Cast the Water

Lake Wyola Reservoir

Massachusetts · Franklin

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

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Overview

Lake Wyola, in Shutesbury a little more than four miles west of Route 202, is a great pond formed by impounding the Sawmill River. It covers 128 acres, averages 12 feet deep (35 max) and is usually clear to 8-10 feet. The bottom is mostly mud with patches of gravel. Weeds are thickest in the north and southeast corners and sparse elsewhere. About 80% of the shore is developed with homes and summer cottages, and the lake is popular for swimming, boating and fishing.

Fishing

Stocked trout are plentiful and the main attraction. Work the weedy areas for pickerel and largemouth, some 4-5 pounds. Smallmouth are around but less common. Award fish include largemouth and smallmouth bass; chain pickerel; sunfish; and bullhead, and rainbow and brook trout.

Species

MassWildlife surveys found largemouth and smallmouth bass; chain pickerel; panfish such as bluegill, pumpkinseed and yellow perch; brown bullhead; and American eel, banded killifish, golden shiner and white sucker. Trout are stocked every spring and fall.

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

- **Lake Wyola Conservation Area, Locke's Pond Road (southeast corner):** Shutesbury's gravel ramp for trailers, with a small lot.
- **Lake Wyola State Park, Lakeview Rd (northwest shore):** DCR shore and cartop access; parking costs a fee.

Contact the town or the state park about fees and rules.

Water facts

128 acres; average depth 12 ft; max 35 ft; clarity 8-10 ft.

Nearby waters

More in Franklin

MassWildlife (Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife)