Description
Dark Brook Reservoir, also called “Electric Pond” is a 243-acre warm water impoundment of Dark Brook in Auburn. The reservoir has two basins separated by the Massachusetts Turnpike; a shallow and weedy southern basin and deeper northern basin. The basins are connected via a navigable culvert under the highway which is a unique experience to paddle through. The average depth of Dark Brook Reservoir is 9 feet, the maximum depth is 17 feet, and the waters are tannic with limited transparency.
Recreational access
Cartop boat access into the southern basin is provided by a paved ramp on West Street (get directions) managed by the town of Auburn. The ramp is gated and currently closed to trailered craft, parking is available across the street at the Randal School. A second town managed cartop access in the north basin is located at the end of Hardscrabble Rd. (get directions). Carry your boat in to the water or follow the numerous paths and fish from shore. Shore fishing is also possible off of Leister St. along the dam on the northern shore; parking here is very limited. Please contact the town of Auburn for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Dark Brook Reservoir.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- white perch
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- brown bullhead
- yellow bullhead
- golden shiner
Fishing
Dark Brook Reservoir offers excellent fishing for an assortment of warm water fish and is a popular ice fishing location. Both largemouth bass and chain pickerel are numerous and of good size. Large bluegill, white perch and yellow perch provide good panfishing. Dark Brook Reservoir has produced largemouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, and sunfish 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.