Long Pond

Overview

At 743 acres, Long Pond is the largest freshwater pond on Cape Cod, straddling Brewster and Harwich. It's deep (30 ft average, 70 max) and clear (about 14 ft), with a sand and rubble bottom and few weeds. Small channels link it to Black, Smalls and Greenland ponds, and the system eventually drains to the Herring River. Houses, cottages and beaches share its 6.4-mile shore.

Fishing

Smallmouth are the reason to come: 3-5 pounders show up fairly often, along with some nice perch. Summer boat traffic is heavy, so fish early or late. Award fish include chain pickerel, smallmouth bass, yellow and white perch, bullhead and sunfish.

Species

MassWildlife surveys found smallmouth and largemouth bass, white and panfish such as pumpkinseed and yellow perch; brown bullhead; and American eel, banded killifish, tessellated darter and white sucker.

Regulations

MassWildlife freshwater regulations apply: https://www.mass.gov/freshwater-fishing-regulations. Check local town or DCR rules for access fees and restrictions.

Licensing

A Massachusetts freshwater fishing license is required for anglers 15 and older.

Access

There are three public ramps:
- **Long Pond Beach, Long Pond Rd. (Harwich, south shore):** paved, trailers, parking for 25.
- **Cahoon Beach, Cahoon Rd. (Harwich, east corner):** light trailers and cartop boats, parking for about 10.
- **Crowells Bog Rd. town beach (Brewster, northwest shore):** paved, trailers, about 10 car-and-trailer spots.

Parking fees or beach stickers may be required.

Water facts

743 acres; average depth 30 ft; max 70 ft; clarity about 14 ft; 6.4 miles of shoreline.

Nearby waters

• Sheep Pond · 1.6 km (MA)
• Cliff Pond · 5.2 km (MA)
• Little Cliff Pond · 5.7 km (MA)
• Flax Pond · 5.8 km (MA)
• Goose Pond · 5.9 km (MA)
• Baker Pond · 7 km (MA)

More in Barnstable

• Ashumet Pond (MA)
• Baker Pond (MA)
• Cliff Pond (MA)
• Crystal Lake (MA)
• Flax Pond (MA)
• Goose Pond (MA)