Description
Laurel Lake is a 170-acre great pond and impoundment of Sargent Brook, also known as Scotch Pond or Scotts Pond located off of Route 20 in the heart of the Berkshires. Laurel Lake has an average depth of 26 feet, a maximum depth of 53 feet and water transparency is typically 12 to 15 feet. The bottom is composed primarily of gravel, rock and rubble, but there is considerable clay and mud in the coves. Wherever there is mud bottom, submerged aquatic vegetation is abundant, often extending to depths of 15 feet or more. Recreational users at Laurel Lake must adhere to protocols to prevent the spread of zebra mussels which were discovered in 2009.
Recreational access
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages a concrete boat ramp suitable for trailered craft off of Route 20 on the eastern shore (directions to boat ramp on the eastern shore). Parking for roughly 20 cars is available at the ramp and shore fishing is also possible here. Shore fishing and cartop boat access is also possible from within the right-of-way on Laurel Lake Road on the western shore (directions to the western shore). Parking here is limited to the shoulder of Laurel Lake Road.
Protocols to stop the spread of invasive zebra mussels are in place at Laurel Lake. Recreational users should take extra care to empty, wash, and dry live wells, trailers, watercraft and other gear that comes in contact with the water after use. Additional information to help stop the spread of zebra mussels
Please contact DCR or the Town of Lee for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Laurel Lake.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- smallmouth bass
- chain pickerel
- common carp
- yellow perch
- rock bass
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- black crappie
- brown bullhead
- white sucker
- rainbow smelt
- golden shiner
Laurel Lake is stocked each spring and fall with trout.
Fishing
Laurel Lake offers a variety of fishing opportunities that will satisfy anglers of all skill levels and tastes. Anglers flock to Laurel Lake in the spring and fall for trout and largemouth bass throughout the summer. Anglers targeting carp have become more common as well given the presence of fish exceeding 20lbs. Bluegill and pumpkinseed, whose coloration is particularly vibrant, are also abundant and can seemingly be caught without end. Ice fishing for chain pickerel and yellow perch is popular during winter. Laurel Lake has produced largemouth bass, chain pickerel, carp, yellow perch, black crappie, sunfish, bullhead, brook trout, brown trout, tiger trout, and rainbow 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.