What Long Pond offers and when to fish it
Long Pond is a 65-acre freshwater pond in the Nantucket moors, roughly three miles north of town, and it holds largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and sunfish. The pond sits in open moorland with minimal development, which means cleaner water than some of the island's other ponds and a quieter fishing experience. Spring and fall are the strongest seasons—bass move shallow in April and May, and again in September and October when water temperatures drop. Summer fishing is possible but slower, as the bass retreat to deeper water and weedlines during the heat.
Access is straightforward: there is a public boat launch on the south end of the pond, and a parking area nearby. The pond is roughly 20 feet deep at its deepest point, with a sandy bottom in most areas and some weed growth along the eastern and northern shores. Because it is smaller than some Nantucket ponds, you can cover most of it in a morning, which makes it a good choice if you have limited time or want to focus on one body of water rather than island-hopping.
Key Takeaways
- Long Pond holds largemouth bass and chain pickerel year-round, with the strongest fishing in April through May and September through October.
- A public boat launch on the south end provides vehicle access; parking is available nearby and the pond is small enough to fish thoroughly in one outing.
- Bass respond to shallow-water presentations in spring and fall, and to deeper weedlines and structure during summer heat.
- The pond sits in open moorland with minimal shoreline development, which keeps water quality stable and crowds light compared to other island ponds.
Spring fishing for shallow bass
April through May is when Long Pond fishes best. Water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, and largemouth bass move into the shallows to feed and spawn. Focus on the eastern and northern shorelines where weed growth begins to emerge—this is where bass hunt for food and where they stage before moving into spawning areas. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics worked slowly along the weedline will draw strikes.
Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, but spring fishing on Long Pond can be good throughout the day because the water is still cool and overcast skies are common. If you are fishing from the boat launch area, work your way north along the eastern shore first—this section tends to warm faster and holds active fish earlier in the season. The western shore is shallower overall and can be productive as well, especially if you find isolated weed patches or small drop-offs.
Summer patterns and deeper water
June through August is slower, but not fishless. Bass move away from the shallows and relate to deeper weedlines, the deepest holes in the pond, and any structure that provides shade or cooler water. The pond's deepest water is in the central basin, roughly 20 feet down, and this is where you will find bass during midday heat. Early morning and evening remain your best windows—fish the shallows at dawn, then move to deeper structure as the sun climbs.
Chain pickerel are more active than bass during summer heat and will take small topwater plugs and spinnerbaits throughout the day. If you are targeting them specifically, work the weedlines and any submerged logs or debris. Sunfish are abundant and provide consistent action if bass are slow, though they are smaller than what most anglers come for.
Fall fishing and the second peak
September and October rival spring as the best time to fish Long Pond. Water temperatures drop back into the 60s and 50s, and bass return to the shallows to feed aggressively before winter. The same shallow-water presentations that work in spring—spinnerbaits, crankbaits, soft plastics—are effective now, and fish are often less cautious than they are in spring because they are feeding to build reserves for winter.
The weedlines along the eastern and northern shores are productive, but do not overlook the open water near the boat launch. As water cools, bass often suspend in slightly deeper water (8 to 12 feet) and will chase baitfish in open areas. A slow-sinking crankbait or a soft plastic on a light jig head can be effective here. Overcast days and light wind are ideal, but fall fishing is generally consistent enough that you can catch fish in a variety of conditions.
Winter and late-season considerations
November through March is slow. Bass move to the deepest water and feed infrequently, and the pond can freeze over by late December. If you fish in late fall (November), focus on the deepest holes and fish slowly—a small jig or soft plastic worked vertically near the bottom is your best bet. Winter fishing on Nantucket ponds is not productive enough to recommend unless you are a dedicated cold-water angler with time to spare.
Ice fishing is possible once the pond freezes solid, but check conditions carefully and fish only if you are confident in the ice thickness. Local tackle shops can tell you whether the pond is safe and whether anyone is fishing it that season.
Tackle and technique for Long Pond
A medium-power spinning rod with 6- to 8-pound monofilament or braided line is ideal for Long Pond. The pond is small enough that you do not need heavy gear, and lighter line gives you better casting distance and more sensitivity to strikes. Spinnerbaits in sizes 1/4 to 3/8 ounce are reliable year-round, especially in spring and fall. Crankbaits that dive to 5 to 8 feet work well along the weedlines, and soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms or creature baits) on light jig heads are effective in deeper water and during summer.
Topwater plugs can produce exciting strikes in early morning and late evening, particularly in spring and fall. Chain pickerel will chase them aggressively, and you may hook a bass as well. Keep a few different colors and sizes on hand—natural patterns (greens, browns) are reliable, but do not overlook brighter colors on overcast days or in low-light conditions.
Getting to Long Pond and what to bring
Long Pond is accessed via a public boat launch on the south end of the pond. From Nantucket town, head north on Polpis Road for roughly three miles; the launch area is marked and has parking for several vehicles. The launch is a simple concrete ramp suitable for small boats and kayaks. If you do not have a boat, you can fish from shore along the southern and eastern banks, though boat access gives you better coverage of the pond.
Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat—the moors offer no shade, and the sun reflects off the water. A cooler with ice keeps your catch fresh and gives you a place to store drinks. Insect repellent is useful in summer and early fall. Waders are not necessary for boat fishing, but if you plan to wade from shore, bring them—the bottom is sandy but can be soft in places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Massachusetts fishing license to fish Long Pond?
Yes. Massachusetts requires a freshwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day, seven-day, or annual license through the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife website or at local tackle shops on Nantucket. Licenses are inexpensive and support pond management and stocking programs.
Can I keep the bass I catch at Long Pond?
Yes, within Massachusetts size and bag limits. Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length and a five-fish daily bag limit. Check the current Massachusetts fishing regulations before you go, as rules can change. Chain pickerel have no minimum size and a generous bag limit, so they are good to keep if you want to bring home fish.
Is Long Pond better than other Nantucket ponds?
Long Pond is smaller and quieter than some of the island's larger ponds, which appeals to anglers who want a focused outing. It holds the same species as other island ponds and fishes well in spring and fall. If you want variety or are willing to explore, other ponds like Hummock Pond or Sesachacha Pond are worth trying, but Long Pond is reliable and accessible.
What is the best time of day to fish Long Pond?
Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late afternoon through dusk are most productive. Bass are most active in low-light conditions, especially in spring and fall. Summer fishing is slower overall, but early morning and evening remain your best windows. Overcast days can produce good fishing throughout the day.
Can I fish Long Pond from shore?
Yes. The southern and eastern banks are accessible and fishable, though a boat gives you better coverage of the pond. Shore fishing works best in spring and fall when bass are shallow. If you do not have a boat, focus on the weedlines and any visible structure along the banks you can reach.