Description
Watershops Pond, originally known as Lake Massasoit, as a180-acre impoundment of the Mill River in Springfield. Watershops Pond has an average depth of 6 feet, a maximum depth of 20 feet and water clarity is typically only 3 feet. The bottom is muck, with some limited areas of sand and rock, aquatic vegetation is common and the shoreline is heavily developed. Watershops Pond was constructed to provide water power for the Springfield Armory, which was the primary center for the manufacturing of firearms for the United States Military from 1777 to 1968.
Recreational access
The City of Springfield manages a park along the shore of the pond on Alden Street from Springfield College to the intersection of Lakeside Street where cartop boats can be launched and shore fishing is possible (get directions) (get directions). Parking for this access is along Alden Street. Kayaks can be launched from Wilbraham Road (get directions) with parking along the road in an enlarged shoulder. There is no real shore access here and the decent to the water can be tricky depending on conditions and water levels. Finally, cartop boat and shore access is provided at Thomas J. Sullivan Park off of the South Branch Parkway (get directions). The park may be gated and boaters may need to acquire a key from the city prior to arriving (see picture below). There is a 25 horse power limit on outboard engines on Watershops Pond. Please contact the city of Springfield for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Watershops Pond.
Shore and cartop boat access for Watershops Pond along Alden Street.
Cartop boat access in Thomas J. Sullivan Park.
The access at Sullivan Park may be gated.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- common carp
- yellow perch
- white perch
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- yellow bullhead
- brown bullhead
- white sucker
Watershops Pond is stocked each spring and fall with trout.
Fishing
Watershops Pond offers a relatively peaceful place to paddle and fish considering its close proximity to the metropolitan center of Springfield. There is excellent structure in the form of downed trees and rocky areas along most of the shoreline, which is teeming with 1 to 2 lb largemouth bass. Common carp, some exceeding 20 lbs, can also be found readily. Water clarity is low and weeds and snags can make for difficult fishing but the patient angler will be rewarded with ample catches of largemouth bass, carp, and panfish. Watershops Pond has produced largemouth bass, bullhead and carp that meet minimum size 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.