Massachusetts Fishing Report
UPDATED: 1/29/2026
The metaphor may be dated, but shop owners are relating to the Maytag Repairman – they’re bored out of their gourds! Unless you’ve been on a cruise in the Caribbean, you’re dealing with an abominable load of snow, making ice fishing aspirations challenging. However, the hardcore among us are still having at it and not surprisingly finding a few other fishermen.
Pete Belsan, from Belsan Bait and Tackle in Scituate, summed up the current reality on the South Shore with: “Well, it WAS good!” Prior to the snow dump, anglers were reveling in all kinds of hardwater action from Plymouth through Hingham. A few top hits were Magoun Pond in Marshfield, Jacobs Pond in Norwell, and Lilly Pond in Cohasset. As to what’s biting, hawg largemouth up to six pounds have come out to play, as well as the supporting cast of panfish and pickerel. Pete Santini of Fishing FINatics in Everett flashed me a pic of a very large Larry that was caught somewhere in Plymouth. Specifics may be lacking, but it usually takes extra-large forage in the form of alewives or trout to grow a fish that large, which hopefully is a hint where to start. Patrons are putting shiners to good use at Lake Quannipowett, Martin Pond, and Harold Parker Reservation. That sprawling refuge is not limited to just warm water species, as both Bear Pond and Berry Pond are stocked with trout.
Eric from Lunkers in Ashland said that prior to the great white cloak smothering ice and access, bass had been active at Winthrop Lake. For some odd reason, it’s a year for big pickerel with Little Chauncy and Whitehall Reservoir among the shop’s picks for a trophy toothy. Fairhaven Bay remains the top choice for their larger pike cousins. Anyone who knows Rick from Jerry’s Bait in Milford is well aware that when excited, he blurts out “dude” at a rapid-fire rate; such was the case when he brought up brown trout out of Comet Pond. Rick also listed Singletary Lake for smallies and Big Chauncy and Nipmunk Pond for largemouth and other warm water species. The latter also holds smallmouth bass.
Eddie of B&A Bait and Tackle Co. in West Boylston, who is the ad hoc “eye on the Chu, said it is covered in a blanket of white. While we are months away from taking advantage of what swims there, some are coping with Wachusett withdrawal better than others. A few lakers have been taken downstream of the spillway in the catch basin of the Nashua River. Eddie said that there are also some solid pickerel there as well. Two local best bets for bass are South Meadow Pond and Flint Pond. Pike are known to prowl in Flint, Quinsigamond, and Indian Lake.
Gerry from Crack of Dawn Bait in Phillipston said that a friend has been having his way with brown trout in shallow water in South Pond. A few rainbows have also been part of the catch, with the action taking place only a few feet from the boat launch. While access is daunting, some are finding the effort worth it at Lake Mattawa for smallmouth bass and trout. Mattawa also gives up occasional jumbo yellow perch and white perch. As for largemouth bass, Lake Rohunta still rules for both size and numbers.
Want to get in on the bite? Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain for Massachusetts
According to Martin of B&R Bait on Cheshire Reservoir, hardcore hardwater addicts have been justly compensated for their efforts with pike and bass. The first basin even gave up a 14-pound pike as well as an 8-pound largemouth! Some feel that a dropping pressure front coinciding with the beginning of a snowstorm triggers the trophies to feed. Time your next outing to coincide with an approaching front, and you may actually look forward to the next storm. It can be a tough one to decide which of the big western Mass lakes to choose from, but in Martin’s opinion, the awesome Lake Onota is a top-tier. It always comes down to forage, and an abundant smelt population keeps pike and salmonoids robust. Those looking to jig them up for bait or a snack have been tallying 150-200 during an outing! If icing a few pike is your priority, then search out the deepwater edges of weedlines, ledge, or contour lines.
Regarding smelt, here’s one for you courtesy of Shawn from Merrimac Sports! Folks are out on Bobhouses, shanties, and in some cases just their persons and slamming smelt in the Exeter River! It’s not every year that this tributary of Great Bay is iced in, which makes this fishery something to really take advantage of. As for access in the Merrimack Valley Region, the fact that the shop is moving more propane than pike shiners bespeaks of conditions. Before the storm, angling had been good for pike near the Covanta Plant. Favorable temperatures, as well as the insulating properties of the snow cover, should ensure safe ice for quite a while. Plugs Pond continues to produce trout, with Manning Lake in New Hampshire sought after for bass. Other trout options are Forest Lake in Methuen as well as Baldpate Pond and Stiles Pond, both of which are in Boxford.
