Fishing in Springfield, Massachusetts, United States

OT.Toch

Great small town lake; only half of it has fish able banks for pond hoppers but the fishing pressure is incredibly high and visitors very frequently litter all over the western peninsula. Roughly 10 clearings around the peninsula for clear casting and the eastern half of the lake, which is only accessible by vessel, has much more fruitful fishing due to far less pressure. Through out the entire year, the lake sustains a high amount of vegetation and that dictates a lot of lure selection. The lake also is home to many-a natural lay downs which make for a lot of nice structure for game fish. Paths are well maintained. Rowing and electric motors only.

-ABOW-

There are primarily two locations centered around the reservoir, which are the upper and lower reservoirs. Most popular being the lower reservoir, has a few drop offs on the edges. There is also a large abundance of tall weeds in the center of the pond with occasional breaks in the weeds. There are many rock beds around the pond too. The fish species include yellow perch, largemouth bass, and chain pickerel. There is also a population of crawfish in the pond. The reservoir has many good places where fish hang out, such as a cove in the back end. Fishing here isn’t very difficult however the size of the bass isn’t exactly great. Many small bass around the pond with a few big ones. The reservoir is also stocked with rainbow trout for the yearly youth derby. Overall, the lower reservoir is a family friendly place to fish with many bank accessible locations. It is a great spot for beginner bass fisherman. Moving on to the upper reservoir, which is a smaller more mud based pond with a few weed patches scattered around. It is about a 5 minute walk from the lower reservoir and features a similar ecosystem. There is a stone foundation which functions as a dock as well. The bank access is more limited but the fish seem to congregate in those areas. There are a few lay downs along the banks which are close to the rock bottoms. Similarly to the lower reservoir, the water is very clear, making sneaking up on fish more difficult. The only fish I know that live in the upper reservoir are largemouth bass. However, I did recently receive a tip that it was stocked with trout as well. Regardless, the high population of bass in the small pond proves for accessible and easy fishing. Overall, both are the reservoirs are a viable place and are even good for a good walk once in a while. Also, I’m pretty sure a resident parking permit is required for the main parking area.