Laurel Pond Fishing Spot

• County: Franklin - Erving, MA
• Acreage: 51
• Public Fishing: Yes
• Mean Depth: 15'
• Max Depth: 32'
• Website: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/maps/ponds/pdf/dfwlaure.pdf
• Last Modified By: vinny60 on 08/19/09 02:13 PM
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Laurel is a 51-acre pond bordered along the southern shoreline by the Erving State Park. Depth averages 15 feet with a maximum depth of 32 feet. The water is clear and of good quality, with a transparency of 19 feet. Bottom type is predominantly sand and gravel. Aquatic weeds are sparse except for a dense patch at the western end of the pond. Trout water volume historically has been over 10%. Recently, however, no trout layer was found. The shoreline is about 40% developed. A state owned public beach and park are located along the southern shore. Shoreline fishing is possible only along the southern shore. Boat access is provided at the western end of the pond over a paved ramp. There is a 10 horsepower restriction on the size of outboard motors. Recreational usage of this pond is very high in the summer, with swimming the most popular activity. Fish Populations: The warm water fish were chain pickerel, pumpkinseed, golden shiner and brown bullhead. The cold water species were brook trout and brown trout.

Historically this lake has had an acidity problem, which is particularly troublesome in the spring and winter. Accordingly, the more acid tolerant brook trout are stocked in the spring. Depending upon the pH value in the fall, rainbow trout and sometimes brown trout are stocked. The lake also received a stocking of surplus Atlantic Salmon in the spring of 1992. The clear water and general lack of cover does not provide spectacular chain pickerel fishing. Most of the fishing pressure is for the trout.