Cast the Water

Long Pond

Massachusetts · Plymouth

The pin marks the middle of the water, for directions. The shoreline on the map comes from USGS NHD.

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Overview

Long Pond is the largest natural pond in Massachusetts at 1,780 acres, and it's a bass-tournament favorite. It's broad and shallow (6 ft average, 15 max), with stained water and about 5 feet of visibility. Small streams feed it, and it drains through the Long Pond River (also called the Snake River) into Assawompset Pond and on to the Nemasket River. Year-round homes line most of its 11 miles of shore.

Fishing

Largemouth are the main event. White and yellow perch fishing is also good. Award fish include largemouth bass; chain pickerel; black crappie; and brown bullhead, yellow and white perch, and sunfish.

Species

MassWildlife surveys found largemouth bass; chain pickerel; panfish such as bluegill, pumpkinseed, white perch and yellow perch; brown bullhead; and alewife, blueback herring, golden shiner, tessellated darter 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

Freetown runs a concrete ramp off Route 18 at the southeast corner, with parking for 47 trailers. Expect a possible parking charge on weekends and holidays. Shore fishing is limited to the area around the ramp. Contact the Town of Freetown about fees and rules.

Water facts

1,780 acres; average depth 6 ft; max 15 ft; clarity about 5 ft; 11 miles of shoreline.

Safety & advisories

Submerged boulders are a boating hazard. Invasive Asian clams (Corbicula) live in the pond, so empty live wells and strip plants off boats and trailers before you leave (MassWildlife).

Nearby waters

More in Plymouth

MassWildlife (Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife)