Page not found – Outdoor Sports Guide for the Berkshires and Beyond https://www.northeastsporting.com Outdoor Sports Guide for the Berkshires and Beyond Mon, 03 Aug 2020 18:41:32 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.5.14 https://www.northeastsporting.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/favicon.ico Page not found – Outdoor Sports Guide for the Berkshires and Beyond https://www.northeastsporting.com 32 32 Windsor Lake in North Adams, Massachusetts https://www.northeastsporting.com/windsor-lake-in-north-adams-massachusetts/ Mon, 03 Aug 2020 18:41:29 +0000 https://www.northeastsporting.com/?p=903 Windsor Lake in North Adams, Massachusetts is one of Northern Berkshire County’s premiere destinations for outdoor recreation. Visitors of Windsor Lake can enjoy activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, camping, hiking, and even disc golf! Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the trails surrounding Windsor Lake are popular activities during the winter months. Fishing Windsor …

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Windsor Lake in North Adams, Massachusetts is one of Northern Berkshire County’s premiere destinations for outdoor recreation. Visitors of Windsor Lake can enjoy activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, camping, hiking, and even disc golf! Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the trails surrounding Windsor Lake are popular activities during the winter months.

Fishing Windsor Lake in North Adams, Massachusetts

Windsor Lake is a 24 acre reservoir with a maximum depth of approximately 19 feet and an average depth of 8 feet. Windsor Lake is stocked each spring and fall with rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout. It is the stocked trout that attracts the most anglers to Windsor Lake in the spring and fall. Bass and chain pickerel can be caught at Windsor Lake during the summer months, there is ample vegetative growth to support this species of fish.

Species of fish found in Windsor Lake

The following species of fish have been observed in Windsor Lake;

  • Largemouth Bass 
  • Chain Pickerel 
  • Brown Bullhead
  • Yellow Perch 
  • Pumpkinseed
  • Black Crappie
  • Rock Bass

Fishing for trout in Windsor Lake

There is ample shoreline access to Windsor lake. Parking is available on Windsor Lake Road which is just off of Bradley Street. Since you’ll primarily be fishing for stocked trout, I would recommend using Berkley PowerBait or even trout worms to fish off of the bottom of the lake. Smaller Thomas Bouyants, Dardevles, Rooster Tails, or Panther Martin trout lures work extremely well for catching trout at Windsor Lake. If you’re fishing for bass or pickerel at Windsor Lake, you’ll want to try to draw the fish out of the vegetative growth by using a floating Rapala or rubber worm such as Berkley’s Power Worm. The Power Worms in particular are some of the best rubber worms that I have ever used for catching bass!

Outdoor recreation at Windsor Lake

If you haven’t already been to Windsor Lake you simply must go and see it for yourself. The lake and surrounding shoreline are absolutely stunning. There is a large picnic area, snack shack, and a public beach that can be enjoyed during the summer months. There is also a playground that is available for children (or the kid in all of us) to use.

Breathtaking view from the shores of Windsor Lake in North Adams, Massachusetts.
The snack shack at Windsor Lake.

There is a small boat launch located on Bradley Street. Please be advised that motorboats are not allowed in the lake. I did observe a number of people kayaking when I visited Windsor Lake this past weekend. 

The boat launch at Windsor Lake.

Each summer from June through August the City of North Adams hosts a free summer concert series at Windsor Lake. There is also an 18 hole disc golf course at Windsor Lake. I have honestly never played disc golf, but it would appear that the Windsor Lake disc golf course is quite popular as it has received excellent reviews

There is an 18 hole disc golf course at Windsor Lake in North Adams, Massachusetts.

Lastly, it appears that there was once a ski area that was located at Windsor Lake. I’ve found evidence of an old rope tow that appears as if it was decommissioned many years ago. If anyone has information about the ski area that once operated at Windsor Lake could you please contact me or write something in the comments section below? I am really interested in learning about when this ski area was in operation.

A ski area once operated at Windsor Lake in North Adams, Massachusetts.

Windsor Lake is also the home of the Historic Valley Campground

The Historic Valley Campground is just down the road from the public beach and picnic area. There are 100 sites available at the Historic Valley Campground including lakeside sites and pull-through RV sites with sewer and electrical hookups. Seasonal campers are welcome. The facilities at the Historic Valley Campground are in excellent condition. The Historic Valley Campground has its own private beach, there is also a playground. 

The Historic Valley Campground is located at 200 Windsor Lake Road, North Adams, MA 01247. Call (413) 662-3198 to make a reservation.

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New Marlboro Preserve in New Marlborough, Massachusetts https://www.northeastsporting.com/new-marlboro-preserve-in-new-marlborough-massachusetts/ Sun, 26 Jul 2020 00:29:14 +0000 https://www.northeastsporting.com/?p=892 Just this morning, I had the opportunity to explore the New Marlboro Preserve in New Marlborough, Massachusetts for the very first time. The New Marlboro Preserve is a 114 acre mixed hardwood forest that was purchased by the New Marlborough Land Trust back in 2016. A 1.3 mile hiking loop was created, but was done …

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Just this morning, I had the opportunity to explore the New Marlboro Preserve in New Marlborough, Massachusetts for the very first time.

The New Marlboro Preserve is a 114 acre mixed hardwood forest that was purchased by the New Marlborough Land Trust back in 2016. A 1.3 mile hiking loop was created, but was done so in a manner that was minimally disruptive to the natural habitat. The hiking trail follows the Willow Creek Gorge, passes a picnic area, then runs alongside the Umpachene River. The trail then passes through a grove of black cherry trees as it circles back towards the parking area. 

The New Marlboro Preserve hiking trail follows Willow Creek.
Beautiful pool on Willow Creek at the New Marlboro Preserve.

Local historian Bernard Drew did some research on the location of the New Marlboro Preserve. Mr. Drew discovered that a cheese factory that once existed nearby was powered by the waters of Willow Creek. You can reference Mr. Drew’s Berkshire Eagle article on the cheese factory here.

