Lake Quinsigamond

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Lake Quinsigamond

Town(s): Worcester MA, Shrewsbury MA
County: Worcester

Size: 772 acres
Average Depth: 33 feet
Maximum Depth: 105 feet

Boating Allowed: Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats, Jet-skis, State & Local Rules & Regulations Apply, Other Restrictions, See Comments
Boating Comments: 40 mph speed limit throughout the entire lake.
Swimming: Swimming Allowed, Some Restrictions

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Lake Quinsigamond is a large north to south oriented waterbody that forms part of the eastern border for the city of Worcester. There are really three distinct sections: the deep, narrow northern basin, the shallower southern basin with its many coves and islands, and the shallow, southernmost section known as Flint Pond. The deep northern basin averages 33 feet, while Flint Pond averages only 9 feet. Approximately 40 miles from Boston, the best way to get there is via Rt. 9, which can be accessed by way of Rt. 290. Family Amenities include Quinsigamond State Park, with its two sites on the western shore, are family friendly and accessible, offering good shoreline access to fishing, swimming, picnicking, and sailing, and each has restroom facilities. The two boat ramps give the boating family ample access to the waterbody. Also being an urban waterbody, you will not have to look hard to find lodging, dining, and shopping opportunities. Founded in 1984, the Lake Quinsigamond Watershed Association (LQWA) is a volunteer-based organization of nearly 150 members committed to enhancing the quality of life in and around Lake Quinsigamond for all of its natural and human residents. It was incorporated for the purpose of restoring, preserving and maintaining the environmental water quality and recreational quality of the watershed area.

Water Quality: No Known Issues, Town/State Monitoring
Vegetation Growth: Minimal
Non-native Species: Unknown

Fishing Comments: Mass wildlife stocks this water (spring and fall) with Brook, Brown and Rainbow trout, as well as with Broodstock Atlantic Salmon in late fall. Northern Pike and Tiger Muskie are stocked on certain years as supplies are available. This waterbody offers year round fishing including ice fishing, but be careful here as this is a large lake that will be one of the very last to freeze up. For trout and Salmon the more active times will be when the water temperature is below 55 degrees, generally from October through April, and with MassWildlife stocking this water heavily in late March, April, early May and late September these would be the very best times. From May through September as the trout seek the cooler deeper water the warm water species become more active in the shallows. Fish Location If trout is your game stick to the northern parts of the south basin and the northern basin (generally from just south of the Rt. 9 bridge north) where the deeper colder water can be found. For bass focus on the waters from Rt. 20 to the Rt. 9 bridge. Below Rt. 20 is Flint pond, still part of Lake Quinsigamond, but is very shallow and weedy, great for pickerel, and largemouth bass. And of course panfish and perch can be found most anywhere in the lake. There is plenty of shoreline fishing to be had, the largest chunk being Quinsigamond State Park with its two sites totalling 51 acres both on the western shore. Top Techniques: If just "catching anything that bites" is your goal nothing beats live bait, most common are earth worms, meal worms, and shiners (various minnow species). When fishing the hard water particularly for bass, pike and tiger muskellunge shiners and large ones are your best bet. Stocked trout will eagerly take pellets and pastes in a variety of colors and odors, sometimes preferring it to live bait. Lures also work well. Keep a variety of spinners, spinnerbaits, spoons, plugs, stick baits, jigs, and soft plastics in different sizes and colors.
Fish Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Tiger Muskie, Northern Pike, Chain Pickerel, Salmon, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Carp, Yellow Perch, White Perch, Sunfish, Bluegill

Boat Access: Access for Power and Non-power Boats
Ramp Comments: There are two boat ramps as well, one off of Rt. 20, and another ramp off of North Quinsigamond Ave. both maintained by the town of Shrewsbury.
Parking Spaces: 21-40

Directions: Approximately 40 miles from Boston, the best way to get there is via Rt. 9, which can be accessed by way of Rt. 290. Depending on where you're coming from, Rt. 290 can be accessed either from the Mass Pike (Rt. 90) or Rt. 495. Once on 290 (heading east or west) look for Rt. 9 east (exits 17 or 18). Take Rt. 9 east for about 2 miles to lake.
Shoreline Development: 75-100%