While no one in these parts is likely to hear a dramatic “ice-in” pronouncement as they do up north, the taciturn among us are getting out on the ice! As expected, the first wave of ice fishing is taking place in the northwestern part of the state, but other regions should be lining up in short order. Perhaps sensing that the open water window is closing quickly, some are experiencing a renewed sense of urgency to get their casting licks in while they can.
First Ice Options
Timing was good for a talk with Martin Farrell of B&R Bait in Cheshire, as anglers were just getting out on the first basin of Cheshire Reservoir. While Cheshire is renowned for pike, it also gives up big largemouth bass every year. While not all that popular, anglers who pursue crappie do very well here as well. The popular Plainfield Pond has warm water species, with anglers already taking advantage of black ice.
Josh from The Fishing Hole in South Hadley wasted no time in enlisting the services of a few pals to have at Hilltown ice. The flash-frozen black ice they are finding not only makes for fast action but also ideal conditions for skating! Trout, as well as toothies, have been the target, and while the “where” was not divulged during our conversation, in the past, such water bodies as Goose Pond, Windsor Pond, Windsor Lake, and North Pond have all been early-season trout favorites.
Next on the list should be the larger western two-story lakes such as Pontoosuc Lake, Lake Buel, and Onota Lake. Onota is especially interesting thanks to its depth and smelt forage base!
According to Gerry of Crack of Dawn Bait and Tackle in Phillipston, ice fishing options seem to be expanding by the day. A few he’s hearing good reports from are Moore’s Pond and Clubhouse Pond, both of which hold trout as well as warm water species. Lake Rohunta is locking up and is known for its Larry fishing, while the North and South Spectacle Ponds are also looking good. The North is usually the fastest to freeze, while the South is special for slab crappie. While not ready just yet, the Barton Cove area of the Connecticut River is freezing over nicely, giving anglers a solid shot at a walleye, pike, or channel catfish. North of the border on the Connecticut River, reports are trickling in of pike from the setback sloughs in the Hinsdale section.
Open Water Opportunities
Pete Santini of Fishing FINatics in Everett is still doling out shiners to never-say-die casters who are targeting trout and bass. Anglers deploying a slip-sinker rig with a shiner or worm on the bottom are catching quality brown trout from Jamaica Pond, Walden Pond, and White Pond. If you don’t mind taking a bit of a trip, South Pond in the East Brookfield/Sturbridge area is a good choice for this type of fishing while it remains largely open. Other options are bass, pickerel, and panfish, where the Muddy River enters the Charles River, as well as spots along the Mystic River where tributaries trickle in. Of course, at this juncture in mid-December, the conundrum for casters is to find areas without skim ice. Patrons of Pete’s shop know no boundaries or limitations, as some have found good ice in New Hampshire in Lake Waukewan as well as oxbows of the Connecticut River north of Keene. The latter is a warm water species, bouillabaisse, which is likely to give up anything from pike to walleye to crappie and even bowfin.
Should Wachusett Reservoir be in your sights, just be prepared to encounter tricky footing as there is a crust of snow/ice blanketing the fire roads and shorelines of the Rezy. Unbeknownst to me, I took the trip out on Wednesday, and it took but a glance at the glaze coating most everything to make me long for my ice cleats. Also, make sure you wear gaudy garb as hunting is ongoing in the reservation. Provided that you’re prepared, you should find willing lake trout and maybe a brilliantly colored rainbow or two. Eddie of B&A Bait and Tackle Co. in West Boylston said that red/gold Kastmasters are killing it. Personally, I had luck – 2 fish first five casts – with a 5/8 ounce firetiger Krocodile. Look for transition spots where deep water abuts the shallows. A few hardcore hardwater patrons are out on the ice with one of the crew mentioning Martins Pond in Groton.
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Shawn from Merrimac Sports said that while not there yet, Tuxbury Pond, Millvale Reservoir, and Round Pond are skimming over and looking promising for imminent safe ice. Meanwhile, the Merrimack River remains a casting best bet with the area by the Reworld waste treatment plant in Haverhill among the more consistent for pike and bass. Other areas to consider are the Stanley Island area as well as the Shawsheen, Spicket, and Concord River junctions. The shop is locked and loaded with all the right gear as well as choice shiners. Should you be behind the 8-ball and haven’t picked up a Christmas tree yet, they have those as well.
Massachusetts Fishing Forecast
Out west is best for ice fishing prospects with pike, trout, and bass in play at higher elevation hits such as Cheshire Reservoir, Plainfield Pond, North Pond, Goose Pond, and Windsor Pond. First ice is also a blast for skating, should you want to reacquaint yourself with your ice moves. In the Connecticut Valley Region, there are options as well, with Clubhouse Pond and Moores Pond being a few multi-species producers that also hold trout. For more hardwater possibilities, check out our New Hampshire/Maine report, which begins anew this week.
Soon your casting gear will be dust and cobweb-covered, but not yet! Rivers are less inclined to deliver the “can’t cast because of skim ice” heartbreak that befalls so many ponds this time of year. The Charles, Mystic, and Merrimack – especially near tributaries – should still have open water opportunities. South Shore through Greater Boston water bodies such as Long Pond, Jamaica Pond, Walden Pond, White Pond, and Sluice are worth a look, as they all hold trout.
There’s always the Wachusett and Quabbin option, where lakers swarm the shoreline in search of smelt.
Early ice is nice! Warming up Friday so take care and catch’em up! Tight lines Bucko’s!