What You'll Find at Long Pond

Long Pond is a shallow, weedy 65-acre lake in Plymouth that holds largemouth bass, pickerel, and panfish — bluegill, pumpkinseed, and yellow perch. The pond averages 8 to 12 feet deep with extensive cattail beds, lily pads, and submerged vegetation that make it ideal for bass hunting in spring and early summer. The weed growth also means summer fishing can be tough; many anglers focus their effort from April through June and again in September and October when the vegetation thins and water temperatures cool.

The pond is best fished from a small boat or canoe because the shoreline is heavily developed with private homes. Bank access is limited to the public boat launch and a small parking area on the north end. If you don't have your own boat, you can rent one from a local livery or launch a canoe or kayak and paddle in from the public ramp.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Pond holds largemouth bass and panfish in shallow, weedy water — bring a boat or rent one because shoreline access is mostly private.
  • Spring (April through June) is the most productive season; bass move shallow to spawn and feed in the weed edges.
  • The public boat launch is on the north end of the pond near the parking area; arrive early on weekends because the lot fills quickly.
  • Soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures work well around the weed beds; live shiners or crawfish are effective for panfish.
  • Summer fishing slows as vegetation thickens; fall (September and October) offers a second good window before water cools too much.

Seasonal Patterns and When to Fish

Spring is the prime window at Long Pond. From mid-April through May, largemouth bass move into shallow water to spawn, and they feed aggressively along the weed edges and in the pockets between cattail beds. Water temperatures in the 55 to 65 degree range trigger this behavior, and you'll find fish in 2 to 6 feet of water. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive, but overcast days can produce all day.

Summer (June through August) becomes difficult as the pond fills with vegetation and water temperatures climb into the low 80s. Bass move deeper and become less active during the day. If you fish summer, focus on early morning before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m., and work the deeper channels between weed beds. Panfish remain active in deeper pockets and around submerged structure.

Fall (September through October) offers a second strong season. As water cools and vegetation begins to die back, bass return to shallower feeding zones. October can be excellent, especially after a cool night when water temperatures drop into the 50s. Largemouth and pickerel feed more consistently throughout the day, and the reduced weed cover makes navigation easier.

Boat Launch and Access

The public boat launch is located on the north end of Long Pond, accessible from Jenney Grist Mill Road in Plymouth. There is a small parking area with room for roughly 8 to 10 vehicles. The ramp itself is concrete and in decent condition, though it can be slippery in wet weather. There is no fee to launch, but the lot fills quickly on weekend mornings, especially in spring. Arrive by 7 a.m. if you want a may provide spot on a Saturday or Sunday.

If you don't have a boat, you can launch a kayak or canoe from the same ramp. The shallow, weedy nature of the pond makes it well-suited to paddling, and you can reach most productive areas within 10 to 15 minutes of launch. A few local outfitters in Plymouth rent kayaks and small boats by the day; calling ahead is wise during peak season.

Lures and Tactics for Long Pond

Soft plastic worms and creature baits in 4 to 6 inch lengths work well around the weed edges. Rig them Texas-style (weighted, with the hook point buried in the plastic) to reduce snags in heavy cover. Work them slowly along the weed line, pausing to let the lure sink into pockets. Black, green pumpkin, and watermelon colors are reliable choices.

Spinnerbaits in 1/4 to 3/8 ounce sizes are effective for covering water quickly and triggering strikes from aggressive bass. Blade colors like chartreuse and white stand out in the stained water typical of weedy ponds. Topwater lures — poppers and walking baits — produce strikes in early morning and low-light conditions, especially in spring when bass are feeding in shallow water.

For panfish, live shiners or small crawfish under a bobber work well in the deeper pockets and channels. If you prefer artificial lures, small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with a small piece of worm or a soft plastic body will catch bluegill and perch. Yellow perch respond well to small spoons and spinners worked slowly near the bottom.

What to Bring and What to Know

Bring a net — the weed cover means fish can wrap around vegetation and break free if you try to hand-land them. A push pole or trolling motor is helpful for navigating the shallow water quietly; a gas motor can work but will stir up silt and spook fish in water this shallow. Wear polarized sunglasses to spot fish in the clear, shallow water and to see the weed structure you're fishing.

The pond is open to the public for fishing, but respect private property along the shoreline. Do not trespass on residential land or tie up to private docks. The water is relatively clean for a weedy pond, but it's not a swimming area, so plan your day accordingly. Mosquitoes can be heavy in summer, especially near the cattail beds; bring insect repellent.

Nearby Water and Alternatives

If Long Pond is crowded or the bite is slow, several other ponds within 15 minutes offer similar fishing. Assawompsett Pond (also in Plymouth) is larger and holds striped bass and largemouth bass in deeper water. Manomet Pond, just south in Plymouth, is smaller but less crowded and holds panfish and pickerel. Both have public access and boat launches.

If you want to explore moving water, the Herring Run (which connects several Plymouth ponds) holds pickerel and yellow perch in spring and fall. The run is narrow and requires a small boat or canoe, but it offers a different experience from still-water pond fishing and can be productive when the ponds slow down.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of day to fish Long Pond?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late afternoon (4 p.m. to sunset) are most productive, especially in spring and fall. Summer fishing is better in early morning or after 6 p.m. when water temperatures are cooler and bass are more active. Overcast days can produce all day.

Do I need a boat to fish Long Pond?

A boat is strongly recommended because most of the shoreline is private homes. You can launch a kayak or canoe from the public ramp and paddle to productive areas, or rent a small motorboat from a local livery. Bank fishing is limited to the area around the launch.

What size bass are in Long Pond?

Largemouth bass typically range from 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish in the 3 to 4 pound range. Pickerel are usually smaller, 10 to 14 inches. Panfish (bluegill and perch) average 6 to 9 inches. The pond is not known for trophy fish, but it offers consistent action for numbers.

Is there a license requirement?

Yes, Massachusetts requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife or at most local tackle shops and sporting goods stores.

Can I fish Long Pond in winter?

Long Pond does freeze in winter, and ice fishing is possible. However, the shallow depth and heavy vegetation make it less productive than deeper ponds. Check ice thickness and local conditions before venturing out, and follow all state ice fishing regulations.