Fishing Bates Powers Reservoir in Worcester County, Massachusetts

• Overview

  Bates Powers Reservoir is a Worcester County water, in Massachusetts. It lies 1,152 feet above sea level. With some 33 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. About 1.0 miles of bank, so nothing stays unexplored for long. It is high ground by Massachusetts standards. 1.8 miles away sits Phillipston, the nearest town. The big place round here is Worcester, 28 miles distant. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Bates Powers Reservoir

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Fish documented in Worcester County include bluegill, chain pickerel, largemouth bass and pumpkinseed. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Fish Bates Powers Reservoir where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 68°F, while January sits near 20°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Expect a solid lid for months and a thaw around early April. On average, early April opens the water and mid December closes it again. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. The season on Bates Powers Reservoir follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. There is a car park half a mile from the bank. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. If the gate is shut, Reservoir Number Two at 1.1 miles is the nearest alternative. Signs at Bates Powers Reservoir carry more weight than any list.