History
In the 1930s, the Quabbin Reservoir was created to supply water for the city of Boston. The Swift River became a major tailwater of that, and developed into a fine clear-water fishing area.
Types
The river is well-stocked by the Massachusetts Game and Fish Commission, with Rainbow, Brown and Brook Trout. The edge of the Quabbin Reservoir is called "The Bubbler," and from there to Highway 9, there is some of the best catch-and-release fishing for trout anywhere.
Considerations
Catch and release is required on the Swift River from Winsor Dam to the bridge on Highway 9. Only fly fishing is allowed in this area. Also, from Highway 9 downstream to Cady Lane, catch and release is required July through December only.
Stocked
By mid-summer the stocked fish have become wiser and more difficult to catch after being in a catch-and-release program.
Season
The cold waters from the Quabbin Reservoir, and cooler temperatures of New England, keep the water between 37 and 61 degrees, which makes it a year-round fishing area.
License
Anyone 18 or over must have an adult fishing license, and anyone between the ages of 14 and 17 must have a junior license. People under 14 do not need a license to fish. There are separate licenses for instate and out-of-state residents.
Article Written By James Jordan
James Jordan has been a writer and photographer since 1980. He has worked for newspapers in Arkansas, Tennessee, South Carolina and Kansas, winning state press association awards for writing, photography and page design. In 1995 he received his master's in Christian education and completed two years of Ancient Greek at the graduate level. Jordan holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism.
