Fishing

Fishing is allowed at Harold Parker State Forest, and DCR says Stearns and Field Ponds are popular for it. Berry Pond is the forest's only pond on MassWildlife's trout stocking list, stocked in spring. Anyone 15 or older needs a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license, which is free for residents aged 15 to 17 and 70 and over.

Where to Fish

DCR's planning page names Stearns Pond and Field Pond as popular waters for fishing, canoeing and other non-motorized boating. The other ponds are open to fishing too: Berry, Bradford, Brackett, Collins, Delano, Bear, Frye, Salem and Sudden. See the ponds for where each one is and which trails reach it. Keep clear of the designated swim beaches at Berry Pond and Frye Pond in season.

Trout Stocking

MassWildlife publishes its list of trout-stocked waters by town. Every water on the list is stocked in spring, and waters in bold are stocked in both spring and fall. For the towns around Harold Parker, the 2026 list shows:

• North Andover: Berry Pond (spring).
• Andover: Shawsheen River.
• North Reading: Ipswich River.
• Middleton: Boston Brook.
• Boxford: Baldpate Pond and Stiles Pond (spring and fall), Fish Brook.

MassWildlife notes that stocking depends on staffing, equipment, water levels and weather, and it links a trout stocking report from its pond pages. Check it before a trip if you are after stocked trout.

Fishing Licenses (2026)

From MassWildlife:

• Anyone 15 or older needs a freshwater fishing license. Under 15, no license is needed.
• Free for Massachusetts residents aged 15 to 17 and 70 or older.
• Resident license: $40. Residents 65 to 69: $20. Resident 3-day: $20.
• Non-resident: $50. Non-resident 3-day: $30.50. Non-resident minor (15 to 17): $8.
• A $5 Wildlands Conservation Stamp is added to the first resident license each year and to all non-resident licenses.
• Licenses expire December 31. Carry yours, on paper or on your phone. Buy online through MassFishHunt.

Programs for Kids

DCR's 2026 summer and fall programs included Gone Fishing, drop-in fishing on Wednesday afternoons at the Frye Pond bridge inside Lorraine Park Campground, with bait and rods provided and aimed at families with children. On September 12, 2026, DCR and MassWildlife ran a Fall Fishing Festival at Sudden Pond (18 Middleton Road, North Andover): MassWildlife staff helped beginners, all gear was provided, parking was free and no licenses were required that day. Watch DCR's program sheet for next year's dates; see plan your visit.

Boats

Boats must be non-motorized. A life jacket must be worn by boaters 12 and under, and by canoeists and kayakers from September 15 to May 15. Clean, drain and dry your boat and gear before moving to another water; DCR notes that stopping aquatic hitchhikers is the law.

Fishing Nearby

• Pomps Pond, Andover: MassWildlife lists largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed, brown bullhead, golden shiner and American eel. See Pomps Pond.
• Haggetts Pond, Andover: shore fishing or registered rowboats only, residents' boating program. See Haggetts Pond.
• Lake Cochichewick, North Andover: a state license is required and boating is limited to North Andover residents with permits. See Lake Cochichewick.
• Ipswich River, North Reading: on the trout stocking list. See Ipswich River Park.

Ice Fishing

DCR lists ice skating among the forest's activities but posts no ice conditions for its ponds. Call the headquarters at (978) 686-3391 before going on any ice. See winter.