MASSACHUSETTS
Demond Pond
Demond Pond, in central Massachusetts, is a good place for bass anglers to explore. It is relatively small at about 119 acres. The basin drops down to 27 feet, with an average depth of about 7 feet.

By Bay State standards, Demond Pond is relatively clear, with visibility greater than eight feet thus making it a great two-story fishery.

Each spring, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife stocks the lake with rainbow trout. Tiger muskies were stocked in the mid-1990s, but the fish did not appear to do well. Largemouth bass, on the other hand, thrive in the pond, with many fish in the 2- to 5- pound range.

The bottom is mostly muddy, though anglers will find some rocky areas along the western shoreline. About half of the shoreline is developed, which requires anglers to fish from a boat.

Demond Pond largemouths frequently use boat docks, isolated boulders and fallen trees as ambush cover. Weed growth is rather sparse, so you'll find little need for weedless lures. Crankbaits, surface plugs and spinnerbaits mimicking yellow perch and golden shiners are popular lures for this pond.

Access to the pond comes from a boat-launching ramp in the town of Rutland. From Exit 13 off I-290, take Route 122 northwest of Worcester. About 12 miles from the highway, turn right onto Pleasant Dale Road.

This boat-launching ramp is on the west side of the dam. It is a small ramp and suitable only for light trailer boats, cartop boats and canoes.

Private property limits the shore-fishing, except at the dam area adjacent to the boat ramp.

Furnace Pond
Bay State anglers can expect some hot bass fishing at Furnace Pond in Pembroke. The pond got its name in the early 1700s when one of Plymouth Colony's first blast furnaces was constructed near the pond.

Iron raked from the pond bottom and nearby bogs was smelted in this furnace to make tools and other needed utensils. Today, this 107-acre natural pond has a maximum depth of 9 feet with an average depth of 5 feet. Because the pond is shallow and fertile, aquatic vegetation is extremely dense. Weedless lures are mandatory.

Furnace Pond has the reputation of producing trophy-class largemouth bass. MassWildlife reports that the pond frequently gives up lunkers in the 5- to 7-pound range. One reason why bass grow large is the pond's abundance of golden shiners and alewives. Yellow and white perch fry are also prime bass forage during the early summer.

Anglers visiting Furnace Pond will find an abundance of filet-sized white perch and crappies. Chain pickerel, brown bullheads, yellow perch and sunfish take up slack fishing time as well.

To get there, take Exit 11 off Highway Route 3 onto Route 14 west. You'll find a small boat-launching ramp and public right-of-way along Route 14 about 1.3 miles west of Pembroke Center.

Anglers will need to use a small boat because the shoreline is highly developed and privately owned. Car-top boats or canoes make the best craft for fishing this pond. Boat motors will be inefficient due to the dense weeds. Be prepared to paddle or row!