On Friday, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced that it will be postponing the start of shoreline fishing at Wachusett, Sudbury, and Quabbin reservoirs and the Quabbin Boat Launch Areas until May 9 to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
DCR reminds everyone that there are many other waters in the state open to fishing during this time and suggests that if you’re looking for other places to fish, please check out our trout stocking report at mass.gov/trout to find trout stocked locations near you.
For the many local anglers who eagerly look forward to the third Saturday in April, the traditional Quabbin opener, this is small consolation and a crushing blow, as they wait all year for Quabbin to open as treat it like a holiday. Starting the day before, a dedicated group of die-hards line up at the gate and have their own traditional event as they wait for the gate to be opened.
Since Quabbin opened to fishing in 1946 and first allowed boat access in 1952, local anglers have enjoyed a unique fishery right here on our doorstep.
Contained within the Quabbin Reservoir are 27 species of fish, 17 of which are sought by anglers. During the spring season, lake trout, landlocked salmon, small mouth bass, and white perch are often caught. The chance to catch brown or rainbow trout is an attraction but those who are experts in trolling target lake trout (the record is 25 pounds 7 ounces caught in 2016) or my personal favorite, landlocked salmon. The salmon are prized throughout New England with Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire and many Maine lakes and rivers destinations for the silver leapers but your chances of catching a trophy land lock over four pounds is greater at Quabbin.
This intrepid fisherman is very proud of the six-pounder that earned me a Massachusetts Sportfishing bronze pin. Roland Jean, who is a third-generation Quabbin troller, guided me to that fish and I treasure that memory.
My personal memories also include many Saturdays trolling Dave Davies spinners and a “sewed-on” shiner with leadcore line from our 14-foot Starcraft open boat with my father, who was a passionate Quabbin troller. Two days which are at the top of the Quabbin memory list include a Saturday in 1966 when a 15-year-old Mike Roche landed a four-pound brown trout that ended up winning that year’s Athol Daily News Fishing Contest! Another was the day my father caught his biggest fish, a 14-pound lake trout that he caught fishing with his friend Bob Dolan, outdoor columnist for the Greenfield Recorder.
Fishing will hopefully continue as usual after opening up May 9 on the reservoir’s shores, and all three boat launch sites (Area I/Gate 8 off Route 202 in Belchertown, Area II/Gate 31 off Route 31 in New Salem, and Area III/Gate 43 off Route 32A in Hardwick) should be fully available for public use. Additionally, the boat launch areas are annually open seven days a week at 6 a.m. (with the exception of opening day) throughout the fishing season at Quabbin, which concludes Oct. 17.
Hopefully, nothing will change. “The Quabbin Reservoir serves as an incredible resource for the people of Massachusetts by not only delivering exceptionally clean drinking water for over 2.5 million commonwealth residents, but also providing unique opportunities for our anglers,” said Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Leo Roy last year. “The Baker-Polito Administration urges everyone to get outside and enjoy the state’s excellent outdoor recreational opportunities.”
Vehicle and trailer parking fees are $8 per day; however, Quabbin season parking passes can be purchased at all three boat launch areas for $50 for the year or $25 for seniors over 62 with proof of age. Also, passes can be purchased for $25 for individuals with handicapped placards.
While private boats can be launched on the Quabbin Reservoir for fishing only, they must first meet boat specification regulations and have an intact Quabbin Boat Seal affixed to the trailer. Boat owners who do not have a Quabbin Boat Seal can make a DCR boat inspection and decontamination appointment through the Quabbin Visitor Center.
Furthermore, boat rentals for fishing only are available on a first come, first serve basis at all three boat launch areas. The cost for a boat and motor rental is $40 per day with a $6 per vehicle parking fee. A Massachusetts fishing license, a sporting license, or a Quabbin fishing license is required to rent a boat and to be on the water. One-day fishing licenses are available, as well. For further information regarding fishing at the Quabbin Reservoir, please visit the DCR’s website or call the Quabbin Visitor Center at (413) 323-7221.