Massachusetts Fishing Report
If your New Year’s Resolution is to take up ice fishing, you’re in luck! Out west remains best for frozen water fun, but a few are finding their hardwater fix much closer to the coast.
In spite of the big December chill, I didn’t expect an ice fishing report from the South Shore, but Pete from Belsan Bait and Tackle in Scituate served one up. No-name bogs and ponds throughout the area are sporting solid ice, and anglers couldn’t be happier. Coves on the plethora of Plymouth Ponds on up to Hingham are locking up, and with a frosty forecast predicted, the next report should be heavy on specifics. Meanwhile, odds are good that if you shiner-up at Mr Belsan’s he’ll point you in the direction of some choice nondescript smaller ponds.
There’s no such wait for patrons of Pete Santini’s Fishing FINatics in Everett, as the list of likely ice fishing spots seems to grow by the day. The latest lucky spot he told me of was Baldpate Pond, where both rainbows and brown trout have proved cooperative. The “backside” of Horn Pond should be ready to go soon, with the edge of the lily pad stock often holding trout that grovel for nymphs during the winter. Wrights in Medford, where 5-pound Larrys have been iced in the past, should have good conditions as well. Some patrons are putting in time at the sprawling Harold Parker Reservation in the North Andover/Middleton area. This voluminous reservation is peppered with ponds where all manner of warm water species – as well as trout – swim.
For something decidedly more salty, Jim Walsh out of Lynn is still pointing his American Classic towards his select groundfish waypoints. The target now is redfish and haddock, with reports having the crew clutching bags of fillets as they disembark.
Eric of Lunker’s in Ashland had a hunch to go heavy with the shiner order this week, and it proved to be a prophetic one. Hopkinton Reservoir has been a hardwater highlight with anglers hauling in rainbows at a brisk pace. Shallow coves – with water as skinny as 4’ – have been among the most productive. For a shot at a solid bass, Eric suggests Little Chauncy or South End Pond. There’s been no word on the pike-plentiful Farehaven Bay off the Sudbury River, but that is usually among the first to freeze. Should you give it a go, bring along a jigging stick while you await a toothy attack; that place holds solid crappie.
Rick from Jerry’s Bait and Tackle in Milford said that ice fishing traffic in the shop is heavier at this time than in years. Pratt Pond in Upton has been among the more productive places for warm water species. Patrons are also making repeat trips to Pout Pond in Uxbridge for bass and pickerel. Woods Pond is also among the more popular ponds for shop regulars..
Offseasons aren’t what they used to be, thanks to authorities extending the Wachusett Reservoir fishing season an extra month for the second year in a row. Despite enough snow, sleet, ice, and rain to keep most at bay, the hardcore were duly rewarded over the recent weeks. I personally made good use of my head-to-toe AFTCO jacket/bib combo that I use for late-season tog fishing, and was glad I had it. Another accessory I was glad to have with me was AFTCO’s Breakwater Gloves. These things are warm, pliable, dextrous, and are the rarest of gloves in that once put on, you don’t have to remove them. That even applies to tying leaders and sending torturous texts to chums who aren’t fishing as you’re catching. Next up will be the real test as I put them through the paces while ice fishing – stay tuned!
The last week of the Chu season brought the lakers in very close and shallow. The need for Ron Arra’s histrionics was not needed. The rub, however, was that there were a lot of swings and misses to go along with hook-sets as plummeting water temperatures led to lethargic lakers. For the folks who forwent the frigid conditions, that extra month was a badly needed panacea to ward off the angst of having to wait for April.
Meanwhile, according to Eddie of B&A Bait and Tackle in West Boylston, hardwater will be providing Wachusett withdrawal pangs for the next few months. As for now, anglers are on the ice at South Meadow in Clinton, Indian Lake in Worcester, and Peter Carr in Hubbardston. Newton Pond has northerns, as does Indian Lake. A few have also been chasing trout at Comet Pond.
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Conditions and the catching are about as good as it gets in the Connecticut Valley Region and out west, according to Gerry of Crack of Dawn Bait and Tackle in Phillipston. Name the water body, and odds are it has great ice, great access, and happy anglers. A few standouts are Barton Cove, where they are catching walleye, and the “Bog” (Quabog Pond), where the pike are on the feed. The adjacent South Pond has a few inches of ice close to the boat launch, with anglers who are catching trout there taking advantage of it. A 5-15 pickerel, which is now in the lead for the MassWildlife gold pin, was recently caught at Clubhouse Pond. Lake Dennison has been productive, but should you go, expect to meet a lot of new friends.
Shawn from Merrimac Sports is getting a lot of demand for pike shiners, which is probably an indicator that anglers are fishing the setback sloughs/coves off the Merrimack River. Two which have habitually been hardwater pike favorites are the Kimball Island area, as well as the cove next to the Greater Lawrence Yacht Club. Please proceed cautiously should you venture out onto these areas, as they are principally rivers and do have current. Other northern mass options for warm water species are Lake Attitash, Tuxbury Pond, Artichoke Reservoir, and, if you don’t mind crossing the border, Johnson’s Pond.
Massachusetts Fishing Forecast
Slowly but steadily, the South Shore through Greater Boston are joining ideal ice fishing conditions which anglers are enjoying out west and up north. Meanwhile, rainbows are ripping into small shiners in the shallows of Hopkinton Reservoir. A trip to Baldpate Pond should reward as well with brown trout in the mix. Central Mass has Comet Pond, which is often stocked all season long. Little Chauncy may be small in namesake, but has been known to give up large Larrys. For an option not often thought of in the Bay State, Barton Cove off the Connecticut River has been giving up walleyes! While there, try dropping a dead bait to the bottom for the over-sized channel cats, which call this place home. Across the border into New Hampshire, you’ll find similar species and conditions. Should a salty start to the New Year be more to your liking than check out what Captain Walsh out of Lynn is serving up aboard the American Classic – with plenty of tasty redfish and haddock fillets to show for angler’s efforts. Regardless of your fishy inclination, have a heck of a New Year, which hopefully will include a tight line or two!