Lake Cochituate

Overview

MassWildlife says few Massachusetts lakes offer as much variety as Lake Cochituate. The 635-acre great pond sits where Framingham, Natick and Wayland meet, off Routes 9 and 30. Navigable culverts connect its three basins:
- **South basin:** 257 acres, 19 ft average, with the deepest spot at 69 ft.
- **Middle basin:** 144 acres, 26 ft average.
- **North basin:** 216 acres, 30 ft average.

The bottom is mostly mud and gravel, with lots of sand in the southern half of the south basin. Weeds are common along shore, and visibility runs 5-7 feet. The surrounding towns are built up, but much of the shoreline itself is undeveloped Cochituate State Park. Expect crowds in warm weather.

Fishing

All three basins hold lots of largemouth and plenty of panfish, and the bluegill and yellow perch include plenty of big fish. Stocked trout keep things interesting all year. Award fish include largemouth bass; chain pickerel and northern pike; panfish such as black crappie and yellow perch; and carp, and tiger and brook trout.

Species

MassWildlife surveys found largemouth bass; chain pickerel; panfish such as black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, white perch and yellow perch; brown bullhead and yellow bullhead; and American eel, banded killifish, common carp, golden shiner and white sucker. Trout are stocked every spring and fall, and northern pike or tiger muskie occasionally when available.

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

- **Main DCR ramp (Cochituate State Park, Rt. 30, Wayland; north shore of the middle basin):** large ramp, with parking for 50 trailers.
- **DCR cartop launch (off Rt. 30, south half of the north basin):** park at the state park headquarters across the road and carry about a quarter mile past the gate to a break in the masonry wall.
- **Wayland town beach (Pemberton Rd., southeast shore of the north basin):** cartop only, no motors of any kind.

Parking fees may apply at every launch. In season you can rent boats at the town beach and at the main DCR ramp. Most of the shore is state park, so shore anglers can park at any launch and walk. Contact DCR or the town of Wayland about fees and rules.

Amenities

Seasonal boat rentals at the Wayland town beach and the main DCR ramp.

Water facts

635 acres; max depth 69 ft (south basin); basin averages 19/26/30 ft; clarity 5-7 ft.

Nearby waters

• Sudbury Reservoir · 11 km (MA)
• Ashland Reservoir · 11.3 km (MA)
• White Pond · 12.1 km (MA)
• Lake Boon · 12.9 km (MA)
• Hopkinton Reservoir · 13.5 km (MA)
• Walden Pond · 13.7 km (MA)

More in Middlesex

• Ashland Reservoir (MA)
• Baddacook Pond (MA)
• Hopkinton Reservoir (MA)
• Horn Pond (MA)
• Knops Pond (MA)
• Long Sought-for Pond (MA)