Description
Dug Pond is a 54-acre great pond located less than one mile west of the center of Natick. Dug Pond has an average depth of 18 feet, a maximum of 45 feet and aquatic vegetation is sporadic and largely limited to shallow coves. Saint Patricks Cemetery, a large town beach, and Natick Highschool take up much of the shoreline of the pond.
Recreational access
The town of Natick manages a gravel boat ramp suitable for trailered craft off of Windsor Ave. on the southern shore of the pond (get directions). Ample parking is available across the street at Memorial Field. No gas motors are permitted and use caution when loading and unloading as Windsor Ave. is busy at times. A second town managed cartop access is located off of Pond St. on the northern shore with parking for roughly six cars (get directions). Boats must be carried in to the water down a short path that is steep at times. Shoreline access is provided at both locations with several clear fishing spots. Please contact the town of Natick for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Dug Pond.
Boat ramp at Dug Pond off of Windsor Ave.
Parking for the Dug Pond boat ramp is across the street at Memorial Field.
Parking for cartop boat and shore access off Pond Street on the northern shore.
From the parking area on Pond Street, carry your boat down the path to the water and launch here.
More examples of shore access from parking on Pond Street.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- carp
- yellow perch
- white perch
- brown bullhead
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- golden shiner
Dug Pond is stocked each spring with trout.
Fishing
Spring stockings of trout provide most of the action and fishing pressure early in the season at Dug Pond. Shore fishing is very productive and popular during this time. As the season progresses into summer, largemouth bass and panfish are the most heavily targeted species. For a change of pace and the potential for large fish, try targeting Carp, which can reach in excess of 10lbs. Dug Pond has produced chain pickerel, carp and brook trout 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.