Loading trail…
Massachusetts · Fishing
Becket sits in the hill towns of Berkshire County, and its fishing is almost entirely stillwater — ponds and reservoirs tucked into second-growth forest, not the kind of destination that draws tournament crowds, which is part of the appeal.
6 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 6 spots
Becket sits in the hill towns of Berkshire County, and its fishing is almost entirely stillwater — ponds and reservoirs tucked into second-growth forest, not the kind of destination that draws tournament crowds, which is part of the appeal. Yokum Pond is the most accessible option in town and the one most anglers start with, offering a mix of warmwater species typical of western Massachusetts lakes. Palmer Brook Reservoir and Shaw Pond are quieter alternatives worth checking if you want more elbow room. Chimney Corners Pond sits on private camp property, so access there depends on who you know or where you're staying. The Becket Historic Quarry adds an unusual option — flooded granite quarries can hold surprisingly cold water and sometimes support fish populations that differ from the surrounding ponds. None of the waters on this list carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so manage expectations accordingly: this is solid recreational lake fishing, good for a half-day outing or a family trip, not a pilgrimage for trophy fish. A basic Massachusetts freshwater fishing license is required for anyone 15 and older, and it's worth checking MassFishHunt for current stocking reports before you make the drive.
The lakes and ponds listed here are typical of western Massachusetts warmwater fisheries, so largemouth bass, yellow perch, and chain pickerel are the most likely catches. Bluegill and pumpkinseed are common in shallower areas. Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife does stock some Berkshire County waters with trout in spring, but none of the specific waters on this list are designated wild-trout or gold-medal waters, so don't plan your trip around trophy trout.
Late April through June is productive once water temperatures climb after ice-out, and bass and perch are actively feeding before summer heat sets in. Fall, from September into October, is another strong window as fish feed heavily before winter. Midsummer fishing on these smaller ponds can slow during the warmest part of the day, so early morning outings are worth the early alarm.
Indian Hollow
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Westfield River - Middle Branch
~20 min drive
Moderate
Onota Lake - Burbank Park Boat Launch
~27 min drive
Easy
Palmer Brook Reservoir
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Housatonic River - Bartholomew's Cobble Section
~34 min drive
Moderate
Pontoosuc Lake - Lakewood Boat Launch
~30 min drive
Easy
Chimney Corners Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Cheshire Lake - Adams Road Boat Ramp
~34 min drive
Easy
Yokum Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Connecticut River - Holyoke Dam Tailwater
~42 min drive
Easy
Yokum Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Shaw Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
A medium-light spinning setup handles most situations on these ponds — 6 to 8 lb monofilament or light braid covers bass, perch, and pickerel without overcomplicating things. Soft plastics, small spinnerbaits, and live bait like worms or shiners all work on warmwater ponds like Yokum and Shaw. If you're fishing from shore, a longer rod in the 6.5 to 7 foot range helps you reach past any shoreline vegetation.
Shore fishing is realistic at Yokum Pond, which has accessible banks and is the most visited water in town. Smaller ponds like Shaw Pond and Palmer Brook Reservoir may have limited cleared shoreline, so a canoe, kayak, or small car-top boat opens up a lot more water. A float tube also works well on these calm, smaller ponds if you have one.
A Massachusetts freshwater fishing license is required for anyone 15 and older and can be purchased online through MassFishHunt or at local sporting goods stores. Access points vary by water — Yokum Pond has a public boat ramp, but Chimney Corners Pond is associated with a private camp, so confirm access before you show up. Always check posted signage at the water for any local rules on motors or bait restrictions.