Parking area and trailhead

The New Marlboro Preserve offers a short but beautiful hike that is only of moderate difficulty due to some uneven footing along the trail. The parking area and trailhead are located near the intersection of Routes 183 and 57 near Gedney Farm. 

The New Marlboro Preserve Trailhead.

You can obtain a trail map from The New Marlborough Land Trust website. The New Marlboro Preserve reminds us that it truly takes a lifetime to locate and explore all of the beautiful places in the Berkshires.

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The Boulders Hiking Trails in the Berkshires https://www.northeastsporting.com/the-boulders-hiking-trails-in-the-berkshires/ Fri, 24 Jul 2020 21:34:03 +0000 https://www.northeastsporting.com/?p=880 The Boulders is a 645 acre conservation area that overlaps the towns of Dalton, Lanesborough, and the City of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The Boulders features over six miles of hiking trails and offers a stunning view from the boulders at the summit for which the area is named. The hiking trails at the Boulders are wide …

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The Boulders is a 645 acre conservation area that overlaps the towns of Dalton, Lanesborough, and the City of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. The Boulders features over six miles of hiking trails and offers a stunning view from the boulders at the summit for which the area is named. The hiking trails at the Boulders are wide and easy to navigate. When visiting the Boulders, you’ll enjoy a gentle hike through a gorgeous hardwood forest. There are also small streams and a pond that attract an abundance of local wildlife.   

History of the Boulders

The Crane family, who are the founders of the Crane Paper Company in Dalton, Massachusetts acquired the land in the early 1800’s. The Crane family built a lodge on the property, which is now gone, and seemed to use the land extensively based on the still existing carriage roads and bridle paths that now serve as hiking tails. The Crane family opened the Boulders to the public in 1994. In 2015, the Crane family donated the land comprising the Boulders to Berkshire Natural Resource Council. 

This well cared for hiking trail at the Boulders was once an old coach road.

The hiking trails at the Boulders

There are over six miles of hiking trails for you to explore at the Boulders. Generally speaking, the trails are wide enough to accommodate hiking, jogging, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Dog walking is also allowed providing that dogs remain leashed at all times.

Healthy Heart Loop

The Healthy Heart Loop trail at the Boulders consists of a half mile round-trip hike that is of an easy difficulty level. 

The Healthy Heart Loop at the Boulders makes for a great short walk.

Green Trail

At 1.4 miles the Green Trail offers a longer hike than the Healthy Heart Loop while still maintaining an easy difficulty level. The Green Trail intersects with the Red Trail which you could always take should you decide to go on a longer hike.

Blue Trail

The Blue Trail is 2.8 miles long (round-trip) and will lead you to the boulder ridge for which this conservation area is named. The Blue Trail has a moderate difficulty rating which can be attributed to uneven footing on the trail as well as the gradual change in elevation as you make your way to the 1,395 foot high boulder ridge.

The trails at the Boulders are extremely well marked and even better cared for. Thank you BNRC!
The boulder ridge summit at the Boulders.
Stunning view from the summit at the Boulders.

Red Trail

The Red Trail is a 2.4 mile round-trip loop that has a moderate difficulty rating. The red trail brings hikers along the side of a stream, over well crafted foot bridges, and around a beautiful small pond. The red trail offers easy access to the Blue Trail should you decide to hike to the boulder ridge.

The small pond at the Boulders in Pittsfield, MA.

Boulders trail map and unmarked trails

A trail map for the Boulders can be downloaded from the Berkshire Natural Resource Council website. You will notice that the trail map shows several unmarked trails. These trails may have once been bridle paths or in some cases are narrow man made footpaths. These unmarked trails are in many cases too narrow for activities such as cross country-skiing, but are fun to explore nonetheless.

This trail was once a bridle path.

Parking and trailhead access

The Boulders can be accessed from Gulf Road in Dalton, MA as well as from Dalton Avenue in Pittsfield, MA. The parking area on Gulf Road is accessed most easily by taking Dalton Ave (Roue 8) into the town of Dalton. Take a left on to Park Avenue, you’ll pass Craneville Elementary School and the Dalton DPW garage before eventually taking a left onto Gulf Road. There is a parking area on the left hand side of Gulf Road. The entrance to the Boulders parking area on Dalton Avenue in Pittsfield is located directly across from Hubbard Avenue.

The Gulf Road parking area and trailhead at the Boulders in Dalton, MA.
The Dalton Avenue parking area and trailhead at the Boulders in Pittsfield, MA.

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October Mountain Whitney Estate https://www.northeastsporting.com/october-mountain-whitney-estate/ https://www.northeastsporting.com/october-mountain-whitney-estate/#comments Tue, 14 Jul 2020 20:24:00 +0000 http://www.northeastsporting.com/?p=254 October Mountain State Forest originated from land purchased by William C. Whitney who was Secretary of the Navy under President Grover Cleveland. William C. Whitney began purchasing his property on October Mountain in 1894. Whitney purchased small farms and other parcels of land and would ultimately amass approximately 14,000 acres. It was on this property where Whitney constructed a "cottage" called The Antlers.

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We had originally published this article about the Antlers, William C. Whitney’s October Mountain estate, back in 2011. We have recently discovered a treasure trove of new information about the estate and game preserve that Whitney built on top of October Mountain, and have decided to update and reissue our original article.

In 1895 Senator Thomas Post began buying up farmland in the town of Washington, Massachusetts on behalf of an anonymous buyer. This came as a relief to many of the town’s farmers as their farms had fallen onto hard times. The mountainous terrain of the town of Washington had proven to be too difficult to farm. Town farmers were therefore more than willing to sell their land to Senator Post who was paying up to $5 per acre. This was a very generous offer given the fact that much of the land was not suitable for farming. Not much thought was given to these real estate transactions until the land that was purchased totaled in the thousands of acres. In 1896 a New York City newspaper had published an article revealing that William C. Whitney was the purchaser of this land and that he had intended to build a luxurious hunting lodge on top of what is now October Mountain. In addition to the construction of a hunting lodge, William C. Whitney also intended to build a honeymoon cottage for his son, Harry Payne Whitney, and his son’s newlywed wife, Gertrude Vanderbilt.

