Reservoir · New Salem, Franklin, Massachusetts
Quabbin Reservoir
Location Snapshot
Quabbin Reservoir is a large central Massachusetts reservoir with a two-tier fishery spanning deep coldwater habitat and warmwater bass structure. The principal supported targets are lake trout and landlocked salmon, with brown and rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and chain pickerel providing additional species variety within the same fishery.
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
Lake trout and landlocked salmon are the primary fish in Quabbin Reservoir at New Salem, and both are established. Brook trout are present and stocked. Brown trout and rainbow trout are common and stocked. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are common and established, and chain pickerel are present and established. The reservoir covers 25,000 acres, averages 45 feet deep, and reaches 151 feet.
Target species
Lake Trout
Salvelinus namaycush
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Landlocked Salmon
Salmo salar
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus nigricans
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Stocked
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Chain Pickerel
Esox niger
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Established
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
- Winter
Common techniques
- Boat fishing
- Shore fishing
- Spinning
- Trolling
Stocking information
Brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout are stocked in Quabbin Reservoir.
- 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
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).