Anglers in search of trophy-sized largemouths will want to try Mary’s Pond in Rochester this summer. Last year, this pond gave up a 10-pound, 8-ounce lunker largemouth that qualified for a pin from the Sportfishing Awards Program, and was a contender for the year’s gold pin.

For summer smallmouths, try Wachusett Reservoir in West Boylston, Sheep Pond in Brewster and Hampton Pond in Westfield.

The Congamond lake complex in Southwick is the state’s most reliable year-round largemouth producer aside from the Connecticut River. The Congamond, which also has some smallmouth bass, is composed up of three basins: North Pond (46 acres), Middle Pond (277 acres), and South Pond (142 acres). Shoreline access is limited on all three. Boat access can be had via north and south ramps on Middle Pond. There is no public shoreline access to North Pond, but small boats may be floated through a culvert under Grove Road.

Webster Lake in Webster features largemouth and smallmouth bass. This 1,270-acre, two-story lake offers limited access during open water because of extensive shoreline development. That won’t stop hardwater anglers, however. From Worcester, drive west on I-290 and continue on Route 52 to Exit 1 to reach the Memorial Beach Drive boat-launching area and access to plenty of safe ice.

For more fishing information, visit Mass.Gov/Dfwele/Dfw. For Bay State travel information, you can visit MassVacation.com, or call (617) 973-8500.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Bass may be found in more than half of the Granite State’s 1,300 lakes and ponds. With so many great bass waters it isn’t hard to come up with a list of more year-round options.

Bass fishing is allowed under catch-and-release regulations only from May 15 to June 15 for smallmouths and largemouths, and only artificial lures and flies may be used. From June 16-30, the creel limit is two fish. The creel returns to five bass from July 1 through Oct. 15.

“Based on summer electro-shocking surveys and discussions with anglers, 2006 was a good year for bass fishing in New Hampshire with more great fishing expected in 2007,” said Gabe Gries, a state fisheries biologist. “Additionally, surveys of young-of-the-year bass in Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake and the Connecticut River showed that a strong year-class was produced in 2006, indicating good numbers of 12- to 16-inch bass four to six years from now.”

Large quantities of smaller bass may be found at Halfmoon Pond in Hancock, Otter Lake in Greenfield and Laurel Lake in Fitzwilliam. For fewer fish but of larger sizes, try Sip Pond or Sportsman Pond in Fitzwilliam, or Hubbard Pond and Lake Monomonac in Ringe.

Head for Squam Lake for early smallmouth action. As spring waters warm, anglers should head for Umbagog Lake, Martin Meadow Pond or Moore Reservoir.

In midsummer’s heat, southwestern New Hampshire’s waters still produce big bass. Try Warren Lake in Alstead, Highland Lake in Stoddard, the Connecticut River in Hinsdale, Charleston and Claremont or Thorndike Pond in Jaffrey.

Also, anglers should try Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam or Big Squam lakes for fall smallmouths. Hit Wickwas Lake or Balch Pond for largemouth bass.

“The Connecticut River is a fantastic spot to try for late-season smallmouth bass,” Gries said. “Recent surveys in Charlestown and Claremont showed large numbers of 3- to 4- pound smallmouths.”

Once the hardwater season is underway, drill a few holes at Highland Lake in Stoddard or Contoocook Lake in Ringe. Bass also keep the flags flying at South Pond, Burns Pond and Partridge Lake.

For more fishing information, call the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department at (603) 271-2501 or go to Wildlife.State.NH.US.

For travel information, you can visit VisitNH.Gov, or call the Office of Travel and Tourism at (603) 271-2665.