Who was William C. Whitney?

William Collins Whitney (July 5, 1841 – February 2, 1904) was a Harvard educated Lawyer, American politician, and businessman. Whitney also served as Secretary of the Navy under President Grover Cleveland. Whitney had dedicated himself to rebuilding the US Navy fleet which had fallen by the wayside after the Civil War. Whitney insisted that U.S. warships were to be built stateside, as opposed to outsourcing ship building, and is credited with stimulating the U.S. ship building and plate armor industries. Whitney left his role as Secretary of the Navy after President Cleveland’s first term had ended and returned to private law practice and his investments.

Image of William C. Whitney at his desk when he served as Secretary to the Navy.
William C. Whitney served as Secretary of the Navy under President Cleveland.

Construction of the Whitney Estate on October Mountain

John Root of Lenox, Massachusetts was the contractor who Whitney hired to build his hunting lodge, “the Antlers,” and honeymoon cottage, “the Nest.” Whitney insisted that the Antlers and the Nest were to be constructed in 20 days’ time so that the newly built homes would be ready to receive his son, Harry Payne Whitney, and daughter in law, Gertrude Vanderbilt after their wedding at the Vanderbilt mansion the Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island.  A crew of up to 100 laborers worked around the clock to meet Whitney’s deadline. Calcium lamps were imported from New York City so that work could continue into the night. Design changes delayed the opening of the Antlers, but the honeymoon cottage the Nest was completed on time. 

Historical photo of the construction of William C. Whitney's October Mountain hunting lodge. the Antlers.
Construction of the Antlers on Whitney’s October Mountain estate.
Picture of the Nest, a honeymoon cottage on October Mountain.
The Nest, Whitney’s honeymoon cottage on October Mountain.

The Antlers was described as being somewhat plain looking on the exterior when compared to other gilded age cottages. This was however by design and was befitting for a hunting lodge. The cottage had a double angled roof and the exterior siding consisted of dark grey shingles. There were modern (for the time) bow windows. The interior of Whitney’s October Mountain cottage was said to be stunning with polished hardwood floors and intricate design elements throughout the house. The interior of the home consisted of a reception hall, dining room, library, and seven bedrooms that were described as being “sleeping apartments.” To the best of my knowledge, there are no surviving photographs of the interior of the Antlers. Whitney spared no expense, he even had running water, electricity, and a telephone system installed! As you can see, referring to Whitney’s October Mountain estate as a hunting lodge is a little misleading. 

Picture of William C. Whitney's cottage on October Mountain.
The Antlers, William C. Whitney’s Cottage on October Mountain.
The Antlers, William C. Whitney's Cottage on October Mountain, viewed from a different angle.
The Antlers, William C. Whitney’s Cottage on October Mountain, viewed from a different angle.
Image of the driveway leading up to the Antlers.
The driveway leading up to the Antlers.
Picture of  the coach house at Whitney's October Mountain estate.
The coach house at Whitney’s October Mountain estate.

Whitney continued to build on his land until he amassed a total of 24 houses and 30 barns at his October Mountain estate. Many of these buildings were made available to his staff of 50 so that they could live onsite in order to maintain Whitney’s estate year round. The upkeep of the estate and game preserve created job opportunities for the local townspeople, and at one point Whitney paid more than 50% of the town of Washington’s taxes!

Picture of men getting ready to go to work at William C. Whitney's October Mountain estate.
Men going to work at the Whitney estate.
Picture of a woman doing laundry outside at the Whitney estate.
A woman doing the laundry at the Whitney estate.

In addition to the barns and other small cottages, Whitney had a 150 foot tall water and observation tower constructed. Whitney also had a boathouse and pavilion built on Round Mountain Pond. I cannot find Round Mountain Pond anywhere on a map, but I did discover a very old wooden boat near Mudd Pond on October Mountain back in the 1990’s. Mudd Pond is round in shape, perhaps Mudd Pond was once known as Round Mountain Pond? Whitney had a tennis court, golf course, and countless bridal and bicycle paths built for his family and guests to enjoy. 

Picture of the 150 foot tower that Whitney built on October Mountain.
The 150 foot tower that Whitney built on October Mountain.

Whitney’s October Mountain game preserve.

Whitney primarily intended for his October Mountain estate to be a wild game preserve. Whitney imported exotic game animals such as black tailed deer, elk, buffalo, angora goat, and moose from all over the United States. At one point he owned over 180 elk alone! Whitney stocked the streams and ponds of October Mountain with trout and bass, and even began stocking game birds such as pheasant.  

Buffaloes grazing at the Whitney estate on October Mountain.
Buffaloes grazing at the Whitney estate on October Mountain.
An elk at the Whitney estate on October Mountain.
An elk at the Whitney estate on October Mountain.
Deer feeding at the Whitney estate on October Mountain.
Deer feeding at the Whitney estate on October Mountain.

Transcript of 1899 Pittsfield Sun Article

The October 12th 1899 edition of the Pittsfield Sun featured a wonderful article about the Whitney Estate. The following article was written by James Hosding who was editor of the Pittsfield Sun.

It is a drive of about eight miles from Pittsfield to the Whitney place on October Mountain. We went by New Lenox, the mountain climb beginning at the Hutchinson saw mill, quite a pretentious building with dam and flume. The City’s dam seems to be a very good piece of work and there was a good supply of water. It looked as though it might be an important auxiliary to the Lake Ashley supply and worth the cost. Roaring Brook is a much larger stream and tumbles musically down the hillside and along a ravine, now flashing and foaming in little sunlit waterfalls. 

