Fishing at Clam Lake Reservoir, Berkshire County, Massachusetts

• Overview

  Set in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, this is Clam Lake Reservoir. Land around it is pine and birch. Roughly 51 acres: a morning covers one end, an afternoon the other. It sits higher than most water we list in Massachusetts. Otis is the closest town at 3.7 miles. It is 27 miles to Springfield, the nearest city. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Clam Lake Reservoir

  Without a survey to go on, judge depth from how the bank falls away. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. County-wide records name brown trout, pumpkinseed and largemouth bass. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. At Clam Lake Reservoir the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The seasonal spread runs 20°F to 67°F. Fishing here follows the temperature more than the calendar. Break-up comes around early April, and the run that follows is short and strong. On average, early April opens the water and mid December closes it again. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. It sets the rhythm of the year at Clam Lake Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Ownership and access are not documented in what we hold. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. This sits inside Clam Lake Flood Control Site, so read the reserve notices first. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. The nearest alternative is Abbey Lake, 2.2 miles out. Treat Clam Lake Reservoir as unsettled until someone local tells you otherwise.