Description
This 204-acre impoundment of Cow Pond Brook was once three ponds that were bound into one when water levels were raised by a dam (the long northern basin is still referred to as Lost Lake). The maximum depth is slightly over 30 feet, but average depth is less than 10 feet. The water is clear, and in the huge expanses of shallow water aquatic vegetation is very abundant. The shoreline is about 70 percent developed with year round and seasonal homes. Fishing, boating water skiing and swimming are all popular activities at this lake.
Recreational access
Access to Knop Pond and Lost Lake is provided by a concrete boat ramp managed by the MassWildlife Northeast District Office on the Northeast side of the impoundment (get directions). There is adequate parking for ten vehicles and the ramp is suitable for small trailer boats, car top boats and canoes. Please contact the Masswildlife Northeast District Offices for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Knops Pond and Lost Lake.
Boat ramp at Knops Pond which also provides access to Lost Lake.
Parking at the boat ramp to Knops Pond and Lost Lake.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- black crappie
- yellow perch
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- brown bullhead
- yellow bullhead
- golden shiner
Knops Pond is stocked each spring and fall with trout.
Fishing
In addition to being an excellent seasonal trout pond, this is a good choice for bass and panfish anglers. Trout are widespread in the early spring, but tend to concentrate in the deeper holes as water temperatures increase. Bass can be found hiding in the abundant structure and vegetation, mostly in the upper and central basins, and despite fairly heavy fishing pressure, many nice fish are available. Bass fishermen have the best luck in early and late summer (and early and late in the day) when recreational boat traffic is reduced. This is also an excellent ice-fishing pond. The yellow perch are abundant and can be easily jigged due to the shallow water.
More fishing resources:
Stop aquatic hitchhikers
Prevent the transport of nuisance species; clean all recreational equipment. Visit ProtectYourWaters.net to learn more.