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Massachusetts · Fishing
Sturbridge sits in the middle of Worcester County with a handful of stillwater options that suit anglers who prefer a quiet morning on the water over a crowded boat ramp.
4 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 4 spots
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Sturbridge sits in the middle of Worcester County with a handful of stillwater options that suit anglers who prefer a quiet morning on the water over a crowded boat ramp. The four fishable spots in town — Mill Pond, Big Alum Lake, Lower Hamant Pond, and Hamant Brook Reservoir — are all lake and pond fisheries, so expect warmwater species like largemouth bass, yellow perch, and chain pickerel alongside whatever panfish the state has stocked. None of these waters are designated wild trout or gold medal fisheries, but that doesn't mean they're not worth your time. Big Alum Lake is the largest of the group and tends to hold the most consistent bass fishing through the warmer months. Mill Pond is compact and accessible, which makes it a reasonable pick for someone fishing from shore or with a kayak. Lower Hamant Pond and Hamant Brook Reservoir are quieter and see less pressure, which can work in your favor during summer weekends when other spots get busy. A Massachusetts freshwater fishing license is required for anyone 15 and older. If you're driving in from out of state, a non-resident license covers all four waters.
All four locations are lake and pond fisheries, so largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, and bluegill are the most likely catches. Hamant Brook Reservoir and Lower Hamant Pond may also hold stocked trout in spring depending on MassWildlife's stocking schedule for that season, but check the MassWildlife stocking list directly before your trip rather than assuming.
Shore fishing is viable at all four spots, though access points vary. Mill Pond is the most straightforward for walk-up shore fishing. Big Alum Lake has more shoreline to work with and is manageable from a kayak or canoe if you want to cover more water. Check current access conditions before you go, as parking and trail access can change seasonally.
Buffumville Lake (Group Shelter)
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
West Thompson Lake Campground
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Lower Hamant Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Quaboag River - Warren Access
~14 min drive
Moderate
Mill Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Big Alum Lake
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Hamant Brook Reservoir
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Wells Pond
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Reservoir No. 5
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Cohasse Brook Reservoir
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Breakneck Pond
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Wheeler Pond
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for bass and pickerel in warmwater ponds like these. Midday in summer tends to push fish deeper and into shaded structure, so if you're fishing Big Alum Lake or Lower Hamant Pond in July or August, focus on docks, fallen timber, and weed edges during those off-peak hours.
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations across these waters. For bass and pickerel, soft plastics, small spinnerbaits, and surface lures work well in warmer months. If you're targeting perch or panfish, a light rod with small jigs or live bait will cover you. Bring polarized sunglasses — they make a real difference for reading structure in shallow ponds.
A valid Massachusetts freshwater fishing license is required for anglers 15 and older. Residents and non-residents can purchase licenses through MassWildlife's website or at local license agents. Size and bag limits for bass and other species are set by MassWildlife and can change year to year, so review the current freshwater fishing regulations on their site before your trip.
