The perfect panacea for post-hardwater heartache is a tight line, and right now much of that is being provided by stocked trout. Elsewhere shiner soakers, the swim bait brigade and jerk shad specialists are focusing on fish that could make a meal out of most stockies!
Massachusetts Fishing Report
One of the last things I would expect is to get a report on South Shore trout and bass from a shop in Milford but this was a good one. A more apt way to describe the report might be – trout-eating bass! Rick who runs Jerry’s Bait and Tackle in Milford told me that his friend and swim bait Svengali Dan Southwick apparently has been paying attention to stocking reports as is others with one noticeable exception – he considers trout the bait! Plymouth ponds which are stocked with trout have been on his agenda and the results have been Larrys over 6 1/2 pounds! For those who appreciate trout as the target on the South Shore, I asked Pete from Belsan Bait and Tackle in Scituate to weigh in, to which he mentioned Fearing Pond and Louts Pond in Plymouth as well as Massapoag in Sharon for both trout and big bass possibilities. Lisa from Fore River Fishing Tackle in Quincy told me that in addition to trout, customers are crazed for crappie in the Charles River. For warm water species variety, she suggests Sunset Lake, Pope’s Pond and Whitman’s Pond. And for the now ubiquitous rainbows, Houghton’s Pond is her local favorite.
The previously mentioned Rick from Jerry’s is steering customers who want trout to Cochituate, Ashland Reservoir and Hopkinton Reservoir.. Eric from Lunkers in Ashland agreed about those trout hot spots and added that copper/red Thomas Buoyants and black/yellow Panther Martin spinners as well as Power Bait were among the hot offerings. For bass he recommends Little Chauncy which gave up some impressive Larrys for the all-too short recent ice fishing season.
The Wachusett water watch continues with no shortage of ups and downs as this week reports have it extraordinarily high according to Eddie of B&A Bait and Tackle Co. in West Boylston. While obviously impossible to call by opening day, slated for April 6th, there are some advantages of higher water levels. In some ways it evens the playing field as the fish are more spread out and sought-after spots become gradually accessible as water levels drop. You might call it a Chu lottery of sorts! While some are hoping that the next month passes as quickly as possible, according to Eddie there are a few such as Ed Manning who are already getting their Wachusett fix. Last year at about this time he was finding holdover rainbows up to 18” in stretches of the Quinapoxet and Stillwater Rivers which are open to fishing all year long! Other options in central Mass are Comet Pond for trout and Indian Lake for pike.
Gerry from Crack of Dawn Bait and Tackle in Phillipston said that the Quabbin cadre are beginning to get anxious about the April 16th opening day! Regarding the reservoir, look for more of an insider’s perspective on bass fishing Quabbin in next week’s report from our man-on-the-Q – Dave “Turtleman” Riley. While the wait was on for fresh recruits, wily holdover rainbows and browns, which had done some growing, were being caught at Lake Mattawa and Moore’s Pond. If stockies are on your schedule then put Onota Lake and Lake Buel on your list for fresh rainbows. Warm water winners are Dunns Pond and Lake Dennison. What’s noteworthy for northern pike pursuers is what’s going on in the Connecticut River with a rare mid-March open water opportunity to fish the Barton Cove/Turner Falls area. And the word is that the bite is on! If you don’t mind crossing the border the “setbacks” in the Hinsdale New Hampshire area can be hot and for walleyes too!
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Regarding pike back east Rennie of Bridge Bait and Tackle in Salisbury said that the Merrimack has simmered down to manageable levels with pike still in close and hungry. The Merrimack also has a healthy smallmouth and largemouth bass population so it’s never too early to toss out a Senko-style bait or even slow-rolling a spinnerbait. Another local option for bass and pike is Lake Attitash. Of course the northeast report would be lacking without touting trout favorites to which Rennie offered Forest Lake and Baldpate Pond, both of which have recently been stocked with rainbows! While we have a ways to go before any semblance of saltwater action is realistic, some are still picking up clams and casting towards the horizon off of Salisbury Beach and Plum Island. As to what might be interested, you could pick up a wayward catch-and-release cod, whiting or flounder.
Massachusetts Fishing Forecast
The march of the hatchery trucks continues with all Masswildlife Regions recent recipients of stocked trout! If you’re looking for a predator which could turn the tables on trout, consider tossing a swim bait for large Larrys which could be lurking among some of the Plymouth Ponds such as Fearing Pond or Lout Pond. Another quarry that trout and other species should be leery of is pike which are feeding in the Barton Cove area of the Connecticut River and the Merrimack River in Haverhill, North Andover and Lawrence. While it’s not time yet to heed the call of the Chu, a taste of what’s to come awaits those who fish tributary sections which can be fished all season long.
Brandon b Looking to fish at west hill? Do u guys know we’re to go because my old spot is now private property
