Five years ago, Mascopic Lake in Tyngsboro and Dracut got an infusion of tiger muskies.

It's been part of the stocking program for many years now, and Mascopic should give up some real trophies through the ice this winter!

Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow and white perch and sunfish will keep the flags flying, too. Because of heavy recreational use over the summer, most game fish here are taken through the ice.

The shoreline is heavily developed, except for the southwestern shore within Dracut State Forest.

Whether it's a day targeting trophy salmon and lake trout or fast family flags for panfish, the region's icy lakes and ponds have got it going on!

Access may be had through a Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife site on the extreme eastern side of the lake. Head toward the lake from just about any street off of Willowdale Road to find great spots to access the ice.

Be sure to check the current rules and regulations before heading out. Visit www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw and select "Hunting and Fishing," and then "Fishing."

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Many of the Granite State's waters are stocked with winter anglers in mind. At most, anglers can take trout through the ice or in open water. At specially designated "Lake Trout Lakes," anglers are restricted to ice-fishing only from Jan. 1 through March 1. Be sure to check the 2007 New Hampshire Freshwater Fishing Digest before heading out.

Hardwater anglers may want to double their pleasure by drilling auger holes at some of the fisheries managed for both bass and trout that have no closed season on trout.

Chocorua Lake in Tamworth is a 222-acre, two-story fishery where anglers can expect to pull rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch and sunfish up through the ice. Chocorua's average depth is 12 feet, with a maximum of 27 feet. Access can be had near the bridge at the south end of the lake.

Wentworth Lake in Wolfeboro spans 3,097 acres. This lake averages 25 feet in depth, with a maximum of 80 feet. Wentworth is home to flag-worthy rainbow trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, chain pickerel and white perch. Access may be had along the shoreline inside Wentworth State Park.

Crystal Lake in Gilmanton is a 441-acre, two-story fishery. The average depth is 16 feet, with a maximum depth of 53 feet. Hardwater anglers here can target rainbow trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch and sunfish.

For access, take Route 140 to Crystal Lake Road and continue about a mile.

Stinson Lake in Rumney is a 350-acre, two-story water averaging 35 feet deep, with a maximum of 77 feet. Stinson is best known for giving up rainbows, lake trout and smallmouth bass through the auger holes.

Take Route 25 to Main Street, then go 0.4 miles to Stinson Lake Road. Access is 4.1 miles in on the right.

Laurel Lake in Fitzwilliam is a 180-acre, two-story fishery, with an average depth of 15 feet and a maximum of 46 feet.

Laurel Lake is home to rainbows, brown trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass and chain pickerel.

The access road changes from paved to gravel, is moderately steep and provides poor turn-around opportunities -- so be sure you can drive out onto the ice without getting stuck!

There is space for parking along the roadway, provided the snow banks aren't too deep. Take Route 12 to Route 119, and then go straight on Laurel Lake Road.

Tewksbury Pond in Grafton is a 47-acre coldwater fishery best known for giving up brookies, rainbows and brown trout through the auger holes. The pond averages 25 feet in depth, with a maximum of 50 feet. Access may be had off Route 4.