At 1,075 acres, this natural lake, located in the Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area in South Kingston, is the state's largest fishing lake.

While the lake has a substantial surface area, Worden Pond has a maximum depth of just 7 feet and an average depth of about 4 feet.

The shallow water promotes heavy weed growth, perfect for the lake's population of largemouth bass, yellow perch and northern pike. According to the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife, this lake has the potential to produce some trophy-class largemouth bass during the winter season.

Anglers will find a public boat ramp and parking area on Tuckertown Road in South Kingston. Take Route 1 to Route 110. Follow Route 110 to Tuckertown Road. Signs mark the way.

Much of the shoreline is developed, making the ice-fishing season a hot time to be on the lake. Most years, the lake does not freeze until late December. You can fish the pond from a small boat until the ice seals up the surface.

Public access to the lake can be found at a launch ramp at Zeke's Bridge near the intersection of Harkney Hill Road and Hill Farm Road. Take Exit 6 off I-95 and head north on Route 3 for about one mile. Turn left onto Harkney Hill Road. There are also a few shoreline pull-off points off Route 117.

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.

Onota Lake contains 617 acres. It has a deep basin of 66 feet for the trout specialist and an average shoal depth of 22 feet for warmwater species. The shoreline is mainly wooded.

Weed growth in the lake is somewhat patchy because of ongoing weed control programs. Look for surviving winter weed patches when seeking bass and pike. The deeper dropoffs and ledges are more favorable for trout.

Ice-fishers will find access to Onota Lake in Pittsfield. Take Exit 2 off the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) in Lee. Follow Route 20 west into Pittsfield to where Route 20 and Route 7 merge. Continue on Route 7 to about one-half mile from the Route 20/7 split. Turn left on Linden Street and then right on Onota Street. Take another left onto Lakeway Drive to access the launch ramp.

This reservoir has two sections. The first section, also known as Long Pond, sits between the Massachusetts Turnpike and the north side of Route 20. It is the deepest section and the last part of the lake to freeze. Route 20 cuts the lake in half. The better early-season ice-fishing can be found in the second section, which runs along the south side of Route 20. Here the lake is shallow and weedy, so it freezes quickly and maintains a solid ice fishery.

Public access is off Route 20 on the Brimfield-Sturbridge town line. To get there, take Exit 3 off I-84. Travel west on Route 20 for about five miles. Cross over the large culvert pipe that splits the reservoir on Route 20 to find the launch ramp and parking area. Ice-fishing access can also be found in the Streeter Point Recreation Area farther down on Route 20.

Public access is available from Ashland State Park on the north end of the lake off Route 135 in Ashland. Take Exit 21 off I-495 to access the state park. There is a small launch ramp and parking area on the southern end of the lake. Drive past the state park on Route 135 and turn south on Olive Street. Travel down Olive Street for about one mile to Spring Street. Turn left and continue for one-half mile to the launch ramp.

Mashpee Pond is the southernmost pond. It has a maximum depth of 85 feet to accommodate coldwater species, such as trout. Wakeby Pond is much shallower and is surrounded by shallow, weedy shoals, which provide habitat for warmwater fish, such as largemouth bass and yellow perch.

Access to both ponds is on the southern end of Mashpee Pond. Take the Route 130 exit off Route 6 in Sandwich. Pass the lake and turn left on the boat access road. There are also find a few roadside access points around the pond.

Non-resident license fees are $37.50 for the season or $23.50 for a three-day permit.

For fishing and licensing information, contact the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA 02202; or call (617) 626-1590.

For tourism information, write to the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism, 10 Park Plaza, Suite 4510, Boston, MA 02116; or call (800) 227-MASS.