Smallmouth Bass is recorded in 9 of the 15 spots within 75 minutes of Boston. Below are the strongest of them by our score: drive time, depth data, species and public access.
By our bite calendar, Smallmouth Bass peaks around Boston in May, June, July, and August. In November the calendar puts it at “Slow”.
Where to catch Smallmouth Bass near Boston
1. Lake Quinsigamond
Lake Quinsigamond is a 52-minute drive from downtown Boston. Launch at Lake Quinsigamond (Flint Pond), the public ramp on Lake Quinsigamond closest to downtown (≈ 35.6 mi). Public access on Lake Quinsigamond: 2 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 85 ft. Recorded here: Common Carp, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, and Atlantic Salmon.
2. Canobie Lake
Canobie Lake is a 39-minute drive from downtown Boston. Surveyed depths reach 40 ft. Recorded here: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Bluegill.
3. Big Island Pond
Big Island Pond is a 47-minute drive from downtown Boston. Launch at BIPC Ramp, the public ramp on Big Island Pond closest to downtown (≈ 35.3 mi). Public access on Big Island Pond: 2 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 70 ft. Recorded here: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Brown Trout.
4. Massabesic Lake
Massabesic Lake is a 57-minute drive from downtown Boston. Launch at Shore Drive Access Point, the public ramp on Massabesic Lake closest to downtown (≈ 46.2 mi). Public access on Massabesic Lake: 5 boat ramps. Surveyed depths reach 50 ft. Recorded here: Chain Pickerel, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, and Smallmouth Bass.
5. Cobbetts Pond
Cobbetts Pond is a 44-minute drive from downtown Boston. Launch at Town Beach, the public ramp on Cobbetts Pond closest to downtown (≈ 31.9 mi). Public access on Cobbetts Pond: 1 boat ramp. Surveyed depths reach 50 ft. Recorded here: Largemouth Bass, Goldfish, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye.
6. Lake Chaubunagungamaug
Lake Chaubunagungamaug is a 67-minute drive from downtown Boston. Launch at Webster Lake, the public ramp on Lake Chaubunagungamaug closest to downtown (≈ 45.5 mi). Public access on Lake Chaubunagungamaug: 1 boat ramp. Surveyed depths reach 45 ft. Recorded here: Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Atlantic Salmon, and Smallmouth Bass.
