From Boston, 15 waters from our guide are no more than 75 minutes away by road — 8 lakes and 7 reservoirs. Our records list no fewer than 22 species of fish for them.

Canobie Lake is 39 minutes from Boston

The closest water to Boston is Canobie Lake, a reservoir, 39 min (33.8 mi) away by road. The drive time is measured to the shore access point: Water Treatment Plant.

Also within a short drive:

Leading the list: Lake Quinsigamond

These 3 waters lead our list for Boston, ranked by distance, depth data, fish records and access:

  • Lake Quinsigamond: 604 acres, 7 fish species on record, max depth 85 ft (surveyed) and 2 ramps.
  • Canobie Lake (reservoir): 381 acres, 7 fish species on record, max depth 40 ft (surveyed) and 2 ramps.
  • Big Island Pond (reservoir): 550 acres, 6 fish species on record, max depth 70 ft (surveyed), 2 ramps and 1,965 fish stocked.

Deepest nearby: Lake Quinsigamond, 85 ft

Lake Quinsigamond has the greatest depth on our map near here, 85 ft (surveyed). It is followed by Big Island Pond (70 ft), Massabesic Lake (50 ft) and Cobbetts Pond (50 ft). Maximum depths are known for all 15 waters.

Largemouth Bass and 22 more species on record

Largemouth Bass turns up in more of these waters than any other fish: 14 of 15. It is followed by Smallmouth Bass (9), Northern Pike (8), Bluegill (7) and Rainbow Trout (6).

Where to find them closest to town:

  • Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill and Rainbow Trout: Canobie Lake, 39 min (33.8 mi)
  • Northern Pike: Whitehall Reservoir, 47 min (31.7 mi)

Launching near Boston: 20 ramps

Public access near Boston adds up to 20 boat ramps and 4 shore-fishing spots. The boat ramp closest to the city center is Whitehall Reservoir on Whitehall Reservoir, about 27.5 mi in a straight line, with 2 lanes.

Stocking records around Boston

2 waters here have stocked fish on record, led by Massabesic Lake (3,710 fish) and Big Island Pond (1,965 fish).