ABBOTTS POND

Abbotts Pond
16.9 acres
Williamsville
This attractive little pond is located next to the Abbotts Mill Nature Center operated by the Delaware Nature Society. The corrosion of pipes under Abbotts Pond Rd caused a collapse of the roadway in spring 2009. Repair work was not completed until May 2010 during which time the pond water level was down 2 feet. As a result, there was little to no bass reproduction during that time. A supplemental stocking of largemouth bass fingerlings was made in August 2010 to compensate for the lack of spawning. The largemouth bass abundance declined some between 2004 and 2009. Average weights were excellent although growth remained slightly below average. The bass population was well balanced among all size groups. A favorite bass hangout has been in the lower half of the pond adjacent to the steep-sloped banks, especially along the road’s edge.
Bluegill numbers also decreased in 2004 and 2009 although the portion of bluegill larger fish increased. Historically, this small pond has had an excellent population of older, larger bluegill including some citation size. Their growth was average. The sandy bottom along the western shore is a popular nesting area for the larger bluegill.
Black crappie were present in relatively low numbers and few pumpkinseed sunfish were collected. Chain pickerel were abundant. This is one of the few ponds where brown and yellow bullhead catfish are both present; yellows have white “whiskers” or barbels while browns have black whiskers. Golden shiner, creek chubsucker, and American eel were common. Fishing citations from this pond have been limited to black crappie and chain pickerel in recent years.

VEGETATION
Hydrilla, which had colonized the lower portion of the pond during the late 1990s, spread throughout most of the pond by 2003. It has been treated with herbicide several times knocking it back for a year or two. Some recolonization by native plants such as bladderwort has been observed but is quickly crowded out by the hydrilla.

FACILITIES
A parking lot with a picnic table is available adjacent to the small boat ramp. Some shore angling is possible from that location down towards the dam. This pond is most suited to small boats, canoes, or kayaks. Some vegetation trimming and replacement bulkheads have improved the area for shore angling and boat launches. Shallow depths often block the use of motorized craft in the upper third of the pond.

 

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