Heald Pond
Massachusetts · Middlesex
- 27.9 acres mapped (USGS NHD)
- 1.6 km shoreline
- County: Middlesex
- Shoreline outline: USGS NHD
- Massachusetts freshwater fishing (MassWildlife)
The pin marks the middle of the water, for directions. The shoreline on the map comes from USGS NHD.
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Overview
Heald Pond, also called Blood Pond, is a quiet 29-acre impoundment of Gulf Brook off Heald Pond Road in Pepperell. Most of its forested shoreline is in the Heald Pond Conservation Area. It averages 15 feet deep with a 33-foot maximum.
Fishing
MassWildlife describes Heald Pond as a tranquil place to hike, paddle and fish. Shore fishing is popular, since hiking trails reach the deeper water along the steep west shore. It has produced largemouth bass big enough for Freshwater Sportfishing Awards recognition.
Species
MassWildlife surveys found largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, bluegill and yellow bullhead.
Hotspots
Drop-offs at the southern tip for largemouth bass and pickerel, and the deep water along the steep west shore from the trails (MassWildlife).
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
The Town of Pepperell manages a gravel ramp for car-top and light trailered boats off Heald Street at the north tip, with parking for 5–6 cars. Trails around the pond in the Heald Pond Conservation Area offer shore fishing.
Boat ramps & launches
Town of Pepperell gravel ramp, Heald Street (north tip).
Activities
Hiking the conservation-area trails, paddling and fishing.
Water facts
Area: 29 acres. Average depth: 15 ft. Max depth: 33 ft. Mostly muck bottom. Impoundment of Gulf Brook. Town: Pepperell.
Safety & advisories
Clean all boats and gear before moving between waters to stop aquatic hitchhikers (MassWildlife; see ProtectYourWaters.net).
Nearby waters
- Nissitissit River · 5.2 km (NH)
- Nissitissit River · 5.7 km (MA)
- Squannacook River · 10 km (MA)
- Mason Brook · 10.1 km (MA)
- Baddacook Pond · 10.2 km (MA)
- Massapoag Pond · 11.4 km (MA)
More in Middlesex
- Squannacook River (MA)
- Baddacook Pond (MA)
- Knops Pond (MA)
- Nissitissit River (MA)
- Althea Lake (MA)
- Barkers Pond (MA)
Pond facts, access and fish surveys: MassWildlife (Mass.gov). Hydrography: USGS.