Brimfield, MA Fishing: Great Freshwater Fishing in Central Massachusetts

Brimfield is a small town within the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan area, bordered by the towns of Sturbridge on the east, Monson on the west, Warren on the north, and Wales and Holland on the south. Located 22 miles outside of Springfield and 65 miles away from Boston, the town may not be on everyone’s radar, but it surely is a destination with lots to offer, especially those that want their travels with sides of history, antiquing, and productive fishing.

For most of the year, Brimfield is a quaint and quiet town dotted with amazing architecture from the Colonial and Federal eras, rich New England foliage, and a friendly small-town feel. But thrice a year, it becomes the center of the antiquing world with the Brimfield Antique Flea Market. Typically scheduled for six days every May, July, and September, this world-famous antique fair draws crowds from all over the world. It is known for its great and unique finds and knowledgeable dealers, giving Brimfield the distinction of being the Antique and Collectibles Capital of the United States.

In 2011, Brimfield was one of the towns on the path of a deadly tornado outbreak that swept through Massachusetts. The evidence of this unprecedented disaster can still be seen in the path the tornado made through the Village Green Family Campground. However, the town and the surrounding areas have long since risen from the disaster.

Apart from the wonderful yearly antique show, Brimfield is a great year-round destination, whether you’re in it for some historical walks, the classic New England natural scenery that you can enjoy from your bike, and some good ol’ fashioned fishing. This central Massachusetts town is dotted with plenty of healthy ponds and lakes that should satisfy anglers of all ages.

Brimfield Fishing

Anglers of all levels will enjoy fishing in the lakes and ponds dotting the entire town. One of the most popular for bass anglers is the East Brimfield Reservoir. It is known not only for its healthy population of different bass species but also for its northern pike yield. Other species that can be found in this productive lake are largemouth bass, yellow and white perch, chain pickerel, bluegill, brown and yellow bullhead, and black crappie. Tiger muskellunge are also stocked in the reservoir. There are different access points for the reservoir that are open to fishing. One of them is the Champeaux Road Fishing Area, at the north of the reservoir off Route 148. It is a shore fishing area that’s open year-round and has great ice fishing access. Another access point is the dam site located off Route 20. It is a scenic area with a nature trail and a shore fishing access area. 

Technically located in the nearby town of Holland, Holland Pond is connected to the East Brimfield Reservoir via the Quinebaug River and is yet another great fishing spot. The shores of the pond are protected, freeing it up for recreational use. It may be quite small, but it has proven to be a productive body of water. It’s quite popular for its trout fishing during spring and fall. Largemouth bass fishing is also productive in this area. Northern pike are best caught ice fishing, with many of those caught exceeding the 20-pound range. Common carp in the 15-pound range can be found here as well. Other species include chain pickerel, black crappie, yellow and white perch, brown and yellow bullhead, pumpkinseed, and golden shiner.

Located one mile north of Route 20, Little Alum Pond is a 76-acre body of water with a depth of 20 to 40 feet. Its shoreline is predominantly filled with homes and summer residences, but it does have a public access boat ramp. You can also shore fish in the area adjacent to the boat ramp itself. The pond is stocked regularly with rainbow trout in the spring and fall, and brown trout in the fall when available. Other species in the pond include largemouth and smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow and white perch, golden shiner, and brown bullhead. It also provides great ice fishing primarily for trout, yellow perch, and some chain pickerel.

Brimfield State Forest is a great fishing destination in the Brimfield area for inexperienced anglers. This verdant forest has over 20 miles of scenic roads and trails. Located south of Dingler Dell Road in the forest, you will find the man-made park pond called Dean Pond. It is the main pond of the park and is quite heavily used by visitors, so get there before the crowds. While there are not a lot of big fish here, recreational and new anglers will enjoy catching good-sized panfish in the pond. It is also regularly stocked with brook and brown trout every spring and fall, so there’s always a chance of catching them when the season is right.

If you’re looking to target some striped bass, then Sherman Pond should be next on your list. This body of water is known for its striped bass, sunfish, and brown trout population. Catch stripers with wax worms, sunfish with minnows, and brown trout with maggots.
 

Top 10 Fish Species in Brimfield, MA

The top 10 fish species to catch in Brimfield, MA include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, white perch, striped bass, chain pickerel, brown bullhead, golden shiner, and black crappie.

Seasonal Fishing

Fishing in Central Massachusetts can be great year-round, but they are especially good during spring and fall, during which many of its ponds and lakes are stocked with various species of trout. The freshwater bodies in Brimfield, though, are particularly popular with ice fishermen, with trophy northern pike the most popular catch in the area during the season.

Experience the Charms of Brimfield

Located an hour outside of Boston, Brimfield is a classic Massachusetts town with beautiful year-round foliage and historic streets that travelers of all ages will appreciate.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

If it’s your first time fishing in Brimfield, getting the services of a local guide can be helpful in navigating its waters and knowing exactly where the fish bite. A guide can also help you stay safe and follow state regulations.

2. Shop Til You Drop at the Brimfield Antique Flea Market

The Brimfield Antique Flea Market is a legendary flea market festival that happens three times a year for a week. It’s a big event featuring some of the rarest finds in the flea market world, sold by the most knowledgeable in the industry. It’s been around for more than 50 years and has attracted collectors from all over the world.

3. See the Scenery on the Brimfield Bike Trail

Bike or walk along the beautiful Brimfield Rail Trail, a 2-mile section of the trail system on the East Brimfield dam land planned that will run from Palmer to Franklin.