Description
Pontoosuc Lake is a 511 acre great pond located north of the center of Pittsfield at the corner of North St. and Handcock Rd. The average depth of Pontoosuc Lake is 15 feet with a maximum of 40 feet, and water transparency is typically 11 feet but can diminish following rain. The bottom is composed of muck and gravel, with the gravel predominating in the south end. Aquatic vegetation, which was abundant, has been greatly reduced in recent years by an aggressive vegetation control program. The shoreline is densely developed, and the lake supports heavy recreational use throughout the year. Pontoosuc Lake is drawdown annually during fall and winter so use caution when navigating during these times as depth varies seasonally.
Recreational access
The city of Pittsfield Manages a Public a double concrete ramp (get directions) and adjacent parking area suitable for 30 trailers off of Hancock Road on the extreme southern end of the lake. Shoreline access is possible in Pontoosuc Lake Park which is located adjacent to the boat ramp along Hancock Rd. A second gravel boat ramp suitable for light trailered craft is located off of Narragansett Ave. on the northwestern shore (get directions). Parking here is limited to only a few spots around Narragansett Ave. Park. Please contact the offices of the city of Pittsfield for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Pontoosuc Lake.
Large two lane concrete boat ramp at Pontoosuc Lake off of Hancock Road.
Some of the shore access in Pontoosuc Lake Park adjacent to the boat ramp.
The gravel boat ramp at Pontoosuc Lake of of Narragansett Ave.
Parking for the gravel ramp is limited to areas around Narragansett Park.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- smallmouth bass
- northern pike
- chain pickerel
- common carp
- yellow perch
- white perch
- black crappie
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- rock bass
- brown bullhead
- yellow bullhead
- white sucker
- common shiner
Pontoosuc Lake is stocked each spring and fall with trout.
Fishing
While there is local angling interest in the spring stocked trout and the heavily fished largemouth bass population, this lake’s biggest claim to fame is its ability to consistently produce large northern pike and tiger muskellunge (when stocked). Northern pike are known to reproduce naturally here with the majority of these fish caught through the ice in winter. The carp fishery has also increased in popularity in recent years, with fish visible in the shallows during the spring spawning season. Recent reduction in aquatic vegetation has reduced cover for largemouth bass in many sections of the Lake. Pontoosuc Lake has produced largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, chain pickerel, common carp, yellow perch, white perch, black crappie, sunfish, bullhead, and brown trout 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.