Putnamville Reservoir

Overview

Putnamville Reservoir is a 270-acre drinking-water reservoir in Danvers, half a mile from I-95 (east side), managed by the Salem/Beverly Water Supply Board. Its shoreline is undeveloped watershed land. It averages 15 feet deep, with 27 feet at its deepest.

Fishing

It's a good bank fishery: both largemouth and smallmouth bite readily from shore. Perch and crappie are abundant, with some fish over 15 inches reported. Award fish include largemouth and smallmouth bass; chain pickerel; panfish such as black crappie, sunfish and yellow perch; and bullhead. Follow the posted water-supply rules.

Species

MassWildlife surveys found largemouth and smallmouth bass; chain pickerel; panfish such as black crappie, pumpkinseed and yellow perch; brown bullhead; and golden shiner.

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

This is a shore-only water, and you need a town-issued permit to fish it. There are no boats and no ice fishing. Fish along Rt. 35, parking at the pull-offs or on the shoulder. Ask the town of Danvers about permits and fees.

Water facts

270 acres; average depth 15 ft; max 27 ft.

Nearby waters

• Pleasant Pond · 4.4 km (MA)
• Chebacco Lake · 11.2 km (MA)
• Baldpate Pond · 11.7 km (MA)
• Stiles Pond · 12.3 km (MA)
• Sluice Pond · 12.5 km (MA)
• Lake Quannapowitt · 14.4 km (MA)

More in Essex

• Baldpate Pond (MA)
• Forest Lake (MA)
• Lake Saltonstall (MA)
• Pleasant Pond (MA)
• Sluice Pond (MA)
• Stiles Pond (MA)