Wachusett Reservoir

Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 16
Species: 17

Wachusett Reservoir is the second-largest body of water in Massachusetts, spanning approximately 4,135 acres with 37 miles of shoreline across the towns of Boylston, West Boylston, Clinton, and Sterling. Created in the late 19th century, it serves as part of metropolitan Boston's water supply system and is maintained by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). With a maximum depth of 120 feet (37 meters) and an average depth of 48 feet (15 meters), this reservoir offers exceptional fishing opportunities while maintaining strict regulations to protect its water quality. As one of only two Lake Trout fisheries in Massachusetts (the other being Quabbin Reservoir), Wachusett is known for producing trophy-sized fish and holds six state fishing records.

Massachusetts licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Wachusett Reservoir and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Atlantic Salmon

Salmo salar

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Brown Bullhead

Ameiurus nebulosus

Chain Pickerel

Esox niger

Lake Trout

Salvelinus namaycush

Pumpkinseed

Lepomis gibbosus

Redbreast Sunfish

Lepomis auritus

Rock Bass

Ambloplites rupestris

White Perch

Morone americana

Yellow Bullhead

Ameiurus natalis

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Wachusett Reservoir. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Wachusett Reservoir

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Massachusetts licenses and regulations

Massachusetts Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Massachusetts Fishing License

If you are 15 years of age or older, you need a license to fish. Licenses are FREE for Massachusetts residents 15-17 years of age, and those 70 and over. You can get your license online using MassFishHunt. You must carry your license with you when fishing, either as a paper copy or on your smartphone. If asked, anglers have to display a true, complete, and legible image of a valid license. Licenses expire each year on Dec. 31. You can renew your license online at MassFishHunt or print a duplicate copy if you’ve lost it.

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Massachusetts Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you to check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Massachusetts Stream Access Laws

Massachusetts protects the public right to freely pass over all waters in the state, regardless of navigability. The rights of passage include recreation. Navigable waters are those subject to the ebb and flow of the tide, are navigable in fact or simply have the capacity for navigation, commercial or recreational.

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Take Wachusett Reservoir with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Wachusett Reservoir to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Wachusett Reservoir to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Wachusett Reservoir and check the forecast before you go.

GATES BROOK NEAR WEST BOYLSTON, MA

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