Description
Puffer’s Pond, officially named Factory Hollow Pond, is a 13-acre impoundment of Cushman Brook located off of State Street in North Amherst. Puffers Pond has an average depth of 5 ft, a maximum depth of 16 ft and aquatic vegetation is scant. The entirety of the pond as well as its inlet and outlet (Mill River) are encompassed within conserved land and accessible via the Robert Frost Trail and others which meander along-side the pond and adjoining stream. Puffers Pond is the largest pond in Amherst and is a prominent recreation area for fishing, birding, nature walking, canoeing, picnicking and swimming.
Recreational access
The town of Amherst manages a beach where cartop boats can be launched off of State Street on the southern shore (get directions). The launch is unimproved and to the west of the beach; parking is roadside on State Street. Cartop boats may also be carried in from a 15 car parking area off of Mill St. on the western shore (get directions). Fishing is permitted from shore only and watercraft must be non-motorized. Walking trails provide good access to most of the shoreline. Please contact the town of Amherst for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Puffers Pond.
The cartop access point located on the western shore of Puffers Pond near the beach.
Parking off of Mill St. on the western shore. Cartop boats must be carried in from here.
Some of the shore access at Puffers Pond.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- brown bullhead
- pumpkinseed
- bluegill
- golden shiner
- white sucker
- American eel
Puffers Pond is stocked each spring and fall with trout.
Fishing
Puffers Pond is best known for its trout fishing and is also a great place for beginners to learn to fish. One may fish for trout in the pond proper or within the running waters of Cushman Brook and the Mill River both of which are also stocked. Access to these waters is easy from well-marked trails that have numerous spots to stop and fish. Puffers Pond has produced chain pickerel and tiger 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.