Bearhole Reservoir Fishing in Hampden County, Massachusetts

• Overview

  The Hampden County entry here is Bearhole Reservoir, in Massachusetts. The ground round it is lake country bush. It covers about 17 acres, so this is small water you can walk round in under an hour. Nearest place of any size is West Springfield, 3.5 miles away. Westfield is 3.5 miles and Chicopee 3.9 miles. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Bearhole Reservoir

  Depth is not on record here, which means reading the ground instead. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Fish documented in Hampden County include bluegill, white sucker, pumpkinseed and brook trout. The list covers the county rather than this water alone, so treat it as a guide. Read Bearhole Reservoir before you fish it and the day goes better.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 72°F and January about 24°F. Expect a real winter and a strong spring after it. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near late March. Ice usually gives way near late March, and forms again about late December. Look to early summer and the first cool weeks of autumn. Plan around that when you fish Bearhole Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Leave the car at Bear Hole Road parking area, about half a mile from the bank. West Springfield Watershed Land runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. For a change of water, Snake Pond is 2.5 miles distant. Check the position on Bearhole Reservoir before loading the car.