Description
Lake Buel is a 196-acre enlarged great pond located just south of Route 183, roughly a mile south of its junction with Route 23. The pond consists of two deep bowls separated by a shallower, but readily navigable plateau. The average depth of Buel is approximately 18 feet with a maximum of 47 feet in the western bowl. Water transparency extends to 13 feet and aquatic vegetation is thick in all but the deepest parts of the lake. The shoreline is heavily developed with both permanent and seasonal residences. Recreational use of the lake is high.
Recreational access
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages a paved boat ramp suitable for trailered craft off of Rt. 183 on the northwestern shore (get directions). A paved parking lot next to the ramp provides ample parking space for up to 30 vehicles. With the exception of the boat ramp, the shores of Lake Buel are privately owned. As a result, Lake Buel is best accessed by boat, or via the ice in winter. Please contact the DCR offices of Beartown State Forest for additional information and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Lake Buel.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- northern pike
- black crappie
- yellow perch
- pumpkinseed
- bluegill
- banded sunfish
- rock bass
- brown bullhead
- white sucker
- golden shiner
- banded killifish
Lake Buel is stocked each spring and fall with trout and with northern pike or tiger muskellunge when available. Please check the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife northern pike and tiger muskellunge stocking page for stocking information.
Fishing
Trout are considered the major fishery in Lake Buel and draw heavy pressure during spring. largemouth bass and panfish are abundant and trophy largemouth bass are occasionally taken. The vast majority of northern pike are caught during the winter, some exceeding 20 lbs. the northern pike population is occasionally supplemented with stocked fish but is also sustained through natural reproduction. Lake Buel has produced largemouth bass, chain pickerel, northern pike, rock bass, black crappie, yellow perch, sunfish, brown trout, and brook 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.