MASSACHUSETTS
Quabbin Reservoir Trout
The region surrounding Quabbin Reservoir offers families some great fishing, with plenty of other activities to do nearby.

Quabbin is fed by three branches of the Swift River, and seasonally by the Ware River. One of the largest unfiltered water supplies in the world, it is the main drinking water supply for 2.5 million people.

Fortunately, Quabbin Reservoir is also one of the best fisheries in the state. Trout, salmon, bass, pickerel, perch and bullhead abound here. The state-record walleye (11 pounds) was pulled out of this reservoir. The 2005 state champion lake trout (21 pounds, 5 ounces.) also came from the Quabbin.

Shore and boat fishing are allowed at designated access points. Stream and pond fishing regulations vary, depending on which part of the watershed is affected.

Accommodations can be found in Orange, Athol, Ware, and Amherst and near the turnpike access in Chicopee. For information on state park camping, call (617) 727-3180. For private campground information, call (617) 727-3201.

Call the Quabbin Visitor Center at (413) 323-7221, or you can log on to www.mass.gov/mdc/quabfish.htmto learn more about special regulations, boat launch locations and the best places to go for coldwater and warmwater fishing.

The Lake Dennison Recreation Area in Winchendon is part of a 4,221-acre parcel of recreational land that is open to the public. Lake Dennison has 150 campsites, a beach, an access ramp, hiking and interpretive trails, horseback trails -- and of course, fishing. Call (978) 939-8962 for more information.

Otter River State Forest in Baldwinville is centered on Beaman Pond and offers 85 campsites, a beach, a ball field and picnic areas. Yurt camping is also available.

Trails are available for hikers, mountain bikers and wildlife watchers. Call (978) 939-8962 for details.

Family fun is just a short drive away. Winchendon, known as "Toytown," is home to the Top Fun Aviation Museum. Test-fly a paper airplane or balsa glider, watch aviation-related films in the media center or just browse the many displays. Top Fun is the only toy museum in the world devoted to aviation-related toys, and boasts a collection of more than 1,500 toys from around the globe. Visit www.topfunaviation.comor call (978) 297-4337.

For unique Winchendon souvenirs, check out Cozy Cupola Gifts, Antiques and Collectibles, and Second Treasures.

Sports enthusiasts will want to visit the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. The history of the game from its founding in 1891 to the present day is accessible here. Visit www.hoophall.com or call (413) 781-6500 for details.

Theodor Geisel, best known as Dr. Suess, grew up in Springfield. A sculpture garden contains statues of the doctor with the Cat in the Hat, a 14-foot-tall Horton the Elephant, the Grinch and his dog, Yertle the Turtle (who is 10 turtles tall!), the Lorax, Gertrude McFuzz, Thidwick the Moose and of course, Thing One and Thing Two.

To learn more, call (413) 263-6800, or visit www.catinthehat.org.