Fishing Norton Reservoir
AKA: Norton Lake
Popular Fish Species Norton Reservoir, MA
Chain Pickerel Fishing
Chain pickerel prefer to weedy areas of lakes and rivers. They ambush baitfish and sunfish which requires cover for them to hide within. Submerged aquatic vegetation, brush, fallen tree limbs, or structures such as rock piles, bridge pilings, rip-rap, or debris. Norton Reservoir has a very healthy population of these toothy critters, many approaching 30 inches and exceeding 5 pounds. Unlike many freshwater fish species, chain pickerel do not school up. They tend to be loners. Once you catch one, find other, spots with similar cover and depth to fish. Flashy spoons, live minnows, and bait-imitating crankbaits all work well. For added excitement, try fishing topwater lures over vegetation areas. Topwater lures that mimic wounded baitfish are very tempting to these predators.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Norton Reservoir. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.
Black Crappie Fishing
A nice population of black crappie resides in Norton Reservoir. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, white perch, yellow perch, chain pickerel, northern pike and tiger musky at Norton Reservoir in Massachusetts.
Norton Reservoir Fishing Video
Norton Reservoir, located in Norton, Massachusetts, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. This freshwater reservoir covers approximately 530 acres and offers anglers a variety of fish species to target.
One of the popular fish species found in Norton Reservoir is largemouth bass. Anglers are drawn to the reservoir for the opportunity to catch these prized game fish. Largemouth bass can be targeted using various techniques, such as casting with plastic worms, crankbaits, or topwater lures. The reservoir's structure, including weed beds, submerged logs, and rocky areas, provides ideal habitats for bass to thrive.
Another sought-after species in Norton Reservoir is white perch. These panfish offer anglers a fun and rewarding fishing experience. White perch can be caught using techniques such as jigging with small jigs or using live bait, such as worms or minnows. They are often found near submerged structures or drop-offs, providing anglers with ample opportunities to hook into these fish.
Norton Reservoir also supports populations of other fish species, including chain pickerel, yellow perch, and sunfish. Chain pickerel, known for their aggressive strikes, can be targeted using techniques such as casting with spoons or swimbaits. Yellow perch provide additional angling opportunities and can be caught using jigging techniques or bait fishing. Sunfish, such as bluegill and pumpkinseed, are abundant and offer a great option for novice anglers and families.
Anglers visiting Norton Reservoir should be aware of fishing regulations and obtain the appropriate licenses. It's important to follow catch limits, size restrictions, and specific rules to ensure the sustainability of the fish populations and the preservation of the reservoir's ecosystem.
With its diverse fish species, convenient boating access, and nearby recreational facilities, Norton Reservoir offers anglers a rewarding fishing experience in Massachusetts. Whether it's targeting largemouth bass, pursuing white perch, or casting for other popular fish species, Norton Reservoir provides a serene and enjoyable angling adventure amidst the natural beauty of the area.
Fishing enthusiasts can peruse the 9 miles of shoreline and the deeper regions of the lake in search os bass, pike, perch, sunfish, crappie and musky.
Primary fish species residing in Norton Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Norton Reservoir Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is allowed on Norton Reservoir, and anglers can enjoy the convenience of launching their boats from public boat ramps. The reservoir allows for motorized boats, providing anglers with the opportunity to explore different areas and access prime fishing spots. Whether it's trolling for bass, casting for perch, or simply cruising the reservoir, boating enhances the overall fishing experience on Norton Reservoir.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Norton Reservoir Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Juniper Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Norton Reservoir Launch
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Mansfield Avenue, this is a one-lane, gravel ramp with limited parking.
Fishing Guides On Norton Reservoir
Guided Fishing Trips - bass, sunfish
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Massachusetts Fishing License.
While there are no camping facilities directly on Norton Reservoir, nearby parks and recreational areas offer camping options for those looking to extend their stay. Facilities such as Wheaton Farm and L.G. Balfour Riverwalk provide amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and hiking trails, making it convenient for anglers and their families to relax and unwind after a day of fishing.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
There are no campgrounds or RV spaces nearby.
Norton Reservoir MA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Norton Reservoir
Norton’s Lakes and Ponds
Norton Conservation Commission
70 East Main St
Norton MA 02766
508 285-0275
Fishing lakes in each state.
091824
Norton Reservoir in MA
MASSACHUSETTS
Fishing for bass, pike and musky in southeast MA.
