ASHLAND RESERVOIR
Ashland
This 155-acre pond in Ashland Park has a maximum depth of 47 feet and an average depth of 23 feet. Visibility is 9 feet, and aquatic vegetation is scarce, limited to a few coves and shoreline areas. The bottom is dominated by rubble, rock, and clay. The shoreline is undeveloped except for two beaches: the local town beach and a private beach owned by Northeastern University.

Although better known for its trout fishing, the reservoir also offers great opportunities for bass. The western shoreline is shallow, especially along the dropoffs near the two islands and in the three small coves. Although there's not a lot of underwater cover in this area, it still offers a good environment for bass. The reservoir is also stocked every spring and fall with rainbow, brown and brook trout. Trout tend to congregate along the eastern side where there is a steep drop into deeper water.

According to John Sheedy, an Eastern District biologist, the reservoir has a good reputation for providing excellent trout fishing from late May into July.

Due to the interest in trout, the lake's bass tend to be overlooked, which means larger-than-average fish may be available. Other warmwater species include black crappies, yellow perch, pumpkinseed, bluegills and brown bullhead.

The gravel access ramp is off Spring Street at the southern end of the reservoir. From Route 495, take Exit 23B to Route 9 east. Continue straight for about a mile and take the Cordaville Road/Route 85 exit. Turn right off the ramp and head south. Go straight through the first set of lights, under a railroad bridge and through Hopkinton State Park. In Hopkinton Center, turn left onto East Main Street/Route 135 and head east for about three miles. Turn right onto Olive Street, heading south for a mile, and then turn left onto Spring Street. Go through a quarry and look for a gravel ramp and parking area on the left. The ramp is suitable for small boats and canoes. Parking is limited to about five vehicles.

Gas-powered engines are prohibited, but electric trolling motors are allowed.

For more information, contact the Ashland State Park office at (508) 435-4303.

BILLINGTON SEA
Plymouth
This natural, 269-acre warmwater pond is southwest of the center of Plymouth. Characterized as shallow, weedy, and fertile, it is fed by cranberry bog outlets and runoff. Aquatic weeds are abundant, providing good cover for fish. The shoreline is a gradual slope into the water that averages 7 feet in depth, with a maximum depth of 11 feet.

The bottom is predominantly mud, although shoreline areas tend to be sandy. Except for the northern side, which abuts Morton Park and nearby cranberry bogs, most of the shoreline is developed, particularly on the western and southern ends. There is also a good deal of private undeveloped land, limiting shore-fishing opportunities.

An island sits in the center of the middle basin, and a smaller island lies along the southeast shore at the entrance to the channel. There is also a shallow western basin that can be reached through a narrow channel along the middle basin's western end.