Pontoosuc Lake

Overview

Pontoosuc Lake, at North St. and Hancock Rd. just north of downtown Pittsfield, is best known for consistently producing big northern pike, and tiger muskies when they're stocked. The 511-acre great pond averages 15 feet deep (40 max). Visibility is usually about 11 feet but drops after rain. The bottom is muck and gravel, mostly gravel at the south end. Weeds used to be abundant, but an aggressive control program has cut them back sharply in recent years. Homes crowd the shore, and the lake is busy all year. It's drawn down every fall and winter, so depths change then.

Fishing

Pike spawn naturally here, and most are caught through the ice. Locals also chase the spring trout stockings and the heavily fished largemouth. With less weed cover, bass have fewer places to hide in many parts of the lake. Carp fishing keeps growing, and in spring you can see spawning carp in the shallows. Award fish include largemouth and smallmouth bass; chain pickerel, northern pike, tiger muskie; and common carp, yellow and brown trout; panfish such as black crappie, sunfish and white perch; and bullhead.

Species

MassWildlife surveys found largemouth, rock and smallmouth bass; chain pickerel and northern pike; panfish such as black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, white perch and yellow perch; brown bullhead and yellow bullhead; and common carp, common shiner 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

- **Hancock Road (far south end):** Pittsfield's two-lane concrete ramp, with parking for 30 trailers. You can fish from shore in Pontoosuc Lake Park next door.
- **Narragansett Ave. (northwest shore):** gravel ramp for light trailers. Parking is just a few spots around Narragansett Ave. Park.

Contact the city of Pittsfield about fees and rules.

Ice fishing

Most of Pontoosuc's pike are caught through the ice (MassWildlife).

Water facts

511 acres; average depth 15 ft; max 40 ft; clarity about 11 ft.

Safety & advisories

The annual fall and winter drawdown changes depths, so navigate carefully (MassWildlife).

Nearby waters

• Onota Lake · 4.1 km (MA)
• Cheshire Reservoir · 7.5 km (MA)
• Richmond Pond · 10.9 km (MA)
• Black River · 13.3 km (NY)
• Douglas Pond · 14.8 km (NY)
• Queechy Lake · 16.8 km (NY)

More in Berkshire

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