Ice fishing in Massachusetts: 10 lakes and how to stay safe

Ice first

Those figures are for clear, solid new ice. White or snow ice is about half as strong, so double them. Ice is never the same thickness across a lake: check it with a spud or auger every few steps, stay away from inlets, outlets, springs and pressure ridges, and follow your state agency's advice.

1. Quabbin Reservoir

At 24,700 acres of water, Quabbin Reservoir is a big lake. Expect lake trout, trout, yellow perch and smallmouth bass. The deepest water is around 151 ft. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start. Under the ice, lake trout: cool surface. They come shallower; try shore points.

Quabbin Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

2. Wachusett Reservoir

Wachusett Reservoir covers 4,480 acres of water. It lies next to Boylston. Wachusett Dam holds it on the Nashua River. It holds trout, lake trout and smallmouth bass. The deepest water is around 120 ft. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and a sheltered cove to work. Wachusett Reservoir is a Massachusetts Water Resources Authority drinking-water supply where boating and swimming are banned but shoreline fishing is allowed under rules. Under the ice, trout: cold. Slow and near the surface on sunny days.

Wachusett Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

3. Otis Reservoir

Otis Reservoir spreads over 1,080 acres of water. The lake is about 2.5 miles northwest of Otis. It holds yellow perch, bluegill, catfish and muskie. It goes down to about 48 ft. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start. Otis Reservoir is the largest body of water in the Berkshires and is stocked with trout. Under the ice, yellow perch: cold. Deep schools; small jigs or minnows.

Otis Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

4. Webster Lake

Webster Lake is a natural lake raised by a dam of 1,440 acres. The lake is near Webster. Like most lakes its size in Massachusetts, it should hold crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. At about 49 ft at its deepest, it warms quickly in spring. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look. Under the ice, crappie: cold. Tight schools near deep brush and bridges.

Webster Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

5. Sudbury Reservoir

Sudbury Reservoir is a reservoir of 1,290 acres. The lake is next to Southborough. Like most lakes its size in Massachusetts, it should hold crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. The deepest water is around 65 ft. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look. Sudbury Reservoir is a former Boston-area water-supply reservoir now managed mainly for public recreation. Under the ice, crappie: cold. Tight schools near deep brush and bridges.

Sudbury Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

6. Cobble Mountain Reservoir

At about 1,000 acres, Cobble Mountain Reservoir is small enough to learn in a few trips. It lies within an easy drive of Chicopee (about 15 miles). Like most lakes its size in Massachusetts, it should hold crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start. Under the ice, crappie: cold. Tight schools near deep brush and bridges.

Cobble Mountain Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

7. Long Pond

Long Pond spreads over about 870 acres. The lake is near East Harwich. The usual Massachusetts mix applies: crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look. Under the ice, crappie: cold. Tight schools near deep brush and bridges.

Long Pond today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

8. Edgartown Great Pond

Edgartown Great Pond covers about 810 acres. You will find it near Edgartown. The usual Massachusetts mix applies: crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start. Under the ice, crappie: cold. Tight schools near deep brush and bridges.

Edgartown Great Pond today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

9. Lake Quinsigamond

At 770 acres of water, Lake Quinsigamond is small enough to learn in a few trips. You will find it right by Hamilton Worcester. The usual Massachusetts mix applies: crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. It goes down to about 90 ft. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start. Lake Quinsigamond, between Worcester and Shrewsbury, is a long, narrow lake widely used for competitive rowing as well as fishing. Under the ice, crappie: cold. Tight schools near deep brush and bridges.

Lake Quinsigamond today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

10. Lake Great Stone

At about 720 acres, Lake Great Stone is small enough to learn in a few trips. It lies right by Lawrence. Like most lakes its size in Massachusetts, it should hold crappie, bluegill, smallmouth bass and largemouth bass. Its bed shows two sheltered coves and a steep ledge worth a first look. Under the ice, crappie: cold. Tight schools near deep brush and bridges.

Lake Great Stone today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

What to bring

• Ice picks around your neck and a throw rope
• A spud bar or auger to test as you walk
• A flotation suit or life jacket on early and late ice
• A friend, and someone on shore who knows where you went
• Small jigs and spoons tipped with a minnow or waxie