Massachusetts Series Eastern Region

New Hampshire Series Western Region

 

Wequaquet Pond AKA : Chequaquet Lake AKA : Great Nine Mile Pond 654 Acres

 

General Information: This huge warm water pond has multiple basins.  The depth is 14-feet and a maximum depth of 32-feet.  Water clarity is exceptional, extending to 26-feet as the bottom is composed primarily of sand. There is little cover and aquatic vegetation is scant.  There is an invasive fanwort infestation so it is strongly recommended that all boats, motors, and engines be cleaned before and after leaving the lake.  The problem is especially strong in the far eastern side that extends to the northeastern Gooseberry Cove.  This cove is well marked indicating the existence of the problem.  It is requested that boaters avoid these areas so that the problem does not spread to the rest of the lake.  The shoreline is heavily developed with cottages and year-round homes.  Due to conservation restrictions the homes are set far back from the shoreline that allows for a more rural environment.  Expect heavy recreational use during the summer, with boating and swimming being the most popular activities.  The town beach is located off Shootflying Hill Road near the boat ramp.  The pond is highly irregularly shaped with several coves.  An island sits just at the entrance of the pond on the other side of the channel.  Bearse Pond is connected through a narrow channel to the northeast. 

Fish Populations: Largemouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch, Brown Bullhead, Pumpkinseed, Golden Shiner, White Sucker, Banded Killifish and Alewife. The alewife population is sea-run, entering the lake via the ocean and the Centerville River.  The chain pickerel was the most abundant gamefish; the yellow perch the most abundant panfish.  Northern pike have been stocked here periodically since 1978, most recently in 1989.  The population is now considered to be light, but a few have been recently caught so it is possible that some remain.

Fishing: Although this is a popular lake for largemouth bass fishing, neither bass nor pickerel appear to be very numerous or of large average size.  The best bet is probably yellow perch, which are abundant but also of small average size. The large amount of forage indicates that the lake could support a put-grow-take fishery for northern pike.  As a result MassWildlife stocked a total of approximately 2,000 fingerlings over the past decade. Some of these fish should have grown to considerable size so it may be worthwhile to target them.  Try trolling large plugs or casting large spoons with wire leaders in the spring.  Bass is still the most popular species and a number of tournaments take place during the season.  One of the better fishing locations is Gooseberry Cove, however due to the invasive plant problem it is requested that caution be given to prevent further spreading of fanwort.  Shoreline fishing is limited to the area around the boat launch.

Ice Fishing: The lake is very popular for ice fishing.  A popular location is at the Bearse Pond cove to the northeast.  Chain pickerel are the most abundant fish however smallmouth bass and an occasional northern pike can be taken.

Boat Ramp and Access: Boat access is provided by a town-owned paved ramp located off Shootflying Hill Road.  Take note that the launch is directly off of this busy road.  Depending on the time of year drivers will have to navigate with the flow of traffic, which is heavier during the summer tourist season.  Experienced drivers would be better prepared to quickly get their boats in the water.  You don’t want your rig being perpendicular against the road for too long.  However if you want to avoid this it is recommended that boats be launched early in the morning or late in the evening when traffic is light.  Parking is along the road during the tourist season.  Off-season parking is also available at the town beach.

Boat Ramp Type: A - GENERAL ACCESS: Concrete boat ramp and parking for boat trailers.  (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 (90% developed shoreline-but houses are set far back from the shoreline)

Restrictions: There is a 35 mph limit but no horsepower restrictions.

Directions: The lake is located in the pocket formed by Routes 28, 132 and 6, and is situated less than a mile south of Route 6.  Take Route 6 to Exit 6 and onto Route 132 south.  Drive 150 yards and onto Shootflying Hill Road.  The boat launch will be 1.5 miles on the left.

Copyright FGNE Sports Marketing 2007-2008