Lake Rico

Lake Rico is the 195-acre lake at the heart of Massasoit State Park in East Taunton, and it is a man-made lake: DCR's predecessors dammed Furnace Brook in 1973, flooding old cranberry bogs and two smaller ponds. It averages 7 feet deep and reaches 20, its shore is wooded all the way round, and it is open to canoes and kayaks from two launches on Middleboro Avenue. Motors are not allowed, the lake is stocked with trout each spring, and it has no swimming beach.

Where Lake Rico Is

MassWildlife places Lake Rico in the Elliotts Corner section of Taunton, entirely inside Massasoit State Park. Middleboro Avenue runs along its north-western shore, and that is where the public reaches the water. The park's main entrance, at 1361 Middleboro Avenue, is a short drive along the same road. See parking and directions.

How the Lake Was Made

When the state bought the land in 1962 it held working cranberry bogs, the reservoirs that fed them, and natural ponds. In 1973 the bogs, reservoirs, low ground and Furnace and King's Ponds went under water to create Lake Rico, and DCR built swimming, picnicking and day-use areas along the new shore. Today the swimming in the park is at Middle Pond, for campers only. The dam sits between Middleboro Avenue and the lake. Read more on the park's history.

Launching a Canoe or Kayak

DCR manages two dirt-and-gravel launches for cartop boats off Middleboro Avenue. MassWildlife says the first has parking for about 20 cars and the second, 100 yards up the road, for about 10. There is no trailer ramp and no motors are allowed, so this is a paddler's lake. DCR's suggested paddle, "Lake Rico and Beyond", starts at the rustic launch and covers 3 to 4 easy miles through the lake's inlets. See kayaking and canoeing.

Use the official launches. DCR's plan reports an unauthorized boat ramp and user-made access points that are eroding the shoreline and can spread invasive plants.

Fishing Lake Rico

MassWildlife stocks Lake Rico with trout every spring. Its surveys also found largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, black crappie, brown bullhead, pumpkinseed, bluegill, American eel and golden shiner. The lake's small bays and islands hold fish; the deepest water is in the northern half, and MassWildlife suggests the southern half for pickerel and bass if you are willing to paddle. Lake Rico has produced bass, pickerel, perch, crappie, sunfish and bullhead big enough for the state's Freshwater Sportfishing Awards. Shore fishing works along Middleboro Avenue and from the park's trails. See fishing at Massasoit.

Can You Swim in Lake Rico?

Lake Rico has no designated swimming area. The only swim area in the park is the Middle Pond waterfront, and it is for registered campers. DCR's plan also notes Eurasian watermilfoil in the lake, an invasive plant that can tangle swimmers. See swimming at Massasoit.

Islands, Streams and Plants

DCR's 2015 map marks Stall Hill Island in the lake. Spring Brook rises in the south of the park and flows north into Lake Rico; MassWildlife lists it as a coldwater fisheries resource. The undeveloped shores of Lake Rico and Middle Pond are protected as habitat for Plymouth gentian, a plant of special concern that does not survive trampling, so land your boat only at launches and established spots.

Walking Around the Lake

The Rico Trail, a 2-mile easy hike from the main entrance lot in DCR's suggestions, runs through the northern end of the park near the lake. The trail map shows how it connects with the rest of the system.

Invasive Plants and Clean Boats

DCR's plan lists Eurasian watermilfoil and fanwort in Lake Rico. Clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before and after every visit; moving plants between lakes is against the law in Massachusetts.