NORTH SHORE TROUT: DIRECTIONS TO POPULAR TROUT WATERS

This summer has finally ended and will go down as one of the wettest and coolest in recent years. As we enter the fall season with pleasant daytime temperatures and crisp nights, the thoughts of casting worms and presenting flies to newly stocked trout captures our thoughts. Massachusetts is recognized as one of the best trout fishing states in New England. Fishermen from all over flock to local ponds to take advantage of the incredible numbers that can be found. This is obvious by the number of out-of-state plates on the cars in the parking lots of local ponds.

Fall stocking are generally pretty good with local trout waters receiving their allotment of fish by the October 12 holiday weekend. Once the news of the stocking truck’s arrival is leaked, fishermen flock to the ponds armed with crawlers, dillies, power bait, meal worms and a barrage of artificial baits.

Based on past stocking records, there are eighteen ponds in the Northeast District that are stocked during the fall season. Generally, because of the numbers of trout that are available only the ponds will receive trout. If the numbers of trout exceed 15,000, then the stocking of heavily fished rivers will be considered. Generally, each pond will receive between 300 and 500 trout. The following are popular trout waters on the North Shore and within easy travel of Boston.

Bald Pate Pond, Boxford: Take Rt. 95 to Ipswich Road. Follow Ipswich Road (west) until you arrive at Bald Pate Rd. And the pond will be on your right a short distance away. Parking around the pond is extremely limited and parking regulations are strictly enforced. Only park in the designated areas.

Pleasant Pond, Wenham: Pleasant Pond is also known as Idlewood Lake and easily reached. To get to Pleasant Pond, follow Rt. 128 to Rt. 1A toward Hamilton. About a mile from Rt. 128 you will see Wenham Lake on your left. Continue on Rt. 1A until you come to Cherry St. which is about a mile past Wenham Lake. Take a left onto Cherry St. and continue until you arrive at Pleasant St. Follow Pleasant St. until you arrive at the pond.

The North Shore Rod and Gun Club has adopted Pleasant Pond and stock additional trout into the popular pond. These additional trout are of good size and the numbers that are stocked depend on the success of trout button sales with the proceeds going to stock the pond. These buttons are sold at local tackle shops and club meetings.

Sluice Pond, Lynn: Sluice Pond is located in the heart of Lynn and has been the location of Lynn Fish & Game’s Annual Super Trout Derby each spring. This is a popular trout pond and is known for it’s excellent trout fishery. The easiest way to get to Sluice Pond is to follow Rt. 128 and exit at Rt. 129. Continue on Rt. 129 and the pond will be on your left. There is a paved launching ramp located at the north end of the pond. Shore fishermen fish off the wall behind the K of C Hall located on Lynnfield St. Just a reminder to respect the property of others.

Pentucket Pond, Georgetown: Pentucket is a popular and easy pond to find. It is located just outside the center of Georgetown. To arrive at this pond follow Rt. 95 until you reach Rt. 133. Remain on Rt. 133 until you arrive in the center of Georgetown. Take North St. to Pond St. and Pentucket will be on your left. The Georgetown Fish & Game is located at the pond and sponsors an excellent ice fishing derby. It’s a great day for the whole family.

Rock Pond, Georgetown: Follow the above directions into Georgetown Center. Rock Pond is located on the other side of Main Street.

Lake Pentucket, Haverhill: Follow Rt. 495 until you come to Rt. 108. Continue on Rt. 108 until you arrive at Midlake Street. Take a right onto Midlake. Continue on Midlake until you come to the end of the street which will put you on Concord Street. Take a left onto Concord Street, then a right onto Stanley Drive. At the end of Stanley Drive take a right onto Lawrence Street. Public access is gained off Lawrence Street.

Lake Saltonstall, Haverhill: Follow the above directions until you reach Midlake Street. Instead of taking a right onto Midlake continue to follow Rt. 108 until you reach the intersection of Rt. 110. At that intersection take a left onto Saltonstall Street then a right onto Mill Street. Lake Saltonstall will be on your left.

There are other ponds in the Northeast District that will be stocked such as Walden Pond and White Pond in Concord. Generally, most ponds that are stocked in the spring will receive another stocking during the fall.

Fall trout fishing in Massachusetts is very productive. The shores of local ponds are not as crowded as they can be in the spring which makes fall fishing that much more enjoyable. Bait fishing is generally considered to be best but fall trout will readily go after folie and hardware.