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Otis Reservoir water contains a diverse population of fish. Up to 16 different species have been recorded in the past. The most recent survey, conducted in 1978, recorded 12 species: white perch, yellow perch, smallmouth bass, golden shiner, brown bullhead, largemouth bass, bluegill, chain pickerel, black crappie, white sucker, red-breasted sunfish and pumpkinseed. The lake is also stocked with tiger muskies. In addition, it is stocked with catchable trout (primarily rainbows) every spring and fall, and also receives a quota of broodstock salmon when they are available.

Most sportsmen come to Otis in search of the catchable trout released by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. The fishing for these trout is good, well into mid summer, and picks up again in late September and October when the reservoir receives a fall stocking of fewer but larger trout. Most are taken by trolling small spinners and spoons, or by still-fishing the bottom by
boat or from shore with doughbaits or worms.

Smallmouth fishing is generally best from May through July. Although these fighters rarely reach trophy size and can be very spotty as to distribution within the lake, any angler who searches them out should find some action. Bottom-bouncing jigs, rubber slugs and live crayfish are very effective. The major problem is finding a spot away from water skiers and speedboats.
Ice fishermen do well on yellow perch, large and smallmouth bass and black crappie, but chain pickerel are scarce. There is always the possibility of catching a trophy tiger muskie.

The lake level is generally at full pool by late summer and water is released in the fall so that ice will not damage lake structures, such as docks and moorings. This cycle of fill and release enhances the water quality of Otis Reservoir.

Today, the shorelines of Otis Reservoir are heavily developed with residential homes. A large, paved boat ramp located on the western shore of the lake near Clark Island provides public access to the lake and parking for approximately 12 vehicles. The boat launch lies next to the Tolland State Forest Campground, both of which are managed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management.
link to Tolland State Forest Campground - http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/massparks/region-west/tolland-state-forest-generic.html

Massachusetts State Parks - Camping Information and Reservations

Free & Printable Maps from the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game

This information courtesy of:
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Mass.Gov/EEA, the official portal of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)

View Current Massachusetts Fish Consumption Advisories

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