Webster Lake

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Webster Lake

Town(s): Webster MA
County: Worcester
Local Name: Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg

Size: 1270 acres
Average Depth: 13 feet
Maximum Depth: 45 feet

Boating Allowed: Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats, Jet-skis, State & Local Rules & Regulations Apply
Boating Comments: Heavy recreational boating use. See Webster Lake Association Website for rules and regulations: https://www.wlassociation.com/
Swimming: Swimming Allowed, No Restrictions

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As early settlers tried to find their way through the Northeast, they followed the Great Trail and looked for two landmarks, Mount Wachusett and the Great Pond. The Great Pond was the first known name for Webster Lake, also known as Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg. The lake was formed by the retreat of glaciers and is replenished from an underwater spring. The area includes three smaller bodies of water joined by narrow channels: North Pond, Middle Pond and South Pond. There are 17 miles (27 km) of shore line. The length of the Lake is 3.25 miles (5.23 km), and at its widest point in Middle Pond, the distance is 1.125 miles (1.811 km). The shore line of North Pond is 5.78 miles (9.30 km), of Middle Pond, 7.06 miles (11.36 km), and South Pond is 4.17 miles (6.71 km).

Webster Lake is a "natural" lake in the sense that it existed prior to intervention by man, but the depth of the lake has been increased about two feet by the addition of a dam at the north end. When the lake was shallower, in horse and buggy days, horse drawn wagons crossed Middle Pond, going from the western shore across Long Island, then Strip Island, then Goat Island, then to the eastern Shore. The dam was constructed to provide water for Slater Mills, which was located at the site of the current shopping plaza at East Village Square. Later, the water rights to the lake were owned by Cranston Print Works. The dam is now owned by Webster Lake Preservation LLC. This dam requires regular attention to maintain the level of the lake. This is not an easy task, since the outward flow into the French River must be kept low enough so that flooding does not occur and the only inputs to the lake are small brooks, underwater springs, and rain water. Thus if the lake level gets too high (for example from too much rain), care must be taken in releasing water. If the lake level gets too low, rain is necessary in order to raise the level back up. These changes can be hard to predict. Webster Lake Preservation LLC has hired a consultant and they have been doing an excellent job at regulating the level of the lake.

Webster Lake Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing, preserving and protecting the quality of the lake and its watershed through the promotion of responsible, effective environmental & educational policies. We shall strive to strengthen and unite the Webster Lake Community through recreational, social and civic activities. Our mission is to preserve this regionally unique resource as a pristine legacy for future generations. This is a highly recreational lake and one of the largest in MA. Some attractions right on the lake are Indian Ranch Campground and concert area, Point Breeze Restaurant, Action Marine, Waterfront Mary's Restaurant & Bar and Webster Lake Gifts. There is the Nipmuc Waterski Club (http://www.nipmucskiclub.org/) and the Webster Sailing Association (http://www.wsasail.org/).

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

Fishing Comments: Webster Lake offers an extremely deverse fishery between all the stocked trout, gamefish, and panfish.
Fish Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Tiger Muskie, Northern Pike, Chain Pickerel, Salmon, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, White Perch, Brown Bullhead, Yellow Bullhead, Sunfish, Bluegill, Golden Shiner, White Sucker, American Eel

Boat Access: Access for Power and Non-power Boats
Ramp Comments: See Directions. Thru the summer months, there is a fee to park and launch a boat. Prices are according to engine size.
Parking Spaces: More than 40

Directions: State Ramp: Route 16 thru Douglas, left on Gore Road, right on Lower Gore Road, 4th right on Lakeside Ave, ramp on right.Town Ramp: Route 395S to exit 2, right on Thompson Road, 1/2 mile to police station then left at lights ot boat ramp.
Shoreline Development: 75-100%