Description
Sandy Pond is a 72-acre kettle hole and Great Pond located at the intersection of Sandy Pond and Snake Hill Roads in Ayer. Sandy Pond is one of a series of ponds in this section of Ayer flowing into the Nashua River. Aquatic vegetation here is limited to nearshore areas with lots of open water beyond that and the shoreline is largely developed with year round residences.
Recreational access
The town of Ayer manages a beach where there is parking for about 14 vehicles off of Snake Hill Road on the south western shore (get directions). During the swimming season, parking is restricted to Ayer residents or those with a town issued parking permit and no fishing or launching of boats is permitted from the beach. One may park at the beach and carry their boat to, or shore fish at, several unimproved dirt launches a little farther up Snake Hill Road on the Western shore; there is no parking along Snake Hill Road. Please contact the town of Ayer for additional information, fee schedules, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Sandy Pond.
There is parking for about 14 vehicles near the beach off of Snake Hill Road.
Boats may be carried to and launched farther up Snake Hill Road at a few spots like this one. Shore fishing is also possible here but not parking.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- white perch
- yellow perch
- black crappie
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- brown bullhead
- yellow bullhead
- golden shiner
Sandy Pond is stocked each spring with trout.
Fishing
Trout fishing is popular here in the spring prior to the opening of the town beach when access is easier. During the summer, less is known regarding fishing opportunities here. Sandy Pond has produced largemouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie and white perch that meet minimum sizes for recognition by the 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.