Quabbin Reservoir Opens for Season

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Thursday, April 12, 2012

Walter Bird Jr., GoLocalWorcester Reporter

The Quabbin Reservoir opens for the spring fishing season Saturday, April 14.

In addition to shore fishing, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation will open all three boat-launch sites: Gate in Belchertown, Gate 31 in New Salem and Gate 43 in Hardwick. The launches will open at 6 a.m., seven days a week during fishing season, which runs through Oct. 13.

Quabbin Season Parking Passes, which include parking and launching fees, can be bought at all three boat launch areas. Passes are $50 for the year and $25 for seniors over 62 with proof of age. Passes are also $25 for handicapped individuals with handicapped placards. The vehicle and trailer parking fee without the season pass is $8 per day.

All private boats launched on the reservoir must meet boat specification regulations and have an intact Quabbin Boat Seal, which attaches the boat to the trailer. Boat owners who do not have a seal can make a boat inspection and decontamination appointment through the Quabbin Visitor Center.

In addition to private boat launching facilities, boat rentals are available on a first come-first serve basis at all three boat launch areas. The cost for a boat and motor is $40 per day with a $6 per vehicle parking fee.

The reservoir is home to 27 species of fish, including lake trout, salmon, smallmouth bass and white perch.