by Ron Powers
The news of a fresh batch of brook trout and rainbows swimming in the Southeast has anglers all across the state making a pilgrimage to Plymouth as well as the Cape. For those who prefer to wait for the hatchery folks to stock their region, bass, holdover trout and pike are occupying their time.
Massachusetts Fishing Report
Pete from Belsan Bait and Tackle in Scituate told me that with stocking underway along Masswildiife’s Southeast District, anglers are dividing their time between fishing for new brookie and rainbow arrivals, and perusing the department’s website to see where and what is next! Pete’s picks for the stockies are the gold Thomas Whirlfish, red/gold Acme Little Cleos, Rooster Tail brown trout spinners and yellow/gold Panther Martins. Of course something can be said for ‘garden hackle”, shiners and Power Bait! The other option for shiners, albeit in larger proportions, are pre-spawn Larrys with some real bucketmouths to be found among habitat where river herring spawn.
Rick from Jerry’s Bait And Tackle in Milford said that prior to the deluge the Sudbury River, especially Fairhaven Bay, was giving up some impressive pike with large shiners and jerk baits accounting for most of the fish. Locally anglers have been catching bass at Dudley Pond as well as Walden and White Ponds. Walden also has been giving up some impressive holdover brown trout which fatten up thanks to a smelt forage base. Pike also have been the principal quarry for patrons of Merrimac Sports according to shop manager Shawn. The quandary regarding that quarry is the torrents from all that rainfall which push the pike towards current brakes making coves and the downstream sides of points and islands productive. There are no shortage of feeder streams and sloughs that make up the Merrimack watershed and with higher water look for pike to move into them to feed and spawn. In addition to bait, firetiger, perch and black/silver jointed Rapala Shad Raps and X Raps should catch them.
The soaking rains are threatening Eddie of B&A Bait and Tackle Co. in West Boylston’s prediction that Wachusett opening day will have access aplenty. While we’ll have to wait and see about that one, anglers aren’t waiting to fish Indian Lake for pike and Comet for trout. The shop’s also doling out shiners for anglers targeting South Meadow Pond and Maple Springs. Gerry from the Crack of Dawn Bait in Phillipston said that anglers have been targeting the Miller River and Swift River for brown trout. The Swift especially has been fishing well for quality fish up to 4 pounds with chartreuse and silver-tipped streamers working well. When asked about water levels he said that the Miller had been quiet and should continue to be so in preparation for the Athol River Rat Race, which takes place in April. Sponsors of this event keep an eye on flow rates/water volumes and lower the levels when it gets too strong. Pike have been taken in the Connecticut River, especially in the Barton Cove area. Anglers should also keep an eye on the oxbows just north the border in Hinsdale New Hampshire.
Josh from the Fishing Hole in South Hadley said that while high, fishing the Swift River is yielding a lot of rainbow and brown trout. “Junk flies” which imitate worms, ants and other current-swept morsels have been effective. The flow rate from the Quabbin is extraordinary with a lot of water pouring over the spillway bringing with it a lot of food for the trout. Pike in the “Housy” are in the throes of spawning among quieter stretches of the river as well as tributaries and feeder sloughs. In spite of their amorous intentions those pike will still feed with Josh recommending fire tiger, perch-patterned and golden jerk baits and jointed swimmers.
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Lastly we’re little over a month away from opening day on the Quabbin making it only fitting that our resident dude at the Q – Dave “Turtleman” Riley – weigh in a little further.
“This will be the last of my introductions to Quabbin’s fishing areas, and will focus on Fishing Area 3, Gate 43 which is located in the town of Hardwick. Area 3 is unique in that not only does it access Quabbin Reservoir proper, but also gives access to Pottapaug Pond and, at close to 600 acres, should be noted by largemouth hunters. It is relatively shallow and weedy, and fishes much like the traditional bass ponds we all know. It is also a great place to go when the Reservoir proper is being fussy and stubborn! Before planning to fish this pond specifically, check the state’s website to be sure it can be accessed, as they have closed it to access in the past.
The Reservoir proper here has some of the shallowest water, and best largemouth habitat in those shallows throughout the areas heading east from the launch. The middle branch of the swift river flows in at the launch, and its old streambed forms the channel out to the main body of water. As it makes its way from east to west, it naturally flows into the baffle dam east of Den Hill, and begins to flow north to make its way around Mt.Zion. This marvel of 1920s engineering creates a dynamic environment for all of Quabbin’s species, including largemouth and smallmouth. Tactics, gear, and line choices remain the same as I’ve mentioned previously with location determining success now. Traveling north gives an intimate feel of a smaller river, with islands popping up on the east shores, and the deeper water of the banks of Mt.Zion to the west. The eastern islands are a great place to search for fish, however as one works past the first few deep water adjacent spots, the habitat becomes less inviting. Many of the best looking structures and spots suffer from sedimentation, caused by the currents created by the baffle dam. The west bank is excellent smallmouth habitat, with access to both deep water haunts and shallow spawning/feeding spots as well. Passing through “the pass” will lead to a vast expanse of open water. This is great coldwater species water, as evidenced by the trollers lined up and fishing some very deep water. Turning south will bring you to some good smallmouth habitat, around Curtis, Parker, and Chapman Islands. Taking the ride across the vast expanse leads to very limited bass habitat, though some very big fish will find these limited areas and use them to feed and spawn. As one fishes this bank north, the habitat gets better, as does the fish population with it. As the Reservoir opens on April 20th this year, it gives just a bit of time next week to look into the very best spots to fish from shore. Stay tuned and I would love it if you followed me on Facebook!
Massachusetts Fishing Forecast
With the hatchery folks doubling down on stocking, trout are the top target with the Cape through the South Shore refreshed with everything from rainbows to brook trout. Lethargic Larrys are heading the need to pack on weight in anticipation of the eventual spawn in early summer and have been taking down shiners all across the state. Quite possibly pike have been the penultimate prize in late winter with the fish in close and on the feed among coves, inlets and adjoining ponds.
s2 Ron,
Dated Feb 26,2019
From Caleb Slater MA F&W –
I asked our fisheries biologist in that district and he said he has not heard of any smelt being caught or found in the guts of fish for quite a few years in Walden Pond.Steve Another good statewide
fresh water report Ron.The talk of stocking always makes cabin fever wear off and get noticed.The info of Northern Pike is very useful and is such a great option.Walleye Time to git’yer gear ready ! middleboro herring run has started backing up at the ladders! Tight Lines!
Wayne Walgreen Trump 2024! Herring in the Middleboro run!
