Town(s):
Otis MA, Tolland MA
County:
Berkshire, Hampden
Size:
1065
acres
Average Depth:
15
feet
Maximum Depth:
48
feet
Boating Allowed:
Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats, Jet-skis, State & Local Rules & Regulations Apply, Other Restrictions
Boating Comments:
Recreational boating traffic can be very heavy in the summer. Speed limit - Sunrise to Sunset 45 MPH - Dusk to Dawn 12 MPH
No Toilets on any craft - Permanent or Portable. Anyone under the age of 16 must obtain a safety certificate from the State, otherwise be accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older to operate a motor boat. Max length for boats is 23 feet. No operation of ANY vessel while intoxicated. Reasonable mufflers and fully enclosed engine compartments required. Canoe and Kayaking - Life jackets mandatory from September 15th to May 15th.
Swimming:
Swimming Allowed, Some Restrictions
At 1,100 acres, and with 30 miles of shoreline, Otis Reservoir is considered the largest recreational water body in the state. Powerboating is permitted, and there is good access from the DEM boat ramp near the Forest entrance. Tolland State Forest's 90 campsites are located on a peninsula on the western shore of the Otis Reservoir. There are sites for trailer campers as well as tenters, and many sites are located on the water's edge. The State Forest occupies nearly 4,900 acres in total and features numerous trails that offer both summer and winter recreational opportunities. The village of Otis boasts three general stores, a hardware store, a pizza joint, two restaurant/tavern establishments and at least two very good breakfast venues. Boats, canoes and kayaks can be rented at nearby Camp Overflow and also at J&D Marina, both of which also offer boat ramps and dockside fuel. Otis Reservoir is included in the state's annual trout stocking program as well as the broodstock salmon program. The lower third of Otis Reservoir lies in the town of Tolland and is largely undeveloped. A short ride along the dirt roads that track the southern shoreline opens up a number of opportunities for relative solitude and exploration. A mountain bike would provide an excellent vehicle for taking advantage of the trails and unpaved roads. Be advised that the water level may be low in the earliest part of the season, as the Reservoir is drawn down eight feet in the fall and is sometimes slow to reach full level.
Water Quality:
No Known Issues, Town/State Monitoring
Vegetation Growth:
Minimal
Non-native Species:
Fishing Comments:
Stocked annually by state with Trout.
Fish Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Tiger Muskie, Chain Pickerel, Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, White Perch, Brown Bullhead, Sunfish, Bluegill, Golden Shiner, White Sucker
Boat Access:
Access for Power and Non-power Boats
Ramp Comments:
Public access can be found via a large, paved ramp on the west shore of the state forest.
Parking Spaces:
11-20
Directions:
From the East: Mass Pike Exit 3 (Westfield). Follow Route 10-202 South to Route 20. Proceed west on Route 20 for about 6 miles. Turn left onto Route 23 West. Follow Route 23 west through Blandford into Otis. About 1 mile past the Otis town line, turn left onto West Shore Road, then left onto Tolland Road. Follow signs. From North or South: Route 8 to Otis. Take Reservoir Road to Tolland Road. Follow signs.
Shoreline Development:
50-75%
