Description
North Pond, otherwise known as Lake Maspenock is a 234-acre great pond and impoundment of the Mill River located about three quarters of a mile west of Route 495 in Hopkinton. North Pond has an average depth of 9 feet, a maximum depth of 29 feet, and common aquatic vegetation. The bottom is composed primarily of muck and mud with scattered rocks, rubble, shoals, and the occasional fallen tree. Water levels in North Pond are lowered each fall so be cautious when boating as water depth varies seasonally.
Recreational access
MassWildlife manages an unimproved access point suitable for cartop boats and shore fishing located off of West Main Street (get directions). There is parking for approximately 6 vehicles. The town of Hopkinton manages a paved boat ramp and large parking lot at the town beach on Sandy Island on the eastern shore off Hayward Street (get directions). A town parking sticker is required to launch or park here during the summer season. Please contact the town of Hopkinton for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of North Pond.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- smallmouth bass
- chain pickerel
- black crappie
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- yellow perch
- white perch
- brown bullhead
- yellow bullhead
- white catfish
- golden shiner
Fishing
Perch (white and yellow), largemouth bass, and black crappie are all abundant with the occasional larger fish. White catfish are also common with some fish in six-pound range. They offer an exciting resource not found in many Massachusetts waters. Due to the relatively poor access, fishing pressure is fairly low except during the winter when ice fishing is very popular. North Pond has produced largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and bullhead that meet minimum size 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.