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.
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.
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.
Horse diving was also a popular attraction at Pontoosuc Lake in the 1900’s.
Take a boat ride on the Sheila!
Swimming at Pontoosuc Lake has always been a popular activity.
