Douglas, MA Fishing: Charming Valley Fishing in New England

Situated in the heart of the Blackstone River Valley, the town of Douglas can be found in Worcester County in Massachusetts. It is bordered by the towns of Oxford and Sutton to its north, Uxbridge and Northbridge to its east, Webster on the west, as well as towns in the states of Rhode Island and Connecticut to its south. Douglas also has the nicknames ‘D-town’ and ‘The Big D’. Before it was given the name Douglas in 1746, it used to be called New Sherborn or New Sherborn Grant when it was occupied by English settlers as early as 1715. The town was later named after respected Boston physician Dr. William Douglass when he donated funds to help establish free schooling as well as acquiring 30 acres of land that has a dwelling house and barn. 

Riddled with hills and a forest, woodcutting became one of the town’s main industries. A woolen manufacturing company is also a prominent part of Douglas’ history in its community. Most of the town is part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, with most of its area scattered plentifully with boulders and sometimes gold and silver. The Douglas State Forest is also part of the place where it houses a rare Atlantic white cedar swamp. Five acres of that area are designated as Massachusetts Wildland. For anglers, Douglas throughout possesses several ponds, lakes, and brooks where a ton of fish species can be found.

Douglas Fishing

With its location in the south of Massachusetts, Douglas may not be an obvious choice for anglers but it’s riddled with ponds, lakes and brooks making it a viable onshore and offshore freshwater fishing destination. The town is filled with natural attractions that make it a great place for game to settle.

For those who want to hook species that can thrive in warm waters, head to Douglas State Forest where anglers can find the Whitin Reservoir. It is also known as Wallis Reservoir where fish like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, black crappie, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed and sunfish can be caught. The reservoir is the largest body of water anglers can visit in Douglas, so whether they are fly fishing, spinning or baitcasting from the shore or using a vessel, they can do so freely and easily. A boat access area can be found off Wallis Street where various watercraft and motorboats are allowed. For avid bass anglers, just fishing from the shore can land them big catches. The beach area near Wallis Cove is a particularly great place for surf casting for bass as well. The lake is very quiet and clean, perfect for anglers looking for respite and relaxation while they wait for fish to bite their hooks. 

Just to the south of Whitin Reservoir, further into the Douglas State Forest one can find Wallis Pond where waters from the reservoir flow into it. In its waters, anglers can find similar species such as largemouth bass, spotted bass, chain pickerel, bluegill, yellow and white perch, black crappie, pumpkinseed, sunfish as well as white sucker, yellow bullhead, common carp, and catfish. The best spots to catch fish in the pond are at its streams and channels where game moves through. Fishing by the pond’s banks or using a vessel is possible with fly fishing and baitcasting, the most commonly used techniques there. 

Anglers heading to East Douglas can find several brooks and streams that are fantastic freshwater angling spots as well. Riddle Brook, Centreville Brook, Mumford River, Wellman Brook and Gilboa Brook all can be found throughout the neighborhood, some waters connecting with each other and housing species like largemouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow bullhead, rainbow trout, brook trout, roach, and golden shiner. These spots are amazing targets for bank anglers as all are small and narrow enough to navigate by foot. 

Found in the northeast of the town and has its waters linked with Mumford River, Gilboa Pond is another angling spot for those targeting species like largemouth bass, rainbow trout, white sucker, chain pickerel, yellow perch, and rock bass. Anglers can access the pond’s water through Gilboa Street. 

On the opposite side, in the southwest, Wallum Pond or Wallum Lake is a popular site for anglers as it maintains a layer of cold oxygenated water throughout the summer, making it great for trout fishing all year round. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and brown trout each spring. Other species found in the lake include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegills, pumpkinseed, chain pickerel, yellow and black bullhead, landlocked alewife, broodstock salmon, tiger trout, and rainbow smelt. Found in abundance throughout the rocky and boulder strewn shores, smallmouth bass are also a popular game fish caught in the lake. To find largemouth bass, look for small coves along the shores and in shallow waters in the southern basin. Anglers who want to fish from a boat can launch their vessels at the boat ramp found to the north of the lake.

In the western part of town, Badluck Pond or Badluck Lake is another popular site to catch fish like largemouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, bluegill, and brown bullhead. Plenty of fish can be found in shallow areas or hiding under aquatic vegetation abundant in the lake’s waters. A roadside boat launch area can be found on Webster Street where car-top boat launching is only allowed. 

Heading up north, Manchaug Pond straddles with the town of Sutton. It’s a great site for anglers that opt to fish from boats with a large concrete boat ramp located off Torrey Road to the pond’s southeast. Several islands and rock piles should be watched out for when navigating watercraft. Shore fishing access is very limited there. The pond’s waters host species like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead, and golden shiner. Early spring bass fishing and ice fishing for pickerel are very popular at the pond. 

Top 10 Fish Species in Douglas, MA

The top 10 fish species found in Douglas, Massachusetts are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed and black crappie. 

Seasonal Fishing

Look up local fishing regulations and have fishing licenses sorted before planning a fishing trip in Douglas. Fishing for species like bass, trout, and chain pickerel is possible all year round in Douglas’  waters because of its ideal climate that caters to those fish. Early spring is when bass are the most active in local waters so it’s best to plan one’s trip during that time if they’re targeting that game. During the winter, pickerel is a great target, especially for ice fishing, as it can withstand cooler temperatures. Trout are best caught when they spawn from May to June or when they’re stocked in lakes and ponds during the spring. To catch perch, bluegill and sunfish, it’s best to do so in the spring when the waters are still cold and are coming up to temperature slowly. Late morning to early afternoon are the best times to fish for those species. Fishing for bullhead is best done when it’s dark as they feed more often during that time. Spring is also the best time to hook crappie as they spawn at that time.

Tour Around Douglas

The town of Douglas offers multiple points of interests that can offer visitors a genuine local experience, from its natural attractions to historical landmarks.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Home to many ponds and lakes, the fishing scene in Douglas is plenty enough that enlisting the help of a fishing charter or local guide can pay back dividends. With many of its waters allowing boats and other watercraft, boat rental services are available as well. Bait and tackle shops can also be found throughout the town.

2. More Recreational Fun

Douglas State Forest, found in the town’s west, is a great place not only for fishing, but a ton of other activities like swimming, boating, horseback riding, hiking, picnicking, restricted hunting, even cross country skiing and snowmobiling through its woodland trails during snowy season. People can also hike and explore through the Midstate Trail or the Southern New England Trunkline Trail which offer great views of Douglas’ landscapes. 

3. Hit the Streets of East Douglas

The village of East Douglas offers many points of attraction to visitors including The E.N. Jenckes Store Museum on Main Street which has been restored to the original appearance that it had a century ago. The museum is managed by the Douglas Historical Society. Another great place to visit is the Douglas Flea Market where one can find a number of consignment vendors.