TROUT FISHING ON THE NORTH SHORE

The winter ice fishing season has finally come to a close. Despite some great winter fishing with sufficient ice and plenty of active fish, it’s still nice to see the season end and the spring fishing season get started. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife stocking trucks have started to roll throughout the district depositing their precious cargo of trout into the many deep water and spring fed ponds located in city as well as country settings.

The popularity of trout fishing has become more popular as each year passes. The first fishing trip of the season is usually for trout. Not only do anglers shed the effects of that crippling winter mental health disease known as "cabin fever" but they also get to see fellow anglers that they haven’t seen since the previous year. Usually, the initial trip of the season is never planned. The first weekend that warm temperatures and the word that the stocking trucks have been seen sets the stage for a fishing trip. Fishermen gather basic tackle needs, stop for bait, cast a line and hopefully catch a few trout.

In this area there is hardly a shortage of trout ponds. Numerous trout waters draw fishermen from all over and often times out-of-state cars can be seen parked at these productive waters. Massachusetts has a reputation for excellent trout fishing and a stocking program that emphasizes quality fish. Many local fishermen enjoyed their initiation into the world of the outdoors on a trout fishing trip that left them enthused and craving for more. With light action rod and reel combos, the fight of a hooked trout was magnified and excitement peaked as new fishermen became committed to the sport.

Without going into the basic techniques and methods for attracting trout, let’s look at a few of the local trout ponds that have gained a favorable reputation over the years. Not only do we have a good number of productive trout ponds, but, we can also enjoy numerous brooks, streams and rivers that are teeming with energetic fish.

Generally, the rivers are stocked later in the season. The most popular river in this area is the Ipswich River. Regularly stocked with quality trout, fishermen can be seen lining the banks of the river at easily accessible areas. They fish the pools below the bridges of Danvers, Middleton and Topsfield. During the first part of the season, weekend fishermen can sometimes become frustrated with the numbers of fishermen that seem to be fishing their "secret" pool. By the time the end of June rolls along, the numbers of fishermen have thinned out dramatically.

For the life of me, I could never figure out why trout fishermen give up fishing the rivers so early. Even with limited rainfall and low water conditions, experienced fishermen can and do "score" on quality trout throughout the summer months. Tactics have to change and the harder to get to locations that are overgrown with trees and brush must be sought out, but the fishing is generally a lot better than most fishermen expect.

The Ipswich River can be accessed in Danvers on Rt. 114 at the town line. The Rt. 62 bridge in Middleton is a popular location for many anglers. The Peabody St. bridge, the Liberty St. bridge and Thunder bridge in Middleton are all popular locations with local anglers. In Topsfield, the old railroad bridge off Rt. 35 (the back way to the Topsfield Fair Grounds) is a prime location for good trout fishing. The river also meanders along the fairgrounds and can be a good location for mid season trout fishing. This area is often to get to during the spring when rains cause the river to swell over it’s banks. If you take the time to read over a map, numerous brooks will been seen and will generally produce fair to good fishing.

One of the most popular trout ponds in the area is Sluice Pond in Lynn. This popular pond is located in an urban setting and is heavily developed. It has a boat ramp and parking facility. The state stocks this pond heavily and the Lynn Fish & Game Club sponsors a trout derby where tagged fish are assigned prizes. Fishing at Sluice holds up pretty well throughout the summer but the numbers of fishermen that fish the pond diminishes as summer lengthens. Fishing the wall behind the K of C Hall is a prime location for shore fishermen. As the season ages, the use of longer and lighter leaders increases the probability of hooking into a fish from this location.

Pleasant Pond in Wenham is another pond frequented by the local trout fishing fraternity. Each spring you can see the regulars in their tried and true locations. They arrive early, sip hot coffee and "spin yarns" of the numerous fish stories that have been spawned over the years. Friendships are rekindled and the new and innovative tackle for the coming year is hashed over. Despite all the new and improved items that hit the market each year, garden hackle, marshmallows and power bait remain the mainstay of local fishermen.

Fly fishermen can be seen delicately presenting a wide assortment of creations tied especially for this pond as well as tried and true patterns that have been around since the beginning of time. Their success rate will often trigger a need to try fly fishing among some of the other fishermen at the pond.

This is one pond that is among the best trout waters of the district. Not only does the state stock heavily with quality trout, the North Shore Rod and Gun Club has "trout buttons" in local tackle shops. The proceeds from selling these buttons is put towards purchasing large trout to be stocked in Pleasant Pond. These large trout are generally stocked in the fall and will hold over nicely until the spring. Ice fishermen will take an occasional large trout but more often than not the bulk of these fish remain swimming until spring and well into summer. How would you like to go home with a three pound plus trout for your supper?

There is also an added bonus that some fishermen don’t realize. For the past couple of years the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife has been stocking about forty brood stock salmon into this popular pond each fall. Many fishermen have been more than a bit surprised when they pull a seven pound plus salmon thru a hole drilled in the ice or find themselves doing battle with one of these beauties. Even though many fish are taken by ice fishermen, there always seems to be some salmon left over for the spring fishermen.

Another local pond that is good for trout fishing is located in Woburn and is called Horn Pond. It is a good sized pond that is heavily stocked and well fished. Fishermen score nicely at this popular pond. The tried and true baits work well and some of the most popular are crawlers, dillies, grubs and garden worms. Presenting baits can be as varied as the fishermen but do keep in mind that the "trout bonus" of brood stock salmon is present in Horn Pond. Along with the trout that are stocked into Horn Pond, the state adds a bonus of brood stock salmon each fall. Once again, ice fishermen take their share of salmon but there are generally enough hold-overs to make it very interesting for spring fishermen.

Massachusetts trout fishermen enjoy some of the best fishing in the New England area. We may not always fish in waters that are surrounded by mountains or wade through sparkling brooks embedded at the base of a picturesque foothill but we do enjoy great fishing, quality trout, nearby trout waters and the added bonus of catching a large salmon while angling for trout.

As spring fishing starts, stop by your local tackle shop and ask the guy behind the counter about local trout waters, the best way to fish them and if the "trout bonus" of salmon is a possibility. Believe it or not, the tackle shop owners want you to experience the thrill and excitement of tight lines just as much as you do! Good luck and best wishes for an exciting trip filled with full creels, fantastic memories and maybe even a salmon.