Description
Upper Highland Lake is a 58-acre impoundment of the West Branch of the Mill River located off of Rt. 112 in Goshen. Upper Highland Lake has an average depth of 8 feet, a maximum depth 18 feet, and the bottom consists of rubble and rock with limited aquatic vegetation. The lake falls within D.A.R. State Forest and with the exception of a few beaches and a summer camp, the entire shoreline is forested.
Recreational access
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages a gravel ramp suitable for light trailered craft off of Moore Hill Road to the east of the dam (get directions). A second cartop boat launch is located farther down the road at the parking lot for the state campground (get directions). Parking fees will apply during the swimming and or camping season; only electric motors are allowed. Shore fishing is possible at both locations via trails in the D.A.R. State Forest. Please contact the DCR offices of the D.A.R. State Forest for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Upper Highland Lake.
The gravel ramp at Upper Highland Lake just east of the dam.
One of the improved shore fishing sites along the dam at Upper Highland Lake.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- smallmouth bass
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- rock bass
- black crappie
- pumpkinseed
- bluegill
- brown bullhead
- golden shiner
Upper Highland Lake is stocked each spring and fall with trout.
Fishing
Upper Highland Lake is a popular trout fishing destination in fall and spring coinciding with stocking. Anglers also report good catches of smallmouth bass throughout the year. If unhappy with the catch here just pop over to Lower Highland Lake across the road and try your luck there. Upper Highland Lake has produced largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, black crappie, 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.