Description
A1 Site, sometimes called Stump Pond or Assabet Reservoir #1, is a 313-acre impoundment of the Assabet River located off Mill Road in Westborough. The average depth of A1 is 3 feet with a maximum of 19 feet and the water is brown in color with limited visibility. The entire shoreline lies with the George H. Nichols Flood Control land owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and is undeveloped. The back two thirds of the pond is a shallow expansive maze of aquatic vegetation, submerged stumps, and fallen timbers which are the remnants of the trees inundated during the formation of the reservoir. Take care in navigating this section to avoid damaging prop blades or better yet, leave the motor at home and stick with a paddle.
Recreational access
MassWildlife manages a concrete ramp (get directions) and small gravel parking area suitable for 5 trailers off Mill Rd. Additional parking is provided on the shoulders of Mill Rd. Shore access is available along the dike to the west of the boat ramp and elsewhere via trails. Please contact MassWildlife’s Central District office for additional information and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of A1.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- black crappie
- pumpkinseed
- brown bullhead
- white sucker
- golden shiner
Fishing
For the angler looking for a unique and challenging pond for bass fishing, A-1 Site is it. The majority of the pond is a maze of fallen trees and submerged stumps, brush, and root systems which provides excellent cover for fish. While largemouth bass in the 3 to 5 pound range are abundant, some skill is required to navigate safely through the pond and fish the abundance of structure successfully without losing tackle. As the summer progresses, aquatic vegetation begins to crowd much of the physical structure making fishing more challenging. Make sure to have weedless lures on hand whenever you visit A1 to deal with vegetation and submerged timber. While challenging to fish, the productivity of A1 is without question and the dedicated angler will not be disappointed. A1 Site has produced largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and black crappie that meet minimum sizes for recognition by the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program.
More fishing resources:
Stop aquatic hitchhikers
Prevent the transport of nuisance species; clean all recreational equipment. Visit ProtectYourWaters.net to learn more.