THE SHORT LIST
FOR THE FLY ROD
Housatonic River, Sheffield / Great Barrington / Stockbridge / Lee The“ Housy” is the Berkshire’ s signature fly-fishing water, featuring both trout and a good smallmouth bass population. The catch-and-release stretch running from Sheffield up toward Lenox is where the technical dry-fly and streamer fishing happens; best suited to anglers who’ ve spent some time on moving water. Trout fishing picks back up here as temperatures fall; smallmouth stay active into September.
Deerfield River, Fife Brook Section, Florida / Savoy About 25 minutes east of North Adams, the mile-and-a-half stretch below Fife Brook Dam is a cold-water tailwater with year-round releases, holding brook, brown, and rainbow trout. It’ s catchand-release, artificial-lures-only water, and the current can be strong when the dam is generating. This is a good one for experienced anglers. Fall streamer fishing here is a local favorite as the trout turn aggressive.
FOR THE SPIN ROD
Onota Lake, Pittsfield A 617-acre lake with a boat launch at Burbank Park and a fishing pier for those without a boat. Onota is stocked annually with rainbow trout and holds a healthy population of largemouth bass and big northern pike. Good option for anglers who want lake access without owning a boat.
Pontoosuc Lake, Pittsfield / Lanesborough Best known for yellow perch and panfish, with a new boardwalk and several shoreaccess points that make it easy for beginners or anyone fishing with kids. Popular for both open-water fishing now and ice fishing later in the winter.
Farnams Road Causeway, Cheshire Reservoir, Cheshire The causeway splits the reservoir and gives you piers on the north side and a boat launch on the south, plus a bait shop if you forgot something. Largemouth bass is the draw, with pike also in the mix.
Stockbridge Bowl( Mahkeenac Lake), Stockbridge A scenic lake that fishes well from shore or boat, holding trout, bass, and sunfish. A good all-purpose stop if your group has mixed skill levels or mixed target species.
Laurel Lake, Lenox / Lee Panoramic views, clean water, and a long, snag-free shoreline that suits everyone from kids with starter rods to seasoned anglers chasing trout and bass.
SPOTS FOR BEGINNERS OR FAMILIES
Windsor Lake, North Adams Known locally as“ Fish Pond,” this small lake is stocked with rainbow, brook, and brown trout plus chain pickerel, and has a seasonal beach, dairy bar, and campground.
Benedict Pond, Beartown State Forest, Great Barrington A pier, a picnic area, a beach, and trails around the water make this a good choice for a family outing built around fishing rather than fishing built around endurance. Largemouth bass and pickerel are the main catches. n envision design build
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80 // BERKSHIRE MAGAZINE Fall 2026