Description
Peppers Mill Pond is a 15-acre impoundment of Beaver Brook located on Belchertown Road (Rt. 9) in Ware. The entire pond falls within watershed conservation land and is open to the public. Its shores are completely forested which gives this small pond quite a remote feel.
Recreational access
The Department of Conservation and Recreation Division of Water Supply Protection (DCR DWSP) manages two parking areas both or which are off of Belchertown Road (Rt. 9) which permit access to Peppers Mill Pond. The first is right across the road from the pond which gives access to the dam (get directions) and the second is a little farther east and gives access to a trailhead which leads to the pond (get directions). Both launches are dirt and unimproved with the latter requiring a 300 foot carry in from the gate at the trailhead. The entire shoreline is open to fishing; no motors are allowed on Peppers Mill Pond. Please contact DCR DWSP for additional information and/or restrictions to public access of Peppers Mill Pond.
Parking across from the Peppers Mill Pond dam off of Rt. 9. Be careful crossing the road here, especially if carrying a boat.
Parking for Peppers Mill Pond farther east along Rt. 9.
Hike in from this trailhead at the tip of the parking lot.
Follow the trail to the water.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- brown bullhead
- yellow bullhead
- pumpkinseed
- bluegill
- golden shiner
- white sucker
- American eel
Peppers Mill Pond Pond is stocked each spring and fall with trout.
Fishing
Peppers Mill Pond is best known for its trout fishing. There is lots of public land here with great access and forested shores which adds to the appeal of this small pond with a remote feel. Peppers Mill Pond has produced brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout 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.