Spring in New England is a great time for some serious bass fishing. The formerly dull, brown landscape is slowly changing to a bright, pastel green. And, of utmost importance to anglers, largemouth and smallmouth bass begin to move into the warming shallows.

Adding to the fisherman’s enjoyment, the water is typically too cold for pleasure boaters, so bass anglers can enjoy the sights and sounds of spring in relative peace. The only disturbance you’ll hear is a hooked bass thrashing about on the water surface.

But enough daydreaming — it’s time to fish! Here’s a look at some springtime bassing hotspots to try in southern New England this month:

RHODE ISLAND

America’s smallest state, Rhode Island is not blessed with large bass lakes. But the Ocean State does have a variety of small ponds that offer plenty of spring action.

According to the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife, largemouth bass fishing should be very good throughout the state this year. Smallmouth bass are not prevalent in the state, but anglers willing to visit Little Rhody’s handful of smallmouth bass lakes, such as Stafford Pond, should leave satisfied.

Stafford Pond

This is the only pond in Rhode Island that has a significant population of smallmouth bass. Unlike most of the Ocean State’s ponds, Stafford Pond in Tiverton is relatively deep, with a maximum depth of about 22 feet. The average depth of this 476-acre pond is about 10 feet.

Smallmouth bass fishers will have their best spring luck near the pond’s many large points, which often drop from 3 feet into 12 to 20 feet of water. In spring, smallmouth bass will stage off these points as they prepare for the upcoming spawn.

On your first visit to Stafford Pond, concentrate on the north end of the lake where the points are larger and deeper. If the sun warms the water quickly, move into one of the three coves on the north end of the lake.

Stafford Pond is a popular fishing spot because it is stocked with trout every spring. Also, you can expect to catch yellow perch, sunfish and chain pickerel.

Access to the pond is via a state boat-launching ramp off Stafford Road. Take Route 177 out of Tiverton to Route 81. Turn north and watch for signs.

Pascoag Reservoir

Pascoag Reservoir, also known as Echo Lake, in Burrillville and Glocester, is one of the region’s overlooked bass ponds. According to biologist reports, its bass growth rates are below the state average. This is a misleading statistic as it implies the fish are small. Actually, Pascoag Reservoir has both trophy-class and small “rat” bass within its 351 acres.

Anglers will find a series of main-lake points along the eastern bank. Most of these points run from 3 feet out to about 10 feet. The deepest spot in the lake is about 19 feet deep. Shoreline development is heavy and manmade structures are everywhere.

There is a state-owned boat-launching ramp in Glocester off Jackson Schoolhouse Road. Take Route 44 west from Chepachet for about four miles to Jackson Schoolhouse Road. Besides largemouth bass, the pond has good populations of yellow perch, sunfish, chain pickerel and brown bullheads.

Chapman Pond

This pond is a very shallow body of water with a maximum depth of only 4 feet. For aesthetics, the shoreline is a natural mixture of hardwood forest and cedar swamp. Of course, expansive weedbeds grow in the pond to provide cover for the largemouth bass.

Don’t look for much structure in this 164-acre pond. It is bowl-shaped and featureless. Sunken trees are present and often yield nice catches. The best way to fish Chapman Pond is to drop your electric motor and fan-cast slowly around the lake.

Bass growth rates in the pond are good. Anglers will find a nice mixture of sub-legal and legal-size bass. Chain pickerel will also keep you entertained, as will northern pike, yellow perch, crappies and sunfish. The state boat-launching ramp is off Route 91 about two miles east of Westerly.

CONNECTICUT

Bass fishing in Connecticut has greatly improved over the past decade. When bass began to displace trout as the major recreational fishery, the state’s Department of Environmental Protection started to enhance the bass population through a statewide bass management plan. Anglers should see the results of the five-year-old plan this spring. Some of the Nutmeg State’s best bassing options include:

Amos Lake

This natural lake covers 112 acres to a maximum depth of 45 feet. It has an extensive 6-foot shoal around the perimeter of the lake with several main-lake points. Because of the pond’s depth, weeds and stained water color, weed growth is limited to the shoal areas.