Lake Attitash

Overview

Lake Attitash is a great pond enlarged by damming the Back River. It covers 373 acres roughly 1.5 miles from Merrimac center, to the northeast. It averages 12 feet deep (34 max) over sand and gravel. Outside the inlet and outlet coves there are few weeds, and homes line much of the shore. Summer brings heavy recreational use.

Fishing

Spring and fall bring good bass and panfish action, and local tournaments can draw weekend crowds. Award fish include largemouth bass; chain pickerel; panfish such as black crappie, sunfish and yellow perch; and bullhead.

Species

MassWildlife surveys found largemouth and smallmouth bass; chain pickerel; panfish such as black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, redbreast sunfish, white perch and yellow perch; brown bullhead; and American eel and golden shiner.

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 manages a paved trailer ramp off Attitash Ave on the south shore, with parking for 20 trailers. Contact DCR's Maudslay State Park office about fees and rules.

Ice fishing

When the ice is solid, the lake draws plenty of ice anglers (MassWildlife).

Water facts

373 acres; average depth 12 ft; max 34 ft.

Nearby waters

• Lake Saltonstall · 10.1 km (MA)
• Brickyard Pond · 14.1 km (NH)
• Exeter River · 14.2 km (NH)
• Batchelders Pond · 15.4 km (NH)
• Exeter Reservoir · 15.6 km (NH)
• Baldpate Pond · 16.9 km (MA)

More in Essex

• Baldpate Pond (MA)
• Forest Lake (MA)
• Lake Saltonstall (MA)
• Pleasant Pond (MA)
• Sluice Pond (MA)
• Stiles Pond (MA)