Ashland Reservoir Fishing Spot

• County: Middlesex - Ashland, MA
• Acreage: 155
• Public Fishing: Yes
• Mean Depth: 23'
• Max Depth: 47'
• Elevation: 218'
• Bathymetry Map: View Ashland Reservoir Bathymetry Map
• Website: http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/dfw/habitat/maps-ponds/dfwashl.pdf
• Last Modified By: samf on 05/27/15 02:01 PM
• Ask about Ashland Reservoir in our Fishing Forums

This 155-acre, two-story trout pond is located in Ashland, approximately one mile south of the town's center. The maximum depth is 47 feet; average depth 23 feet. Transparency is fairly good at nine feet, and aquatic vegetation is scarce, being limited to a few coves and shoreline areas. The bottom is dominated by rubble, rock and clay.
Ashland State Park, owned by the Dept. of Environmental Management encompasses the reservoir's entire shoreline. While access is available off Route 135 through the park, the gate there is closed during much of the year, so anglers are best advised to use the access off Spring Street on the reservoir’s southern tip. This is a dirt ramp suitable for small boats and canoes. Parking space is limited to about five vehicles.

The last fisheries survey, conducted in 1979, indicated the reservoir was supporting stocked trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, bluegill, golden shiner and brown bullhead. Largemouth bass and bluegills dominated the sample. Smallmouth bass may no longer be present today.

Ashland is stocked both spring and fall with rainbow trout, brown trout and sometimes brook trout. It has a good reputation for providing excellent trout fishing from late May into July. Trolling appears to be the most effective method for taking trout here, generally at depths around 15 feet. Fishing pressure for trout can be high during the peak of the season, so plan to arrive early to get a parking space.
The largemouth bass is the number one warm water gamefish here, and bass anglers can usually find action around the drop-offs associated with the islands along the western shore. Panfishing should also be good.