Lost Lake in Massachusetts

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview


Having just purchased a couple kayaks, my wife and I wanted to take a short quick paddle in familiar territory to get accustomed to the new boats. So, we decided to venture out onto the lake across the street from home.

Lost Lake was formed at the turn of the century from damming nearby streams, which flooded an existing field and uniting two ponds. It is roughly 204 acres with an average depth of less than 10'. Knops Pond is the deepest part of the lake at around 30'. Much of Lost Lake is shallow, around 6' to 8'. One summer while boating on the lake in the Knops Pond area, there was an abundance of fresh water jelly fish. They were just a tad larger than a half dollar, and we saw hundreds of them. I've yet to see them since.

For those that fish, the lake is stocked with rainbow, brown, or brook trout every spring an sometimes in the fall. Surveys indicated that largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, bluefil, pumpkinseed, brown and yellow bullhead, golden shiner and creek chubsucker are present.

Paddling the lake is a very easy going, with a very diverse shoreline, inlets, and islands that make it fun to explore. There are several small islands (about 8) that dot the interior of the lake, a few of which could be used for a picnic. Two of the islands have summer homes built on them. The water is clean and clear for the most part.

There is a swimming beach at the lower southeast corner of the beach, with trails that lead off on both sides to picnic areas with stone tables and chairs and barbecue pits. This is part of Sargisson Beach which is a conservation and recreation area donated to the town in 1967. Usually it is staffed with a lifeguard, there are two docks for swimming, and a parking area for town residents. However, with present budget cuts, it may not be open during the summer of 2010. If that happens, it will be a nice stop to paddle to with far less activity than would normally be there.

The northern section of the lake is crowded with homes and summer camps. The southern part of the lake is less developed, but developed nonetheless. A few areas are mostly undeveloped.

The public boat launch is easily accessible, has a cement launch ramp, so direct and easy access to the water is available. There is plenty of parking except on busy weekends. The public ramp is located off Whiley Road, which turns into Pine Trail, on the north east side of the lake.

On weekends there can be considerable boat and jet ski traffic, but on weekdays or during the cooler months, or overcast days, the lake is very quiet and fun to explore.

Accommodations:

Public boat ramp, conservation picnic area, town swimming beach.

Fees:

None. Swimming beach is for town residents, residency is checked at the Sargisson Beach parking area, but not at the launch ramp or when accessing the beach from the water/boat.

Directions:

From the intersection of Rte 119 and Rte 225 in Groton, take Rte 119 to Whiley Road (between Craven Liquor store and Olivers Pub). Follow Whiley road passing Sargisson Beach (look for sign/entrance) on the left, continue on just under a mile and look for the sign for the public boat launch on the left. If may appear to look like a driveway, but if you peer down the road you will see a parking area, the ramp, and water. There is parking for several cars and trailers, which makes it a favorite launch for fisherman.

In the Google maps satellite view, the ramp and parking is at the very bottom of the inlet between Rocky's Pint and Pine Trail. The image show a single car parked in the parking area.

Resources:

MassWildlife map (pdf file) of Knops Pond/Lost Lake, shows public ramp access and depth/islands.

www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/maps/ponds/pdf/dfwknopp.pdf

Trip Details

  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: Flat/Sheltered Water

Trip Location