Knops Pond

Photos

Overview

Knops Pond is part of a 204-acre impoundment of Cow Pond Brook in Groton, together with Lost Lake. MassWildlife explains it was once three ponds that merged when a dam raised the water. The long northern basin is still called Lost Lake. The water is clear, averaging under 10 feet deep and reaching just over 30 feet, with big shallow areas full of aquatic plants. MassWildlife's 2023 pond map lists 217 acres.

Fishing

MassWildlife calls Knops Pond/Lost Lake an excellent seasonal trout pond and a good choice for bass and panfish. It's stocked with trout every spring and fall, and Cast The Water's MassWildlife records show a stocking on Oct. 9, 2026. Trout spread out in early spring, then gather in the deeper holes as the water warms. Bass hide in the abundant cover and vegetation, mostly in the upper and central basins.

Species

MassWildlife surveys found largemouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead and golden shiner. Stocked trout are added in spring and fall.

Techniques

MassWildlife says bass anglers do best in early and late summer, early and late in the day, when boat traffic drops off. In winter, the abundant yellow perch are easy to jig in the shallow water.

Seasons

Trout are best in spring and fall, and bass in early and late summer. Ice fishing for perch is excellent.

Regulations

MassWildlife freshwater fishing regulations apply: https://www.mass.gov/freshwater-fishing-regulations. Confirm current seasons, limits and any special rules there; this page is not a legal source.

Licensing

Anglers 15 and older need a Massachusetts fishing license (MassWildlife).

Access

MassWildlife's Northeast District manages a concrete boat ramp on the northeast side of the impoundment, with parking for about ten vehicles. It suits small trailer boats, car-top boats and canoes. Contact the MassWildlife Northeast District, (978) 772-2145, about fees and restrictions.

Boat ramps & launches

MassWildlife concrete ramp (northeast side), which serves both Knops Pond and Lost Lake.

Activities

Fishing, boating, water skiing and swimming are all popular here (MassWildlife).

Ice fishing

MassWildlife calls this an excellent ice-fishing pond, with abundant yellow perch. Always check the ice yourself.

Water facts

Area: 204 acres (MassWildlife description); 217 acres (MassWildlife pond map, updated Oct. 2023). Max depth: just over 30 ft. Average depth: under 10 ft. Impoundment of Cow Pond Brook. Town: Groton.

Safety & advisories

The shoreline is about 70% developed, and the lake gets heavy recreational boat traffic in summer. Clean all boats and gear before moving between waters to stop aquatic hitchhikers (MassWildlife; see ProtectYourWaters.net).

Nearby waters

• Duck Pond · 0.8 km (MA)
• Lost Lake · 0.9 km (MA)
• Long Pond · 2.4 km (MA)
• Spectacle Pond · 2.8 km (MA)
• Forge Pond · 3.1 km (MA)
• Baddacook Pond · 3.6 km (MA)

More in Middlesex

• Squannacook River (MA)
• Baddacook Pond (MA)
• Nissitissit River (MA)
• Althea Lake (MA)
• Barkers Pond (MA)
• Concord River (MA)