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Norwich Pond

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Last Updated: 3/2018
Fishing
       Because Norwich Pond is well stocked with catchable trout each spring, fishing pressure during April and May is high. Although trout remain available throughout the seasons, fishing pressure tapers off during the summer because of conflicts with other users. With the development of safe ice, the anglers return in numbers to pursue the occasional large bass or leftover trout. Pan fishing is only fair, but perch jiggers sometimes have productive days here.
 
Description
          Norwich Pond is a naturally occurring pond.  Surrounded by homes and woods it is unlike the lakes in the Berkshires with a different character because the people in the area are not wealthy summer transplants from the greater NYC area.
        The boat ramp is more a dirt road that ends at the lake.  Most days it could use grading to make it easier to drive on.  After unloading your boat, your best effort would be to find a place to park up the hill from the ramp.  Two homes are very close so it would be good to be courteous and not intrude with noise until you are out on the lake.
        Turn right, north, after launching and you will pass Camp Norwich.  In the summer you will hear the activities of campers.  This end has more woods along the shore unlike the rest of the pond, which is surrounded by homes with small beaches, boats, rafts, etc.
          The west shore is lined with homes on a private road with a steep hill rising up.  The southwest is characterized by bay.  It is here that water exits out of the pond into a small impassable stream which later leads into wetlands.
After passing along the south shore you will find a small wetlands area where a brook enters the pond.  The deepest part of the pond is about 100 yards off the south end where a hole reaches 53 feet deep.
      Follow along the shore north along the east shore to finish your paddle at the boat ramp a little more than half way north.​​
STATISTICS

Skill Level:            Class 1 - Flat water
Estimated Time:    1 hour
Total Distance       1.9 miles
USGS Map: Chester, MA (7.5’x15’)
Launch Address:  Wrightway Road, Huntington, MA 01050
Boat Launch: Boat Ramp is dirt with limited parking.
Position: 42-18.45 N 72-49.72 W
 
Physical Features:
  • Area:                122 acres
  • Max depth:         53 feet
  • Average Depth:  17 feet
  • Transparency:    12 feet
  • Terrain Type: Homes around the entire pond.
​
Fish Population
  • Last survey 1980
  • 12 species are present: largemouth bass, chain pickerel, rainbow trout, yellow perch, white perch, black crappie, pumpkinseed, bluegill, brown bullhead, rock bass, white sucker and golden shiner. 
 
Put In and Take Out: 31.8 miles, 45 min.
From US Route 90 (Mass. Turnpike) take exit 2:
  • At the end of the ramp turn left at the stop light.  Pass under the Mass Pike and turn left following Route 20 East.
  • Follow Route 20 through East Lee, through Chester, to Huntington.
  • At mile 23.2 turn left over the Westfield River on to Route 112 North.
  • Continue to mile 26.7 (another 3.5 miles) and take right on to Route 66 East.
  • At mile 29.5 turn left on to Allen Coit Roat
  • At mile 29.8 bear right on to Pisgah Road
  • At 31.5 turn left on to Wrightway Road.  Go to the end at dirt boat ramp.  Room for two cars (may be more if you park on the road after launching.​
Norwich Lake Farm and Sugarhouse Restaurant 
Located near picturesque Norwich Lake, the farm and sugarhouse restaurant seasonally offers pancakes and French toast coated with maple syrup. The maple syrup I tapped and produced on the farm just outside the restaurant.   

87 Searle Road, Huntington, MA 01050 (413) 667‐8830
On Facebook
State Pond Map
Boat Ramp
Camp Norwich

Monday to Friday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
July 3 to September 1, 2017
Ages 5 to 16​​

       Established in 1896 as a resident camp, Camp Norwich is one of the oldest camps in the United States.  Located in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains, the camp property includes 137 acres of picturesque land extending nearly 1/3 of a mile along spring-fed Lake Norwich.
      YMCA Day Camp Norwich is an experience that seeks to cultivate self-esteem, improve relationships, teach the value of teamwork and cooperation, promote an appreciation of diversity, and develop our youth into strong leaders and citizens.
Hampshire Regional YMCA
     Camp Norwich, on Lake Norwich Huntington, MA was the first YMCA camp in New England. Closed in 1989; sold to Springfield College 1994; purchased back 2002; sold to Hampshire Regional YMCA 2006.  See more at: 
Camp Guide
A View Looking South from Boat Ramp