It’s time to take the gloves off – literally, as “balmy” 30 degree temperatures beckon in the long-range forecast, making multiple layers less of a priority than multiple-fish outings. Snowmelt along with warmer temperatures will kick fish into feeding mode, and some of the biggest pike and bass will be coming out to play.
Pete from Belsan’s in Scituate said that the conditions in the Scituate have become superb. The late February sun has been compressing snow, making the going good! Apparently the word is not out as angling activity remains low. Ironically, the bass bite is running counter to pressure as snowmelt and run-off are causing a spike in feeding. Billington Sea in Plymouth is a bass best bet but don’t discount the “trout” water of Long Pond. Two-legged fisherman aren’t the only ones that take advantage of stocked trout here; water bodies designated for trout are usually low in bass volume but high on the size of bass. Soak an oversized shiner in 17-25 feet of water and see if you don’t catch a bass big enough to make you wish the winter never ends! Scituate Reservoir deserves a nod as does Aaron River Reservoir.
Bass are bingeing according to Eddie of B&A. Eleven-year-old Isaac Mulhern weighted in a 4-13 that fell for a shiner from Whitehall Reservoir. That “Larry” was big enough for fourth place at a recent derby. Colin Duarte picked up a 1½-pound rainbow from Comet in Hubbardston. Patrons are picking up big bait and heading out for pike on the south end of Lake Quinsigamond.
Jim from Barry’s in Worcester said that it is smallie time when we spoke. Bruiser bronzebacks have no problem inhaling extra-large shiners from Lake Singletary or Webster Lake. Even if you’re a bait/trap guy bring a jigging stick and should you stick a small perch, run don’t walk to your nearest trap and stick that baby on! For smallies and largemouth bass, perch fry are what’s for dinner. A warm-water species smorgasbord exists in Lake Ripple while the hospital section of Lake Chauncy has plenty of access and the pike there should be stirring.
Rod from Flagg’s in Orange reminded me that the biggest pike he ever saw in these parts was a tick under 30 pounds and was taken through the ice on the Miller River. This noted trout water body flies under the radar of pike fans but it has some huge fish in it. Rod recommends the Rodney Hunt Mill section of the river. If you don’t mind the trip as well as the purchase of a New Hampshire license, the “setbacks” off the Hinsdale and Claremont section of the Connecticut River are super pike producers. Walleye thrive there in good numbers also. Closer to the Connecticut Valley Region the crappie have been hitting well at the north and south “Specs” and a few nice browns have been iced at Lake Mattawa.
Jim from JCB in Cheshire told me of a 31-pound monster pike that was taken from Lake Onota. The angler was kind enough to flash a photo of the ‘gator and the background was not “modified”. Without giving up much in the way of secrets, Jim said that it was caught very close to the shore. Pike now are in pre-spawn mode and will be cruising in close among weeds, reeds, inlets and blowdowns and they are on the prowl! It’s also a good time to revisit higher elevation trout water which has all but been forgotten due to all the snow. Plainfield Pond, Windsor Pond and North Pond are all worth another look. Don’t discount the black bass potential in trout ponds; these places are the antithesis of the shallow, over-fished bass ponds which are awash with stunted fish. You may get just one flag for a few hours effort, but it could be the handywork of a 5- or 6-pound slob.
Dave from Merrimac Sports said that he’s selling big bait for pike addicts who are hunting pre-spawn, aggressive northerns among the coves of the Merrimack, Concord and Shawsheen Rivers. The final stanza of the ice fishing season often produces the biggest pike of all! For more of a mixed bag, check out Artichoke Reservoir in West Newbury.
Massachusetts Fishing Forecast
Plymouth is the pick on the South Shore with bass in Billington Sea and trout at Little and Long ponds. While you’re at the latter two, soak an oversized shiner for the big black bass that thrive there. Comet and Mattawa are two solid choices for trout out west, with Windsor a good bet among the “Hill Towns”. Pike are on the prowl at the Oxbow, Onota, Miller River and in the northeast, the coves of the Merrimack River.
Does Billington have safe ice? I would have thought the rain would have taken a toll on it. But did the rain just wash off the snow and lock up the ice better?
Tight Lines
Great report Ron, and nice smaller! (Not too small tho!) Longing to hear linesider reports…
You know Joe, if I focus real hard I just might be able to make good on that linesider report. But I don’t have an auger blade big enough!
Ronnie, that is one slob of a smallie through the ice. You might have to think about going up one auger size. Good going!
Thanks Steve! You guessed it, I had to bury my arm into the hole up to my elbow to pull it out! One day I will get into trouble with the 6″ bit, but I’ll have quite the story!
Wow Ron! That’s one of the biggest smallies I’ve seen through the ice! Nice! How deep do you typically suspend shiners for bass? Most of the trout I catch are right below the ice, because the seem to cruise, but what do the bass do? Go deep? I’d be interested to hear if you have any insight.
Hi Troy, I used to hear the word cordwood to describe how smallies stack up tightly during winter. And the maxim was always 25’+ and when you found one, you found a bunch. I’ve learned that this does apply to smaller fish. But I’m convinced that the bigger smallies follow the forage and for most water bodies that is yellow perch fry. Every time I’ve caught a 4 pounder through the ice it’s been a lone wolf. I’ve taken multiple 3+ pounders in one place but never 4s. And I’ve caught them in relatively shallow water of 17 – 20 feet! I use shiners just a tick under pike bait and while I’m jigging I’m not the least bit disappointed being pestered by small perch. I know big smallies and big largemouth will not be far, in fact usually when I get a big Sally, I get a big Larry too! And I keep that bait right on the bottom!
Should you jig up a 4 – 5″ perch put that sucker right on one of your traps. My “big loss” this winter of which I vented incessantly to friends was on a trap with a 6″ yellow perch. The “tank” dumped the line on the spool at a scary rate and just as I was about to get a glimpse at the edge of the hole, the hook pulled out…lost sleep over that one! Good luck Troy!
Thanks Ron! Very informative! I appreciate the info!
Too bad about that big one that got off… anything big enough to take a 6 inch perch is pretty good sized. Livelining perch is one of my favorite open water techniques, but the ones that hit a 6 incher are usually huge! If you were fishing pike water, there’s always that chance too!