Description
Benedict Pond is a 38-acre impoundment of Stony Brook located about a mile and a half north of Route 23, off Beartown Road in Monterey. Benedict Pond has an average depth of 5 feet, a maximum depth of 8 feet and the water is typically transparent to 7 feet. The bottom is composed of clay and ledge, with rock predominating along the northern and southern shores. Aquatic vegetation is common, particularly within the northern coves. The entire pond lies within Beartown State Forest thus its shores are undeveloped except for a state beach, campground and boat ramp.
Recreational access
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages a gravel boat ramp suitable for trailered craft off of Benedict Pond Rd on the south western shore (get directions). There is parking at the ramp for roughly 20 cars and boats are limited to electric motors only. Shore fishing opportunities are excellent from trails in Beartown State Forest that encircle the pond. Please contact DCR offices of Beartown State Forest for additional information, fee structure and/or additional restrictions pertaining to public access of Benedict Pond.
Gravel boat ramp at Benedict Pond.
Parking at the boat ramp for Benedict Pond.
An example of some of the shoreline access available at Benedict Pond.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- black crappie
- pumpkinseed
- bluegill
- brown bullhead
- golden shiner
Fishing
Largemouth bass and sunfish are the most abundant species in Benedict Pond. While larger bass are present, they tend to be infrequent. Sunfish, on the other hand, can reach good size here and can be found along the shorelines where there is vegetation and in the coves. Benedict Pond has produced largemouth bass, sunfish and yellow perch that meet minimum size 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.