The road is very good and not difficult. There are steep pitches of course but many restful “thank-you ma’ams,” when your team may breathe while you get glimpses of “far countries,” visible through vistas as you climb up. An unceasing wonder is the vari-colored foliage. There are trees as green as June and with them the most brilliant scarlet and yellows. The dark pines and spruce and hemlocks, the russet elm and the flaming maples, the silver poplars, illimitable acres and miles of color. It is said that an easier and better route is by way of Lenox Dale, but we find this route as comfortable as need be, and many sketches of glowing landscape delight the eye as seen from many sudden places of outlook. 

Soon after crossing Roaring Brook evidence of extensive ownership begins. Signs on the roadside trees warn us against “Gunning, fishing or trespassing under penalty of law,” and these placards bear the signature of W. C. Whitney and are not to be trifled with. Some say they would chance the good nature of Mr. Whitney for a few partridges or rabbits in their season; but one glimpse of the burley game-keeper, with a blunderbuss at his beck, galloping along the ways and lanes that cross and border the estate, cures any disposition to poach. He looks fierce enough to take a man’s life for the theft of a chipmunk even, and so partridges dust themselves in the highway and perch temptingly upon the branches, and no man unauthorized lifts gun or pulls trigger. 

The Whitney Settlement is just over the crown of the mountain with a southern exposure with northern view open to Greylock purplish blue in the distance. You come to “forks” in the road at last where the plateau begins. The road to the right leads to the head quarters of the big game where Mr. Frank Chapel and family have watch. From this little spot a vast stretch of brush and tree and brown hard hack pasture is in view. Down in the valley and on the Knolls and on Slopes are those strong figures on a Berkshire landscape, American deer, elk and buffaloes. Twenty three elks have been born on the estate the current year and there are now fifty nine head. The herd is increasing rapidly and the mountain will soon be as populous with this fine game as the woods of the shooting sections of Maine. Some of the bucks have splendid antlers and seem to be in fine health. All are in good condition, sleek and fat and almost as big as an ordinary horse. 

There is a very picturey majesty about the old bucks as they toss horns and heads up when they scent or see an intruder, and it would be quite a brave man who would confront them. “She is going to roar,” she said trembling with terror, but it was we who “roared,” for the voice of the elk is a plaintive little cry like the call of a bird. And when Mr. Chapel whistled a score of the beasts came up to the fence, took some ground oats from the hand or pan, were petted and patted and then “She said, ‘Why to shoot these would be like shooting cows.” 

The buffaloes wander at will and seem fat and stupid. There are nine cows and four bulls. Two have been born here and seem to thrive. They do not appear to be as domestic as the elk. They stood in the yard with heads down, sullen looking and sulky. It has been necessary to buy shed shelter for them in the winter and to feed them grain and hay. It gives one rather a queer feeling to remember that in almost recent years these animals roamed the plains in countless thousands and now there are in the country only such fragmentary herds as these, the race practically exterminated. The elks are becoming acclimated and are breeding well, but there has been less prospect of success in breeding buffaloes, some having died and the increase as yet not being up to expectations. Dr. Kinnew has been the veterinarian in charge for a year past and under his care the herd seems to be in better health than when left to a “state of nature” and it is now thought the herd may be not only preserved but increased. I heard that the English pheasants have now made the anticipated increase and it is charged that the foxes are very destructive to the young birds. The other experiments in game birds and beasts have been moderately successful. 

The Whitney residence stands in a sunny bit of field, perhaps we should call it a lawn. A little way removed are the frames of a dozen little cottages, canvas covered upon an occasion and used as an annex to the big house when the company is larger than the mansion’s capacity. The servants are here for Mr. Whitney has been making flying visits, and there is a report that Harry Payne Whitney, family and friends are soon to be here. There are horses in the stables, carriages from the little buggy to the great coach in the barns and all the equipment for mountain touring. 

From the front of the house, the view extends across the valley now autumnly gorgeous. Here and there are the little artificial lakes; beyond are the roofs of the cottages or other buildings essential to the oversight of such a vast estate of more than ten thousand acres, and the ownership extends far and across this vale and over and over its slope until the red summits meet the sky at the horizon. 

The end of the Whitney Estate, the beginning of October Mountain State Forest

In 1899 William C. Whitney’s wife Sibyl died of injuries sustained during a horse riding accident. Deeply saddened by the loss of his wife, Whitney began to lose interest in his October Mountain Estate. In 1904 William C. Whitney died of appendicitis. Whitney’s heirs showed little interest in continuing with the upkeep of the estate or care of the game animals. Some of the animals on Whitney’s game preserve were captured and sold to private owners, while other animals were sent to zoos and game preserves. Unfortunately, some of the animals were poached including a Moose known as Old Bill. Old Bill was one of the last surviving animals from the original Whitney game preserve and was killed by poachers in 1920. Fortunately, Old Bill’s carcass was discovered before decay set in. His head was mounted and is on display at the Berkshire Museum. 

One by one the cottages and barns on the Whitney estate fell into disrepair. In 1915 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts entered into negotiations with the Whitney family to purchase the approximately 16,000 acres that they had amassed.  The land that was once the home of Whitney’s estate and game preserve would go on to become October Mountain State Forest. The Antlers burned down in 1929 after being struck by lightning. The Nest and water tower survived for several more years but were eventually torn down as they fell into ruin as a result of the harsh weather on the top of the mountain. In 1930 the CCC built a campground with picnic tables near the site of the water tower. This, along with almost all remnants of the Whitney estate have been devoured by nature.

There exists a disagreement among locals as to where the Whitney Estate actually once stood. Many people believe that the Whitney Estate was located at the four corners on October Mountain. This is an easy assumption to make because the field at the four corners is absolutely massive and could have easily been used as a location for a large home. The Whitney estate was actually located along Lenox – Whitney Place Road on October Mountain. A 1904 map of Washington substantiates this, and I have actually been to the footings of the tower and have seen what little remnants of the Antlers still exists. 

