Congamond Lakes

The Congamond Lakes, three connected basins on the Connecticut line in Southwick, are best known for largemouth bass: MassWildlife calls the fishery renowned and says fish over 5 pounds are common, and the lakes host several bass tournaments a year. Big yellow perch and black crappie bite all year, and the middle basin gets stocked trout each spring and fall.

When to fish

• Spring and fall: trout stocking in the middle basin. The lakes have little cold water in summer, so most trout don't survive to the next year.
• Summer: the bass season, with heavy recreational traffic on warm weekends.
• Year-round: yellow perch and black crappie.

Where to fish

• The middle basin: the largest (284 acres), up to 42 feet deep, with both public ramps and the trout stocking.
• The north basin: small but deep (to 46 feet); its east shore lies in the Southwick Wildlife Management Area and is the one undeveloped stretch of shoreline.
• The south basin: shallower, to about 27 feet. Weeds are patchy across the lakes because of herbicide treatments.

Getting there

The town of Southwick runs two ramps on the middle basin, both with a launch fee. The north ramp, off Point Grove Road, has a double concrete ramp, a handicapped-accessible fishing pier, a picnic area and parking for about 30 trailers. The south ramp, off Berkshire Road, is a single ramp with a sharp drop-off and room for about 18 trailers. For shore fishing on the north basin, park off South Longyard Road and hike in through the wildlife management area. The lakes straddle the state line: a Massachusetts or Connecticut license is valid, and Massachusetts regulations apply. Small lead sinkers and lead jigs are banned in Massachusetts fresh water.