Peters Pond (Sandwich)

Peters Pond, a clear, cold kettle pond in the Forestdale section of Sandwich, is a holdover trout pond: MassWildlife says its excellent cold water regularly produces big carryover trout, and it lists the pond as a best bet for trophy brook, rainbow and tiger trout. The Fisherman's writer calls a 3- or 4-pound trout a reasonable goal, and the pond's yellow perch fishing, especially through the ice, can be outstanding.

When to fish

• Spring and fall: the best trout fishing, after each stocking.
• Summer: many anglers switch to bass, but the trout are still there, at 25 to 35 feet.
• Winter: ice fishing for perch and trout when the ice is safe; the sheltered cove by the east-end ramp freezes first and stays safe longest. In mild winters, anglers wade and fish the open water.

Where to fish

• Deep water: the pond averages 25 feet and reaches 53. In winter, look for the deep holes for perch.
• Near-shore drop-offs: where The Fisherman's writer sets his tip-ups through the ice.
• The shoreline: you can wade most of it.

How to fish it

In open water, cast small spinners, minnow plugs and spoons, or dries, streamers and nymphs on a fly rod; worms, shiners, grass shrimp and dough bait are the surest bets. From a boat, work the shoreline or troll small minnow plugs on downriggers or lead core, changing depths until you find the fish. Through the ice, set tip-ups along the drop-offs with bait about a foot off the bottom, and jig small spoons, jigs or curly-tail grubs tipped with a mealworm or a strip of cut bait on light line.

Getting there

MassWildlife's paved ramp, with parking for about 15 vehicles, is off John Ewer Road on the pond's southeast arm. The town's Oakcrest Cove property also has a launch, a beach and shore fishing on conservation land east of the beach; it charges for parking in swimming season. There's a mercury consumption advisory for the pond's fish (it doesn't cover stocked trout). You need a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license, and small lead sinkers and lead jigs are banned in fresh water.