Otis Reservoir near Otis: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Otis Reservoir is set in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. Elevation runs to 1,417 feet. It measures some 989 acres, and wind has room to build across it. The edge covers about 13 miles, enough to hold several distinct areas. Among the waters listed for Berkshire County, none is wider. 3.9 miles away sits Otis, the nearest town. New Marlborough lies 9.8 miles off, Granville another 11 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Otis Reservoir

  Depth went unrecorded, which puts the reading back on you. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Across Berkshire County, recorded fish include brown trout, pumpkinseed and largemouth bass. Those are county-wide records, so not every one of them will be in this water. Anyone new to Otis Reservoir should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 67°F, with January the cold end at about 20°F. The freeze arrives properly here and holds. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about early April. On the long-run averages the water opens up around early April and starts locking again about mid December. The first weeks of open water and the last are the ones to plan for. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Otis Reservoir.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access is not recorded for this water. A made slipway is half a mile from here, which settles the boat question. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. There is a toilet block some half a mile out. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Failing this one, try Larkum Pond, 1.3 miles away. Where Otis Reservoir is concerned, a local answer beats a written one.