Quabbin Reservoir

Quabbin Reservoir, a 24,000-acre drinking-water reservoir spread across several central Massachusetts towns, is one of only two places in Massachusetts with naturally reproducing lake trout and landlocked salmon (Wachusett is the other). It also has plenty of smallmouth bass and big white perch. Because it's a water supply, fishing runs on DCR's rules: a set season, three boat launch areas, rental boats, and strict limits on private boats.

When to fish

• Spring: the best time from shore. MassWildlife says trout and salmon cruise the shallow edges chasing smelt, and it stocks trout here in spring.
• Summer: the trout and salmon go deep, so you need a boat.
• All season: smallmouth bass bite all year, from shore or boat.
• Late fall and early winter: boat fishing ends in October, but DCR now keeps shore fishing open into the winter. Check DCR's current season dates before you go.

Where to fish

• Gate 8 (Boat Launch Area 1, Pelham): DCR calls it prime water for trout and salmon; most of the deep, cold water is in the west arm reached from here.
• Gate 31 (Boat Launch Area 2, New Salem): a mix of warmwater fish plus trout and salmon.
• Gate 43 (Boat Launch Area 3, Hardwick): excellent warmwater fishing in shallower water, plus trout and salmon.
• From shore: daylight fishing is allowed along designated shorelines between Gates 8 and 16A and between Gates 22 and 44. DCR's interactive public access map shows the gates, parking and trails.

How to fish it

In spring, work the shallows from shore where trout and salmon hunt smelt. In summer, fish deep from a boat. For smallmouth, fish from shore or boat at any time of year.

Getting there

The three boat launch areas are off Route 202 in Pelham (Gate 8), Route 122 in New Salem (Gate 31) and Greenwich Road in Hardwick (Gate 43). Each rents boats first come, first served, and you must wear or carry a life jacket. Private boats need an intact Quabbin Boat Seal, which you get by booking DCR's decontamination in advance, and must meet DCR's motor limits; private canoes and kayaks aren't allowed, and neither are pontoon, inflatable or sail boats. No swimming or wading, no landing on the shore or islands except at marked restroom sites, and keep well away from loons. Night shore fishing needs a DCR permit. You need a Massachusetts fishing license or a one-day Quabbin fishing license, and there's a mercury advisory for Quabbin fish (strictest for bass and larger lake trout).