Description
Lake Quannapowitt (sometimes called Quannapowitt Reservoir) is a fertile, 254-acre pond located less than a quarter mile from Route 128 in Wakefield. Lake Quannapowitt has an average depth six feet, a maximum depth of 11 feet and a bottom composed of gravel and mud. Aquatic vegetation is abundant but limited primarily to the shallows along the marshy western and northern shores. Water transparency is typically poor at roughly four feet, and shoreline is moderately developed with residential homes, a cemetery, and commercial properties.
Recreational access
The town of Wakefield manages a small paved boat ramp suitable for trailered craft and a 60-car parking lot off of North Ave. on the southern shore (get directions). Shore fishing here is extensive along the western and southern shores. Another cartop and large shore fishing access is provided in Gertrude Spaulding Park located off of the Quannapowitt Parkway on the northern shore (get directions). Please contact the town of Wakefield for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Lake Quannapowitt.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- common carp
- white perch
- yellow perch
- black crappie
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- brown bullhead
- golden shiner
Fishing
Lake Quannapowitt has produced carp, bullhead, and black crappie that meet the minimum requirements 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.