Description
Delaney Pond, sometimes called the Delaney Flood Control Site is a 107-acre impoundment of Elizabeth Brook located off of Harvard Road in Harvard and Stow. Delaney Pond has an average depth of 3 feet, a maximum depth of 11 feet and aquatic vegetation can grow to cover the majority of open water by mid summer. Because of this, most users navigate the pond via paddle boat which permits access to all but the shallowest water. The shores fall within the Delaney Wildlife Management Area and are free from development.
Recreational access
MassWildlife manages a concrete boat ramp suitable for trailered craft and a 12 vehicle parking area off Harvard Road on the Eastern shore (get directions). Shallow water and thick vegetation will make power boating difficult in most areas outside of the channel of Elizabeth Brook. Shore fishing is possible in areas around the ramp and from trails in the Delaney Wildlife Management area which encompasses the pond. However, because the majority of the pond is only a few feet deep, the best shore fishing will be by the dam which permits access to some deeper water. Please contact the Northeast District offices of MassWildlife for additional information regarding public access to Delaney Pond.
The concrete boat ramp at Delaney Pond off of Harvard Street in Stow.
Parking at the boat ramp at Delaney Pond.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- black crappie
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- banded sunfish
- brown bullhead
- golden shiner
Fishing
The amount of fishable water here shrinks rapidly as the summer progresses so plan to get on the water sooner rather than later. Otherwise, there are lots of submerged stumps and small holes that hold fish well, if you can find them. Fishing by the dam is always a good bet. Delaney Pond has produced largemouth bass, chain pickerel and black crappie that meet minimum sizes for recognition by the Freshwater Sportfishing Awards Program.
More fishing resources:
Stop aquatic hitchhikers
Prevent the transport of nuisance species; clean all recreational equipment. Visit ProtectYourWaters.net to learn more.