Description
Richmond Pond is a 223-acre great pond and impoundment of the southwest branch of the Housatonic River located on the Richmond-Pittsfield town line. Richmond Pond has an average depth of 13 feet, a maximum depth of 54 feet and water clarity is very good, extending to 13 feet. The bottom is composed of silt and clay and supports abundant aquatic vegetation, which extends outward from most of the shoreline to depths of 6 to 8 feet. The shoreline is heavily developed with numerous seasonal and year round dwellings and two summer campgrounds. Richmond Pond is typically drawn down during fall and winter so use caution when navigating during these times as depth varies seasonally.
Recreational access
The Town of Richmond manages a concrete boat ramp off of Town Beach Road on the northwestern shore (get directions). The parking lot is gravel and can hold about 30 vehicles. There is shoreline access in areas adjacent to the ramp and along Beech Road on the northwestern shore of the pond. Please contact the town of Richmond for additional information and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Richmond Pond.
The boat ramp at Richmond Pond off of Beech Road.
Some of the shore access at Richmond Pond near the boat ramp.
Parking of the boat ramp and shore fishing area at Richmond Pond.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- black crappie
- rock bass
- pumpkinseed
- bluegill
- brown bullhead
- golden shiner
Richmond Pond is stocked each spring and fall with trout.
Fishing
Richmond Pond maintains a layer of cold oxygenated water throughout the warm summer months which enables trout to holdover for multiple seasons. Many of the fish and stocked trout generally congregate within the deeper regions. Richmond Pond has produced largemouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, sunfish, and chain pickerel 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.