Description
Walker Pond is a 110-acre great pond located in Sturbridge just north of the Massachusetts Turnpike. Walker Pond has an average depth of 10 feet, a maximum depth of 19 feet and the water is brown in color with a transparency of 6 to 8 feet. Aquatic vegetation is common to thick around the shallow margins of the pond. The eastern shoreline is roughly 40% developed with residences while the entire western shoreline lies within Wells State Park and exhibits a campground, beach and hiking trails.
Recreational access
The Town of Sturbridge manages a gravel boat ramp suitable for trailered craft off of Wells State Park Road on the northern shore (get directions). Parking for roughly 12-15 cars is possible at the ramp and along the access road. Shore fishing is possible on town land around the ramp and in Wells State Park on the western shore. If accessing Walker Pond through the state park a parking fee will apply. Please contact the town of Sturbridge or the Department of Conservation and Recreation offices of Wells State Park for additional information, fee structure, and/or restrictions pertaining to public access of Walker Pond.
Fish populations
The following fish species were found during MassWildlife surveys:
- largemouth bass
- chain pickerel
- yellow perch
- white perch
- black crappie
- bluegill
- pumpkinseed
- brown bullhead
- yellow bullhead
- golden shiner
- banded killifish
Fishing
Walker Pond offers excellent fishing for an assortment of warm water fish. Both largemouth bass and chain pickerel are numerous and of good size and large bluegill, white perch and yellow perch provide good pan fishing. During winter, Walker Pond is also a popular ice fishing destination. Walker Pond has produced largemouth bass and chain pickerel 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.