When it comes to fishing opportunities in Massachusetts, the focus often falls on saltwater fishing due to its coastal location. However, what many anglers overlook is the excellent bass fishing that the state has to offer. Massachusetts is home to some incredible lakes, rivers, and ponds that provide fantastic bass fishing experiences. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the 12 best bass fishing spots in the Bay State.
Quabbin Reservoir
Let’s kick off our list with the magnificent Quabbin Reservoir. This massive body of water is a haven for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. In fact, some of the largest smallmouth bass in the entire state can be found here. The eastern portion of the lake is shallower and perfect for early-season bass fishing. Look for flats or submerged structures near deep water, as these are prime spots for bass to feed. Deep-diving crankbaits in perch or crawfish patterns can be highly effective in attracting bass. It’s worth noting that Quabbin Reservoir is a multi-species lake, also housing some of the state’s largest trout and salmon.
Wachusett Reservoir
Next up is Wachusett Reservoir, a popular Massachusetts reservoir that offers excellent shore fishing. Boating is prohibited here, so all fishing must be done from the shore. The reservoir is known for producing impressive smallmouth bass, and May and June are the best months for catching them. As for largemouth bass, August is the most productive month. Concentrate your efforts on near-shore drop-offs, especially during the spring and fall seasons. Andrews Harbor is a promising area with deep drop-offs within casting distance from shore.
Mashpee-Wakeby Pond
Located on Cape Cod, Mashpee-Wakeby Pond has gained recognition for producing giant largemouth bass. In the past decade, four largemouth bass measuring 25 inches were caught here. This is a remarkable feat, and it indicates that there are more trophy-sized bass in the pond. Mashpee-Wakeby has depths reaching 95 feet, providing ample opportunity for large bass to thrive. Live shiners, long plastic worms, and perch-imitation crankbaits are effective lures to try here.
Singletary Pond
Singletary Pond in West Millbury is another bass fishing gem. In 2022, an 8-pound, 10-ounce largemouth bass was caught here, which is a testament to the healthy bass population in the area. The pond is home to shiners, suckers, and alewives, which serve as an abundant food source for largemouth bass. Look for steep drop-offs around the islands in the center and northeast corner of the pond. Swimbaits or jerkbaits imitating shiners or juvenile crappie can entice the largest bass to feed.
Lake Onota
If you’re searching for trophy-sized largemouth and smallmouth bass, Lake Onota near Pittsfield is the place to go. Anglers have reported catching largemouths over 5 pounds and smallmouths nearing 4 pounds here. The northern part of the lake has thicker weed cover, while the southern end features deeper areas, reaching depths of more than 70 feet. Adjust your tactics accordingly, with soft plastics and topwater frogs being more effective in the weedy northern portion, and deep-diving crankbaits or jigs working better in the deeper southern section.
Forge Pond
Forge Pond, located near Granby, may be shallow, but it has produced bass in the 25-inch range. Despite its limited depth, the pond boasts healthy, well-fed bass. Topwater lures or soft plastics fished just beneath the surface are highly effective due to the pond’s shallow nature. Exercise caution and approach quietly to avoid spooking the fish. The easternmost arm of the pond, where Batchelor and Weston brooks flow in, is an excellent starting point for bass fishing.
Connecticut River
Stretching through Massachusetts, the Connecticut River is a prime destination for bass fishing. While smallmouth bass are more prevalent in the northern part of the state, the entire river offers excellent fishing opportunities. Smallmouth bass favor rocky habitats with areas of slower current, where they can hide and ambush their prey. Focus on undercut banks in late spring and early summer when smallmouths are most active. Largemouth bass can be found in slower sections of the river, typically near submerged stumps or trees. Jigs or soft-plastic baits are perfect for targeting largemouth bass in these areas.
Quaboag Pond
Quaboag Pond, also known as North Pond, is a hidden gem when it comes to bass fishing in Massachusetts. With a surface area of 550 acres and a maximum depth of 20 feet, the pond offers excellent opportunities for bass fishing. The southeast corner of the pond has deeper water and steeper drops, which are ideal spots for bass throughout the season. In the spring, focus on shallower areas where bass are spawning.
Lake Chaubunagungamaug
Lake Chaubunagungamaug, also called Webster Lake, is the largest natural lake in Massachusetts. This Southern Massachusetts gem has a diverse structure along its lake floor, making it an ideal habitat for bass. Rocky structures, deep drops, and elevated plateaus all attract bass throughout the year. There are notable holes in the lake, such as a 40-plus-foot hole in the northeast corner and 35-foot depths near the center. Focus on the elevated surfaces and steep drops to target and locate bass effectively.
Long Pond
Located in Brewster, Long Pond is one of Cape Cod’s largest bodies of fresh water. It offers a picturesque fishing experience suitable for the whole family, with a protected beach and swimming area available during the summer months. While it has a variety of fish species, smallmouth bass are plentiful in this pond. The southwest corner of the pond features steep drops reaching over 40 feet, which are prime spots for smallmouth bass. The center of the pond drops down to approximately 60 feet. Early mornings are the best time to fish, as the pond can become crowded with boat traffic during peak season.
Pontoosuc Lake
Pontoosuc Lake, in Western Massachusetts, is a popular destination for anglers due to its healthy largemouth bass population. The lake’s abundance of sunfish, perch, and crappie contributes to the successful growth of its bass population. The northernmost point of the lake has the steepest drop, reaching depths of 40 feet about a quarter mile offshore. This area is ideal for targeting bass in the corner seasons when they move to deeper water after foraging in shallower parts of the lake. Pontoosuc Lake is also known for its fantastic ice fishing opportunities during the winter months.
Johns Pond
Our final entry on the list is Johns Pond in Mashpee. This pond is home to oversized largemouth and smallmouth bass, making it a rare find in Massachusetts. The presence of white perch, yellow perch, and bluegill provides a solid food source for bass and can guide lure selection. Sea-run alewives also contribute to the bass’s growth in this pond. The northeast corner of the pond boasts the deepest hole, reaching over 70 feet. This area is an excellent starting point, especially during the summer months, for targeting smallmouth bass. Docks, points, and small coves are additional areas to explore.
Summary
Massachusetts may not be the first place that comes to mind when it comes to bass fishing, but it truly offers some incredible opportunities. Whether you’re targeting smallmouths in massive reservoirs or chasing alewife-eating largemouths in Cape Cod ponds, there are plenty of impressive bass waiting to be caught. We hope this guide helps you create unforgettable memories on the water.
Catch More Bass
For more bass fishing tips and tactics, including recommendations for various lures and riggings, be sure to read our comprehensive guide on bass fishing. It’s packed with valuable information to help you catch more bass and have a great time out on the water.
East Coast Paddle Sports
If you’re looking to explore these amazing bass fishing spots in Massachusetts, make sure to check out East Coast Paddle Sports. They offer a wide range of kayaks and paddleboards for rent, allowing you to get out on the water and fish to your heart’s content.
