Description
Fairhaven Bay is a 73-acre pond connected to the Sudbury River off of Route 117 in Concord and Lincoln. Aquatic vegetation here is largely confined to shallow sections of shorelines which change throughout the season based on river flows. The waterfront is undeveloped with sections of wetlands.
Recreational access
The town of Lincoln manages two gravel parking lots which service hiking trails and a cartop boat launch in the Mount Misery Conservation Area off of Route 117 in Lincoln (get directions). The launch is roughly a 300 foot carry from the closest parking area and provides access into the Sudbury River; Fairhaven Bay is another 3/4 of a mile paddle upstream. Shore access is possible from hiking trails in Seton Woods which can be accessed from a trailhead on Fairhaven Road with parking along the north side of Arena Terrace (get directions). Access here requires a long hike in from the parking area; please respect private property. Please contact the town offices of Lincoln for additional information and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Fairhaven Bay.
This launch will get you into the Sudbury River then you will have to paddle upstream to get to Fairhaven Bay.
This is the closest parking area to the launch which holds about 6 cars and there is another larger lot down the road.
The launch is dirt and shallow sloped but does require a little bit of a carry.
Shore access is provided at this trail head in Seton Woods off of Fairhaven Road.
If shore fishing from trails in Seton Woods be sure to park on the north side of Arena Terrace as indicated on this map at the trail head kiosk.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- northern pike
- carp
- white perch
- yellow perch
- black crappie
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- golden shiner
Fishing
Fairhaven Bay is unique in that it is connected to the Sudbury River year round. Seasonality of river flows shape habitats in the lake through changing water levels. During high water, flooded adjacent wetlands serve important foraging and rearing habitat and targeting fish in these areas will be difficult. In other periods of the year the slower waters of the lake may provide spawning habitat for carp and yellow perch; northern pike are also reportedly caught here. If you are willing to make the trek in here you will likely have an experience you will remember.
More fishing resources:
Stop aquatic hitchhikers
Prevent the transport of nuisance species; clean all recreational equipment. Visit ProtectYourWaters.net to learn more.