Description
Long Pond is a 171-acre impoundment and Great Pond located on Rt. 20 in Sturbridge. Long Pond has an average depth of 11 feet, a maximum depth of 30 feet, and the waters are typically transparent to 6 feet or more. The majority of the immediate shoreline is owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers, managed for flood control and is forested.
Recreational access
The US Army Corps of Engineers manages a concrete boat ramp suitable for trailered boats off of Rt. 20 on the southern shore (get directions). Parking is ample and shore fishing is possible here in areas around the ramp and elsewhere via trails on Army Corps land. Cartop boat and shore access is also possible off Champeaux Rd. on the northern shore (get directions). Finally, shore access is provided along the Long Pond Trail from a parking area off of Rt 148 on the northeastern shore (get directions). Please contact the New England offices of the US Army Corps of Engineers for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Long Pond.
The concrete boat ramp at Long Pond off of Rt. 20.
Parking for the Long Pond boat ramp.
An example of some of the shore access at Long Pond near the ramp.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- smallmouth bass
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- white perch
- black crappie
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- brown bullhead
- yellow bullhead
- white sucker
- banded killifish
- golden shiner
Fishing
Long Pond is popular for largemouth bass, with many 5+ lb fish being reported. Look for them amongst the many submerged stumps along the western shore, but be cautious of submerged obstacles. Long Pond has produced largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, bullhead, sunfish and black crappie 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.