Fishing at Buck Pond, Hampden County, Massachusetts

• Overview

  Buck Pond lies in Hampden County, in Massachusetts. Land around it is pine and birch. At roughly 23 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. Nearest town is Westfield, 4 miles off. Southampton follows at 4.2 miles, then Holyoke at 5 miles. Within a short drive: Round Pond out at 0.2 miles, Doe Pond roughly 0.3 miles, Horse Pond out at 0.4 miles, Chapin Pond roughly 0.6 miles and Pequot Pond out at 1 mile. Two sets of local rules meet not far from this water.

• Where to Fish on Buck Pond

  Our records carry no depth, so judge it from the bank. A soft bed grows weed late into autumn, which keeps fish shallow. The shallow end warms first and pulls fish in ahead of the rest. Open biodiversity records for Hampden County list bluegill, white sucker, pumpkinseed and brook trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Buck Pond a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 23°F and July at about 71°F, the water has a wide range to work through. Four clear seasons, with a proper winter at one end. Ice fishing carries the winter, and the water opens about late March. Ice usually gives way near late March, and forms again about late December. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Buck Pond runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. You can launch from a ramp around half a mile away. Parking within half a mile means no long carry with tackle. Fishing from a pier is possible half a mile away. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Should this one be busy, Round Pond is 0.2 miles off. Ask locally about Buck Pond if anything is unclear.