Description
Lake Rohunta is a 255-acre great pond located on the Athol/Orange/New Salem town line less than 3 miles from the center of Athol. Lake Rohunta has an average depth of 3.5 feet, a maximum depth of 16 feet and the bottom is predominantly mud with a few areas of sand. Lake Rohunta is separated into three basins by roads. The north basin, between the dam and Route 2 is the deepest. The middle basin is the largest and connected to the north basin via a navigable culvert under Route 2. The south basin is cut off by Branch Bridge Rd. and passible only via portage. Aquatic vegetation is abundant throughout and boaters should look to navigate in the channel to avoid the heaviest concentrations. The shoreline of Lake Rohunta is mostly undeveloped.
Recreational access
MassWildlife manages a concrete boat ramp suitable for trailered craft, fishing pier and parking area for 5 trailers just south of Route 2 off of Eagleville Road in the middle basin (get directions). Additionally, two unimproved dirt ramps suitable for cartop boats are located off of Branch Bridge Road which provide access to both the middle and south basins (get directions). Parking here is limited to the roadside and a small pull-off of Branch Bridge Road. Shore fishing is permitted in areas around the launches. Please contact the Connecticut Valley District Offices of MassWildlife for additional information and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Lake Rohunta.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- common carp
- black crappie
- yellow perch
- white perch
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- brown bullhead
- golden shiner
- white sucker
Fishing
The abundance of aquatic vegetation provides plenty of cover for largemouth bass and chain pickerel which are plentiful but generally require the use of weedless lures. Anglers often target the drop offs between the stream channel and the shallower and weedier areas closer to shore. Lake Rohunta has produced largemouth bass, white perch, yellow perch, black crappie, bullhead, and sunfish that meet 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.