Description
Chebacco Lake is a 213- acre great pond located southeast of Route 22. The lake has a maximum depth of 30 feet and an average depth of 10 feet. The water is typically transparent to about 6 feet and aquatic vegetation is common along the shoreline and thicker in the coves. The shoreline is heavily developed with year-round homes.
Recreational access
Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages a paved boat ramp suitable for trailered craft off of Chebacco Road on the south shore of the lake (get directions). Parking is available for approximately 15 vehicles and shoreline access is limited to areas adjacent to the ramp. Additional cartop boat and shore access is available to Essex residents only at town beach at Centennial Grove Park (get directions). Please contact the Department of Conservation and Recreation or the town of Essex for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Chebacco Lake.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- brown bullhead
- yellow perch
- black crappie
- white perch
- pumpkinseed
- white catfish
- alewife
- lake chub
- bridle shiner
- golden shiner
Fishing
While busy during the summer, Chebacco Lake's numerous coves offer secluded, relatively quiet places to fish. Seasonal movements of alewife into the lake provides abundant forage for largemouth bass, chain pickerel and panfish. Ice fishing should also be productive. Chebacco Lake has produced largemouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, and white catfish that meet the 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.