Description
Hood Pond is a 69-acre Great Pond located off of Boxford Roar on the Ipswich and Topsfield town line. The eastern half of the shoreline lies within Willowdale State Forest and a town of Topsfield conservation parcel and is completely forested; the western shore is developed with residences. Aquatic vegetation is dense within a narrow band of shallow water which hugs the shoreline. As the waters deepen towards the center, the vegetation dissipates. The water here is tannic which limits visibility to a few feet at most.
Recreational access
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages a gravel launch suitable for cartop boats and 5 car parking area off of Boxford Road on the northern shore of the pond (get directions). No motors are allowed on the pond and shore fishing is possible around the launch . Please contact the DCR offices of Willowdale State Forest for additional information and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Hood Pond.
There is room for a few cars at this small parking area off of Boxford Road.
Suffice to say this launch is for cartop boats only.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- white perch
- yellow perch
- black crappie
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- golden shiner
- brown bullhead
- American eel
Fishing
Hood Pond has produced chain pickerel, largemouth bass and sunfish 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.