Reservoir · New Salem, Franklin, Massachusetts
Quabbin Reservoir
Quabbin Reservoir
Reservoir · Massachusetts
Information Only
StrikeTracks does not currently provide a live condition rating for this destination. Destination and fishery information is still available.
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Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Quabbin Reservoir.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Fishery overview
Quabbin Reservoir is Massachusetts’ principal MWRA drinking-water reservoir with a large coldwater and warmwater fishery including lake trout, landlocked salmon, trout, bass, and pickerel. Special Quabbin rules apply. No live USGS lake/reservoir continuous water observations are assigned; conditions rely on weather-by-coordinates.
Target species
Lake Trout
Salvelinus namaycush
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
DCR Quabbin creel table lists lake trout with reservoir-specific limits.
Landlocked Salmon
Salmo salar
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
DCR Quabbin creel table lists landlocked salmon with reservoir-specific limits.
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
DCR Quabbin creel table lists brown trout among coldwater gamefish.
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus nigricans
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
DCR Quabbin creel table lists largemouth bass.
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
DCR Quabbin creel table lists rainbow trout among coldwater gamefish.
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
DCR Quabbin creel table lists smallmouth bass.
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
DCR Quabbin creel table lists brook trout among coldwater gamefish.
Chain Pickerel
Esox niger
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
DCR Quabbin creel table lists chain pickerel.
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
Very large drinking-water reservoir (about 25,000 acres when full) with deep coldwater salmonid habitat and designated shore/boat fishing areas.
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
- Winter
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
- Trolling
Access and Public Fishing Rights
Public boat fishing is limited to three designated launch areas; designated shore fishing is allowed in season under special Quabbin rules. Private non-motorized boats are prohibited; private motorized boats require a Quabbin Boat Seal. Confirm current DCR Quabbin Reservoir Fishing Guide rules before visiting.
Stocking information
DCR/MassWildlife Quabbin fishery materials document coldwater and warmwater species. Confirm current stockings and Quabbin-specific rules on official DCR/MassWildlife sources.
- Stocked
Brown Trout
Stocked · DCR Office of Watershed Management
- Stocked
Rainbow Trout
Stocked · DCR Office of Watershed Management
- Stocked
Brook Trout
Stocked · DCR Office of Watershed Management
Official sources
Quabbin has special water-supply fishing rules that differ from ordinary inland waters. Always verify the current DCR Quabbin Reservoir Fishing Guide and MassWildlife regulations before fishing.
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Midge larvaGeneral stillwater midge-style family — not a live Chironomidae Hatch claim.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral stillwater streamer family. Not a baitfish or kokanee Hatch event.
- Ant or beetleGeneral shoreline terrestrial family — not a local Hatch calendar.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
Cataloged lake location
New Salem, Franklin, Massachusetts
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
Lake Details
Town
New Salem
County
Franklin
Surface Area
25000 acres
Maximum Depth
151 ft
Average Depth
45 ft
Target Species
Lake Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Perch, Bullhead
Public Access
Public
Boat Launch
Available
Shore Fishing
Available
Motor Restrictions
Private non-motorized boats are prohibited. Private motorized boats require a Quabbin Boat Seal and may launch only at designated boat launch areas (DCR).
Description
Principal MWRA drinking-water reservoir managed by DCR Division of Water Supply Protection. DCR fishing guide states about 25,000 acres when full; DCR Quabbin Park materials list 151 ft maximum depth and 45 ft average depth. Public boat fishing at three designated launch areas and designated shore fishing are allowed in season under special Quabbin rules. Coordinates are the official Boat Launch Area #2 (Gate 31) location from the DCR Quabbin Reservoir Fishing Guide; the reservoir spans multiple towns and counties. No USGS lake/reservoir continuous station was added; nearby river gauges were not used as substitutes.
