Fishing McIntyre Pond in Worcester County, Massachusetts

• Overview

  The Worcester County end of Massachusetts holds McIntyre Pond. Salt water lies 36 miles off. At roughly 10 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. For supplies, Charlton is 2 miles out. After that come Southbridge at 3.5 miles and Sturbridge at 5 miles. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on McIntyre Pond

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Still water like this holds fish on the edges rather than out in the open. Records held for Worcester County cover bluegill, chain pickerel, largemouth bass and pumpkinseed. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. The shape of McIntyre Pond decides where the fish sit.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 69°F and January at 23°F. Hard water is a season in its own right here. Count the season from break-up, usually early April. Climate figures give an open season running early April to late December. Early summer and early autumn carry the open-water season. Keep it in mind when planning a trip to McIntyre Pond.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. The closest car park is half a mile away, so pack accordingly. Blood Road Conservation Area takes in this water; protected-area rules will apply. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Prindle Lake, 0.9 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. For McIntyre Pond, the notice at the access point is the final word.