Otis Reservoir

Overview

Otis Reservoir, off Route 8 on the Otis-Tolland line, is a big Berkshire trout lake at 1,036 acres. It averages 18 feet deep (52 max), with 8-10 feet of visibility. Weeds stay mostly in the coves, where they can grow thick. The southern third is undeveloped Tolland State Forest. The rest of the shore is lined with seasonal and year-round homes. It's drawn down every fall and winter.

Fishing

Most visitors are after stocked trout. Fishing stays good into mid-summer, then revives with the fall stocking in late September and October after the fall stocking. On a lake this size it can take a while to find the trout, but once you do there will be plenty. Trolling the deep water accounts for most catches. Pickerel are fewer but can top 5 pounds. Award fish include chain pickerel, crappie, sunfish, white and yellow perch, and brook and tiger trout.

Species

MassWildlife surveys found largemouth and smallmouth bass; chain pickerel; panfish such as black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, redbreast sunfish, white perch and yellow perch; brown bullhead; and golden shiner, tessellated darter and white sucker. Trout are stocked every spring and fall.

Techniques

Troll the deeper sections for trout.

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 ramp, Main Road (Tolland State Forest):** big concrete ramp, with parking for 25 trailers. Shore fishing near the ramp and around the state forest campground beyond it. A parking fee may apply.
- **Tolland Rd. at New Forest Rd. (north shore of the east bay):** unimproved cartop launch.
- **Belden Road (south shore):** unimproved cartop launch.

Each cartop spot fits 4-6 cars and gets harder to use during the drawdown. Contact DCR at Tolland State Forest about fees and rules.

Ice fishing

Through the ice, perch, crappie and bass all bite well (MassWildlife).

Water facts

1,036 acres; average depth 18 ft; max 52 ft; clarity 8-10 ft.

Safety & advisories

Annual fall and winter drawdown changes depths and can make the cartop launches harder to use (MassWildlife).

Nearby waters

• Lake Garfield · 13.3 km (MA)
• Colebrook Reservoir · 14.3 km (CT)
• Howells Pond · 14.8 km (CT)
• Howells Pond Brook · 15.7 km (CT)
• West Branch Reservoir · 17.2 km (CT)
• Littleville Lake · 19 km (MA)

More in Berkshire

• Kinderhook Creek (NY)
• Whiting River (CT)
• Goose Pond (MA)
• Lake Buel (MA)
• Laurel Lake (MA)
• North Pond (MA)