Wachusett Reservoir

Photos

Overview

Wachusett Reservoir, northeast of Worcester, is the second-largest body of water in Massachusetts, covering almost 7 square miles with a capacity of 65 billion gallons. It was created when the Wachusett Dam impounded the Nashua River in Clinton, flooding 4,380 acres in Boylston, West Boylston, Clinton and Sterling. It first filled in 1908, and was then the largest public water-supply reservoir in the world. West Boylston's Old Stone Church, left standing at the water's edge, is one of the most photographed landmarks in the area.

Fishing

Wachusett is a shore-only fishery, and an unusually good one. Thanks to limited access and high-quality habitat, it has produced Massachusetts state records for brown trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass and white perch. It's one of only two Massachusetts waters (with Quabbin) that support lake trout, which can top 20 pounds here. Stocked rainbow trout hold over through multiple summers, and the reservoir has both native and introduced fish species.

Species

Lake trout, landlocked salmon, brown trout, rainbow trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, white and yellow perch, chain pickerel, rainbow smelt and other panfish.

Techniques

All fishing is from shore. Long casts with spoons, stickbaits or live bait where allowed reach cruising lakers and salmon in the cold months after the opener. Smallmouth and perch fishing improves as the water warms.

Seasons

About 80% of the 37-mile shoreline is usually open to angling from about April 1 through November 30, depending on ice. Early spring and late fall are prime for lake trout and salmon near shore.

Hotspots

Popular shore areas include Rainbow Cove in Sterling and the Thomas Basin and Clinton areas, within DCR-open zones.

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 prohibits boats, wading, swimming and ice fishing here.

Licensing

A Massachusetts fishing license is required (age 15+).

Access

Fishing is from shore only, through DCR-designated access gates around the reservoir. A network of fire roads leads from the gates to the shoreline. Parking is at the gates, and you should check DCR's Wachusett Reservoir watershed access map before you go.

Boat ramps & launches

None. No boats are allowed.

Amenities

Wachusett Dam and Old Stone Church viewing areas. DCR fire-road trails.

Activities

Shore fishing, hiking and walking the fire roads, cross-country skiing, birding, and photographing the Wachusett Dam and Old Stone Church.

Ice fishing

Ice fishing is not allowed on Wachusett Reservoir.

Water facts

Area almost 7 sq mi (about 16–18 km²); capacity 65 billion US gallons; maximum depth 120 ft (37 m); mean depth 48 ft; shoreline about 37 mi. Fed by the Quinapoxet and Stillwater rivers and the Quabbin Aqueduct. Headwaters of the Nashua River. County: Worcester.

Nearby services

Clinton, West Boylston, Boylston and Sterling have food and fuel, and Worcester is nearby.

Safety & advisories

This is an active drinking-water supply. No swimming, wading, boats, pets, bikes or alcohol on DCR watershed land. Shoreline rocks can be slick. Respect closed areas.

Nearby waters

• South Meadow Pond · 4.5 km (MA)
• Coachlace Pond · 4.7 km (MA)
• Mossy Pond · 5.1 km (MA)
• Spectacle Pond · 15.3 km (MA)
• Barrett Pond · 16 km (MA)
• Fort Pond · 16.4 km (MA)

More in Worcester

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