Locals often think of Hopkinton State Park in Hopkinton, Mass., as a place to swim at one of the two sandy beaches, have a picnic, ride a non-motorized boat, or take

a walk along one of the many scenic trails. Let’s not also forget about fishing!

The reservoir at Hopkinton State Park offers a good variety of fish, including rainbow and brown trout, largemouth bass, yellow perch, white perch, bluegill and pumpkinseed. What’s more, the wide open pond and forest scenery provides a wonderful fishing setting. You really don’t feel like you’re in the Boston/Worcester suburbs; it feels more like rural New Hampshire. It’s all reasonably-priced too: $5 for auto parking!  And you have to love a fishing place that’s located near the “Pike” — Mass Turnpike (Route 90), that is!

Hopkinton State Park is located at 268 Cedar St., Hopkinton, MA. Tel. 508 435-4303. Log onto the Hopkinton State Park web site for more info about this great state park.