Town(s):
Palmer MA
County:
Hampden
Size:
43
acres
Average Depth:
26
feet
Maximum Depth:
10
feet
Boating Allowed:
Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Gas Engines Prohibited, Horsepower or Speed Restrictions, See Comments
Boating Comments:
At present there is a horsepower restriction. Check with local authorities.
Swimming:
Swimming Allowed, No Restrictions
Water Quality:
No Known Issues
Vegetation Growth:
Minimal
Non-native Species:
Unknown
Fishing Comments:
Gamefish included largemouth bass, chain pickerel, rainbow trout and brown trout. Nongame species are yellow perch, white perch, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, red breasted sunfish, golden shiners, killifish, brown bullhead, yellow bullhead, and American eel. Walleye have been reported from here, but none were found during sampling operations. Forest Lake receives trout during both the spring and fall stocking seasons. The majority of trout are rainbows nine inches or better; the rest are brown trout. Heaviest pressure on trout is from late April to late May. Largemouth bass here display average growth rates, but the population is over harvested, and quality fish over 12 inches are scant. Chain pickerel growth rates appear slow. Yellow perch fishing should be good, as 60% of the sample was eight inches and better. The lake also has a good population of brown bullheads 10 inches and better.
Fish Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, White Perch, Brown Bullhead, Yellow Bullhead, Sunfish, Bluegill, Golden Shiner, American Eel
Boat Access:
Primarily Car-top boats & Canoes
Ramp Comments:
Access is an informal gravel launch area located off Bennett Street, over the area, which also serves as a beach. Limited boat trailer parking is available.
Parking Spaces:
Less than 10
Shoreline Development:
10-25%
