Clarksburg, MA Fishing: New England Mountain Valley Fishing

Located in Berkshire County, Clarksburg is a town found in the northwest of Massachusetts. It is also included in the Pittsfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. Its vicinity is bordered by the other towns of Florida in the east, Williamstown in the west, North Adams in the south and Pownal, Stamford and Vermont in the north. Clarksburg is also nestled between mountains found on its sides, East Mountain and Bald Mountain to its west and the Hoosac Range to the east. In 1769, Captain Matthew Ketchum, Colonel William Bullock, and Nicholas Clark first settled the area with Clark becoming the town’s namesake. In 1798, Clarksburg became officially incorporated.

Nestled amongst mountain ranges, Clarksburg possesses part of famous hiking and transport trails which are the Appalachian Trail and the Mohawk Trail. Because of this, the town is able to offer tons of recreational activities such as picnicking, hiking, camping and more. The north part of Clarksburg’s valley area is where Clarksburg State Park is situated as well as numerous bodies of water that can be potential fishing spots for anglers. Near the Vermont border, there is also the Green Mountain National Forest that showcases the typical New England aesthetic. Local waters that run through the valley town can offer anglers superb angling action whilst providing the chance to do so with a grand view of surrounding mountains as a scenic backdrop.

Clarksburg Fishing

The valley town of Clarksburg offers great freshwater fishing spots as most of its waters are landlocked and are found between surrounding mountain ranges that encircle the area. Either onshore or offshore fishing is viable with tons of recreational opportunities offered in the town’s several natural attractions.

Between the two ranges flowing through the valley, anglers can find Hudson Brook and the north branch of the Hoosic River. Their waters eventually merge just south of the town line. Anglers wanting to try out those waters can have the chance to catch species such as brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, northern pike, chain pickerel, slimy sculpin and longnose sucker, which is a state-listed species of concern. Because of the Hoosic River’s great diversity of water types, flows and insects, it makes a great fly fishing spot especially for those targeting trout. The trout in those waters are either wild or stocked with holdover fish usually growing in large sizes. The best areas to fish in the river are the catch and release areas, one being at the main stem of the river. The freestone stream character of the north branch makes it a great area for onshore fishing or wade fishing. Another area of access can be found at the Natural Bridge State Park where Hudson Brook runs through. McAuley Road, Hudson Brook Lane, Beaver Street and River Road can also provide access to the brook and river. 

For those wanting to go fishing with their boats, visit Clarksburg State Park where one can find Mauserts Pond and Beaver Creek. Anglers can launch non-motorized boats and other vessels like canoes by car top in Mauserts Pond, which is also known as the Clarksburg Reservoir. Species found in the pond’s waters include chain pickerel, northern pike, yellow perch, white sucker, bluegill, brown bullhead, black bullhead, pumpkinseed, catfish, sunfish, and golden shiner. Access to the artificial, shallow pond is easy, making it popular amongst anglers, even if they just opt to fish from the shore. Aquatic vegetation is also abundant on its fairly transparent waters, making it easy to find game. Anglers won’t need to use special lures or equipment to fish in the pond and can simply do some baitcasting or spinning. When the winter season comes, ice fishing can be a popular way to hook fish such as pike and pickerel from its top frozen waters. Linked to the southwest of Mauserts Pond is Beaver Creek where anglers can fish for similar species that come from the pond as well as chain pickerel, walleye, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rock bass and catfish. 

Found just to the north of the Hoosic River in Clarksburg’s southeast is Canyon Brook where similar species coming from Mausert Pond’s waters can be found. Other brooks and streams such as Wheeler Brook, Cowan Brook, and Bear Swamp Brook that connect to either the pond or river’s waters also contain similar species like trout and bluegill.

Surrounded by acres of trees near the center of Clarksburg is Choquettes Pond which offers picturesque lake fishing action. A variety of fish that can be hooked from its waters includes lake trout, grass carp, grayling, minnow, black and white crappie, bull trout, muskellunge, perch and pike. The lake can be accessed from River Road.

Top 10 Fish Species in Clarksburg, MA

The top 10 fish species found in Clarksburg, Massachusetts are brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, northern pike, chain pickerel, yellow perch, catfish, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and bluegill.

Seasonal Fishing

To ensure compliance and safety, anglers are urged to check local fishing regulations as well as look up updates on weather and water conditions before going out to fish in Clarksburg. Trout fishing in the town’s waters can be a year-round affair as Clarksburg’s climate is privy to the fish’s preferred environment. With annual stocking, the best time to see an abundance of trout is during the spring. Fishing for trout during their spawning season from May to June can also give anglers an opportunity for a productive fishing trip. Northern pike and chain pickerel can be caught all year as well, even during the colder months where one can even hook them through icy waters. When the water is still cold and is slowly coming up to temperature during the spring is the best time to target yellow perch and other perch species. The best time to fish for perch is between late morning and early afternoon. Bass fishing is best done during the spring though they can also be caught throughout the year with daily limits on how many one can keep. Meanwhile, the best months to hook catfish are late March, April and May. Most freshwater fish in the state have an all-year-round open season with daily creel limits for certain species.

Valley Views in Clarksburg, MA

With Clarksburg being surrounded by beautiful ranges and riddled with acres of fecund trees and greenery, it becomes a great destination for nature lovers that seek relaxation and recreation whilst experiencing the intimacy of a small yet great town.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Clarksburg is home to several great freshwater fishing spots that host numerous species either native to its waters or stocked regularly. Anglers wanting to get a leg up on the best areas can book a fishing charter that will guide them during their trip. With some waters able to accommodate anglers that want to use boats and other watercraft, there can also be boat rental services available. Bait and tackle shops can also be found near or around known fishing spots.

2. Go Hiking

Because Clarksburg is nestled amongst several mountains and ranges, hiking trails such as the Appalachian Trail and Mohawk Trail run through the town. Hikers can admire the vistas of the Berkshire Hills, which is part of the Hoosac Range, the Green Mountains which is just by the border with Vermont, as well as Mount Greylock and even witness the peak of East Mountain. People can also immerse themselves and look for flora and fauna typical of a New England ecoregion as Clarksburg is covered with acres of alluring forested areas.

3. Retreat to Clarksburg State Park

Clarksburg State Park offers hundreds of acres of unspoiled northern hardwood forest with views of nearby mountains. People can participate in several activities at the site including camping, hiking, swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and even cross country skiing when it snows. Pets are also welcomed at the park as long as they are vaccinated and leashed.