Description
Congamond Lakes is a 477-acre great pond located off of Route 168 on the Massachusetts-Connecticut border in Southwick. The lake is comprised of three basins connected by waterways which are navigable to all but the largest of boats. The North basin (47 acres) has an average depth of 21 feet and a maximum of 46 feet, the middle basin (284 acres) has an average depth of 22 feet with a maximum of 42 feet, and the south basin (146 acres) has an average of 16 feet with a maximum of 27 feet. Water clarity varies among basins, and the bottom is generally mud with scattered areas of gravel and cobble. Aquatic vegetation is patchy and generally not abundant due to the application of herbicides. With the exception of the east side of the north basin which lies within the Southwick WMA, the shoreline is heavily developed with year round residences. Congamond Lake hosts multiple competitive bass tournaments each year and receives heavy recreational use during summer.
Recreational access
The town of Southwick manages two public boat ramps in the middle basin where watercraft may be launched for a fee. The north ramp (get directions) is located off Point Grove Road on the northern shore of the middle basin and is a double concrete ramp with an adjacent fishing pier, small picnic area, and parking lot suitable for roughly 30 trailers. The south ramp (get directions) is located off Berkshire Road on the southeastern shore of the middle basin and is a single concrete ramp (with a sharp drop off!) and an adjacent parking area suitable for roughly 18 trailers. Shoreline access is limited to areas adjacent to the ramps and the eastern shore of the north basin by hiking in through the Southwick WMA from a parking area off of South Longyard Road (get directions). Please contact the offices of the town of Southwick for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Congamond Lakes.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- smallmouth bass
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- white perch
- black crappie
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- rock bass
- brown bullhead
- common carp
- white sucker
- landlocked alewife
- banded killifish
- golden shiner
The middle basin of Congamond Lakes is stocked each spring and fall with trout.
Fishing
Congamond Lakes is renowned for its largemouth bass fishery which commonly produces fish exceeding 5lbs. Fishing for stocked trout is also popular during spring and fall but the scarcity of cold oxygenated water during summer limit the ability of trout to survive multiple seasons and grow to trophy sizes. The lake is also known for its large yellow perch and black crappie which can be caught throughout the year. Congamond Lakes has produced largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, sunfish, black crappie, yellow perch, and brown 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.