Usually by late February the less-afflicted are tiring of their hardwater addiction; this year thanks to the current whiteout, it’s ten-fold. But a funny thing is happening, the guys who are getting out are finding so little pressure on ponds and lakes it’s like a whole new season and the fishing is hot.
While most last weekend were concerned with the onset of yet another news-making storm, Mike Dumais of Northboro was betting on a pike bonanza at a popular northern spot in Massachusetts. He figured that the snow, slush and lack of access had reduced angling effort to near nil and with a degrading weather front arriving the fish would be on the feed – he figured right! Along with buddies, Brian Hutchinson of Pepperell and Shawn Hennessy of Bridgewater they had a banner day with three double-digit toothies to show for their efforts! The whispered secret about all these storms is that as they wind-up the fishing is fantastic. Looking through my recent library of fishy photos, nary a one has been taking during a sunny day! In case you were looking for an upside to this wicked winter that could be it!
Pete from Belsan echoed what just about every other shop owner is saying – the only thing slower than yesterday is today! However, the diehard members of the runny-nose brigade are bagging bass and bluegills from Lilly Pond in Cohasset. Crappie are being caught there as well and many regard these as the sweetest tasting freshwater fish there is, especially from clean water. Arguably Aaron River reservoir is best for perch with some bass big enough to snack on the panfish prowling there. Scituate Reservoir has been slow in participation which could be the best reason of all to give it a go.
Eric from Lunkers in Ashland said activity is at a nadir. But he has bait and customers heading out to Coffman’s Cove in Cochituate. This multi-tiered water body can be a multi-species producer with everything from brown trout to bass to pike cruising among it but it can also be slow. Parking is pretty good at lightly fished Ashland Reservoir and Hopkinton Reservoir. A few are finding bass at Farm Pond.
Laura from Ippi’s is suggesting that now may be a special time to fish Sluice Pond with so little foot traffic out there. The boat ramp has been bull-dozed with a snow mountain; a more fortuitous route is Fore Winds Cove. She is betting a big bass will be pulled out of Browns Pond any day!
Eddie of B&A in West Boylston said that there are still trout to be taken from Comet Pond in Hubbardston. In the same town Moosehorn has a menagerie of warm water species. East Waushacum has been a winner in the past for smallmouth and largemouth bass. If your quarry is pike, the shallower south end of Quinsigamond is a good choice. Just in time for all you’re likely to fish for Eddie is double-downing on bait.
Regarding Rodney Flagg of Orange the talk is more about access then fish caught. Banks are blocking many water bodies like an impenetrable fortress. A relatively easy go of it exits at Lake Rohunta by the dam, which is convenient because the catching of bass can be quite good there. At Lake Mattawa most are shoehorning their rig at the side of the road to gain entry. It certainly is tough out there! A better bet for access may be Lake Ellis where there’s a derby scheduled this weekend. For pike try the Oxbow or Quabog Pond; wait until the next time the flakes begin to fall, which sadly shouldn’t take long, grab some big bait and see if the toothies are on a tear!
Jim from JCB in Cheshire continues to show why he is one of the most accommodating of shop owners by plowing access so anglers can reach the 15” plus of ice on Cheshire Reservoir. Fortunately there are 15 pound pike prowling there to make the effort worth it. What’s also worth it is the philanthropic derby this Saturday to benefit local angler Devon “hook” Whalen who is battling a tough illness. Sign up begins at sun up at the “Causeway” between the two sections of Cheshire. There will be prizes aplenty but none greater than that from the satisfaction of helping an outdoorsman in need.
Best Bets for the Weekend
The conditions are tough but a banner day tends to make amnesiacs out of anglers. On the southeast, consider the crappie from Cohasset’s Lilly Pond. For pike there’s the south side of Lake Quinsigamond or Quabog Pond or The Oxbow. If your taste leans toward trout, Comet in Hubbardston and Lake Mattawa in Orange are both heavily stocked and lightly fished because of the conditions. Browns Pond is a bass best bet on the North Shore.
Ron, come to the derby on Sluice Pond this Sunday!!