Babson Reservoir near Gloucester: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Essex County, Massachusetts, is where Babson Reservoir sits. Elevation runs to 75 feet. With some 42 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. The closest town, Gloucester, is 1 mile distant. Then Rockport, 2.9 miles, and Essex, 6.2 miles. Others worth noting: 0.3 miles out stands Strangman Pond, Mill Pond 0.7 miles away, 1.7 miles out stands Lower Banjo Pond, Cape Pond 1.8 miles away and 2 miles out stands Upper Banjo Pond. No county line comes close, which keeps the paperwork simple.

• Where to Fish on Babson Reservoir

  Our records hold no depth for this water. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Records held for Essex County cover Atlantic cod, alewife, bluegill and striped bass. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Fish Babson Reservoir where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 70°F; by January the average is down near 28°F. Conditions shift steadily rather than sharply. In a normal year the cover is thin and short-lived. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. It holds true on Babson Reservoir more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. The nearest car park is half a mile from the water. Babson Watershed takes in this water; protected-area rules will apply. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Night access is frequently treated as a separate matter. The nearest alternative is Strangman Pond, 0.3 miles out. Check the position at Babson Reservoir before loading the car.