The backside of Mother Nature’s one-two punch of snow and cold is a spate of 30-degree temperatures! Once dug out, anglers will find no shortage of ice and hardwater opportunities.
Western Massachusetts Fishing Report
Patrons of Early Rise Outfitters have been handling the cold better than most since they’ve been keeping warm chasing flags. While the big bait, big fish mantra is often a maxim, it usually makes for a slow day. Patrick opts out of the “pike shiner or bust” mentality when targeting toothies, instead preferring fast and often mixed action on western mass water bodies known for both bass and pike. On a recent outing near an angler who brought bait practically the size of stocked trout, his group had a steady pick of warm-water species up to and including a 30-inch pike. All the while, the big-bait guy only had one flag all day.
For a multi-flag, multi-species trip, check out Lake Congamond. In addition to both species of black bass, this 477-acre pond is stocked with trout in the spring and fall. A tip for finding productive water is to “sound” for green weed. Jig up “live” weeds and check for invertebrates such as nymphs, scuds, and grass shrimp, the latter two which should be prevalent in river systems. That small forage attracts the bait, which also attracts the predatory fish. For trout, target sandy bottoms close to the shoreline.
According to Jim from JCB, the top toothy from Cheshire at the moment is a 21-pound fish. On the heels of last year’s 20-pounder, this place is proving full of potential. When asked about Pontoosuc, Onota, and Buel, as well as the Hilltown honey holes, Jim said he didn’t know because the spotlight has been on the three-basin, 418-acre Cheshire. The bass action has been good also as Jim’s son Connor experienced the other day as he chased flags all day.
Rod from Flagg’s in Orange said that Lake Moore is a good bet for rainbows, bass and crappie somewhat due to its relative inaccessibility. This place is frequently stocked and each year gives up a few 6-pound-plus largemouth bass as well. South Spectacle Pond is another tough-to-reach but productive pond for warm water species. For another off-the-beaten path gem, Rod recommends Conners Pond, which is off the east branch of the Swift River and features brown trout, rainbow trout, and some very big pickerel.
Massachusetts Coastal Ice Fishing Waters
When a shop owner says that he’s having a hard time keeping bait in stock and the weather is as “frosty” as it has been, then you know the fishing is pretty darn good. Such is the case with Merrimac Sports proprietor Donny, who when asked where his customers are fishing said, “Everywhere, the ice is that good!” For more specifics, for trout (especially browns), he suggests Round Pond, for crappie Artichoke Reservoir, for a combination of crappie and bass, Lake Attitash is his first choice. The coves of the Merrimack River cooled down a bit for pike, but jigging anglers are finding the white perch very cooperative. The demand has the shop doubling-down for bait and they are carrying most everything including suckers.
The report trail for the rest of the Bay State coast succumbed to Thursdays nor’easter, which shuttered shops closed. Look for that to change next week in a major way. Once anglers dig out, they have 30-degree temperatures to look forward to and I’m sure anglers’ will be making the most of what will seem like a heat wave!
Massachusetts Fishing Forecast
In addition to the Bay State choices, some exciting ones over the border have just become available. Foremost is Winnipesaukee which has completely “caught” and the reports of rainbow trout, lake trout and white perch are impressive among the bays. Additionally, Great Bay in New Hampshire has locked up and some are catching their limits of smelt! Not to be outdone, the smelt camps of the Merrymeeting Bay/Kennebec River area are all open for business and after having spoken to three of them, I’m craving smelt in a big way. And if you have a Massachusetts saltwater fishing permit, because you’ll be fishing in a tidal zone, your license will cover it!
Any reports on smelt?