LivewellMassachusetts · Topsfield County · Lake
Hood (or Hoods) Pond
Is the fish you caught here safe to eat? Below is every consumption advisory on file for Hood (or Hoods) Pond, by species and size, in plain English — plus what's legal to keep.
3 species with advisories · contaminants: Mercury
Massachusetts also has statewide guidance
Massachusetts publishes rules that apply to lakes across the state — 1 recommendation covering 1 species — in addition to anything listed for Hood (or Hoods) Pond below.
Strictest statewide rule: All Other Species — For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: do not eat due to elevated Mercury.
What's safe to eat from Hood (or Hoods) Pond
Largemouth Bass
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Do not eat due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-07-02
Yellow Perch
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Do not eat due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-07-02
All Other Species
| Size | Who | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| All sizes | General population | Limit to two meals per month due to elevated Mercury. |
| Women who may become pregnant & children under 15 | For women who may become pregnant, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and children under 15: do not eat due to elevated Mercury. |
Source: official advisory· updated 2026-07-02
Is it legal to keep?
These are Massachusetts's statewide limits — a water-specific rule may override them. Always verify the current regulations before keeping a fish.
| Species | Size | Daily limit | Open season | Keep season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Smallmouth Bass | 12" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Northern Pike | 28" min | 2 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Chain Pickerel | 15" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Walleye | 14" min | 5 | Year-round | Same as open |
| Inland Trout | — | 3 | Year-round | Same as open |
Official rules: Massachusetts — Massachusetts DFW
Getting on the water
- Boat ramp boat ramp 2.6 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 2.8 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 3.7 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 3.9 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 4.0 mi Directions
- Boat ramp boat ramp 4.0 mi Directions
Access points from OpenStreetMap contributors.