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Massachusetts · Fishing
Holyoke sits on a stretch of the Connecticut River that gives anglers a legitimate shot at migratory fish most of inland Massachusetts never sees.
4 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 4 spots
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Holyoke sits on a stretch of the Connecticut River that gives anglers a legitimate shot at migratory fish most of inland Massachusetts never sees. The Holyoke Dam Tailwater is the headliner: the dam blocks upstream shad and striped bass migration, which concentrates fish in the pool below in numbers that make this one of the more productive river spots in the state during the spring run. The water here sits at around 80 feet elevation and is rated easy access, so you don't need to scramble over anything to get a line in. Smallmouth bass and channel catfish round out the river fishing year-round for anyone who shows up outside the shad window. Away from the river, Holyoke has three stillwater options — Ashley Pond, Wright Pond, and Connor Reservoir — that offer a quieter, more casual experience suited to panfish and whatever the state puts in. None of the four spots require a boat, which keeps the barrier to entry low. If you're driving in specifically to fish, the tailwater below the dam is the reason to make the trip; the ponds are a good add-on or a fallback when the river is running high and dirty.
Spring is the prime window, typically mid-April through June, when American shad and striped bass stack up below the dam during their upstream migration. Smallmouth bass and channel catfish are present through the warmer months and into fall, so the tailwater fishes well beyond the shad run if you adjust your target species.
For shad, a light to medium spinning rod with small darts or shad rigs in the 1/4 to 3/8 oz range is the standard setup. If you're targeting striped bass, step up to a medium-heavy rod and bring bucktails or large swimbaits. Channel catfish respond well to cut bait or chicken liver fished on the bottom, and smallmouth will take soft plastics and crankbaits worked along current seams.
Indian Hollow
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Connecticut River - Holyoke Dam Tailwater
~3 min drive
Easy
Westfield River - Middle Branch
~22 min drive
Moderate
Swift River - Cady Lane Access
~36 min drive
Hard
Wright Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Quabbin Reservoir - Winsor Dam Access
~32 min drive
Moderate
Ashley Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Connor Reservoir
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Plastic Park Pond
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Lake Lookout
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Aldrich Lake
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Ingraham Brook Pond
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Yes, a valid Massachusetts freshwater fishing license is required for all four spots listed here, including the Connecticut River tailwater. Striped bass in inland waters also fall under Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife regulations, so check the current size and bag limits before you go since they are subject to change.
They're solid options for a low-key outing, particularly if you're bringing kids or just want a relaxed session without dealing with river current. The state stocks ponds like these periodically, but check MassWildlife's stocking reports before your trip rather than assuming fish are in. Don't make a long drive specifically for these ponds — they're best treated as a local complement to the tailwater.
Yes, the tailwater is rated easy access and bank fishing is viable. During the shad run especially, you'll find other anglers fishing from shore, which is part of what makes this spot approachable for anyone. Waders can be useful for reaching better casting positions in the river, but they're not required.
