Description
Spy Pond is a 102-acre Great Pond that is located just north of Route 2 in Arlington. Spy Pond has an average depth of 12 feet, a maximum depth of 36 feet, and the water is typically transparent to 6 feet. The bottom is sand and gravel that most of which is overlain with a thick layer of muck. Aquatic vegetation is moderate to abundant, and there are often suspended algae during the summer. The shoreline is heavily developed with residences.
Recreational access
The town of Arlington manages a concrete ramp in Spy Pond Park off of Pond Lane on the northeastern shore (get directions). Cartop boats only and motors are restricted to a maximum of 10 hp. Parking for 30 cars is available at the launch and shore fishing is possible here and down the eastern shore in Spy Pond Park. Please contact the town of Arlington for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Spy Pond.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- common carp
- black crappie
- yellow perch
- white perch
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- brown bullhead
- white sucker
- golden shiner
- banded killifish
- American eel
Spy Pond is occasionally stocked with northern pike or tiger muskellunge when available. Please check the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife northern pike and tiger muskellunge stocking page for stocking information.
Fishing
Low angling pressure and high water productivity combine to produce an excellent fishery at Spy Pond. Largemouth bass in particular are numerous and generally above average in size. While the perch are only average in size, they are abundant and can provide fast jigging action for ice anglers. If fishing from boat, try off the south and west sides of the island for bass. In spring and summer don’t forget the carp as a few fish over 20 lbs have been reported here. Spy Pond has produced largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, common carp, northern pike, black crappie, white perch, yellow perch, 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.