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Herring Pond
Eastham, MA
43 Acres |
General Information: This natural kettlehole pond has an
average depth of 18-feet and a maximum depth of 35-feet. It is both
fed and drained by the Herring River, depending on the tides.
Transparency is excellent, extending all the way to the bottom that is
composed primarily of sand. The shoreline is heavily developed with
year-round homes. Only a quarter of the shoreline is open land and is
owned by the town. This land is on the northern shoreline and is
available strictly for shore fishing. Boats cannot be accessed through
this area. The town beach, which has the boat access, is located on
the pond’s southwest corner. The weed issue is moderate and getting
heavier. An invasive species called the cabomba, which is like milfoil
in that it is very thick and thrives along the bottom, covers about 40%
of the pond. Its thickness means it provides excellent coverage for
fish. However, it can cause hang-ups when fishing. Fortunately, the
weed only grows to a couple of feet in height, and since the depth
average is at 18-feet, it is not very intrusive.
Fish Populations: The state stocks the pond with brown, brook, rainbow, and tiger trout. Warm water species
include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, brown bullhead, yellow perch, white perch,
pumpkinseed, golden shiners, and banded killifish.
Fishing: Herring Pond is has a reputation for producing some good holdover brown trout. This can be attributed
to the excellent forage base in the form of sea-run alewives, which swim up the Herring River from Cape Cod Bay
to spawn in the pond. The buffering effect of alkaline seawater, which periodically enters from the Herring River,
has spared this pond from the acidity characteristic of most of Cape Cod's kettlehole ponds. During high summer,
look for the trout in a narrow depth range around 23-feet.
Boat Ramp And Access: Access is provided by a town beach on the left next to the outlet for Herring River. It
is primarily suited for launching cartop boats and canoes.
Boat Ramp Type: C - CARTOP ACCESS: Access to lakes, ponds and rivers for small boats, canoes and
kayaks. (Information provided by the Office of Fishing & Boating Access. Boat class availability is subject to
change. Interested boaters can confirm regulations and restrictions by contacting the town clerk or conservation
commission.)
Setting: Rural (75% developed shoreline)
Restrictions: Outboard motors are prohibited. Electric trolling motors are allowed with a 3 horsepower
maximum restriction. All motorized watercraft need to have an annual inspection sticker from the Eastham Natural
Resources Department.
Directions: The pond is located in the middle of Eastham, south of Great Pond and southwest of the Cape Cod
National Seashore Visitors Center on Salt Pond. It can be reached from Route 6, heading north, by taking a left
onto Samoset Road; left onto Lawton Road. Go to the end and take a left onto Herring Brook Road. The access
will be 200-feet on the left just after the stream.
Local Numbers:
Eastham Police: (508) 255-0551
Eastham Fire: (508) 255-2324
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