Johnsons Pond

Johnsons Pond, a 104-acre pond in Salisbury owned by the city, is the largest impoundment on the Eastern Shore. DNR's 2024 survey found more bass of 15 inches or better than any survey before, and a special slot limit protects mid-size bass. The pond is also full of big bluegill and redear sunfish, with yellow and white perch, chain pickerel and, increasingly, snakeheads. Most of the shoreline is private, so plan to fish from a boat or kayak.

When to fish

• Spring: crappie, pickerel and bass around the points and fallen trees; April is good for almost everything.
• Summer: bass and sunfish near the bedding areas in the upper reaches; frogs and buzzbaits once the lily pads are up.
• Fall: bass, sunfish and crappie.
• Winter: pickerel in the shallows.

Where to fish

• The north fork: deeper, with trees, stumps, docks and grass.
• The western shore of the lower pool, with trees, brush and submerged cedars.
• The steep, tree-lined east bank near the cemetery, and the many private docks around the pond (fish them from the water).
• The shallow east fork, with grass and a little timber.

How to fish it

• Bass: a jig with a paddletail, spinnerbaits, stick worms, and frogs or buzzbaits over the pads. Release bass inside the protected slot.
• Pickerel: inline spinners in the shallows, especially in winter.
• Crappie and panfish: small jigs, or a minnow under a bobber, near wood and docks.
• Snakeheads: DNR wants them removed; it's illegal to keep one alive.

Getting there

The City of Salisbury's Rose Street ramp (400 Rose Street, off Business US 50 via Booth and Lake streets) has a concrete ramp, a soft launch and a lot. There's no permit and no horsepower limit. Shore fishing is limited to the small area at the ramp. You need a Maryland nontidal fishing license.