FEARING POND, MYLES STANDISH STATE FOREST, MA
The park stretches across southern sections of the towns of Plymouth and Carver, right in the heart of cranberry country. The forest is recognized as one of the most important natural habitats in the state. Ponds and waterways are scattered throughout the park with easy access and ample gamefish (and panfish) species to keep the young ones interested.
During the month of May Fearing Pond is the place to target for trout. Whether you are looking for fly fishing solitude, spin-casting action, or just a leisurely bait-fishing excursion with the kids, Fearing Pond fits the mold. Situated on the southern section of the park, Fearing is a hidden gem burrowed beneath fir trees, scrub pines, and old traditional lodge camps. A shallow spring-fed kettle pond, Fearing has an average depth of 10 feet and a maximum depth of 20 feet. It receives a bi-annual stocking of brown trout and rainbows (and sometimes tiger trout) by Mass DFW during the spring and fall schedules and is the only pond in the park that is stocked with trout. Fearing also supports a modest population of smallish largemouth bass, sunfish and yellow perch. The trout fishing is basically put-and-take with very few holdover fish from season to season. A day-use area is located on the southeast end of the pond with picnic tables and sandy beach area. A car-top, carry-down boat launch on the north end of the pond provides boat/canoe access. Wading is usually sufficient for covering the pond. However, if you bring a small boat or canoe with you, be advised that no gas motors are permitted. Simply bring along an electric trolling motor or enough muscle power for paddling around the pond. This peaceful kettle pond is relatively small and sheltered from the wind and is therefore easy to navigate.
Myles Standish boasts one of the largest state-run campgrounds in Massachusetts. There are more than 470 campsites to choose from. Showers, restrooms and handicap accessibility are also available. Campsite reservations can be made as early as six months prior to your trip. To make reservations call 1-877-I-CAMP-MA (1-877-422-6762) or visit online at the Reserve America website: www.reserveamerica.com. The transaction charge is $8.65 per reservation plus a $12.00 campground fee per night for Massachusetts residents or $14.00 per night for out-of-state residents. For more information about the park visit the Mass DCR website at www.mass.gov or call the forest headquarters at 508-866-2526.
To get to Myles Standish State Forest from the north, take route 3 south to exit 5, turn right onto Long Pond Road and continue for about 3 miles to the park entrance on the right. From route 495, take exit 2 (route 58, South Carver) onto Tremont Street and follow to Cranberry Road. Take a right and follow the signs.
In addition to fishing, springtime recreational opportunities include bicycling, horseback riding, and hiking. There are 15 miles of bicycle trails and many more miles of equestrian and hiking trails. These woodland byways stretch in every direction across Myles Standish and will lead you in to some of the more pristine areas of the forest. Two “day-use” areas offer picnicking, swimming, fishing, and canoeing. During the summer months, nature programs such as cranberry bog explorations, fire tower tours, and pond-shore walks help introduce and educate visitors on the cultural, historic, and natural aspects of the state forest. For information on activities being held in the park, (including organized fishing derbies), visit the Friends of Myles Standish website at www.friendsmssf.com.
When fishing Fearing pond you can improve your chances for springtime trout by identifying the deepest areas of the pond and targeting them. The fish tend to make themselves scarce when the sun is high in the sky, so early morning and late afternoon are best for success. Fly fishing and spin fishing are equally effective. Casting spinners, small spoons, or a clear float with a dry fly or nymph on a light fluoro leader are all effective techniques when matched to the conditions. Bait fishing usually yields the best results. Simply use 1/4- or 1/2-ounce slip sinker with a small shiner, mealworm, crawler, or PowerBait. You can cast and slow-retrieve a small shiner or worm along the sandy bottom, or simply place the rod in a holder, set a strike indicator, and relax.
