when does the season really start

when will most of you guys hit the water im waitin for the water to warm a lil more but alot of ponds in the lowell area is still a lil frozen anyone got advice for me

I hit the water as soon as the ice is 90% gone. Don't let the cold water stop you from getting out. Just fish slow and be patient.
There are some bruisers to be caught as soon as the ice is gone.

I been out once so far 30mph wind gusts still had fun had 1 smallie to the boat on a jig he just didnt have the hook but matty morefish managed to get a rainbow trout in the boat on a small crank. The was tough and slow but hey at least we were fishing lol.You never know when they're gonna turn on and i dont wanna miss that day ha ha

I'm with Chuck i throw everything till something works!!

ill be out as soon as the water is open and we have a feww warm days in a row. thats only because it helps the run off of streams heat up and pull the fish a little.

Hit a spot in Walpole yesterday by Bird Pond. Was really just practicing with my new Baitcaster. Had on a slash bait - kind of like a jerk bait I guess. 30 mins in and after 95% backlashes I cast 10ft from shore and a healthy Crappie hits it on the drop. Next cast same thing except this time a 1lb LM. There was still ice on the southern shore, but I was in a sunny area on the northern bank. It's on boys!!

Hit a spot on the Assabet today in Acton/Maynard, water was high and current was fast but at least the ice was off and I was fishing. Didn't catch a thing though. Hoping the ice melts on some of the ponds soon.

Season started for me last week. Gone out three times thus far, got a bass on day 2 in Malden.

401kjg, got some advice for you (and a question)
Well the Concord River is pretty much fully thawed and is easily accessible from the Lowell area. If you are unfamiliar with the river system feel free to shoot me a PM and I can fill you in on a great spot in Billerica, a 10 minute ride from downtown Lowell.

My question for you is, have you ever fished the Merrimack River above the Pawtucketville dam? I am in Lowell almost daily and fished the Merrimack a few times above that dam where there is tons of shore access along Pawtucket Blvd and Pawtucket St but never had any luck. I'm kind of curious what kind of fish are above the dam, in case you or anyone else here knows. I've also fished downstream from the dam and had some success with smallmouths and saw some salmon roaming. I figure they are above the dam too but just never caught any above it so am not sure...

Well the Concord River is pretty much fully thawed and is easily accessible from the Lowell area. If you are unfamiliar with the river system feel free to shoot me a PM and I can fill you in on a great spot in Billerica, a 10 minute ride from downtown Lowell

I would love to know where this spot is. I usually put in off Rt 225 at the Carlisle/Bedford line. I am not very experienced at fishing in this area and would appreciate any advice on good spots to get to from there and what types of baits work. Thanks.

Well the Concord River is pretty much fully thawed and is easily accessible from the Lowell area. If you are unfamiliar with the river system feel free to shoot me a PM and I can fill you in on a great spot in Billerica, a 10 minute ride from downtown Lowell

I would love to know where this spot is. I usually put in off Rt 225 at the Carlisle/Bedford line. I am not very experienced at fishing in this area and would appreciate any advice on good spots to get to from there and what types of baits work. Thanks.

Of Course and welcome to the site! I also frequent the Rt 225 area but I fish from shore. I have pulled in GREAT fish from the shore near the bridge.
I caught pike there and some good size bass including two 4.5 lbers (I hope to join the Concord River 5 lb club this year)
As far as baits go I think I can offer up some good recommendations. The Concord is one of favorite places to fish and am there at least once weekly. So at the Rt 225 bridge Ive caught pike on 10 inch rubber worms. I've had good luck with spinnerbaits there too, small spinnerbaits with Colorado blades, and regular size spinnerbaits with willow blades. I've also seen bass jigs work very well there too. I've tried numerous hard baits there but never really had much luck with them, although I know some people say they do great with lipless cranks, Spooks, and other various plugs.

The other spot I mentioned, the one in Billerica (I'll instant message you the exact location) I've had similar luck with spinnerbaits and various rubber baits like fluke, shakey head worms, and regular rubber worms (both 7 and 10 inch). This location is where I got a really decent size pike, which was on a black spinnerbait with willow blades.

Theres also some monster carp there. I've some some huge ones get pulled out and even once had one go after my huge Spook!

Thanks for all your help. I have been on the river a few times without luck. My 14 yr old son likes to go, but it would be great to start catching some fish to keep him interested. Looks like a trip to the bait and tackle shop is in order . Let me know about that spot in Billerica!

Thanks for all your help. I have been on the river a few times without luck. My 14 yr old son likes to go, but it would be great to start catching some fish to keep him interested. Looks like a trip to the bait and tackle shop is in order . Let me know about that spot in Billerica!

Check your private messages, just sent along with some ramblings about the river.

Seeing that you want to keep your son interested be sure to also try some places that will offer more quantity than quality...

Anyone have any good recommendations that for mondoribo? places that seem catch fish pretty regularly?

in the last week ive caught 4 fish all on crankbaits, this weekend should be good with the temps coming up