Lake Watatic

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Lake Watatic

Town(s): Ashburnham MA
County: Worcester

Size: 200 acres
Average Depth: 9 feet
Maximum Depth: 17 feet

Boating Allowed: Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats, Jet-skis, Other Restrictions
Swimming: Swimming Allowed, Some Restrictions

Click to visit this lake's association site!



Lake Watatic resides on 200 acres. There is no public access to the lake. Unlike some lakes the WLA depends solely on voluntary contributions for weed treatments and miscellaneous expenses. In the late 1700's, what is now Lake Watatic was a meadow and a small swamp. In 1772, an 8 foot dam was built to create a pond. The water powered several mills in the area where furniture was made. In the early 1900's, the mills went out of business. A New York banker started the Watatic Club (at the end of what is now Lake Shore Drive), where prominent business men from NY and NJ frequented. A larger dam was constructed to make a swimming area for members. Lake Watatic became a popular summer resort area. The hurricane of 1938 washed away a large portion of the dam, and the lake drained. It was not until the early 1950's that the dam was repaired. Once the lake was back, house lots were sold, and the area made a comeback.

Water Quality: Treated Annually, Town/State Monitoring
Vegetation Growth: Moderate
Non-native Species: Eurasian Watermilfoil (Myriophyllum Spicatum), Fanwort (Cabomba Caroliniana)

Fish Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, White Perch, Brown Bullhead, Sunfish, White Sucker, Bridle Shiner

Boat Access: None, Private Lake
Parking Spaces: None

Shoreline Development: 25-50%