Stump Pond in Worcester County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Stump Pond is one of the Worcester County waters in Massachusetts. The country here is lake country bush. This is a pocket water of some 3 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. It is a small entry by Worcester County standards. Gardner is the closest place, 1.3 miles off. Then South Ashburnham, 2.7 miles, and Westminster, 4 miles. The nearest boundary is a fair way off.

• Where to Fish on Stump Pond

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Where the bottom changes texture, fish gather; find that line. On a natural lake the weed line and the shelf beyond it do the work. Records held for Worcester County cover bluegill, chain pickerel and largemouth bass. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Fish Stump Pond where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 68°F, the coldest about 20°F. The middle months are generous; the ends are demanding. The open season starts with the thaw, near enough early April. Ice usually gives way near early April, and forms again about mid December. June through September is the settled part of the year, with the shoulders busier for fish. That is the shape of the year on Stump Pond.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public data does not answer the access question here. A parking area is marked roughly 120 yards out. There is a mapped landing stage half a mile away. The water borders Gardner Water Supply Land, so expect the reserve rules to apply. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. For a change of water, Dunn Pond is 0.2 miles distant. For Stump Pond in particular, ask before you travel.