New England - New England Freshwater Fishing Reports

It came as no surprise when Red Cattey, our news source in Litchfield, Connecticut, selected Mount Tom Pond as one of his best bets for fishing in December and January. The 56-acre waterbody located in Morris-Litchfield-Washington is one of the Nutmeg State’ s most productive fishing venues. A designated Walleye Lake, Mount Tom Pond is also generously stocked with trout and broodstock Atlantic salmon and harbors a healthy self-sustaining population of largemouth bass, chain pickerel, crappies, and yellow perch. Among the many gentlemen who regularly fish Mount Tom Pond are Billy Bones and Frank Barata, both of whom provide Red with Mount Tom fishing news. I’ve never fished the pond, so I asked Red to give us a little information that will help anyone who’d like to give the spot a try in January. Following is a brief summary of Red’s advice. If open water exists, fish from shore off the beach or just to the left of the beach. PowerBait on the bottom is perhaps the most popular and productive bait for trout while any number of lures will draw strikes from both trout and salmon. Billy likes a small Kastmaster; Frank often scores with fly-rod streamers; and Red has done well casting a copper Thomas Rough Rider. A live shiner under a float will attract attention from all species. If you prefer angling from a boat, know that the launch area accommodates only small craft including cartoppers, canoes and kayaks, and that internal combustion engines are not permitted. For ice-fishing, set up out front of the beach, and either jig with your favorite ice jig or live-line a shiner beneath the solid surface. Accessing the beach is easy. The walk from the parking area to the sand is a short one. The fishing season at Mount Tom Pond is from the second Saturday in April through the last day in February.