BOLTON LAKE CHAIN
The Bolton Lake chain is a series of three distinct ponds connected by a small river system. Anglers have about 340 acres of bass-fishing water at their disposal. The largest (and most southern) portion of the chain at is 175-acre Lower Bolton Lake.

Middle Bolton Lake covers 121 acres, and Upper Bolton Lake covers 50 acres. Lower Bolton is a natural lake with a dam that increases its water depth. Middle and Upper Bolton Lakes are manmade.

The maximum depth is about 18 feet for the lower and middle ponds. Upper Bolton Lake is shallow, averaging only 6 feet of water.

These lakes are often drawn down two feet or more during winter to control aquatic vegetation. Anglers will need to adjust their lake charts accordingly. All three lakes have healthy, abundant populations of largemouth bass up to 14 inches. But because of the lake system's population dynamics, don't expect to catch many 5-pounders here.

In an effort to enhance the bass population and promote increased bass sizes, the DEP has enacted several special regulations, including a slot limit of 12 to 16 inches. All bass within this length must be released. Also, the state has a six-fish creel limit, and only two bass may be larger than 16 inches.

Weeds can be a problem along the shoreline. But tip-ups set in 8 to 15 feet of water should stay clear of any aquatic vegetation.

Except for Upper Bolton Lake, most of the shoreline along the chain is private, with numerous houses and cottages. Access is largely limited to state-owned facilities. Winter anglers will find a state-owned boat ramp on Lower Bolton Lake on Route 44 in Bolton, about one mile east of the Interstate Route 384 terminus.

Middle and Upper Bolton Lakes can be accessed from a dual launch area off Cedar Swamp Road. On Route 44, travel east on the Lower Bolton Lake launch ramp for about one mile. Turn north onto Cedar Swamp Road. About 1.5 miles ahead is the intersection of Vernon Branch Road. Turn left to the Middle-Upper Bolton Lake Causeway.

Middle Bolton Lake has a launch ramp for trailered boats. Upper Bolton Lake has a car-top, walk-in ramp.

Anglers should bring plenty of bait because tackle shops are not conveniently located near these lakes.

BREAKNECK POND
This unsung pond in Nipmuck State Forest is a gem for ice-anglers willing to hike in. Nearly all of the pond's 91 acres lies in the town of Union. The extreme northern tip of this long, thin pond reaches into Sturbridge, Mass. Thanks to special reciprocal agreements between Massachusetts and Connecticut, anglers from either state may fish the pond using either state's resident fishing license.

The pond is all natural, with no dams or other human alterations. Its water is supplied from several small, unnamed brooks and underground springs. The lake is relatively deep, with a maximum depth of 14 feet and an average depth of 6 feet. Anglers will find several small islands and two large submerged cedar stands that attract largemouth bass.

The water is tannin-stained, so anglers should use brightly colored beads or spoons to enhance their fish-attracting potential.

Access to the pond is through Bigelow Hollow State Park. From the park, anglers must walk 1.3 miles to access the pond. The walk is worth the effort, however, since the shoreline is completely wooded and pristine. Few ice-anglers make the jaunt, so it's possible to have the lake all to yourself, especially during the week.