Quabbin Reservoir

Photos

Overview

Quabbin Reservoir is the largest inland body of water in Massachusetts, covering about 38.6 square miles with a capacity of 412 billion gallons. Built between 1930 and 1939 by damming the Swift River Valley behind Winsor Dam and Goodnough Dike, it flooded the towns of Dana, Enfield, Greenwich and Prescott, and it filled by 1946. Together with Wachusett it supplies drinking water to Greater Boston. Because the watershed is protected forest, it is one of the wildest places in southern New England, home to bald eagles, loons, moose and bears.

Fishing

Quabbin holds the current Massachusetts state records for lake trout (25 lb 7 oz) and walleye (11 lb 0 oz). It's a premier coldwater fishery for lake trout and landlocked salmon, with excellent smallmouth bass too. Fishing is allowed only in designated areas, mostly in the northern part of the reservoir, under DCR's Quabbin rules.

Species

Lake trout, landlocked salmon, rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow and white perch, bullhead and other panfish. Smelt are an important forage.

Techniques

DCR's guide notes Gate 8 is best for deep coldwater trout and salmon, while Gates 31 and 43 offer more warmwater fishing. Troll lead core or downriggers for lakers in summer, or cast shorelines for salmon right after the season opens. For smallmouth, work rocky points and islands.

Seasons

Boat fishing runs on a set DCR season. For 2026 it was April 18 to October 17. Designated shoreline fishing areas stay open longer (through Dec. 31 in 2026). Early season is prime time for salmon and lake trout near the surface.

Hotspots

DCR boat launch areas: Gate 8 (BLA 1, coldwater), Gate 31 (BLA 2) and Gate 43 (BLA 3).

Regulations

MassWildlife freshwater regulations apply: https://www.mass.gov/freshwater-fishing-regulations. As a public water supply, this reservoir also has DCR access rules that are stricter than typical lakes; check both before you go. DCR Quabbin rules cover boat cleaning, motor horsepower limits, fishing areas and seasons.

Licensing

A Massachusetts fishing license is required (age 15+). DCR also sells a Quabbin fishing area season pass.

Access

Three DCR boat launch areas (Gates 8, 31 and 43) have rental boats on a first-come, first-served basis, and DCR runs a live availability dashboard. To prevent aquatic invasive species, private boats must go through DCR's cleaning/sealing program before launching. Most of the watershed is open on foot only, from gated access points. Quabbin Park, off Route 9 in Belchertown, is drive-in, with a visitor center, Enfield Lookout and an observation tower.

Boat ramps & launches

Gate 8 (BLA 1, Pelham), Gate 31 (BLA 2, New Salem) and Gate 43 (BLA 3, Hardwick/Petersham area). All are DCR-managed and seasonal.

Marinas & rentals

None. DCR rents boats at the three launch areas.

Amenities

Quabbin Visitor Center, Winsor Dam, Enfield Lookout, Quabbin Hill Tower and picnic areas in Quabbin Park.

Activities

Hiking the gated fire roads, wildlife and eagle watching, photography, visiting lost-town sites such as the Dana Common historic site, and cross-country skiing.

Ice fishing

Ice fishing is not allowed on Quabbin Reservoir.

Water facts

Area about 38.6 sq mi (100 km²); capacity 412 billion US gallons; shoreline about 181 mi (USGS NHD about 241 km including islands). Formed by Winsor Dam and Goodnough Dike on the Swift River. The Quabbin Aqueduct carries water to Wachusett. Spans Worcester, Hampshire and Franklin counties.

Nearby services

Belchertown, Ware, New Salem and Petersham are the nearest towns with food and fuel.

Safety & advisories

This is a public drinking-water supply. No swimming or wading, and no pets in most areas. Follow DCR rules exactly. The water is cold and the reservoir big, and winds can build quickly on the open basins.

Nearby waters

• Lake Wyola · 15.8 km (MA)
• Puffers Pond (Factory Hollow Pond) · 17.4 km (MA)
• Chapin (Haviland) Pond · 27.8 km (MA)
• Lake Dennison · 33.5 km (MA)
• Hampton Pond · 39.4 km (MA)
• Fitchburg Reservoir · 47.8 km (MA)

More in Worcester

• Fort Pond (MA)
• Lake Whalom (MA)
• Bare Hill Pond (MA)
• Barrett Pond (MA)
• Coachlace Pond (MA)
• Lake Shirley (MA)