Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife Goose Pond Boat Launch

Ridge Street, Tyringham, MA

About Goose Pond Boat Launch

The Goose Pond boat launch is a small concrete pad boat ramp on the southern tip of Goose Pond. The lower pond is a 263-acre lake surrounded by forests and homes, while Upper Goose Pond is a small 61-acre lake surrounded by wilderness. The two lakes are connected via a small but navigable channel around 500 feet long. The boat launch serves as an excellent starting point for paddlers and anglers. Kayaking and canoeing are popular at Goose Pond, as paddling around the perimeter of the lakes provides a serene 6-mile journey that passes by hikers on the Appalachian Trail and showcases the tranquil environment of the hilltowns of Western Massachusetts. Fishing is common in Goose Pond as the site is renowned for its excellent trout fishery. However, anglers also succeed in reeling Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish, Bullhead, and many other species. It should be noted that shore fishing is limited to areas near the boat launch. President Grover Cleveland loved to fish at Goose Pond and was once fined $2.00 for catching too many fish.

The boat launch is narrow but provides ample parking for cars carrying boats. However, the launching site can get crowded in peak season, as Goose Pond is one of the most popular fishing areas in the Berkshires. Visitors must follow all posted parking regulations, and swimming is prohibited around the boat launch. While Goose Pond straddles the towns of Tyringham and Lee, the boat launch is accessed via Ridge Street in Tyringham. The site is managed by the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.