Let’s take a look at some of the best and most popular ice fishing locations the area has to offer. Many of these locations are also very popular during the open water season.

Sluice Pond is a popular trout pond located in the heart of Lynn. This 50 acre body of water is situated off Lynnfield St. and public access is considered to be very good with numerous public and private locations open to fishermen. Vegetation is mostly limited to the coves along the north and south sides of the pond with little additional weeds located throughout the pond. Numerous walls, points and other structure are scattered throughout the pond and provide prime holding areas for good numbers of fish. The pond is heavily stocked by the state during the spring and fall with additional stockings by the Lynn Fish and Game Club. Large trout are common here. Fishing pressure during the ice season is usually reasonable and the chances of catching winter trout are always good. Along with trout, largemouth bass, pickerel, perch and crappie inhabit these popular waters. Caution is advises when fishing Sluice as the pond usually has some open water and thin ice during ice season. The main body of the pond should only be fished during extended cold spells. Check with local bait shop for up-to-the-minute ice conditions.

Flax Pond is located just north of Rt. 129 and very close to Sluice Pond. Flax is a popular, shallow body of water. Access is good with main point of entry located along Magnolia St. Because of it’s city setting, Flax is often overlooked by many fishermen who think it is over fished. This is far from the truth. Flax Pond is a true "sleeper" pond that gives up impressive catches throughout the year with exceptional catches made through the ice. Bass to 6 lbs. Are taken through the ice. The pond is located close to the ocean and is subject to varying ice conditions.

Chebacco Lake is the most popular ice fishing location within the area. It is also one of the most dangerous as numerous springs located throughout the pond cause ice conditions to vary all over the pond. Each season careless fishermen wind up taking a mid winter swim. Chebacco Lake is located in the towns of Essex and Hamilton with access along Chebacco Road. Parking is satisfactory except during heavy snowstorms. Two hundred nine acres offers plenty of water for ice fishing and local clubs hold ice derbies when conditions permit. Shore access is limited to the boat ramp and beach but ice fishermen do not find this to be a problem. Besides largemouth bass, fishermen often score on perch to 1 ½ lbs. And crappie to two pounds.

Baldpate Pond is located more inland and is less influenced by the ocean. This well-liked body of water is located off Baldpate Road just south of Rt. 133. It is stocked with trout and enjoys a good holdover rate. Parking is difficult and is limited to designated areas with strict enforcement of regulations. Trout are generally found just under the ice along the north side of the pond while bass, perch, crappie and pickerel are common along the eastern and southern sides.

Horn Pond is a very celebrated body of water among local ice fishermen. Horn Pond is heavily stocked during the spring and fall. Public access is gained off Pond Street. This can be a great place to take the kids as panfish action keep flags flying and kids catching fish. Trout numbers caught through the ice are also good. Even though Horn Pond is located inland and not influenced by the ocean, fishermen must exercise caution especially when other ponds are questionable because fluctuations in ice conditions are caused by currents and springs.

Pleasant Pond draws good numbers of winter trout fishermen as heavy stockings take place during the spring and fall and make this a popular destination for trout fishermen during all seasons. Because the pond is in a bowl and located well inland, ice conditions at this well fished pond are much more stable than those influenced by brief warm spell and ocean conditions. To arrive at the pond, follow Rt. 1A to Cherry St., then to Pleasant St. to the pond. Parking is adequate and will support even the many cars that arrive on weekends. Besides the great numbers of trout that are targeted, fishermen also enjoy catching perch, pickerel and bass.. Fishermen prefer the eastern side for trout and the southern and western sides for bass, pickerel and perch.

Putnamville Reservoir is located in Danvers and just a couple of miles outside of the center of town on Rt. 35. It holds a reputation for fast action, big perch, feisty pickerel and lunker bass. Every once in a while a trout is caught by an unsuspecting angler. Trout are not stocked or common in the reservoir but probably enter the reservoir when it is being filled from the Ipswich River. Fishing the walls, points and island are prime areas and generally reward anglers with nice catches. The pump house is generally a good spot for winter bass. Open water is usually found along the spillway and fishermen should realize that the water depths under the ice can and do fluctuate as the reservoir is filled or emptied.

Local bait shops will keep you up to date on ice conditions at the local ponds as well as the activity experienced by fishermen working the individual bodies of water. Instead of becoming a winter couch potato, round up the ice fishing gear and get the family together for a fun-filled day on the ice. Take the ice skates and the charcoal grill along with the ice gear and enjoy a family outing on a warm weekend afternoon. The experience will warm even the coldest winter weather.