Description
Long Pond is a 743-acre Great Pond and the largest freshwater pond on Cape Cod. Long Pond has an average depth of 30 feet, a maximum depth of 70 feet and the waters are typically transparent to 14 feet. Aquatic vegetation is infrequent and the bottom is composed of sand and rubble. The pond has 6.4 miles of shoreline that is moderately developed with houses, seasonal cottages and beaches. Three small ponds; Black, Smalls and Greenland are connect to Long pond by small channels all eventually draining into the Herring River.
Recreational access
Public access to Long Pond is provided by three boat ramps: two in Harwich and one in Brewster. The town of Harwich manages a paved ramp suitable for trailered craft at the Long Pond Beach off of Long Pond Road on the southern shore (get directions). Parking is available for 25 cars. A second launch suitable for light trailered craft and cartop boats is provided at Cahoon Beach off of Cahoon Road on the far eastern corner of the pond (get directions). Parking is available for approximately 10 cars. The town of Brewster manages a paved boat ramp suitable for trailered craft off of Crowells Bog Rd. on the northwestern shore at the town beach (get directions). Parking is available for approximately 10 cars and trailers. Parking fees or town issued beach stickers may be required to park. Please contact the towns of Harwich or Brewster for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Long Pond.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- smallmouth bass
- yellow perch
- white perch
- pumpkinseed
- tesselated darter
- banded killifish
- brown bullhead
- white sucker
- American eel
Fishing
Long Pond is excellent for smallmouth bass and produces 3 to 5 pound fish fairly frequently and occasionally some nice yellow and white perch as well. Recreational use of Long Pond is heavy during the summer which can make fishing difficult. Long Pond has produced chain pickerel, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, white perch, bullhead, and sunfish 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.