This 1904 map of Washington, MA shows the Whitney Estate as being located just off of what is now Lenox – Whitney Place Road on October Mountain.
Picture of one of the tower footings at the Whitney Estate on October Mountain
Picture that I took of one of the tower footings at the Whitney Estate on October Mountain

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Fishing Pontoosuc Lake in Pittsfield, Massachusetts https://www.northeastsporting.com/fishing-pontoosuc-lake-in-pittsfield-massachusetts/ Mon, 13 Jul 2020 19:04:42 +0000 https://www.northeastsporting.com/?p=821 Pontoosuc Lake is a 511 acre great pond that is located in the City of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Pontoosuc Lake has a maximum depth of approximately 40 feet and is about 15 feet deep on average. Pontoosuc lake is one of the most popular lakes for fishing in the Berkshires because of its ample trout and …

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Pontoosuc Lake is a 511 acre great pond that is located in the City of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Pontoosuc Lake has a maximum depth of approximately 40 feet and is about 15 feet deep on average. Pontoosuc lake is one of the most popular lakes for fishing in the Berkshires because of its ample trout and largemouth bass populations as well as for the lake’s ability to produce trophy northern pike.

Species of fish found in Pontoosuc Lake

The following species of fish have been observed during MassWildlife surveys;

  • Northern Pike 
  • Largemouth Bass 
  • Smallmouth Bass 
  • Chain Pickerel 
  • Yellow Perch 
  • White Perch 
  • Bluegill 
  • Pumpkinseed 
  • Black Crappie 
  • Rock Bass 
  • Brown Bullhead
  • Yellow Bullhead 
  • White Sucker 
  • Common Carp 
  • Golden Shiner 
  • Spottail Shiner 
  • Common Shiner 

Pontoosuc Lake is stocked with trout each spring and fall. Additionally, tiger muskellunge (muskies) are periodically stocked in Pontoosuc Lake. The last time that Pontoosuc Lake was stocked with tiger muskies was in 2015 in which Pontoosuc Lake received 600 tiger muskies. It will take up to 5 years for stocked tiger muskies to grow to the minimum length of 28 inches at which point they are large enough to keep. 

Fishing Pontoosuc Lake for trout from shore

The shoreline of Pontoosuc Lake has been heavily developed resulting in limited shoreline access to the lake. Shore fishing is possible at Pontoosuc Lake from the shores of Pontoosuc Park that are adjacent to the boat launch.  You can catch trout at Pontoosuc Lake from the shores of Pontoosuc Park in the spring and fall. I would recommend using Berkley PowerBait or even trout worms to fish off of the bottom of the lake. You’ll want to set your sinker about 18 inches away from your hook which will allow your bait to float off of the lake bottom. Smaller Thomas Bouyants, Dardevles, Rooster Tails, or Panther Martin trout lures  work extremely well for catching trout off of the shore of Pontoosuc Lake. 

View of Pontoosuc Lake from the shores of Pontoosuc Park in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
There is plenty of room to fish from the shore of Pontoosuc Lake at Pontoosuc Park in Pittsfield, MA.

Fishing Pontoosuc Lake by boat

The boat ramp at Pontoosuc Lake is located on Hancock Road in Pittsfield, MA and is managed by the City of Pittsfield. There is enough parking available at Pontoosuc Lake for up to 30 boat trailers. Mass WildLife has a lake map that you can reference if you are unfamiliar with boating in Pontoosuc Lake. It’s also possible to rent a boat for use on Pontoosuc Lake from Berkshire U-Drive Boat Rental. Most anglers do best at catching bass, pickerel, and pike at Pontoosuc Lake by boat in the summer months.

View of the boat ramp at Pontoosuc Lake.
There is a double paved boat launch at Pontoosuc Lake plus a parking area that is large enough for up to 30 boat trailers.

Ice Fishing on Pontoosuc Lake

Pontoosuc Lake is one of the most popular lakes for ice fishing in the Berkshires. Record breaking northern pike and tiger muskies have been caught at Pontoosuc Lake. The chance to catch the fish of a lifetime draws ice fishing enthusiasts from all over New England to Pontoosuc Lake. Ice Fishing at Pontoosuc Lake is so popular that it deserves an article unto itself. We’ll be sure to write up an ice fishing guide for Pontoosuc Lake before the snow flies!

More information about Pontoosuc Lake

Pontoosuc Lake is one of two lakes that are located in the City of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Pontoosuc Lake is one of the many outdoor attractions that makes Pittsfield a truly special place to live. Imagine living and working in a city and having full access to urban attractions, while still being able to enjoy a plethora of outdoor recreational activities, all without leaving city limits! If you’re just visiting the Berkshires you’ll want to take the time to check out Pittsfield and all that the city has to offer. There are very few cities where it is literally possible to do a little shopping, watch a baseball game, go to a museum, see a play, enjoy a gourmet meal, and spend time at a lake all in one day! 

Pontoosuc lake also has an interesting past. For example, there is the legend of Shonkeek and Monkeek, two Native American lovers who were alleged to have perished in the lake while running away together. Visit iBerkshires to learn more about the Lost Lovers of Pontoosuc Lake.

There used to be a carousel that operated at Pontoosuc Park in Pittsfield, MA.

People riding the carousel at Pontoosuc Lake.
A carousel was in operation near the shore of Pontoosuc Lake in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Horse diving was also a popular attraction at Pontoosuc Lake in the 1900’s.

Picture of a horse diving event at Pontoosuc Lake.
J.W. Gorman’s High Diving Horses Show

Take a boat ride on the Sheila!

Picture of Andrew Carnegie's boat, the Sheila, on Pontoosuc Lake.
Boat rides on the Sheila, which was once owned by Andrew Carnegie, was one of the most popular attractions at Pontoosuc Lake.

