General Information: These two connected natural kettlehole ponds are generally considered one large body of water covering 729 acres. It is fed by groundwater and drains to the Mashpee River. Average depth is 28 feet; maximum depth is 87 feet. Transparency is only fair, extending to 8.5 feet, and aquatic vegetation is common. The bottom is composed primarily of rubble and gravel, with some sandy areas. The shoreline is heavily developed with houses, town beaches, summer camps and the Lowell Holly reservation. A paved boat ramp with a 30-vehicle parking lot is provided by the Public Access Board. It is located to the north of Route 130, just after its intersection with Great Neck Road. During the summer months, the town of Mashpee collects a parking fee to help defer the cost of maintenance of the ramp. This pond is characteristically deoxygenated below 35 feet in late summer, pushing most fish species temporarily above that depth. The pond has been annually stocked with trout since at least 1956.
Fish Populations: The most recent fisheries survey, conducted in 1990, recorded 15 species present: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white sucker, white perch, pumpkinseed sunfish, white catfish, yellow perch, rainbow trout, alewife, blueback herring, brown bullhead, banded killifish, tessellated darter, chain pickerel and golden shiner. The numerous gamefish in the pond display good growth rates due to the abundant sea-run alewives which travel up the Mashpee River from Ponponesset Bay and Nantucket Sound.
Fishing: Mashpee-Wakeby is an outstanding fishing water. It is stocked annually in the spring and fall with brook, brown and rainbow trout. Although trout water has deteriorated over the years from 22% in 1948 to only trace amounts today, holdover trout are regularly reported from the pond. The south basin is typically the best for trout fishing. Be sure and hit the 30 foot pocket in the southwestern corner. Good populations of largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are avidly sought during the numerous bass tournaments held at the pond. Chain pickerel, white perch and yellow perch are also frequently caught at the lake, and many are of large size. Large white catfish up to and over 6 pounds are sometimes caught by anglers who think they have taken world record bullheads. The north basin is typically the best for warmwater fish action. The islands and the connecting channel between the two basins are reliable hotspots all year. During cold winters, this water is an excellent choice for ice fishing.
March 1993
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