Description
Heard Pond is an 81-acre pond and backwater of the Sudbury River located off of Pelham Island Road in Wayland. Heard Pond is connected to the Sudbury River to various degrees throughout the year but particularly so during spring floods. With the exception of the northern shore, the pond is enveloped among wetlands that encompass the Great Meadow National Wildlife Refuge. Fishing here is reminiscent of the quiet and tranquility of more remote regions of the north east.
Recreational access
The US Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge manages a gravel boat ramp suitable for light trailered craft and a small gravel pull-off that fits roughly five to six cars off of Pelham Island Road on the northwest shore (get directions). There are other smaller pull-offs along the northern shore on Pelham island Road and shore fishing is possible along the length of the road that parallels the shore. Please contact the offices of the Great Meadows National Wildlife Refuge for additional information and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Heard Pond.
There are several gravel pull-offs along Pelham Island Road where one can park. This is one of the larger ones near the boat ramp.
gravel and dirt boat ramp into Heard Pond.
An example of some of the shore access to Heard Pond off of Pelham Island Road on the northern shore.
Fish populations
The following species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- northern pike
- chain pickerel
- common carp
- yellow perch
- white perch
- black crappie
- pumpkinseed
- bluegill
- yellow bullhead
- brown bullhead
- white sucker
- golden shiner
- American eel
Fishing
When connected to the Sudbury River during spring floods or otherwise, northern pike and carp may enter the pond from the river and eventually become trapped when the waters recede. This unique dynamic offers anglers the ability to catch these larger game fish normally found in flowing waters in a pond. Heard Pond has produced largemouth bass, northern pike, carp, chain pickerel, and bullhead 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.