Lake Nippenicket

Overview

Known locally as "the Nip," Lake Nippenicket is a 220-acre great pond at the edge of the Hockomock Swamp and the source of the Town River. It's shallow (6 ft average, 13 max) and tea-stained over a sandy bottom, and weeds thicken through summer, especially at the north end. Much of its 4.8-mile shore lies in the Hockomock Swamp WMA, so homes are mostly on the southern half.

Fishing

Lots of structure keeps the bass population strong. Panfishing is good too, with fairly abundant, large yellow perch and black crappie. On safe ice, expect good perch catches and the occasional trophy pickerel. Award fish include largemouth bass; chain pickerel; panfish such as black crappie and yellow perch; and bullhead.

Species

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

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

Bridgewater manages a paved state ramp on Lakeside Drive (southeast corner) with parking for about 20 trailers, and you can fish from the town land around it. Shore anglers and paddlers can also get in from the Chace Road dead end, which enters the Hockomock Swamp WMA.

Ice fishing

When the ice is safe, the Nip gives up good catches of yellow perch and an occasional trophy pickerel.

Water facts

220 acres; average depth 6 ft; max 13 ft; 4.8 miles of shoreline.

Nearby waters

• Lake Sabbatia · 6.4 km (MA)
• Norton Reservoir · 13.7 km (MA)
• Massapoag Lake · 18.9 km (MA)
• Long Pond · 20 km (MA)
• Oldham Pond · 20 km (MA)
• Falls Pond · 23.7 km (MA)

More in Plymouth

• Big Sandy Pond (MA)
• Fearing Pond (MA)
• Little Pond (MA)
• Long Pond (MA)
• Marys Pond (MA)
• Billington Sea (MA)