Gardner, MA Fishing: Great Fishing Experience in the Chair City of the World

A 23 square mile city situated northwest of Worcester County, Gardner, Massachusetts, is home to Dunn State Park, sixty miles northwest of Boston. With a long history of furniture manufacturing, the city is proud to be called the Furniture Capital of New England. A testament to its being internationally recognized as the Chair City of the World, a twenty feet tall chair sits in the center of the town. With an impressive range of recreational activities, entertainment and outdoor events to offer, the City of Gardner is best for families looking for a quick and amazing weekend getaway.

The city’s name has been hailed in honor of the politician and soldier, Colonel Thomas Gardner. It was established in 1785 and about twenty years later, it became the center for lumber and furniture industries. In 1910, it had twenty factories of chairs and produced over four million chairs per year, hence claiming the title, Chair City of the World. This is also the motivation behind The Annual Chair Luge, an event which started in 2009 and all last Saturdays of September thereon, featuring teams of two racing on the streets with homemade chairs with wheels.

Scenic views fill every place of Gardner City. The town is centered by its highest point, the Reservoir Hill with an elevation of over 1,280 feet. Its tourism focuses on how friendly its nature and weather are to locals and visitors alike. Gardner City is also home to Crystal Lake, which perfectly fits this diamond-shaped town. The lake gives off a nature inspired vibe and offers a scenic view overlooking the city and beyond. Interesting fishing spots like ponds are scattered throughout the city where angling can be enjoyed all year round. Get some baits ready for the amazing fishing experience that Gardner City has to offer!

Gardner Fishing 

Massachusetts is the most populous place in New England and a huge part of this population is drawn to fishing. All cities are rich in saltwater and freshwater spots, suitable for both experienced and beginner anglers who either love the peace and quiet, or the excitement and challenge of this sport. Gardner City is full of ponds, brooks, lakes, and streams where anglers can cast their rods and hunt their games solo or with their families. 

Along with its inspiring nature and wildlife, Gardner City is also jammed with amazing freshwater bodies that are brimming with fish species such as largemouth bass, chain pickerel, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead, American eel, yellow perch, bluegill, black crappie, and white sucker. 

Dunn Pond in Dunn State Park, located within Gardner Heritage State Park, is one of the most popular and well-used recreational ponds in the city. It has several piers dedicated for anglers to fish from, two of which are wheelchair-accessible. The pond fits cold water conditions and allows the stocking of trout, along with Bailey Brook, Hubbardston Brook, and Kendall Pond. Yearly, the pond also gets stocked with other good games such as bass and black crappie. When fishing in Dunn Pond, a tip to catch holdover brown trout is to target deeper areas. Anglers looking for yellow perch will surely love what Dunn Pond has to offer. There is a trail around the park to fly cast and get some shoreline fishing action. The park is packed with fun activities like picnicking, cross-country skiing, hiking, and canoeing for anglers who love to bring their families to fishing. Herring and other live bait work best as lures for game species in the pond, but jigging can be as effective for anglers who are patient enough to look for the right size, shape, and color.

Running through the southwest side of the city towards the north, Otter River not only is a place of fishing opportunities but is also an amazing spot for nature study. The river is a catch and release site for anglers that love the thrill of the game more than eating the food. Another great spot for shoreline fishing and light tackling is the second largest artificial water body in town, Perley Brook Reservoir. It aids Crystal Lake, the main source of water supply, in providing water to the whole Gardner City. The reservoir is calling for solo trippers that love to unwind and relax while fishing since it is only accessible to the public by permit.

Gardner City keeps on giving when it comes to fishing. Even on its borders, Lake Wampanoag to the north and Wrights Reservoir to the south, catching game is very popular. Both are actually well known for great trophy bass fishing. Redear sunfish and sheepshead seabream can also be seen in Wrights Reservoir. Lake Wampanoag showcases beautiful scenery for people who want to relax. Its fantastic coves are not only haven to different fish species looking for good habitat but also preferable to anglers who like to fish in tranquility.

A fishing license is required to fish in Massachusetts but worry not, because the license is available for all 15 year olds and above, and free for 15-17 and 70 years old and over. All anglers must also remember to follow regulations on fishing limits to keep fish populations sufficient and the marine ecosystems healthy. Being responsible anglers also means releasing all caught rare fish species.

Top 10 Fish Species in Gardner, MA

The top 10 fish species to catch in Gardner, MA are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, common carp, black crappie, and brown bullhead.

Seasonal Fishing 

Gardner City accommodates fishing throughout the year, but certain restrictions on some fish species apply: American shad are strictly catch-and-release only and smelt may be caught only by hook and line. Ice fishing is available in all of Massachusetts on any period between December to March during the winter season. There is a regulation of only five hooks through the ice at one time.

Plan a Weekend Trip in Gardner

1. Book a Fishing Guide

Beginner in the sport of fishing? Book a local guide that will help in finding the best Gardner City fishing experience that suits every fishing style. And for experienced anglers, book a guide for a smoother transition in different fishing spots. Guides are available all year round!

2. Kayak at Crystal Lake

Situated at the central west of Gardner City, Crystal Lake is surrounded by parks, schools, museums, church and a golf course all family friendly and accommodating to all locals and visitors alike. Kayaking is one of the most popular activities in the lake, and to maintain the order, rules are set for successful kayak trips. To ensure safety, floatation devices are required to be worn by kayakers so long as they are in the water. Children under 12 years old are permitted to kayak, provided that they are with adults. Up to 20 kayaks are allowed to be in the lake at one time.

3. Bicentennial Giant Chair Photo Opportunity

Not many times does one come across a giant chair in their lives. Coming to Gardner City is a fun opportunity to see and snap a photograph of the 20 foot tall chair that sits in the middle of the Chair City for everyone to see. Erected in 1905, the statue is the largest among a series of giant chairs over the years and stands as a symbol of the city’s proud history of chair making. In 1977, it was hailed by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest in the world.