Number Four Reservoir in Worcester County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Set in Worcester County, Massachusetts, this is Number Four Reservoir. It lies 715 feet above sea level. With some 67 acres of water, there is room for a boat but no need of one. The bank runs about 1.2 miles all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. Southbridge is the closest place, 3 miles off. It is 21 miles to Worcester, the nearest city. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Number Four Reservoir

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Fish documented in Worcester County include bluegill, chain pickerel and largemouth bass. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. The shape of Number Four Reservoir rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July is the warm end of the year here, averaging about 70°F, while January sits near 23°F. Cold winters and warm summers give a wide working range. Once it clears, about early April, the fishing comes on quickly. In an average year the thaw lands around early April and the freeze near late December. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. The season on Number Four Reservoir follows the weather closely.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. This sits inside Thompson Family Forever Wild Preserve, so read the reserve notices first. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Where a permit is needed, the nearest town usually sells it. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. If the gate is shut, Number Five Reservoir at 0.5 miles is the nearest alternative. Check the position on Number Four Reservoir before loading the car.