Town(s):
Voluntown CT
County:
New London
Size:
372
acres
Average Depth:
25
feet
Maximum Depth:
63
feet
Boating Allowed:
Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats, Jet-skis, State & Local Rules & Regulations Apply
Swimming:
Swimming Allowed, No Restrictions
Beach Pond is located in Voluntown and is a natural lake within the Thames River Drainage Basin that straddles the border between Connecticut and Rhode Island. Water levels have been raised by 10 ft. by the construction of a concrete dam. A causeway ( route 165) separates a shallow eastern cove from the main body of the lake. Clearance under the bridge is insufficient for boats to navigate. The watershed is 3,002 acres of mostly undeveloped woods and wetland with a small percentage of residential development. The lake is fed by three small streams and drains west via a spillway over the dam, creating the headwaters of the Pachaug River. The southern shoreline is heavily developed with residences. The northern shore, some of which is part of Pachaug State Forest, is mostly wooded. Much of the eastern shore in Rhode Island is part of Beach Pond State Park and is undeveloped except for a public beach located just north of the causeway.
The lake is clear with visibility up to 13-15 ft. during late summer. The bottom of the lake consists of sand, gravel, rubble and boulders in deeper areas. The substrate in the shallow cover southeast of the causeway is mud. Beach Pond is stocked during the spring and fall with 8,000 catchable size brown and rainbow trout. The fishing should be good for trout, fair to good for largemouth bass, and fair for sunfish.
Water Quality:
No Known Issues
Vegetation Growth:
Unknown
Non-native Species:
Unknown
Fishing Comments:
Should be good for trout, fair to good for largemouth bass, and fair for sunfish.
Fish Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, White Catfish, Brown Bullhead, Yellow Bullhead, Sunfish, Bluegill, Golden Shiner
Boat Access:
Access for Power and Non-power Boats
Ramp Comments:
A state-owned boat launch is located on the northern shore. Facilities at the launch include a concrete plank ramp, parking for 25 cars with trailers and chemical toilets (seasonal). A parking fee is charged on weekend and holidays from the third Saturday in April through Columbus Day. There is also a start of RI car-top boat launch on the eastern shore.
Exit 85 off I-395, Rte. 138 east, Rte. 165 east for 0.5 miles, north on Forge Hill Rd., bear right on North Shore Rd., to access area.
Parking Spaces:
21-40
Shoreline Development:
50-75%
