One of the best cove mouths is in the western arm of the lake. This cove has a submerged concrete wall in front of its opening. The wall is a community fishing spot that continues to pay dividends to anglers. Along Route 44, anglers will find a well-developed riprap bank that harbors crayfish and largemouth bass. Also, try fishing around rocky points along the northern bank that are exposed to the increasing sunlight. Many trophy-sized largemouth bass have been taken off these points.

The pond has a good population of largemouths that grow above the state's average size. Most of the bass caught, however, will range in the 10- to 14-inch class. White perch and northern pike are also present in modest numbers. Golden shiners and crayfish are the main forage base for bass in Waterman Reservoir.

Boating access is limited because anglers must go through a private livery on West Greenville Road. Public shoreline fishing access is abundant along Route 44.

To get there, take I-295 out of Providence to Exit 7. Travel west on Route 44 for about four miles. For the boat livery, turn left on West Greenville Road. Anglers wishing to fish the shoreline should continue on Route 44 until they come to the reservoir, which will be on the south side of the road.

Oak Swamp Reservoir
Almost due south of Waterman Reservoir, in Johnston, anglers will find Oak Swamp Reservoir to be another interesting largemouth bass lake. This 105-acre hotspot has a maximum depth of 10 feet with an average of about 5 feet. Much of the lake bottom is made up of sand and gravel. Weed growth is mainly confined to the shallower shoreline areas.

Oak Swamp Reservoir may be fished in two different fashions. Anglers who prefer the traditional spring bass methods of casting tube lures and soft-plastic grubs can concentrate their efforts on the steep banks near the dam at the eastern end of the lake.

Fishermen who would rather twitch jerkbaits and weedless topwater lures can migrate to the eastern end of the lake to work the weedy shoals.

Don't overlook the large point in the center of the horseshoe-shaped pond.

According to the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife, Oak Swamp Reservoir has one of the highest populations of golden shiners in the state. While this bait makes good forage for adult largemouth bass, the excessive minnow population has adversely affected the growth and survival rates of young bass and panfish species. Because of this phenomenon, don't expect to catch too many quality yellow perch or chain pickerel when fishing this reservoir. Largemouth bass will be your main take.

Shoreline and cartop boat access to the reservoir may be found along Route 6 about three miles west of Providence. You will also find some shoreline fishing available near the dam off Reservoir Avenue.

A Rhode Island resident fishing license costs $9.50 for the season. Non-resident license fees are $31 for the season or $16 for a three-day permit.

For fishing and licensing information, contact the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife, 4808 Tower Hill Road, Wakefield, RI 02879, or call (401) 222-3576.

For tourism information, write to the Rhode Island Tourism Division, 1 West Exchange St., Providence, RI 02903, or call (800) 556-2484.