Fishing at Red Stone Lake, Hampden County, Massachusetts

• Overview

  Red Stone Lake stands in Hampden County, Massachusetts. The bank gives way to mixed forest. East Longmeadow lies 1.2 miles from the water. The big place round here is Springfield, 4.3 miles distant. Also on the doorstep: Island Pond at about 1.9 miles, Mill Pond 2.2 miles away, Lake Massasoit at about 2.3 miles, Lake Lookout 2.6 miles away and Porter Lake at about 2.7 miles. Local rules may differ a few miles either side of here.

• Where to Fish on Red Stone Lake

  There is no recorded depth, so work from what you can see. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. Records held for Hampden County cover bluegill, white sucker, pumpkinseed and brook trout. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Red Stone Lake a short move beats a long cast.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 25°F to 72°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Hard water holds through the cold months, breaking up near late March. The lid tends to go about late March and return around late December. Late spring and early autumn carry the year between them. That is the shape of the year on Red Stone Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No public source sets out the position on this bank. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. Helen C White Conservation Area runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Gates get locked out of season on water like this. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Island Pond sits 1.9 miles off and takes the overflow. For Red Stone Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.