Pontoosuc Lake Fishing Spot

• Acreage: 480
• Public Fishing: Yes
• Mean Depth: 14'
• Max Depth: 35'
• Elevation: 1092'
• Bathymetry Map: View Pontoosuc Lake Bathymetry Map
• Website: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/maps/ponds/pdf/dfwponto.pdf
• Last Modified By: carpmaster on 06/30/11 02:48 PM
• Ask about Pontoosuc Lake in our Fishing Forums

This 480 acre raised great pond has a maximum depth of 35 feet and an average depth of 14 feet. Transparency is normally 11 feet, but this can be highly variable, sometimes dropping to six feet or less following heavy rainfalls. The bottom is composed of muck and gravel, with the gravel predominating in the south end. Aquatic vegetation is abundant, extending to depths of 10 feet or more from most of the shoreline, and it is particularly thick in the northern coves. The shoreline is densely developed and the lake supports heavy recreational use throughout the year. Public access is provided by a double, surfaced ramp owned by the Public Access Board. It is suitable for launching virtually all classes of trailer boats. Attached parking areas provide space to park up to 75 vehicles. The ramps and parking areas are located off Hancock Road on the extreme southern end of the lake, just off Route 7. Shoreline fishing opportunities are virtually nonexistent, although there is a causeway section on the northwestern end of the lake suitable for fishing. Two brooks, which feed the lake —Secum Brook and Town Brook —, are stocked trout waters. Fish Populations: yellow perch, white perch, largemouth bass, golden shiner, bluegill, white sucker, pumpkinseed, rock bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, chain pickerel, yellow bullhead, common shiner and brown trout. The trout are the result of annual spring stockings. The MDFW has been regularly stocking the lake with tiger muskies since 1980. Northern pike are also present, and the natural reproduction of pike has recently been confirmed here.

While there is local angling interest in the spring stocked trout and the heavily fished largemouth bass population, this lake’s biggest claim to fame is its ability to consistently produce large tiger muskies. Ice fishermen come from all over the state for a chance to catch one of these rare trophies, and while few are successful, the chance at a new state record is hard to resist. Ice anglers avoid the problems of heavy boat traffic that open water fishermen must contend with, but the ice gets crowded on weekends, so plan to arrive early. Like the tigers, good pike are also a possibility throughout the year, but don’t expect much in the way of large pickerel or bass. We strongly urge anglers to take home some yellow perch, white perch, bluegills, yellow bullheads and black crappie. These fish are presently underutilized, and some culling could improve growth rates. Mid summer fishing is difficult due to the heavy recreational traffic, so plan to fish early or late in the day, and avoid weekends if possible.