All About Wachusett Reservoir, MA

The Wachusett Reservoir is the second-largest body of water in Massachusetts, in the northeastern portion of Worcester. It has an area of 18 square kilometers and a maximum depth of 37 meters. 

The Wachusett Reservoir is a part of metropolitan Boston’s water supply system and is maintained by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority or MWRA. It works as both a water source and an intermediate storage reservoir for the water coming from the Quabbin Reservoir. 

The waters of the Wachusett Reservoir initially come from the Quinapoxet and Stillwater rivers that are found close by the Quabbin Aqueduct. After passing through the two rivers, the waters flow to the Quabbin Reservoir.

The managers of the Wachusett Reservoir are doing their best to keep its water pure since it’s a source of water for Boston. Many activities are prohibited in this area, such as boating, ice fishing, walking pets, swimming, motorbiking, littering, and many more. 

All About Fishing in Wachusett Reservoir, MA

Fishing is allowed in the Wachusett Reservoir, but there are some limitations. Anglers can only fish in the area an hour before the sun rises to an hour after the sun sets. Fishing rules and regulations also change from time to time, as well as the reservoir’s accessibility. There are times that it’s closed, especially during the winter season. Besides that, fishing is prohibited in most parts of the reservoir aside from Route 70: Gates 6 to 16, Route 140: Gates 17 to 24, Route 12/110: Gates 25 to 35, and West Boylston: Thomas Basin. 

Putting the prohibitions aside, fishing in Wachusett Reservoir is still exciting, especially because of the many fish species available. These fish species include largemouth bass, bluegill, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, rainbow trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, brown trout, lake trout, white perch, Atlantic salmon, and chain pickerel. 

Yellow perch are schooling fish, and they can be enjoyed all year round. You can get a bite during their spring spawning run, where they seek warm shorelines. Baitcasting is an effective fishing technique to catch a yellow perch. They like worms, minnows, crayfish, and larvae. Do note, however, that ice fishing is strictly not allowed in the Wachusett Reservoir.

On the other hand, the best way to catch an Atlantic Salmon is also baitcasting using live baits. The most successful baits are roe eggs, although some also use a strip of fish such as a herring or a smelt. 

Only inshore fishing is allowed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation of Massachusetts. Any bodily contact with water and boating is strictly prohibited to maintain the water’s purity in the reservoir. 

Fishing Seasonality

If you aim to get a bite from the different trout species in the Wachusett Reservoir, you should come here from May to June. Trout feeds on shallower streams where the water quickly warms.  The first few days of spring are essential for those looking for trout because this means higher temperatures in the water and more feeding activity from the fish. 

Atlantic salmon, yellow perch, and sunfish can be caught here any time of the year. However, it is best to consider their spawning season, which is between February and July. These months are where their numbers start to increase, so you can have more chances of getting a bite. 

Fishing Seasonality

If you aim to get a bite from the different trout species in the Wachusett Reservoir, you should come here from May to June. Trout feeds on shallower streams where the water quickly warms.  The first few days of spring are essential for those looking for trout because this means higher temperatures in the water and more feeding activity from the fish. 

Atlantic salmon, yellow perch, and sunfish can be caught here any time of the year. However, it is best to consider their spawning season, which is between February and July. These months are where their numbers start to increase, so you can have more chances of getting a bite. 

All About Fishing in Wachusett Reservoir, MA

Fishing is allowed in the Wachusett Reservoir, but there are some limitations. Anglers can only fish in the area an hour before the sun rises to an hour after the sun sets. Fishing rules and regulations also change from time to time, as well as the reservoir’s accessibility. There are times that it’s closed, especially during the winter season. Besides that, fishing is prohibited in most parts of the reservoir aside from Route 70: Gates 6 to 16, Route 140: Gates 17 to 24, Route 12/110: Gates 25 to 35, and West Boylston: Thomas Basin. 

Putting the prohibitions aside, fishing in Wachusett Reservoir is still exciting, especially because of the many fish species available. These fish species include largemouth bass, bluegill, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, rainbow trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, brown trout, lake trout, white perch, Atlantic salmon, and chain pickerel. 

Yellow perch are schooling fish, and they can be enjoyed all year round. You can get a bite during their spring spawning run, where they seek warm shorelines. Baitcasting is an effective fishing technique to catch a yellow perch. They like worms, minnows, crayfish, and larvae. Do note, however, that ice fishing is strictly not allowed in the Wachusett Reservoir.

On the other hand, the best way to catch an Atlantic Salmon is also baitcasting using live baits. The most successful baits are roe eggs, although some also use a strip of fish such as a herring or a smelt. 

Only inshore fishing is allowed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation of Massachusetts. Any bodily contact with water and boating is strictly prohibited to maintain the water’s purity in the reservoir.