Description
Whitehall Pond is a 31-acre impoundment of Longmeadow Brook located off of Rt. 122 in Rutland. The average depth of Whitehall Pond is 7 feet with a maximum of 18 feet and the water is tea colored with limited visibility. Aquatic vegetation is common, particularly within the shallow southern half of the pond and the bottom consists of mainly sand and muck. The shores of Whitehall Pond lie entirely within Rutland State Park and are free from development. Whitehall Pond has a large state beach which draws many people from the surrounding towns and can make the pond quite busy during the summer months.
Recreational access
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages a cartop boat launch adjacent to the swimming beach in Rutland State Park (get directions). Parking is permitted at Rutland State Park for a fee during the swim season and the entire shoreline may be accessed via foot paths. There is also some free parking along the dam where there is shore access and canoes and kayaks can be launched (get directions). No motors of any kind are allowed on Whitehall Pond. Please contact the DCR offices of Rutland State Park for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Whitehall Pond.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- black crappie
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- rock bass
- brown bullhead
- yellow bullhead
- golden shiner
- white sucker
Whitehall Pond is stocked each spring and fall with trout.
Fishing
The tranquil setting, presence of a swimming beach and abundant shoreline access make Whitehall pond an Ideal location to spend an afternoon. Trout fishing is best in spring and fall but trout can be caught year round in Whitehall. Largemouth bass in the 1 – 2 lb range, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, and Bullhead are also abundant and can be caught easily from shore or through the ice in winter. Chain Pickerel are less abundant and are found in greater concentrations in the weedier southern half of the pond. Occasionally Largemouth Bass exceeding 5 lbs are reported. Whitehall Pond has produced largemouth bass, bullhead, and black crappie 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.