Webster Lake (Lake Chaubunagungamaug)

Webster Lake, 1,297 acres on the Connecticut line in Webster, is one of MassWildlife's all-round best bets: it's on the state's trophy lists for both basses, crappie, yellow perch, pickerel and brown and rainbow trout. The crappie fishing stands out, with fish of 1 to 2 pounds commonly reported, and the lake's complicated bottom gives bass anglers plenty to work.

When to fish

• Spring: trout fishing is popular after the spring stocking, and there's another in the fall.
• Summer: bass and panfish take over. The lake gets heavy recreational use in warm weather.

Where to fish

• The central basin: MassWildlife describes deep holes, underwater plateaus and rocky shoals all close together.
• Shallow coves: where most of the lake's weeds grow.
• Depth: the lake averages 15 feet and reaches 49.

Getting there

DCR runs a concrete ramp with parking for about 18 trailers off Lakeside Avenue on the southeast shore. The Town of Webster runs a double ramp and a large lot at Memorial Beach, near where Routes 16 and 193 meet on the northwest shore; launching there costs a fee. Shore fishing is limited to the areas around the ramps. There's a PFAS consumption advisory for the lake's fish. You need a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license, and small lead sinkers and lead jigs are banned in fresh water.