Norton Reservoir

Overview

Norton Reservoir is a big, shallow, fertile 589-acre impoundment of the Rumford River, just south of where Route 140 meets I-495 in Norton. It averages only 4 feet deep (11 max) over hard sand and mud. Weeds grow everywhere, and at times you can't see a foot into the water.

Fishing

Norton is known for big pickerel and big largemouth. The weedy, fertile water grows both well. Award fish include largemouth bass, chain pickerel and brown bullhead.

Species

MassWildlife surveys found largemouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, white and panfish such as bluegill, pumpkinseed and yellow perch; brown bullhead; and American eel, 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

The town of Norton manages several entry points:
- **Juniper Lane:** the main sand ramp for trailers, with parking for 6.
- **Sunset Rd. at Evergreen Rd.:** a second trailer ramp, with parking for 3.
- **Cartop launches:** behind the Parks Department building on Mansfield Ave. and at the end of Alder Rd., with just a few spaces each.

You can fish from shore at every launch, and at the dam from pull-offs on Reservoir Street.

Water facts

589 acres; average depth 4 ft; max 11 ft; clarity under 1 ft at times.

Nearby waters

• Lake Sabbatia · 9 km (MA)
• Falls Pond · 10.4 km (MA)
• Whiting Pond · 11.1 km (MA)
• Massapoag Lake · 13 km (MA)
• Lake Nippenicket · 13.7 km (MA)
• Lake Pearl · 15.1 km (MA)

More in Bristol

• Falls Pond (MA)
• Whiting Pond (MA)
• Copicut Reservoir (MA)
• Lake Nippenicket (MA)
• Lake Sabbatia (MA)
• Long Pond (MA)