Cast the Water

Cheshire Reservoir

Massachusetts · Berkshire

The pin marks the middle of the water, for directions. The shoreline on the map comes from USGS NHD.

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Overview

Cheshire Reservoir, on the Hoosic River in Cheshire and Lanesborough, hugging the west side of Route 8, is a fertile 575-acre lake split by causeways into three basins:
- **North:** 295 acres, 7 ft average, 14 max.
- **Middle:** 187 acres, 5 ft average, 10 max.
- **South:** 93 acres, very shallow.

Weeds thicken as summer goes on, especially in the shallowest water. Only the north basin's west shore has much development; the rest is largely wild. A rail trail follows the east shore of the north and middle basins.

Fishing

Three species stand out. Largemouth run bigger than average, yellow perch are big and plentiful, and pike over 40 inches are reported most years. Award fish include largemouth bass; chain pickerel and northern pike; panfish such as black crappie, sunfish and yellow perch; and bullhead.

Species

MassWildlife surveys found largemouth bass; chain pickerel and northern pike; panfish such as black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed and yellow perch; brown bullhead; and banded killifish, golden shiner and white sucker.

Regulations

MassWildlife freshwater regulations apply: https://www.mass.gov/freshwater-fishing-regulations. Check local town or DCR rules for access fees and restrictions.

Licensing

A Massachusetts freshwater fishing license is required for anglers 15 and older.

Access

- **DCR concrete ramp and dock, Route 8 (northeast shore, north basin).**
- **DCR gravel trailer ramp, Farnams Road (northeast shore, middle basin).**
- **Town picnic area, Farnams Road:** shore fishing and cartop launching on the north basin's south shore.

Parking is ample, and you can fish from shore at every site and along the rail trail.

Activities

Rail trail along the east shore of the north and middle basins.

Ice fishing

Winter is a favorite season here. Many of the biggest bass, perch and pike are caught through the ice (MassWildlife).

Water facts

575 acres; north basin averages 7 ft (max 14 ft).

Nearby waters

More in Berkshire

MassWildlife (Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife)