Holyoke, MA Fishing: Rich History, Productive Fishing Opportunities

Holyoke, a city on the banks of the Connecticut River in Western Massachusetts, is one of the country's first industrialized cities. As it is still fondly called, the Paper City was once home to one of the biggest paper mills in the world and indeed the country's largest producer of paper in the late 19th century. It is unique for being one of the few cities in the New England region to be designed with a grid plan. Today, the city is still on the cutting edge. This time, it's for its eco-sustainability, as it has one of the lowest energy consumption in the region and is close to being 100% carbon neutral.

Because of its illustrious past, Holyoke is home to a pretty rich architectural heritage at present. Its streets are lined with great examples of Gothic Revival, Tudor revival, and Italianate architecture, all built in the 19th and early 20th century when the demand for housing in the city was at its all-time high. Holyoke also boasts landmarks built by two renowned national architects: the Gothic Revival-style Holyoke City Hall made by Charles Atwood and the Connecticut River Railroad Station designed by H. H. Richardson. 

Holyoke remains a natural wonderland, apart from the rich industrial legacy that can still be felt throughout the city. After all, it is a city wedged between the banks of the Connecticut River and the Mount Tom Range. Furthermore, as a valid New England city, it is a worthy fishing destination, with many spots offering not just stunning views but quite a satisfying fishing experience.

Holyoke Fishing

Holyoke may not be known primarily for its fishing opportunities, but it does have many water bodies within and around its territories that make it a worthwhile spot to fish. Easily accessible from Boston, Springfield, and New York City, it is a good place to access the rich waters of the Connecticut River and its various tributaries. 

Start your fishing journey in the city in one of its most popular destinations — Mount Tom State Reservation. This beautiful state park has views of the Connecticut Valley, the Berkshires, and the Pelham Hills while offering various recreational facilities, including hiking and walking trails, picnic areas, cross country skiing, and ice skating during winter. Aside from these, the state reservation provides good access to Lake Bray. The lake was formed during the damming of a Connecticut River tributary and has become a popular fishing spot in the park. Some areas around the lake may be quite dangerous to traverse, but it does have a rock bank that attracts plenty of fish, including bluegill, largemouth bass, brown trout, and northern pike. 

If you're in New England solely to fish, you should not miss out on angling for some American shad. This "poor man's tarpon" is a challenging game fish and even makes for great table fare. You will find some of the most productive spring runs of American shad in the Connecticut River. Slim Shad Point, in particular, is a rich spot to target these fish, benefitting from the fish lift run by the Holyoke Gas & Electric. Slim Shad Point is right below Holyoke Dam, along with the main funneling point where spawning American shad pass on their way upstream. Aside from its productive shad fishing, this part of the river yields plenty of common carp, walleye, northern pike, catfish, striped bass, and smallmouth bass. 

Aside from Slim Shad Point, you can fish in the river via the Connecticut River Greenway State Park, a unique greenway that connects up to eight parks across the state. It provides great river access, including public boat ramps. Close to Slim Shad Point is the fishing access on James Street at the South Hadley/Chicopee town line. It has parking spaces for six to eight vehicles and a gravel ramp. The area yields largemouth and smallmouth bass, white perch, chain pickerel, black crappie, and walleye.

Holyoke is a great home base if you're planning to fish in other significant parts of Western Massachusetts as well. One such water body worth fishing is Pequot Pond, one of the so-called Hampton Ponds in Westfield and Southampton. It is pretty popular as a trout fishing destination, with productive yield during the stocking seasons in early spring and fall. Aside from brown trout, the pond has largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, and chain pickerel, as well as some large pumpkinseed and bluegill.

Less than 20 minutes away from the city, you'll find Chicopee Memorial State Park, where you can fish the Chicopee Reservoir. It is only open to shoreline fishing, so no boats are allowed. It is stocked with rainbow trout in the spring and fall. Sometimes, some brown trout is included in the stocking. The reservoir, though, provides great largemouth bass fishing. Likewise, you will find golden shiner, white sucker, brown bullhead, and pumpkinseed in the pool.

If you want to take your fishing to the next level and happen to be in Holyoke around May, then you might want to register for the annual Shad Derby hosted by Holyoke Gas & Electric. It happens for two weekends and is one of the largest fishing events in the region. It is open for both adult and youth participants.

Top 10 Fish Species in Holyoke, MA

The top 10 fish species to target in Holyoke, MA include American shad, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, brown trout, rainbow trout, chain pickerel, pumpkinseed, northern pike, and walleye.

Seasonal Fishing

Like the rest of Western Massachusetts, Holyoke offers great year-round fishing, depending on the type of fish you're after. If you're in for some trout fishing, best to catch them during the stocking seasons in spring and fall. The spring run of American shad in the Connecticut River is legendary and starts around April, lasting until June or even July. However, the best month to target them may be in late May. If you're keen to catch some panfish, they're available all year round, but they're perfect during the colder months. As always, do check the local fishing regulations before casting out your line.

Enjoy a Uniquely Wholesome Vacation at Holyoke

Holyoke has long been a great tourist destination. It may not be a household name around the country. Still, it deserves a spot on your New England itinerary, especially if you want to visit a destination that has nature, history, and more.

1. Book a Fishing Charter

Explore the waters of Holyoke and its surrounding territories with the guidance of a local expert.

2. Go Prehistoric

See the famed dinosaur footprints of Holyoke along the Connecticut River at a site near Mount Tom. To see these preserved fossil tracks, drive off Route 5, two miles north of exit 17 on Interstate 91. There should be an informational display along the side of the road that will guide you along a short trail.

3. Shop at Holyoke Mall

This recently renovated mall is a renowned shopping destination for locals and visitors from all over the state and beyond. It is the second-largest retail space in New England. It features some unique architectural details, no doubt a sort of homage to the city's rich architectural heritage.