Hunnewell Lake

Largemouth bass fishing should be fair in 2024. Results from the 2023 spring electrofishing survey indicated a 25 percent decrease in the overall catch rate compared to 2021. Anglers should notice a decrease of 12-inch bass captured and improvement in the catch rate of bass at least 15 inches long.  Several bass anglers reported catching bass over 18 inches long. Anglers are still encouraged to harvest bass up to their daily limit of six bass less than 12 inches long to continue to improve the size structure of the population. Bluegill fishing should be fair, with a slight improvement of bluegill greater than 8 inches, when compared to 2021. Anglers in 2023 reported decent catches of bluegill 8 to 9 inches. Redear sunfish will be fair compared to previous years, with a majority being 7 inches or less. Black crappie are also abundant but will average 8 to 9 inches in length. Catfish angling (both channels and blues) will continue to be good. Several blue catfish exceeding 30 pounds are caught in the lake each year by rod-and-reel often with a balloon rig.

Hunnewell Lake serves as the water supply for the Hunnewell Hatchery. Several regulations are in place to reduce the chances of an accidental introduction of invasive species, such as zebra mussels. To protect Hunnewell Hatchery, private boats and bait transported or held in containers with water are prohibited. Boats and oars are provided free of charge on a first come, first served basis. Anglers are allowed to use electric trolling motors on MDC boats. Anglers must supply their own Coast Guard-approved personal floatation (life jackets).