Laurel Lake (Lee and Lenox)

Laurel Lake, on the Lee-Lenox line off Route 20, is a small (170 acres), deep and clear lake with a bit of everything: stocked trout in spring and fall, largemouth all summer, big bluegill and pumpkinseed, and carp over 20 pounds. MassWildlife lists it as a best bet for trophy carp, rainbow trout and chain pickerel. It also has zebra mussels, so cleaning your boat and gear is a must.

When to fish

• Spring and fall: MassWildlife stocks trout both seasons, and that's when anglers crowd in for them.
• Summer: largemouth bass, plus sunfish that bite almost nonstop. Carp anglers have become more common, chasing fish over 20 pounds.
• Winter: ice fishing for chain pickerel and yellow perch is popular.

Where to fish

• Deep water: the lake averages 26 feet and reaches 53, over a mostly gravel, rock and rubble bottom.
• The coves: they have mud bottoms with weeds growing to 15 feet or deeper.

Getting there

DCR runs a concrete ramp off Route 20 on the east shore, with parking for about 20 cars and shore fishing. On the west shore you can fish or launch a cartop boat from the public right-of-way on Laurel Lake Road, parking on the shoulder. Zebra mussels were found here in 2009: empty, wash and dry live wells, boats, trailers and anything else that touched the water before you leave. You need a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license, and small lead sinkers and lead jigs are banned in fresh water.