Swimming at Pontoosuc Lake has always been a popular activity.

Swimming at Pontoosuc Lake is still popular today.

Recommended fishing lures for Pontoosuc Lake

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Fishing Onota Lake in Pittsfield, Massachusetts https://www.northeastsporting.com/fishing-onota-lake-in-pittsfield-massachusetts/ Sat, 11 Jul 2020 18:12:21 +0000 https://www.northeastsporting.com/?p=784 Onota Lake is a 653 acre great pond that is located in the City of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Onota Lake has a maximum depth of approximately 72 feet and is about 21 feet deep on average. Onota lake is one of the most popular lakes in the Berkshires due to its central location and ease of …

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Onota Lake is a 653 acre great pond that is located in the City of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Onota Lake has a maximum depth of approximately 72 feet and is about 21 feet deep on average. Onota lake is one of the most popular lakes in the Berkshires due to its central location and ease of access. 

Species of fish found in Onota Lake

The following species of fish have been observed during MassWildlife surveys;

  • Northern Pike 
  • Largemouth Bass 
  • Smallmouth Bass 
  • Chain Pickerel 
  • Yellow Perch 
  • White Perch 
  • Bluegill 
  • Pumpkinseed 
  • Redbreast Sunfish 
  • Black Crappie 
  • Rock Bass 
  • Brown Bullhead 
  • White Sucker 
  • Common Carp 
  • Golden Shiner 
  • Banded Killifish
  • Bluntnose Minnow 
  • Spottail Shiner 
  • Common Shiner 
  • Rainbow Smelt

Onota Lake is stocked with trout each spring and fall, and believe it or not; there were even rumors floating around of an alligator being spotted in Onota Lake. Fortunately however, these rumors turned out to be nothing more than a croc… 

Fishing Onota Lake from shore

Shore fishing is possible at Onota Lake from the following locations; the pier that is located near the boat ramp, from the shores of Burbank Park, and from the causeway on Dan Casey Memorial Drive. The fishing pier extends approximately 75 feet out into the lake. This allows anglers to cast into 45 foot deep water, thus making it possible to catch trout from the shores of Onota Lake all summer long! If you choose to fish for trout from the pier at Onota Lake, be sure to use a fairly heavy spoon lure such as a 1 ounce Thomas Buoyant. I’ve also had good luck using a 1 ounce Rooster Tail. You need a heavier lure in order to cast far enough off of the pier so that you can reach the deeper water. You can also of course use Berkley PowerBait, just be sure to leave approximately 2 feet of line between the sinker and your baited hook. Again, you’ll want to be able to cast your line pretty far out into the water so be sure to use a heavy enough sinker. 

A man fishing from the pier at Onota Lake.
The pier at Onota Lake is a great place to catch fish! You can also enjoy a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding mountains.

You can also catch trout at Onota Lake from the shores of Burbank Park and from the causeway on Dan Casey Memorial Drive in the spring and fall. Again, I would recommend using Berkley PowerBait or even trout worms. I typically recommend fishing Berkley PowerBait off of the bottom, but the shores of Burbank Park are very rocky and your line is likely to get snagged. You might try suspending your bait using a light sinker with a bobber instead. I’m going to recommend that you use a smaller spoon lure, Rooster Tail, or even a Panther Martin if you’re fishing from the shores of Burbank Park in order to avoid having the lure sink too quickly which could result in your line getting snagged on a rock on the bottom of the lake. 

View of Onota Lake from the shores of Burbank Park.
You can enjoy fishing, picnicking, and a beautiful view of Onota Lake from the shores of Burbank Park.

In the summer months you can catch bass, pickerel, and panfish from the shores of Burbank Park and from the causeway on Dan Casey Memorial drive. You can draw bass and pickerel out of the vegetative growth by using a floating Rapala or rubber worm such as Berkley’s Power Worm. The Power Worms are some of the best rubber worms that I have ever used for catching bass.

View of Onota Lake from the causeway on Dan Casey Memorial Drive in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
You’ll want to cast your lure towards the lily pads and weed beds when fishing Onota Lake from the causeway on Dan Casey Memorial Drive.

Fishing Onota Lake by boat

The boat ramp at Onota Lake is very large and can be used to launch just about any size boat that is appropriate for lake use. The boat ramp is located on Lakeway Drive in Pittsfield, MA just off of Valentine Road. Mass WildLife has a lake map that you can reference if you are unfamiliar with boating in Onota Lake. It’s also possible to rent a boat for use on Onota Lake from Onota Boat Livery.

The double paved boat launch at Onota Lake.
The Onota Lake boat launch is double paved. The parking lot can fit up to 75 cars!

More information about Onota Lake

Onota Lake is truly a gem of the Berkshires. Swimmers and picnickers flock to the shores of Burbank Park in the summer months. There are walking trails and a paved walkway with nearby benches from which you can enjoy gorgeous views of the lake. You can even experience live music on Wednesday nights in July and August from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM by attending Live on the Lake. This concert event is free to attend and is brought to you by Live 95.9 and Greylock Federal Credit Union. For more information about Onota Lake, please visit the Lake Onota Preservation Association website.

If you’re just visiting the Berkshires you’ll also want to take the opportunity to checkout downtown Pittsfield. There are very few cities where it is literally possible to do a little shopping, watch a baseball game, go to a museum, see a play, enjoy a gourmet meal, and spend time at a lake all in one day! 

Recommended fishing lures for Onota Lake

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Where do Black Raspberries Grow? https://www.northeastsporting.com/where-do-black-raspberries-grow/ Sat, 11 Jul 2020 17:36:17 +0000 https://www.northeastsporting.com/?p=778 Nothing says summer in the Berkshires like picking fresh black raspberries! For me, berry picking brings connotations of simpler times. As a child, my grandparents would take me berry picking. We would pick fresh black raspberries together, and afterwards, my grandmother would use the berries to make homemade pies and jam.   Black Raspberry Facts Black …

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Nothing says summer in the Berkshires like picking fresh black raspberries! For me, berry picking brings connotations of simpler times. As a child, my grandparents would take me berry picking. We would pick fresh black raspberries together, and afterwards, my grandmother would use the berries to make homemade pies and jam.  

