Cheshire Reservoir

Cheshire Reservoir is a shallow, weedy, 575-acre impoundment of the Hoosic River along Route 8, and a fertile one: MassWildlife says it grows larger-than-average largemouth bass, big and plentiful yellow perch, and northern pike over 40 inches in most years. Much of that is caught through the ice.

When to fish

• Winter: ice fishing is a big draw, and many of the reservoir's largest pike, bass and perch are caught through the ice.
• Spring and summer: open-water bass and pike fishing; the weeds get thick as summer goes on, especially in the shallower areas.

Where to fish

• Three basins: causeways split the reservoir into a north basin (the largest, to about 14 feet deep), a middle basin (to about 10 feet) and a very shallow south basin.
• The rail trail: a rail trail runs along the east shore of the north and middle basins, with shore fishing along the way.
• Pike: MassWildlife lists Cheshire as a best bet for trophy pike and has stocked it several times, most recently in 2021.

Getting there

DCR runs a concrete ramp and dock off Route 8 on the northeast shore of the north basin, and a gravel ramp for trailered boats off Farnams Road on the middle basin. Across the road, the town has a picnic area with shore fishing and a cartop launch, and MassWildlife lists a handicapped-accessible fishing platform on Farnams Road. Parking is ample at all of them. You need a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license; pike have a minimum length, and small lead sinkers and lead jigs are banned in fresh water.