Concord River

Overview

The Concord River begins where the Assabet and Sudbury rivers meet in Concord and runs about 16 miles to the Merrimack River in Lowell. Between Lowell and Billerica it is wooded, 80-100 yards wide, with a slow current.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed, but Mass Rivers Alliance advises catch and release (don't eat the fish) because of mercury contamination, especially for children and pregnant women. Check the MA Department of Public Health fish consumption advisories.

Species

Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust lists largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, carp and pumpkinseed.

Hotspots

Concord River Greenway Park in Lowell (small falls); Vietnam Veterans Park in Billerica; the stretch upstream from Muldoon Park.

Regulations

MassWildlife freshwater fishing regulations apply: https://www.mass.gov/freshwater-fishing-regulations. Confirm current seasons, limits and any special rules there; this page is not a legal source.

Licensing

Anglers 15 and older need a Massachusetts fishing license (MassWildlife).

Access

Muldoon Park, 5 Billerica St., Lowell, has a launch and parking. Paddle upstream toward Billerica (5.3 miles round trip); don't paddle downstream from the launch past the trestle bridge, where there is whitewater. Shore spots include Vietnam Veterans Park (Billerica) and Concord River Greenway Park (Lowell). Boating and small motorboats are permitted.

Safety & advisories

Whitewater below the Muldoon Park launch, so don't go downstream. Rain can quickly change water levels and current. Mercury advisory: catch and release recommended.

Nearby waters

• Althea Lake · 6.9 km (MA)
• Newfield Pond · 7.3 km (MA)
• Mascuppic Lake · 8.5 km (MA)
• Nabnasset Pond · 10.7 km (MA)
• Flint Pond · 11 km (MA)
• Heart Pond · 11.3 km (MA)

More in Middlesex

• Squannacook River (MA)
• Baddacook Pond (MA)
• Knops Pond (MA)
• Nissitissit River (MA)
• Althea Lake (MA)
• Barkers Pond (MA)