Description
Manchaug Pond is a 375-acre Great Pond and impoundment of the Mumford River located on the Sutton-Douglas town line. It averages 13 feet in depth with a maximum depth of 37 feet, and the water is typically transparent to 6 feet or more. Manchaug Pond contains several islands and rock piles that boaters should be aware of. Use extra caution when entering the main body of the lake from the ramp as the passage is made narrow by two partially submerged stone walls. The water level is lowered each fall from the dam on the southeastern cove of the pond. This can further complicate navigation as features that were once under water emerge. Aquatic vegetation is relatively sparse, but there are some big patches along the western shoreline, around the islands, and in the coves. Recreational use is very high during the late spring and summer.
Recreational access
The Town of Sutton manages a large concrete boat ramp suitable for trailered craft off of Torrey Road on the southeastern end of the pond (get directions). There is parking for up to 50 vehicles, shore fishing access is extremely limited. Please contact the town of Sutton for additional information, fee structure, or restrictions pertaining to public access of Manchaug Pond.
The concrete boat ramp at Manchaug Pond off of Torrey Road.
Parking near the ramp at Manchaug Pond.
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
- golden shiner
Fishing
Ice fishing and early spring bass fishing are quite popular at Manchaug Pond with good results. Yellow perch and white perch averaging between 7 and 8 inches are quite common, and bluegill are numerous with plenty of fish 8 inches or larger. Chain pickerel are more scarce, but large fish are occasionally taken through the ice. Manchaug Pond has produced largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, yellow 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.