Massachusetts Fishing Report
In spite of pervasive ice and a statewide snow cap, many had a blue weekend! Foremost of the crestfallen were anglers who delayed buying bait and wound up without. Many bait shop owners didn’t fare much better as they generally sold out early with some having to make repeated runs for shiners.
Pete from Belsan Bait and Tackle in Scituate is no stranger to filling out state Sportfishing Award affidavits, but not often in late January! A spate of slab crappie and jumbo yellow perch will do that for a shop owner. As to the where, Pete was sworn to secrecy and would only say west of the shop. However I have a hunch that should you pick up a few dozen shiners he will steer you in the right direction. Solid reports have been coming in from Long Duck Pond, Jacobs Pond and Magoon Pond. He had no word on ice conditions in Long and Little Ponds but those prime trout water bodies deserve a look. Eric from Lunkers in Ashland told me that his shop was burning through shiners as customers took advantage of universally good ice. Bass and pickerel reports have been good from Little Chauncy Pond, Learned Pond as well as Winthrop Lake. For trout Ashland Reservoir is the top local pick and the action is usually conveniently located near the boat ramp.
The tale from Rene of Bridge Bait in Salisbury could be a case of “be careful what you wish for, you just might get it!” After doing without for more seasons than not, he was hoping to do a brisk business but he never bargained for having to wait for hours at the bait distributor because he kept running out. Anglers on the north shore are putting that bait to good use at Gardiner Lake, Artichoke Reservoir, Chebacco Lake, Lake Attitash, Baldpate Pond, Stiles Pond and Forest Lake. With a list like that it’s little wonder that the shop is moving so much bait. I also have a hunch that historical early season Merrimack River favorites had good ice but I’d wait for next weeks cold snap just to play it safe. David who used to work at Merrimac Sports used to amaze me with anecdotes of good early ice and great pike fishing there.
Eddie of B&A Bait and Tackle Co. in West Boylston hasn’t had much of an offseason.
Fresh off of the Wachusett Reservoir fishing season being extended until the end of the year, lots of local water bodies have locked up. He’s another one of those guys who has had to make road trips looking for more bait. Comet Pond in Hubbardston has been hot for trout but stay away from the middle which was, and may still be, open. The boat ramp area has been among the most consistent spots for bows and browns. For warm water species consider Moosehorn Pond, South Meadow Pond and Maple Springs. Among the many reasons I miss my late friend Rodney Flagg of Flagg’s Fly and Tackle in Orange was that after talking to him I’d want to drop whatever I was doing and give it a go at the Connecticut Valley Region. His reports at this time of the year would be chock full of trout, bass and panfish from Clubhouse Pond, Lake Rohunta, Lake Mattawa, Moores Pond as well as the North and South Spectacle Ponds. For smallmouth bass, perch and trout Lake Mattawa was best while Rohunta ruled for largemouth bass and “calicos” as Rod called crappie. The “Specs” were always special for crappie as well. Should you have a good day at one of these spots, take a moment and give a nod to Rod.
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And then there’s Martin Farrell’s report! The owner of B&R Bait on the banks of Cheshire Reservoir told me that the pike bite has been on fire with numerous big pike up to 20 pounds landed! While this area is toothy country, for a crappie diversion consider the first basin which can be a blast for anglers who like to tote sonar and a jig stick. Other options for light tackle enthusiasts are Windsor Pond and Windsor Lake. Windsor Pond is a brown trout favorite while Windsor Lake is a best bet for rainbows.
Massachusetts Fishing Forecast
If you’re uncertain about South Shore ice conditions than the remedy is to take a ride out west or up north where odds are much better that water bodies have survived recent rains. Consider Chebacco Lake for crappie while Artichoke Reservoir is a safer bet for bass and pickerel. Lake Attitash historically was known as a pike producer but in recent years has garnered a reputation for smallmouth bass. Comet Pond is tops for trout in Central Mass while the Coachlace Lakes are a better choice for a myriad of warm water species. However if you want a real challenge check out Cheshire Reservoir where trophy toothies rule!
Rodney Flagg was an incredible fly tier (see Quabbin Sunrise) as well as a great source of where and well to go in Central MA
Where was that big pike caught? The first picture.