Description
East Waushacum Pond is a 190-acre great pond located off Sweat Hill Rd. in Sterling. The average depth of East Waushacum Pond is 15 feet with a maximum of 40 feet and the waters are typically transparent to 10 feet. The bottom is composed primarily of soft muck, but there are significant areas of sand, gravel and rocks, particularly surrounding the small island near the western shore. There is little aquatic vegetation, and the shoreline is heavily developed with year-round homes with the exception of the southern shore due to the presence of a railroad line.
Recreational access
The town of Sterling manages a gravel boat ramp suitable for small trailered craft in Sholan Park, located off Hall Ave. on the northeastern shore (get directions). Parking is by permit only which is available for purchase through the town. Please contact the offices of the town of Sterling for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of East Waushacum Pond.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- smallmouth bass
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- white perch
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- rock bass
- yellow bullhead
- brown bullhead
- banded killifish
- golden shiner
Fishing
This pond has long been a local favorite noted for its lack of fishing pressure and relative abundance of both smallmouth and largemouth bass. It produces trophy smallmouth in excess of 4 pounds every season. Look for them over the rocky, hard bottom areas around the island on the west side. Largemouth bass are more abundant, but rarely exceed 4 pounds. Look for them in and around the limited weedy areas in the southeastern cove. One of this pond's best kept secrets are its large bluegills, many of which approach 3/4 of a pound. White perch are uncommon, but occasionally a fish exceeding 12 inches is caught. East Waushacum pond has produced largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, and white perch that meet minimum sizes for recognition by the Freshwater 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.