My buddy and I got skunked a couple weeks back at Wachusett and we'd like to try again. I know the laker season is pretty much over but there's always smallies and the like.
Has anybody had any luck there recently? What are the best gates?
Most lakes and ponds stocked with trout should be producing. I've been having some decent luck over at Walden. Others tell me White pond is a nice spot to go as well. Trout are all coming into the shallows as it get (slightly) colder. Any shallow weedy lake might also get you some Chain Pickerel action. Smallies might be somewhat active, but I imagine they are hanging over deep cover now, so shore fishing might be tricky.
That's the rig I've been catching them on, although with longer leader (I'd say at least a foot). I also almost had a decent rainbow on a mealworm rig I was experimenting with yesterday afternoon (he spit the hook at the last second). Some guys have been pulling in nice browns as well, but I don't know with what (or where).
I'll be there tomorrow morning. Keep in mind that the water lever is very low right now. Some nice bits of shoreline structure are un-fishable right now, because they are actually above water. However, the plus side is that the whole shoreline is open, so you can fish literally wherever you want.
I live 2mins from the chu the best advise I can give you is to go for a walk and look for places were most people will not think of trying. All of the major shore spots are fished all day everyday.
I drive by the stone church area and rt 140 twice a day commuting to work and back and it amazes me how many people will sit on the same spots out of convenience. Don't get me wrong 19lbers have been caught from the small stone church area and bridge on opening day.
The DCR managed waters around the area open April 2nd this year so fish on!