Black Raspberry Facts

Black raspberries, which are also known as blackcaps or thimbleberries are a unique variation of the more common red raspberry. Black raspberries and blackberries are frequently mistaken for one another because they look similar in appearance, especially when they are still on the vine. It’s much easier to distinguish black raspberries from blackberries after they are harvested because black raspberries have a hollow core. Black raspberries have a flavor that is distinct from red raspberries and blackberries. Most people find black raspberries to be slightly sweeter and less tart. In addition to being delicious, black raspberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Black raspberries are high in antioxidants, and recent research indicates that black raspberries may help prevent cellular damage that has the potential to lead to cancer.

Finding and picking black raspberries

Black raspberries can be found in the Berkshires throughout the month of July. In nature, black raspberries tend to grow near forest edges, and stream sides, but are also found in “disturbed” locations such as along power lines, railroad tracks, construction and logging sites, and along hiking trails. Black raspberries are extremely safe to pick because there does not exist any poisonous berry that even comes close to resembling a black raspberry. The most dangerous aspect of picking black raspberries is the competition that you will face from animals including bears! Always go berry picking with a companion and be sure to make lots of noise. Once you’ve located a patch of black raspberries, it’s time to start picking! You can tell that blackberries are ripe by gently tugging on the berry. A ripe black raspberry will slide off of the vine with ease.

I am lucky because black raspberries grow within walking distance of my house. I therefore don’t spend a lot of time searching for black raspberry patches. I will tell you however that I have come across a substantial amount of black raspberries along Lenox – Whitney Place Road while hiking in October Mountain State Forest. The black raspberries grow along the road and near the edge of the forest. The circle that I’ve placed on the aerial image indicates where I’ve found Black raspberries up on October Mountain.

You should be able to find plenty of black raspberries just off of Lenox – Whitney Place Road on October Mountain.

We hope that you find plenty of black raspberries this season! Please share your experiences picking black raspberries, and even better; your black raspberry recipes, in the comments section below.

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Olivia’s Overlook and the Yokun Ridge South Hiking Trails https://www.northeastsporting.com/olivias-overlook/ https://www.northeastsporting.com/olivias-overlook/#respond Tue, 07 Jul 2020 18:36:22 +0000 http://www.northeastsporting.com/?p=627 Olivia’s Overlook is a scenic vista with stunning views of Stockbridge Bowl. The Olivia’s Overlook parking area is located on Richmond Mountain Road in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts close to the Lenox / Richmond border. The scenic vista is named after Olivia Stokes Hatch, whose family gifted the land to the Berkshire Natural Resource Council. Olivia’s …

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Olivia’s Overlook is a scenic vista with stunning views of Stockbridge Bowl. The Olivia’s Overlook parking area is located on Richmond Mountain Road in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts close to the Lenox / Richmond border. The scenic vista is named after Olivia Stokes Hatch, whose family gifted the land to the Berkshire Natural Resource Council. Olivia’s Overlook is the trailhead for the Yokun Ridge section of the Taconic Mountain range in the Berkshires. There are over 6 miles of hiking trails to be explored at Olivia’s Overlook.

Michael H. Walsh Trail

By taking the Michael H. Walsh trail, you can enjoy a fairly easy hike up to the West Stockbridge Mountain’s summit where you can enjoy views of Monument Mountain and the Richmond Valley. The Michael H. Walsh Trail is maintained by the Richmond Land Trust.

Michael H. Walsh trail marker, West Stockbridge, MA.
Michael H. Walsh trail marker, West Stockbridge, MA
Beautiful view of the Richmond Valley from the West Stockbridge Mountain summit.
Beautiful view of the Richmond Valley from the West Stockbridge Mountain summit.

Charcoal Trail

The charcoal trail is a 1.6 mile loop that is named for the charcoal pits that are found along the way. Be sure to explore the remnants of the old charcoal pits which were used to provide fuel for Richmond Furnace.

An interesting rock formation.
One of the many interesting rock formations that you’ll come across on the Charcoal Trail.

Burbank Trail

The Burbank Trail is a 3.2 mile loop that begins just across the road from Olivia’s Overlook. There is a stunning view at the lookout point, and you’ll also eventually come upon two early homestead sites. Monks Pond, which is accessible from the Burbank Trail, has some interesting history behind it. The pond was named after the Jesuits who rebuilt the Shadowbrook estate after it had burned down in 1956. The pond served as the water supply to the Jesuit monastery.

Michael Broderick Homesite Marker
Michael Broderick Homesite 1838 – 1898
John Gorman Homesite Marker
John Gorman Homesite 1838 – 1898
View of Monks Pond
View of Monks Pond

Brother’s Trail

The Brother’s Trail is a 0.9 mile one-way trail that connects the Charcoal Trail to Old Baldhead Road.

Old Baldhead Road

Old Baldhead Road is a 1.5 mile trail that is moderately difficult to hike. Old Baldhead Road passes Monks pond and will eventually lead you to private property. Please keep your eyes open for the private property signage.

Trail Map & Additional Info

You can obtain a trail map for Olivia’s Overlook and Yokun Ridge South here. Olivia’s Overlook and the Yokun Ridge South reserve has been lovingly maintained and preserved by the Berkshire Natural Resource Council. Please head on over to BNRC’s website to learn more about the organization.

