Indian Lake
In the center of Worcester, one of the state's largest cities, Indian Lake offers spring largemouth bass anglers some good opportunities. This 204-acre pond is shallow and warms quickly in the spring sun. The maximum depth is about 15 feet with an average depth of 8 feet. Anglers will find the water is stained tea brown. The bottom is made up of mud with some rocks, which provide some cover for spring bass.

Local anglers report that some of the best action occurs in the shallow cove in the northwest corner of the lake. The tributary streams feeding this cove provide nutrients for native minnows, and hungry spring bass follow the bait into this cove.

Also, the south side of the island and the concrete highway retaining wall along the northeast part of the lake are proven bass haunts.

Shoreline development is moderate around the lake with a mixture of residential homes and businesses. The city operates a boat-launching ramp off Salisbury Street, along with a beach for shore-fishing.

To get there, take Exit 1 off Interstate Route 190 to Route 12 south and then turn northwest on Route 122A. At Holden Street, turn right for the lake access.

Dark Brook Reservoir
Anglers driving along the Massachusetts Turnpike can see this small 386-acre pond as they pass through Auburn. The highway bisects the reservoir into two separate ponds connected by a large culvert pipe. Boats can easily pass through this pipe.

The northern pond is the larger of the two, running about 300 acres. It has a maximum depth of 15 feet with an average depth of 8 feet. Conversely, the southern pond is shallow, with an average depth of less than 5 feet. Both ponds possess the characteristic dark water of natural ponds found in New England.

Some of the best early spring largemouth bass fishing can be found around the dam in the northeast corner of the lake. Bass hunters will also find numerous points and island shoals to fish around, especially along the western bank of the north pond and the southern end of the south pond. Along with the largemouth bass, you will likely catch black crappies and the occasional northern pike.

From I-90, take the exit for I-395 south and then take Exit 7 off I-395 to Route 12 west (Southbridge Street). Follow Route 12 to West Street and turn right. The boat-launching ramp is on West Street across from the Randall School. Shoreline anglers will also find plenty of fishing access in the boat ramp area.

A Massachusetts resident fishing license costs $27.50 for the season. Non-resident license fees are $37.50 for the season or $23.50 for a three- day permit. Also, all anglers between the ages of 15 and 17 must possess an $11.50 junior fishing permit. Residents between the ages of 65 and 69 may get a senior citizen fishing license for $16.25.

For more fishing and licensing information, contact the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, 100 Cambridge St., Boston, MA 02202, or call (617) 626-1590.

For tourism information, write to the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 4510, Boston, MA 02116, or call (800) 227-MASS.

RHODE ISLAND
Glocester's Waterman Reservoir is a fairly large lake (for Rhode Island) at 306 acres. It has a maximum depth of 15 feet and an average depth of 7 feet. The shoreline is steep, as it drops off quickly from the bank into 9 feet of water. This type of bank forces anglers to concentrate their spring efforts on distinct points and cove mouths.