Description
Hardwick Pond is a 72-acre impoundment of Muddy Brook located 3 miles southwest of Hardwick Center. Hardwick Pond has an average depth of 10 feet, a maximum depth of 17 feet and aquatic vegetation is common to dense, particularly along the northern shore. Approximately 50% of the shoreline is developed with summer cottages and year-round residences.
Recreational access
The town of Hardwick manages a paved boat ramp suitable for trailered craft located near the end of Hardwick Pond Road next to the outlet on the south shore (get directions). An adjacent gravel parking area can hold approximately 9 trailers. Please contact the town of Hardwick for additional information, fee structure and/or restrictions to public access of Hardwick Pond.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- black crappie
- yellow perch
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- redbreast sunfish
- brown bullhead
- yellow bullhead
- white sucker
- golden shiner
Hardwick Pond is stocked each spring with trout.
Fishing
Hardwick Pond sees some early season trout fishing pressure in most years but may be less popular than some other local ponds. After the peak interest in trout subsides, Hardwick Pond offers great largemouth bass and chain pickerel fishing. It is one of the better producing black crappie ponds in the area and the assortment of different sunfish species will entertain for hours. Hardwick Pond has produced largemouth bass, black crappie, and yellow perch 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.