Franklin Reservoirs Fishing Guide, Norfolk County, Massachusetts

• Overview

  Massachusetts holds Franklin Reservoirs, in Norfolk County. Farm and woodlot runs right down to the water. At 10 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. Supplies mean a trip to Franklin, 1 mile off. The big place round here is Providence, 19 miles distant. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Franklin Reservoirs

  There is a figure for this one: 5 ft. 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. County-wide records name bluegill, pumpkinseed, chain pickerel and yellow perch. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. At Franklin Reservoirs the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 71°F, with January the cold end at about 26°F. Temperature moves within a narrow band, and so does the fishing. Hard water here is never dependable, so check for yourself before stepping out. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. At Franklin Reservoirs the season follows that pattern closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  This one is recorded as open to the public. The nearest car park is 170 yards from the water. A wire trace and a big bright lure handle the pike; deep water asks for a heavier spoon. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. For a change of water, Spot 2 is 0.2 miles distant. The position on Franklin Reservoirs is worth confirming on the day.