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Massachusetts · Fishing
Southbridge sits in south-central Worcester County, and its fishing is almost entirely still-water — a handful of ponds and reservoirs that hold warmwater species and, depending on the season, stocked fish from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
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Southbridge sits in south-central Worcester County, and its fishing is almost entirely still-water — a handful of ponds and reservoirs that hold warmwater species and, depending on the season, stocked fish from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. The main waters you'll find listed here are Morse Pond, Cohasse Brook Reservoir, Reservoir No. 5, and Wells Pond, all of which fall under the standard Massachusetts freshwater regulations. None of these are remote backcountry destinations — most have road access or short walks from a parking area — which makes Southbridge a reasonable option for anglers who want a low-logistics day on the water rather than a long drive into the Berkshires or the North Quabbin region. Expect largemouth bass, yellow perch, and chain pickerel as the backbone of the fishery, with bluegill and pumpkinseed filling out the panfish side. MassWildlife stocks select waters in the region during spring and fall trout seasons, so timing your visit around those stocking schedules can meaningfully change what you catch. Shore access is the norm here, though a small kayak or canoe opens up more of the water on the larger reservoirs.
Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, and panfish like bluegill and pumpkinseed are the resident warmwater species across Morse Pond, Wells Pond, Cohasse Brook Reservoir, and Reservoir No. 5. MassWildlife periodically stocks trout in eligible waters during the spring and fall seasons, so check the MassWildlife stocking report before your trip if trout are the target.
Spring is the most productive window — bass move shallow to spawn in May and early June, stocked trout are active before water temperatures climb, and perch school up in predictable spots. Fall is a close second, particularly September through October when bass feed aggressively before winter. Midsummer fishing slows on warm afternoons but early morning and evening sessions on the ponds can still produce bass and pickerel.
Buffumville Lake (Group Shelter)
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
West Thompson Lake Campground
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Cohasse Brook Reservoir
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Muddy Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Wells Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Morse Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Morse Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Reservoir No. 5
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Breakneck Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Hamant Brook Reservoir
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Turnpike Pond
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Lower Hamant Pond
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
First light through mid-morning is consistently the most productive window, especially for bass and pickerel in warmer months. On overcast days the bite can hold through midday. If you're fishing in summer, plan to be on the water by 6:30 a.m. and wrap up by 10 before the sun pushes fish deeper.
Yes, a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license is required for anyone 15 and older. Licenses are available through the MassWildlife website or at local sporting goods retailers. Some of the reservoir properties in the Southbridge area may have access restrictions tied to water supply management, so confirm public access status for Cohasse Brook Reservoir and Reservoir No. 5 before you go.
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations across these ponds — it's versatile enough for bass with soft plastics or topwater lures and light enough for perch and panfish with small jigs or live bait. A kayak or canoe is worth bringing if you have one, since it lets you cover more of Cohasse Brook Reservoir and Reservoir No. 5 beyond the shore-accessible areas. Waders are generally not necessary.
