Description
Mashpee-Wakeby Ponds are two connected Great Ponds generally considered to be one large body of water covering a total of 737 acres. Wakeby Pond is the northern basin and Mashpee Pond is the southern basin. The ponds are fed by groundwater and drain to the Mashpee River. The average depth is 30 feet, and the maximum depth is 95 feet. Transparency is only fair, extending to 8.5 feet, and aquatic vegetation is scant to moderate. The bottom is composed primarily of rubble and gravel, with some sandy areas. The 5.9 miles of shoreline is heavily developed with houses, town beaches, and summer camps. A large undeveloped peninsula (Lowell Holly reservation, managed by the Trustees of Reservations) separates the two ponds and three undeveloped islands (Jefferson, Keith and Cleveland) are found in Wakeby Pond.
Recreational access
The town of Mashpee manages a large paved boat ramp with a 30-vehicle parking lot at the end of fisherman's landing Rd. on the south east shore (get directions). Shore fishing is possible up the eastern shore from the launch on MassWildlife owned land. On weekends and holidays during the summer. the town of Mashpee collects a parking fee to help defer the maintenance costs of the launch.
The Trustees of Reservations manages the Lowell Holly Reservation which features an unimproved cartop launch and hiking trails with shore access. The launch and parking area is at the end of a long access road off of South Sandwich Road which is closed outside the swim season (get directions). Shore access is still afforded during this time by parking at the gate and hiking in.
Shore access is also available at Pickerel Cove from hiking trails in Pickerel cove WMA and WCE. Parking is provided by a small lot off of Main St. at the intersection of Cove Road (get directions).
Please contact the offices of the town of Mashpee or the Trustees of Reservations for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Mashpee/Wakeby Ponds.
Road managed by the town of Mashpee.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- smallmouth bass
- chain pickerel
- white catfish
- yellow perch
- white perch
- pumpkinseed
- brown bullhead
- white sucker
- banded killifish
- tessellated darter
- golden shiner
- alewife
- blueback herring
Mashpee-Wakeby Pond is stocked each spring and fall with trout.
Fishing
Mashpee-Wakeby Pond supports an outstanding fishery for multiple species including stocked trout. Largemouth bass and smallmouth bass are abundant and sought after during the numerous bass tournaments that are held at the pond. All gamefish in the pond display good growth rates due to the abundant sea-run herring which travel up the Mashpee River from Ponponesset Bay and Nantucket Sound. Mashpee-Wakeby Pond has produced largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, white catfish, brown bullhead, sunfish, brook trout, and brown trout that meet the 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.