Massachusetts Fishing Forecast
While access could be better, it’s hard to complain about universally solid ice throughout our state. Plymouth, with its panoply of ponds and lakes – many of which have had little ice in recent years – could very well be a Bay State best bet for a big bass. One spot to consider is Billington Sea, which is perfectly perched at the tailwater of the Town River herring run. While Larry has no problem dispatching the largest alewife, it’s the millions of fry from the summer throughout the fall that fuel great growth. Do your homework, and doubtless you’ll find a lot more Plymouth possibilities. Long Pond is among one of the better choices for a holdover brown trout. This water body covers all the bases as it is heavily stocked, affords a deepwater sanctuary, and has an expansive forage base. Closer to Boston, consider Whitman Pond, which also provides habitat for spawning river herring. Sunset Lake in Braintree is another black bass possibility. A Metrowest option is Winthrop Lake for bass and Fairhaven Bay on the Sudbury River for pike. While Heard Pond has been quiet, as an offshoot of the Sudbury, you never know what’s swimming there.
Flint Pond through Lake Quinsigamond are worth checking out for pike, as is nearby Indian Lake. South Meadow is a better choice for crappie and other warm-water species. To a shop owner, they crow about Comet Pond in Hubbardston for trout – especially brown trout. Farther out west, the first basin in Cheshire Reservoir is custom-made for sounding a big bait in a weed pocket as your fellow anglers have been icing double-digit pike and bass nearly as heavy! Onota Lake is among the more interesting water bodies thanks to its unique combination of cold water and warm water species, as well as plentiful smelt. Regarding smelt, if hauling out to the Maine smelt camps is a little too far for your liking, you have a closer option now, as the Exeter River just over the border is featuring solid ice and a solid smelt bite. Just be prepared for the occasional interloping holdover striper or saltwater white perch to crash the small fish party.
UPDATED: 1/22/2026
Many of the South Shore’s ponds remained ice-free for a few days this week, but now, frigid weather is causing skim ice to reform ahead of this weekend’s deep freeze and severe winter storm. Ice fishing fanatics from south of Boston down to Cape Cod will have to wait just a bit longer to scratch the hardwater itch, but the good news is, the ice will be here to stay until early February at least. Further west, it’s a whole different story. While some areas experienced a brief melting period, air temperatures weren’t mild enough to thaw the thick ice and anglers from Greenfield to Worcester continued to pull in bass, pike, trout and the other usual suspects.
It will be plenty cold this weekend, and while you may be tempted to set out some traps in the snow on Sunday, consider fishing before the storm or waiting until the worst of it has passed just to be safe.
Stay warm out there!
UPDATED: 1/15/2026
Panfish, bass, and trout – oh my! For much of the state, hardwater is hitting on all cylinders with the entire spectrum of species cooperating. While bass, panfish, pickerel, and pike have their fans, trout remain the top target, which would come as no surprise to your grandfather!
The god of ice giveth and then taketh away; at least that’s the unfortunate reality on the South Shore, according to Pete from Belsan Bait and Tackle in Scituate. Anglers were having a heck of a time plucking Larrys up to 6 pounds out of solid ice in Jacobs Pond as well as Lilly Pond – and then it all went away. Of course, if you really have a frozen water fixation, you’ve got one eye on the upcoming forecast.
Pete Santini of Fishing FINatics in Everett said that anglers were reporting anywhere from 5 – 8” of ice from Greater Boston through the Metrowest area, with the caveat being that anglers should be cautious about shorelines. That December cold blast set up ice, which in many places outlasted the thaw. Red rosies have been among the best baits, especially for the more aggressive brown trout. Horn Pond has been one of the hottest, as has White Pond. A few solid black bass have been iced from Wright Pond. Pete mentioned a few unsung options that have given up the occasional nice bass in the past, such as Walker Pond, Towners Pond, Swains Pond, and Browns Pond. Jim Walsh, out of Lynn, continues to put the American Classic crew onto groundfish in the Gulf of Maine, with recent catches slanted towards cusk and redfish.
Rick from Jerry’s Bait and Tackle in Milford said that patrons have been pulling in Quabog pike between15-20 pounds. While a step down in size, their pickerel cousins are providing good action in Farm Pond. Ashland Reservoir and South Pond have been among the most consistent for trout, especially brown trout. Worms and shiners in close are getting it done for the bows, while the browns are more likely to be found over humps in deeper water. At least one pike has been caught from Flint Pond, with a few also taken among coves in Quinsigamond. The A-1 Site was also mentioned for bass.
