Local Waters
Otter River (Otter River State Forest)
Templeton, MA · about 50 min from Greenfield (typical, off-peak)
The Templeton river next to Birch Hill the Millers reports still name — DCR forest lot, not a random bridge.
Salt River / stream Lake / pond Shop (desk) Guide only Parking Stay State access Private — ask first
- Season
- General-law trout streams are in the main season. Bag limits change after Sep 10. MassWildlife is the source of truth. Official rule
- License
- Massachusetts freshwater license
- Park
- DCR Otter River State Forest / Beaman Pond recreation lot at 86 Winchendon Road, Baldwinville. Seasonal park fee.
- Walk in
- Short from the recreation lot to Beaman Pond and the Otter.
- Wading
- Small river and pond shore. Stay on DCR land.
- Usual window
- Spring and fall. Confirm MassWildlife / DMF.
- Thursday conditions
-
Skinny water. Wind ? mph.
- Sky
- 🌧️ 76° rain
- Sun and moon
- Rise 6:06 · 🌕 Full moon · Set 7:33
- Wind at dawn
- 0 mph · Mostly Sunny · 62°F
- Wind later
-
- dawn: 0 mph
- 10am: S 5 mph
- 2pm: S 10 mph
- dusk: S 10 mph
- Flow
- 8.2 cfs · skinny · 0.43 ft · 3:15 am · Otter River at Otter River · USGS gauge · wadable band is a sketch, not a safety rating
- Stocking
- Last stocked Apr 15, 2026 · spring water · MassWildlife stocking
- A setup that belongs here
- 4- or 5-wt.
- Notes
- DCR state forest. River plus Beaman Pond. Confirm MassWildlife / DMF.
Summer fee. If the gate is closed, do not park on Winchendon Road.
Log this trip
Private. On this phone, and in your test book if you signed in on Journal.
Shops
Guides
Shop desks, plus a few independents who fish public water. We do not take a cut. Call them.
Concord Outfitters — book a day
Concord, MA · wade / shore · Half or full day — ask the shop
Good for: MetroWest rivers and ponds, first local trout day
Shop desk, not a scraped independent. Call them; they put you with someone they trust.