Snipatuit Pond

Snipatuit Pond in Rochester is a big, very shallow, tea-stained warmwater pond, 667 acres but only about 5 feet deep on average, and the headwaters of the Mattapoisett River. Sea-run alewives reach it from the ocean, and MassWildlife says that rich food supply makes its chain pickerel and largemouth bass grow fast. Yellow perch are abundant and of good size all year.

When to fish

• Year-round: MassWildlife expects yellow perch fishing to be excellent in every season.
• Open water: MassWildlife calls the pickerel and largemouth populations healthy and fast-growing.

Where to fish

• Weeds and rushes: weed patches are scattered across the open water, and much of the shore is edged with rushes and pickerelweed.
• Around the islands: there are three (Gull, High Bush and Low Bush), plus a lot of dangerous boulders, so go slowly.
• Connected water: Snipatuit Brook links the pond to Great Quittacas Pond, and Long Pond (also called Black Pond) connects on the southeast side.

Getting there

MassWildlife's George E. Wood Memorial Fishermen's Access, off Neck Road on the northeast shore, has a gravel ramp for trailered boats; parking at the ramp is limited, but the road's wide shoulder takes more cars. Shore fishing is limited to the stretch along Neck Road. There's a mercury consumption advisory for black crappie and largemouth bass from the pond. You need a Massachusetts freshwater fishing license, and small lead sinkers and lead jigs are banned in fresh water.