BASS HOLES: OVERLOOKED AROUND BOSTON

The bitter cold spells of last winter are gradually fading into our memories. Gone are the blustery winds and the biting cold. Even though we were spared record breaking snows, most of us are glad winter has come to an end as we look forward to the fishing season at hand.

Largemouth bass fishermen will readily admit that this is the best time of the year to enjoy some tremendous bass fishing. Largemouth bass will move into the shallows and on to their nests as soon as water temperatures rise sufficiently to signal spawning time. This generally happens first in the smaller bodies of water. Once the spawning period has concluded, bass start to feed ferociously and will seldom pass over a reasonably presented bait. Baits that have proven themselves year after year are numerous and varied and include such favorites as jigs, jig n’ pig combinations, spinnerbaits and swimming plugs.

Every fisherman has his favorite bait and in this article we will not dwell on bait choices but look at some of the productive bass waters around Boston. The following bodies of water have proven themselves as good bass holes but are often times overlooked.

Flax Pond in Lynn is located just north of Rt. 129 and is in the heart of the city. Because of it’s urban setting, Flax Pond is generally overlooked. Access to the pond is good and the main access point is located off Magnolia St. There is no launching facility but the access points are suitable for launching canoes and car-toppers. Parking around the pond can be difficult during summer weekends as there are no designated parking spots for fishermen or pond usage.

Flax Pond is a 71 acre body of water that has a maximum depth of 29 feet and an average depth of 14 feet. The bottom consists of sand and rubble with aquatic vegetation common throughout the pond. The pond is easily fished in a day and provides good fishing for fishermen willing to work the pond. This pond is not heavily fish and receives it’s greatest fishing pressure from local kids. Every year, this "sleeper" pond gives up trophy fish.

Horn Pond in Woburn is more known for it’s great trout fishing but bass fishermen recognize the pond as a productive bass hole. Horn Pond is located a short distance outside of downtown Woburn. This 102 acre pond has an average depth of 10 feet and a maximum depth of 40 feet. The shoreline is lightly developed and a paved launching ramp is located on the southern side of the pond at Pond St. Water color is stained.

The bass season starts in earnest during the end of April as fishermen pound the shoreline with numerous baits. As the season progresses, productivity increases substantially along the drop-offs and deeper water. Night fishing is truly an enjoyable experience but, unfortunately, the city closes the launching ramp early limiting night action to the shoreline. This pond is often forgotten by bass fishermen.

Pillings Pond in Lynnfield is located about a mile south of Lynnfield Center. Pillings is an 86 acre pond that is truly underfished. Most fishermen that fish Pillings will admit that it’s productivity is a well kept secret. Pillings is a shallow pond that lends itself well to largemouth bass. Aquatic vegetation provides plenty of cover for lurking bass.  Pillings Pond is heavily developed with limited access and parking. Small car-toppers and canoes that can be easily carried are about all that can be launched from the side of the road. Access to the pond is gained from Summer St. At this point, fishermen have scored nicely on good sized bass. Often times some of the best fishing takes place along the northern shore. A few years ago, dredging operations scared off many fishermen but the general consensus of opinion has been that the dredging has improved the fishing.

Putnamville Reservoir in Danvers is located off Rt. 35 in Danvers and is a popular bass hole. This body of water is highly productive for fishermen willing to work for their fish but is generally overlooked during the summer months when water levels drop. This 270 acre pond has just about every condition bass fishermen crave. It has a maximum depth of 27 feet with varied conditions that include productive coves, drop-offs, weeded areas, retention walls, an island, under water hills and an overflow. Spring fishermen find the gentle sloping bottom of the western shore to be especially productive during the late afternoon periods. Except for weekends, fishermen can fish the reservoir totally without seeing another fisherman.

There are many small bodies of water that provide fishermen with plenty of action and good sized fish. These are the ponds that can not be mentioned in a article like this. Limited access, tight parking and crowded neighborhoods prevent the general publication of such ponds. Some of these bodies of water are well known within the fishing brotherhood but are not heavily fished. Those fishermen that fish some of these small ponds are strict catch and release fishermen and stress that the practice has contributed to the excellent fish at these locations.

The best way to find out about these ponds is to stop by the local tackle shop and inquire. The guy behind the counter will generally share this information with you. In return for his generous information, make sure you leave the area cleaner than it was when you arrived and respect landowner rights.

These are only a few of the overlooked bass holes that are sure to give you the thrill and excitement of tight lines.