Laurel Lake

Overview

Laurel Lake, also called Scotch Pond or Scotts Pond, is a 170-acre Berkshire great pond off Route 20, formed by impounding Sargent Brook. It's deep (26 ft average, 53 max) and clear (12-15 ft), with a bottom of gravel, rock and rubble, and clay and mud in the coves. Weeds grow thick wherever it's muddy, often down to 15 feet or more. Zebra mussels were discovered here in 2009, and visitors must follow protocols to keep them from spreading.

Fishing

There's something for every angler here. Trout draw crowds in spring and fall, and largemouth carry the summer. Carp topping 20 pounds have made it a growing carp destination. The bluegill and pumpkinseed are brilliantly colored and almost endless, which makes it great for kids. Award fish include largemouth bass; chain pickerel; panfish such as black crappie, sunfish and yellow perch; bullhead; and carp, and brook, brown, tiger and rainbow trout.

Species

MassWildlife surveys found largemouth, rock and smallmouth bass; chain pickerel; panfish such as black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed and yellow perch; brown bullhead; and common carp, golden shiner, rainbow smelt and white sucker. Trout are stocked every spring and fall.

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

DCR's concrete trailer ramp is off Route 20 on the east shore, with parking for about 20 cars and room to fish from shore. On the west shore, the Laurel Lake Road right-of-way allows shore fishing and cartop launching; park on the road shoulder. Contact DCR or the Town of Lee about fees and rules.

Ice fishing

Pickerel and yellow perch are popular winter targets (MassWildlife).

Water facts

170 acres; average depth 26 ft; max 53 ft; clarity 12-15 ft.

Safety & advisories

Zebra mussels are present. After every trip, empty, wash and dry live wells, boats, trailers and any gear that touched the water (MassWildlife/DCR).

Nearby waters

• Stockbridge Bowl · 4.2 km (MA)
• Goose Pond · 7.8 km (MA)
• Richmond Pond · 11 km (MA)
• Queechy Lake · 15 km (NY)
• Onota Lake · 16.1 km (MA)
• Lake Garfield · 17 km (MA)

More in Berkshire

• Kinderhook Creek (NY)
• Whiting River (CT)
• Otis Reservoir (MA)
• Goose Pond (MA)
• Lake Buel (MA)
• North Pond (MA)