to the marsh. Fisk Meadows offers one of the best paddling opportunities in the Hilltown area and users will be guaranteed to see some wildlife activity.
Regulations
About Wildlife Management Areas
MassWildlife owns and manages over 220,000 acres of land to conserve fish and wildlife habitats and provide access for outdoor recreation. All WMAs are open to hunting, fishing, trapping, and other outdoor recreation activities. Visit the MassWildlife Lands Viewer for an interactive map of MassWildlife properties.
You can support land protection in Massachusetts. Contributions to the Wildlands Fund help pay for the cost of acquiring wildlife habitat. Learn more about the Wildlands Fund.