A culvert connecting the two runs under Oxford Road and is large enough to accommodate the passage of most boats. Both basins are considered to be shallow, with an average depth of 11 feet. However, the area near the boat ramp drops steeply to about 50 feet. The high iron count gives the lake a dark color and limits visibility to five feet.

Mark Brideau, a Central District wildlife biologist, said the lake is one of the unknown water bodies in the area. This is mostly due to underwater vegetation.

"Aquatic plants are common, particularly along the western shoreline," Brideau said. "Milfoil, pickerelweed, and sedges are abundant in the southern basin and common in the north. The eastern shore of the southern basin is also dotted with clusters of submerged tree stumps and standing dead trees."

There is also a dam on the south basin's eastern side south of the boat ramp.

Upland hardwoods and white pine forest surround the reservoir. Except for a public swimming beach on the eastern side of the north basin, the shoreline is undeveloped. A 7.2-mile loop trail hugs the shoreline and provides good access for shore fishing. Because of its use as a flood control reservoir, there is not a lot of heavy recreational activity.

The southern basin may be the best bet for bass action, since it has the most cover in the form of weedbeds, submerged stumps, rocks and standing dead trees. Northern pike were stocked in 1984, 1988 and 1994, and tiger muskies were stocked in 1997.

Panfish (chain pickerel, yellow perch, white perch, brown bullhead, bluegill, and pumpkinseed) may be targeted along most of the shoreline in either basin. Bluegills exhibit better-than-average growth rates, and specimens in excess of 8 inches are not uncommon.

A concrete and gravel ramp is found at the north end of the south basin off Oxford Road. It is a sloping ramp suitable for trailers, car-top boats and canoes. The ramp drops off at the end and may be tricky when the water level is low. This situation is slated to be corrected by spring 2005.

The gravel parking lot can accommodate up to 30 vehicles.

To get there from the west, take the Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate Route 90) to Exit 9/Route 20 east. Take Masonic Home Road south for about 3/4 mile and turn right at the intersection with Main Street. Stay on Main Street for about 1,000 feet and turn left onto Muggett Hill Road, which becomes Oxford Road. Follow this to the causeway that crosses over the reservoir. The boat launch will be on the right side of the road.

From the east, take Route 395 to Exit 4B and head west on Sutton Avenue through Oxford Center. Continue straight onto Charlton Street, which eventually becomes Oxford Road. The boat launch is on the left side of the road.

For more information, contact the Buffumville Recreation Area at (508) 248-5697.