Eric from Lunkers in Ashland noted that northerns up to 7 pounds have been recently caught at Fairhaven Bay. Prior to the thaw, anglers were able to access the bay from the Sudbury River; after next week’s temperature drop, that might be a possibility again. Winthrop Lake and the “south pond” in Lake Cochituate have been fishing well for a mixed bag of warm water species.
Thanks to the late winter temperature drop, there has been no lapse in business for Eddie of B&A Bait and Tackle Co. in West Boylston. No sooner was the curtain called on the Chu than anglers hit the hardwater in Central Mass. Comet Pond remains one of the more consistent spots for trout, especially brown trout. For pike, Indian Lake is a local best bet, although some customers are getting them at Quabog Pond. For a menagerie of warm water species, Eddie is steering his patrons towards Moosehorn, South Meadow, and Mossy ponds. Swedish Pimples in copper ice, chartreuse ice, and nickel have been among the most reliable lures.
Gerry from Crack of Dawn Bait and Tackle in Phillipston told me that there’s good news regarding Lake Rohunta on two fronts: the bass and perch bite are good, and a recent public land purchase should improve access! Apparently, the Trustees of Reservation recently acquired 200 acres, which, from a fisher’s point of view, will help maintain access to prime ice fishing areas in the lake. Ice thickness in the Connecticut Valley Region is running between 10-14”, and because most water bodies have been locked up for weeks, the fishing can be a tad slow. Regardless, there have been solid pike taken out of the Oxbow as well as Barton Cove. Some impressive bowfin have even been caught at the Oxbow. For trout, top picks are Lake Dennison as well as Comet Pond. Anglers are reporting catching 18-20” rainbows from both water bodies. The shop’s multi-specie slayer has been a chrome Swedish Pimple sweetened with a mealworm.
Want to get in on the bite? Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain for Massachusetts
Josh from The Fishing Hole in South Hadley in South Hadley mentioned the Oxbow as a pressured but occasionally productive pike and bass spot, with Barton Cove as the better bet. Other sections of the Connecticut River prior to the thaw were icing in and should begin where the river left off once the chill returns. Meanwhile, other western Mass largemouth spots such as Brooks Pond have been good for Josh and friends. Buckley Dunton deserves special mention as well.
As for northeast trout, Shawn from Merrimac Sports, without hesitation, gave up Plugs Pond in Haverhill as first choice. Regarding specifics, “crappie nibbles” have been the killer bait. Word has it that somehow pike have wound up in Beaver Lake in Derry, with at least one caught there. Prior to the thaw, upstream of the Lawrence Dam, anglers were catching pike among quiet coves and islands. File that information and first give that river a chance to lock up again.
Massachusetts Fishing Forecast
South Shore anglers have pressed the pause button on what was hot fishing for largemouth bass and other assorted warm water species. All is not without hope, however as hardwater should return once the imminent freeze ices up such spots as Jacobs Pond and Lilly Pond. Not far from Boston, bass have been biting at Wright’s Pond, Walker Pond, and Swains. Metrowest options are Fairhaven Bay for pike, White Pond and Ashland Reservoir for trout, and Farm Pond, Winthrop Lake, and the A-1 Site for bass. Comet has been consistent for Central Mass trout, while Indian Lake, Quinsigamond, and Quabog all deserve a mention for pike. The Oxbow, Barton Cove, and Cheshire Reservoir all offer the promise of pike out west. Plugs Pond, Stiles Pond, Baldpate, and Forest Lake remain top picks for trout in the Northeast.
1/8/2026
While the ice fishing season carries on in western Massachusetts, anglers closer to the coast are experiencing a warmup that has begun to melt away much of the fishable ice that only recently formed. It won’t last long, though. By the end of next week, sub-freezing temps will return and anglers will be back on the ice. This weekend into early next week, however, may require some searching for fishable water. The freshwater favorites, namely trout and bass, will be the top targets for Bay State anglers where there’s a lack of ice. Meanwhile, ice anglers out west can continue targeting pike, bass, trout and panfish through the ice unless things get a little too watery out there.
Stay safe and enjoy the mild weather while it lasts.
1/1/2026
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.
Want to get in on the bite? Find an OTW-approved Charter Fishing Captain for Massachusetts
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!