Hills Pond near Methuen: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Hills Pond is one of the Essex County waters in Massachusetts. It stands 92 feet above sea level. The water measures roughly 4 acres, so nothing here is far from anything else. Our Essex County list holds plenty of bigger water. Start from Methuen, 1.9 miles down the road. Further out sit Lawrence (2.3 miles) and North Andover (3 miles). This one sits near enough to a boundary to be worth checking.

• Where to Fish on Hills Pond

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. Across Essex County, recorded fish include alewife, bluegill, striped bass, pumpkinseed and rainbow trout. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Fish Hills Pond to its features, not to its size.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 72°F and January reads 25°F. A full turn of seasons, with the strongest sport on either side of summer. Firm cover through the cold months, then open water from late March. The water is typically free of ice between late March and late December. Right after break-up, and again as the nights sharpen, is when to go. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to Hills Pond.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether the bank is open is not something our records settle. A car park lies half a mile away, so the walk in is short. Conservation Land covers ground next to the water; its rules will apply on that side. Where the road in crosses private land, ask first. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Searles Pond, 0.7 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Confirm access to Hills Pond locally before you travel.