Richardi Reservoir, Braintree, MA

Last summer I fished Richardi Reservoir in Braintree with some success but lots of trouble figuring out how to access it. There's two access points, only one of which I have used up to this point.  There is an apartment complex across the street from Messina Drive on Pond St, which if you go through there parking lot, will lead you to a path down to the water.  According to Google Maps, you can also access this pond via Lincoln Ave off of North St.

This pond is pretty large but has limited shore fishing access.  If you use the Pond St access point, it will lead you to a set of peninsulas, allowing you to fish 3 distinct segments of the pond.  The largest, most northern segment (on your left as you come in from Pond St) drops off quickly from the shore and seems to be pretty clear of weeds.  I watched a couple kids bring in some bass over there as I was leaving.

I mainly fished the opposite side on the western part of the pond.  There are some trees and bushes lining the shore so its challenging to find a spot but I caught a couple bass here but saw several large breaks out just a little past where I could reach.  I am definitely interested in heading back here to see what I can make of it. 

If you're interested, I saw two people putting a canoe into the water by the Lincoln Ave access point.  That is probably the best way to fish this pond since the shore fishing is very limited by the pond is quite expansive.  Good luck!


Successful Bait: Worms- Black, Watermelon Green.  Crankbait- Shallow diving silver pattern.
Shore Fishing? Yes 
Boat Access? Yes 
Boat Ramp? No




See Richard Reservoir in Google Maps

12 comments:

  1. It's called the Richardi Reservoir

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  2. Actually it's called Great Pond and is partly in Randolph

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    1. This isn't great pond it is the richardi reservoir in braintree

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  3. Is it 2 ponds, separated by a dyke? If yes, is Great Pond and Great Pond Upper. NO BOATS!,,and, you may want to keep out of easy view. I've been told by some Water Dept guys'no fishing', others have said,'keep near the cover of trees' ,while others have said, "any luck?" There are alot of nice largemouths, bulky Smallies and jarasic pickerel.Haven't been for several years since moving to central ma., but, usually have some pretty good success. There are several small ponds, (water sheds), around the edges that produce.

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    1. This is all one big reservoir and is called the Richardi reservoir in Braintree people have used John boats but idk if it's allowed

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  4. Just an FYI: Access on Pond St: They are privately owned condos and not an apartment buildings as stated. Parking is assigned .

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  5. Thank you white Stone for that information....Im looking for public access Im from Quincy...Don't want to get Towed for fishing..Have permit..smile

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  6. I’ve been going to this Reservoir for over 25 years and last night on a whim, decided to check it out for only the second time since they built those damn condos. Access is strictly prohibited so I can’t recommend going, it should also be noted that there is a motion detector and surveillance cameras on the north side at the pump hose from which a voice on a loud speaker told me to leave! I couldn’t believe it at the time and it scared the hell out of me. There was a big spotlight so I thought it would be a good place to take a break, but I must have set something off because within a few minutes a completely unintelligible, loud announcement was made that I assume was telling me to leave. Ridiculous. I grew up at that place and have caught dozens of bass there.

    This reservoir should not be confused with Great Pond up the street on the Randolph/Braintree line. There are a few major points about this place. One, you’re not supposed to fish here. Two, the shoreline is completely overgrown which only matters because of the last point. The water level, which was at maximum height as of last night. Like many reservoirs this one’s water level will fluctuate and if it hasn’t gone down by now, then it won’t. That historically has defined my fishing experience here. The increased water volume and overgrown shoreline make it difficult to locate fish. When the water drops at the Ricardi Rez, it turns into a fishing paradise with all kinds of exposed structure and land mass. So if you are a local, and are not risk adverse I would suggest checking on the water level mid summer every year.

    With the water level aside it’s still workable through heavy brush. I had always caught mostly largemouth here but bagged 2 nice smallmouth on a Whopper Plopper at dusk. One chunk at 2.5 lb the other smaller.
    I plan to head back with my water shoes and wade out on the peninsulas on the south side.

    There is guest parking at the condos but it definitely feels risky. Lincoln Ave is just some old road that keeps showing up on maps, even google earth, it does not exist. You used to be able to go in at the bottom of Hollingsworth Park and by cutting through Braintree Golf Course. I do local guiding at $50 an hr....just kidding. Like many people, this is literally my “old fishing hole,” that I could go on about forever. We caught more bass than I could ever estimate here. So when it comes to NO TRESPASSING and all that stuff, my opinion is that if you are not breaking any other laws, are safe and respectful of the land, that means no littering, and practice catch and release, then what’s the harm?

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    1. There is definitely NO BOAT ACCESS lol

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    2. Had the same issue, scared the crap out of me

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    3. RC Condos are private property; park there and you're trespassing. They will call the cops on you.

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  7. This is a public water supply location there is a fence posting no tresspassing. It is used as a supplemental water supply for Braintree, Randolph and Holbrook

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