Description
Walden Pond is a 62-acre great pond located a little to the southeast of the junction of Routes 2 and 126 in Concord. Walden Pond has an average depth of 39 feet, a maximum depth of 100 feet, and water transparency is excellent, extending to at least 18 feet. Aquatic vegetation is negligible and confined to the few shallow coves. The entire shoreline lies within Walden Pond State Reservation is accessible via trails and undeveloped.
Recreational access
The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) manages a gravel boat ramp suitable for light trailered craft off of Route 126 on the southeastern shore (get directions). Parking is available for about 10 cars at the ramp with additional parking at the park visitors center a little ways up the street (get directions), both parking locations require a fee and no gas motors are permitted. The parking lot will close once it reaches capacity; plan accordingly. The entire shoreline is accessible to shore fishing via hiking trails in the reservation. Please contact DCR offices of Walden Pond State Reservation for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Walden Pond.
The gravel ramp at Walden Pond off of Rt. 126.
Parking at the launch; additional space can be found across Rt. 126.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- smallmouth bass
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- white perch
- black crappie
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- red breasted sunfish
- yellow bullhead
- golden shiner
Walden Pond is stocked each spring and fall with trout.
Fishing
Walden Pond maintains a layer of cold oxygenated water throughout the year which permits trout to holdover multiple years and grow to large sizes. While most anglers will be fishing for fish stocked in the current year several large trout are caught each year. Walden Pond is a popular paddling and swimming destination and can become busy during the summer months. Walden Pond has produced largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, sunfish, brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and tiger trout that meet the minimum size 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.