Anglers visiting the lake should not expect fast action. The winter fishing for both species can be slow, even uneventful at times, but Pontoosuc consistently produces some of the largest tiger muskies in the state, and when a lunker is hauled through the ice, it normally draws a crowd. The state and national record, weighing 27 pounds, was caught here.

The pond is also home to bass, pickerel, white and yellow perch, bullheads and black crappies, so there is plenty to keep things active.

The limit on tiger muskies is one fish per day with a 28-inch minimum length limit.

Access to the lake is via the public ramp area on the south end. To find it, take Route 7 out of Pittsfield, and then Hancock Road. A parking lot is available as well.

For information on lodging in the area, visit the Pittsfield Web site at www.pittsfieldweb.com.

For more information on tiger muskie fishing in Massachusetts, contact the MassWildlife office at (508) 792-7270, or go online at www.state.ma.us/dfwele/dfw.

Fishing tackle is available at Dick Moon Sporting Goods at 114 Fenn Street in Pittsfield, or call (413) 442-8281.

CONNECTICUT
Amos Lake
This small lake covers approximately 112 acres about 15 miles east of Norwich. It has a maximum depth of 45 feet and offers a mixed bag of species, including largemouth bass, pickerel, yellow perch, brown bullheads and sunfish.

Amos Lake has been designated a Trophy Trout Lake by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. This means the lake is regulated by special regulations and is closed to fishing after March 31. It opens again in late April.

The lake is periodically stocked with brown and rainbow trout, but unlike other trophy trout waters, there are no slot limits. Between March 1 and March 31, the daily creel limit is two trout and the minimum length limit in 16 inches.

Access to the lake is provided near the public launch site on the western shore in the town of Preston. It can be reached by taking Exit 85 off I-395 to Route 164 south, and then Route 165 to the access road.

For information on lodging and services in the area, call the Connecticut Department of Economic Development at (860) 566-3948.

For more information on ice-fishing in the state, call the Connecticut DEP, Fisheries Division, at (860) 434-FISH, or visit the agency’s Web site at www.dep.state.ct.us.

RHODE ISLAND
Worden Pond
Covering 1,075 acres, Worden Pond is the largest public fishing area in the state. It is in South Kingston, within the Great Swamp WMA.

Despite its size, the maximum depth of Worden Pond is 7 feet. Its habitat is perfect for bass, and largemouths are the primary target. The pond has a healthy supply of bait, and bass weighing in the double digits are possible. Also available are northern pike, white and yellow perch, crappies and bluegills.

Access is via the public boat ramp on Worden Road. To get there, take I-95 to Exit 3, and then Route 138 to West Kingston and Route 110 to Worden Road.

For information on lodging and services in the area, contact the Rhode Island Promotional Division at (401) 277-2601.

For more information on ice-fishing opportunities in the Ocean State, contact the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife by calling (401) 222-1267; or go online at www.state.ri.us/dem.