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Spring 2020 Trout Stocking in the Berkshires https://www.northeastsporting.com/spring-2020-trout-stocking-in-the-berkshires/ Sun, 05 Jul 2020 00:54:02 +0000 https://www.northeastsporting.com/?p=765 Each spring MassWildlife stocks trout all throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This year, approximately 500,000 brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout were stocked. The following lakes, ponds, rivers, and brooks of Berkshire County were stocked with trout during the spring of 2020. Adams: Dry Brook, Hoosic River Alford: Green River Becket: Greenwater Pond, Walker Brook, …

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Each spring MassWildlife stocks trout all throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This year, approximately 500,000 brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout were stocked. The following lakes, ponds, rivers, and brooks of Berkshire County were stocked with trout during the spring of 2020.

Adams: Dry Brook, Hoosic River

Alford: Green River

Becket: Greenwater Pond, Walker Brook, West Branch Westfield River, Yokum Brook

Cheshire: Dry Brook, Hoosic River, South Brook

Clarksburg: Hudson Brook, North Branch Hoosic River

Dalton: East Branch Housatonic River, Sackett Brook, Wahconah Falls Brook

Egremont: Green River

Florida: Cold River, Deerfield River, North Pond

Great Barrington: Green River, Mansfield Pond, West Brook, Williams River

Hancock: Berry Pond, Kinderhook Creek

Hinsdale: East Branch Housatonic River, Plunkett Reservoir, Windsor Brook

Lanesborough: Pontoosuc Lake, Town Brook

Lee: Beartown Brook, Goose Pond Brook, Greenwater Brook, Hop Brook, Housatonic River, Laurel Lake, West Brook

Lenox: Yokun Brook

Monterey: Konkapot River, Lake Buel, Lake Garfield

New Ashford: Green River

New Marlborough: Konkapot River, York Lake

North Adams: Hudson Brook, North Branch Hoosic River, Windsor Lake

Otis: Big Pond, Otis Reservoir, West Branch Farmington River

Peru: Trout Brook

Pittsfield: Onota Lake, Pontoosuc Lake, Sackett Brook, Southwest Branch Housatonic River

Richmond: Richmond Pond

Sandisfield: Buck River, Clam River, West Branch Farmington River

Savoy: Cold River, Westfield River

Stockbridge: Housatonic River, Larrywaug Brook, Stockbridge Bowl

Tyringham: Goose Pond, Hop Brook

Washington: Depot Brook

West Stockbridge: Williams River

Williamstown: Green River, Hemlock Brook

Windsor: Westfield Brook, Westfield River, Windsor Brook, Windsor Pond

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Fishing Greenwater Pond In Becket, Massachusetts https://www.northeastsporting.com/fishing-greenwater-pond-in-becket-massachusetts/ https://www.northeastsporting.com/fishing-greenwater-pond-in-becket-massachusetts/#comments Sun, 31 May 2015 18:38:53 +0000 http://www.northeastsporting.com/?p=614 Greenwater Pond in Becket, Massachusetts is an 88 acre trout pond that is located in between the Massachusetts Turnpike and Route 20. Greenwater Pond is approximately 58 feet deep at its deepest point and has an average depth of about 23 feet. I had always been under the impression that Greenwater Pond was quite shallow, …

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Greenwater Pond in Becket, Massachusetts is an 88 acre trout pond that is located in between the Massachusetts Turnpike and Route 20. Greenwater Pond is approximately 58 feet deep at its deepest point and has an average depth of about 23 feet. I had always been under the impression that Greenwater Pond was quite shallow, but upon visiting there this past week came to realize that Greenwater Pond only appears to be shallow because the water is incredibly clear.

Species Of Fish Found In Greenwater Pond

Greenwater Pond is stocked each year with trout. The trout seem to be able to survive from one year to the next because the pond is not heavily fished and the water remains cool enough to support the trout population throughout the year. As such, it is possible to catch brown trout in the 3 lb – 5 lb range. You will also find smallmouth bass, perch, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead, carp, and shiners in Greenwater Pond.

Catching Trout In Greenwater Pond

Although Greenwater Pond is stocked each year with trout there is extremely limited public access  to the water. One side of the pond borders the Mass Pike and is therefore unaccessible and most of the land on the Route 20 side of Greenwater Pond is privately owned. Having said that, there is some parking available on the side of the road across from the pond. I’ve marked a good parking location on the map with the letter “P.” Park there, and carefully cross the road. There is a steady drop leading towards the deepest part of the lake where you can fish from shore that I’ve marked with the letter “F.”

P = Parking, F = Fishing From Shore, B = Boat Ramp
P = Parking, F = Fishing From Shore, B = Boat Ramp

I would recommend that you fish with a Thomas Buoyant, or an Eppinger Dardevle. If you are using live bait, stick to trout worms and fish them from the bottom. Switch to a bobber rig if the trout are striking closer to the surface. I’ve also had success catching trout in Greenwater Pond using Berkley PowerBait.

There is a boat ramp at Greenwater Pond that can be used by the public. The boat ramp, marked “B” on the map, is located right before Greenwater Drive. Be forewarned however that it is washed out, and can only support the launch of a fairly small boat. It would however be very easy to launch a canoe or kayak from the boat ramp as there is parking available alongside of the road.

Boat ramp at Greenwater Pond in Becket, MA.
Boat ramp at Greenwater Pond in Becket, MA.

If you do manage to get a boat in the water then you could try your luck at trolling for trout. As of this writing however, (late May of 2015) the water at the boat ramp is VERY shallow so be sure to use caution when launching your boat as to not damage it. There is a sandbar (visible from the map) further out in the pond that you’ll want to watch out for as well.

Ice fishing for trout on Greenwater Pond is quite popular in the winter months. For safety’s sake you should park near the boat ramp and drag your gear across the pond using an ice fishing sled. I do not recommend parking along Route 20 when Ice Fishing as this could prove to be very dangerous if you’re trying to carry lots of gear while crossing the highway. When ice fishing on Greenwater Pond, try to set tip ups near the deeper parts of the pond baited with small or medium shiners. MassWildlife has a depth map of Greenwater Pond, click here to check it out.

Best Trout Lures For Fishing Greenwater Pond

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