Maspenock (Middlesex and Worcester)

Lake Maspenock in Middlesex and Worcester Counties, Massachusetts

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Lake Maspenock, also known as North Pond, is a historic 234-acre raised great pond situated in the towns of Hopkinton (Middlesex County), Upton (Worcester County), and Milford (Worcester County) in south-central Massachusetts. With a maximum depth of 26 feet and an average depth of approximately eight feet, this man-made reservoir was created through dam construction in 1833 and raised to its current level in 1901, expanding from its original 30-40 acre natural state to serve the burgeoning mill industries downstream. The lake stretches approximately two miles in length from north to south with a maximum width of about 2,000 feet, positioned at the headwaters of the Mill River, which eventually flows into the historic Blackstone River and onward to the Atlantic Ocean. The name "Maspenock" derives from the Nipmuc Nation dialect of Eastern Algonquin, written as MASSIBENOKIK, meaning "The Waters At The Base Of The Great Hill," referencing the steep rise of Peppercorn Hill on the Upton shoreline. Located just three-quarters of a mile west of Interstate 495 in Hopkinton, the lake is highly accessible to the Greater Boston area, positioned about 26 miles west of Boston and making it a desirable destination for those seeking proximity to both urban amenities and natural recreation. The lake bottom is composed primarily of muck and mud with scattered rocky structure including rubble and occasional fallen trees, while aquatic vegetation ranges from moderate to abundant throughout the waterbody.

Lake Maspenock offers excellent year-round fishing opportunities with the Native American name literally meaning "choice fishing place," and the lake has maintained its reputation as a premier angling destination for centuries. The fertile waters support abundant populations of white and yellow perch known for their large average size, along with fair numbers of impressive largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and black crappie. A unique highlight for Massachusetts anglers is the lake's fairly common population of white catfish in the three-to-six pound range, a species found in relatively few Bay State waters. Ice fishing attracts devoted anglers in droves during winter months, though conditions can vary dramatically from fishless days to exciting action when multiple tip-ups stay constantly busy. Public access is provided at an undeveloped site owned by the Public Access Board on the south side of West Main Street between the northern causeways, with parking for approximately eight vehicles and launching limited to car-top boats and canoes. Hopkinton maintains Sandy Island Beach off Lakeshore Drive for resident access requiring a town sticker. The Lake Maspenock Preservation Association actively works to build community around the lake and protect it for future generations, maintaining one of Massachusetts' most comprehensive lake association websites. The association collaborates with the town on weed management techniques including winter draw-down programs to control aquatic vegetation. With its heavily developed shorelines featuring year-round homes, proximity to the Boston Marathon's starting point in Hopkinton center, and easy highway access via I-495, Lake Maspenock serves as a recreational hub for residents and visitors seeking fishing, boating, swimming, and the timeless appeal of New England lake living.

Dimensions:

Small: 8"x12"

Medium: 12"x18"

Large: 16"x24"

Extra Large: 20"x30"

XX Large: 24"x36"

Gigantic 30"x45"