Fishing at Upper Millpond, Essex County, Massachusetts

• Overview

  Look for Upper Millpond in the Essex County part of Massachusetts. The bank gives way to open valley. Surface area runs to about 22 acres — small enough to read in one session. Some 3.4 miles away sits Rowley, the nearest settlement. Beyond it, Boxford at 4 miles and Topsfield at 4.7 miles. The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Upper Millpond

  We hold no depth figure for this one. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Records held for Essex County cover alewife, bluegill, striped bass and pumpkinseed. Read it as a county summary, not a water-by-water list. Work Upper Millpond in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 26°F to 71°F. The year turns gently, without extremes at either end. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. It sets the rhythm of the year at Upper Millpond. Water colour tells you more than the air temperature does.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. A boat ramp sits half a mile away, so trailered boats can get on. The nearest car park is half a mile from the water. Part of this sits inside or beside Arthur Ewell Reservation, so read the notices. State or provincial rules still apply whatever the bank status. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. For a change of water, Lower Millpond is 0.9 miles distant. Check the current arrangement for Upper Millpond.