Benedict Pond Fishing Spot

• County: Berkshire - Monterey MA
• Acreage: 35
• Public Fishing: Yes
• Mean Depth: 5'
• Max Depth: 8'
• Bathymetry Map: View Benedict Pond Bathymetry Map
• Website: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/maps/ponds/pdf/dfwbene.pdf
• Last Modified By: vinny60 on 08/16/09 02:39 PM
• Ask about Benedict Pond in our Fishing Forums

This small, 35-acre warm water pond has an average depth of five feet and a maximum depth of only eight feet. The water is clean and clear, having a transparency of seven feet. The bottom is composed of clay and ledge, with rock predominating along the northern and southern shores. Aquatic weeds are common, particularly within the northern coves. Since the entire pond lies within the Beartown State Forest, the shoreline is completely undeveloped except for a beach and boat ramp. The pond lies about a mile and a half north of Route 23, off Beartown Road. There is a gravel boat ramp just off the road, suitable for car top boats, canoes and small trailer craft. The parking area can accommodate up to 20 vehicles. Shore fishing access is excellent because trees and brush have been removed from many areas of the shore. No gasoline-powered craft are permissible on the pond, although electric motors are allowed. Recreational use is low to moderate, but swimmers are restricted to the beach area and do not interfere with fishing. Fish: largemouth bass, yellow perch, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed and golden shiner. Chain pickerel are present as well.

The most abundant fish in this pond are golden shiners and largemouth bass. Fishing pressure is high, however, with the result that there are few bass larger than 12 to 15 inches. Panfish are also fished hard, and in general are below average in size and numbers. Despite the relatively small average size of the fish here, this pond continues to provide fair to good fishing action, particularly for those camping out in the state forest. It should also be a good place to trap shiners.