Description
Big Alum Pond is a 200-acre great pond located off of Route 148, approximately 3 miles northwest of Sturbridge town center. Big Alum Pond averages 23 feet deep with a maximum of 41 feet and the water is typically transparent to between 10 and 15 feet. Aquatic vegetation is sparse and generally restricted to shallow coves and shores; the bottom is rocky. The shores of Big Alum are developed extensively with year-round homes and fishing, boating, water skiing and swimming are all popular activities at this lake during summer. Big Alum Pond is drawn down annually during fall and winter so use caution when navigating during these times as depth varies seasonally.
Recreational access
The town of Sturbridge manages a concrete ramp (get directions) and adjacent parking area suitable for 10 trailers on the southern shore off of Clark Rd. Shore access is restricted to areas immediately adjacent to the ramp. Please contact the offices of the town of Sturbridge for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Big Alum Pond.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- smallmouth bass
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- redbreast sunfish
- brown bullhead
- yellow bullhead
- banded killifish
Big Alum Pond is also stocked each spring and fall with trout.
Fishing
Big Alum Pond maintains a layer of cold oxygenated water throughout the warm summer months which enables trout to survive for multiple seasons. While an occasional large 2lb+ trout is taken, anglers will be mostly fishing for recently stocked fish, which are abundant. Trout fishing is best in spring and fall while bass fishing is excellent during summer. Anglers can expect to catch both smallmouth and largemouth bass in good numbers with an occasional large (5 lb+) fish. Icefishing for chain pickerel and yellow perch is also popular. Big Alum Pond has produced largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, sunfish, brook trout, rainbow trout, and tiger trout 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.