Goshen, MA Fishing: Accessible Highland Lake Fishing

Goshen is an urban area in western Massachusetts in Hampshire County. It can be found in the eastern foothills of the Berkshire Mountains and encompasses the Upper and Lower Highland Lakes. Goshen, also called ‘G-Town’ by locals and frequenters, was first settled in 1761. The municipality used to be part of Chesterfield before it was incorporated on May 14, 1781. It is also abundant in natural beryl deposits, with colorless beryl first discovered in the area. The gem industry eventually called those minerals goshenite. Goshen gives off a rural vibe, having one general store, a post office, a fire station, a regional elementary school, and a city hall.

Goshen also exudes a natural, rich and unique beauty against its rural surroundings, consisting of miles of rolling hills, open fields, and dense forest. Despite its small-town feel, it constantly sees numerous visitors and tourists, especially during the summer months because of the alluring lakes and the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) State Forest offers activities and facilities for recreation. Additionally, many people own permanent or second residential properties by the lower lake. Goshen is very accessible as it is one of two towns, the other being Baker in Missouri, to be within 29 miles of the states of New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Anglers wanting to do some fishing in the type of environment Goshen can offer can find countless opportunities in its two lakes, ponds, and rivers that weave through its area, settled upon a relaxing rural setting with mountains acting as a scenic backdrop.

Goshen Fishing

Goshen will provide anglers the unique opportunity to fish in both of the Highland Lakes whilst having a rich forest and the Berkshire Mountains as their background. Freshwater anglers will find it accessible for either onshore or offshore angling, especially when they want to see the next serene spot just within a few miles of the usual east side states.

Anglers visiting Goshen are probably there to take their chance on fishing in the Upper and Lower Highland Lakes. The lakes can be found in the northern part of the metropolis, right next to the D.A.R. State Forest. Their waters are popular warm water angling areas consisting of two impoundments situated about a quarter-mile apart. The Upper Highland Lake encompasses 53 acres, with a rocky and rubbly bottom. In its waters, anglers can find and catch species like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, spotted bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, skamania trout, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, white sucker, and golden shiner. The upper lake’s waters are stocked with trout every spring, making it popular among anglers. Between the two lakes, the upper lake has a better population of smallmouth bass. The usual baitcasting and spinning techniques can be employed in the lake though anglers will find the best action and results in surf casting from its beach area, which is only reserved for campers. Boat anglers can launch their canoes and car-top boats at the paved boat ramp found on the south end off Moore Hill Road. There is also access by the Upper Highland Lake Refurbished Dam. Gas-powered watercraft are not allowed in the lake, but electric motors are permissible.  

The Lower Highland Lake encompasses 88 acres and has a similar rocky and rubbly bottom. Its shoreline is more developed than the upper lake’s, mostly having seasonal residences. Its waters host the same species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, spotted bass, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, white sucker, golden shiner, brown trout, skamania trout, bluegill, and brown bullhead. The lower lake is a better and more popular area to catch more and larger largemouth bass and yellow perch. Jigging and spinning are great ways to catch fish from its waters. Both lakes also offer great ice fishing opportunities, but the lower lake provides better action during the cooler season. On the northern tip off Moore Hill Road, there is paved access for light trailer boats, canoes, and car-top boats. It’s important to note that both lakes might require an entrance fee, especially in the summer. Park rangers are always scouting the area too.

Anglers who want to try other places to fish in Goshen can try their hand out in the several local ponds, reservoirs, brooks, and rivers. The nearest body of water to the Highland Lakes is the West Branch Mill River, linked to the lower lake. Species found in the lakes can also be found in that river, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pumpkinseed, trout, brown bullhead, and alewife. The river has been stocked with tagged trout as well.

In the southern part of the suburb, Hammond Pond is another excellent fishing spot. Fish in its waters are easily caught with any type of bait, like bread or worms, but it has become weedy, adding another challenge to one’s angling endeavors. It’s also a popular spot to teach children to fish. The pond is home to various species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, brown bullhead, yellow perch, chain pickerel, catfish, and sunfish. Using a boat to navigate through the vegetation when fishing there is recommended because the shoreline has become swampy.

More trout fishing can be done within the D.A.R. State Forest in Rogers Brook, which can be accessed through the east off Wing Hill Road. It hosts brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout.

Top 10 Fish Species in Goshen, MA

The top 10 fish species found in Goshen, MA are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rock bass, rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, skamania trout, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, and bluegill.

Seasonal Fishing

Before going out to fish in Goshen, anglers are urged to look up and check local fishing regulations as well as be updated on weather and water conditions. Anglers are also urged to look up ice fishing rules when they plan to do so. Most species found in Goshen can be caught throughout the year because there are some that are regularly stocked and some that thrive in the warm freshwater the town possesses. Trout anglers will see plenty of action in the spring because that’s when trout are stocked. Bass anglers will have the best time fishing in the spring and early summer. Great targets during the colder months are species like chain pickerel and yellow perch. Fish like pumpkinseed, bluegill, and sunfish are best targeted from late May to June when they spawn. 

Rural Respite in Goshen, MA

With nature and culture confined within Goshen, visitors can find more of the things it has to offer when they explore the scenic rural area.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

With the Highland Lakes being the main draw for people to visit Goshen, anglers’ interests are likely piqued. Booking a fishing charter can help them navigate the two lakes and make them have a more productive and action-packed fishing adventure. More information can be acquired at the state forest which oversees activities in the lakes.

2. Enjoy Nature 

The other main draw of Goshen is the 1020-acre D.A.R. State Forest which has been established since 1929. The publicly owned, hardwood conifer forest offers numerous recreational features and activities such as swimming, boating at the lakes, as well as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through its trails. In the winter, people can enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Camping is also popularly done there.

3. Local Arts and History

Aside from its rich natural landscapes, Goshen also offers a lot of things for art lovers and history enthusiasts. On Cape Street, to the north of the town, there are a number of sites one can visit such as the Institute for the Musical Arts, the Good Time Stove Co. Showroom and Museum, and the Three Sisters Sanctuary which is an exhibit and performance space that merges art with nature. On Main Street, one can also find the Goshen Historical Commission Museum which contains and exhibits preserved artifacts, documents, and images.