What You'll Find at Long Pond

Long Pond sits in the center of Northwood, a quiet inland lake that holds largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish — bluegill, sunfish, and yellow perch. The lake runs roughly north to south and covers about 300 acres, making it large enough to have distinct fishing zones but small enough that you can cover productive water in a morning or afternoon. The shoreline is a mix of wooded banks, marshy coves, and residential property, with depths ranging from shallow weed beds near the edges to 40 feet in the central basin.

This is not a destination lake that draws crowds from three states over. It's a local water where Northwood residents fish regularly and where you can find decent action without fighting boat traffic. The lake sits at roughly 400 feet of elevation and stays relatively clear through the season, which helps both sight-fishing for bass and working structure with artificials.

Key Takeaways

  • Long Pond holds largemouth bass year-round, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action in shallow water and around structure.
  • Public boat access is available at the town ramp on the north end of the lake, with parking for trailers and a gravel launch.
  • Panfish and chain pickerel are abundant and will take small jigs, spinners, and live minnows throughout the open-water season.
  • Summer fishing requires moving to deeper water and structure — drop-offs, weed lines, and submerged timber hold bass when shallows warm.
  • Ice-out typically occurs in mid-April, and the lake remains fishable through November, with fall offering some of the year's best topwater action.

Spring Fishing — Shallow Water and Spawning Bass

Long Pond wakes up in mid-April after ice-out, and the first three weeks are prime time for largemouth bass. Fish move into the shallows to spawn, and they're aggressive. Focus on the marshy coves on the western shore and the shallow bays on the north end — these areas warm first and hold the most active fish. Throw crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics in natural colors: browns, blacks, and greens that match the stained water.

Panfish also move shallow in spring, and bluegill will take small jigs tipped with waxworms or live minnows in water 3 to 8 feet deep. If you're fishing from shore, the marshy areas near the boat ramp and along the eastern bank hold both bass and panfish. By late May, as water temperatures climb into the 60s, bass begin moving deeper, and you'll need to follow them to structure.

Summer — Finding Bass in Deeper Water and Weeds

By mid-June, surface water temperatures reach the low 70s, and largemouth bass move away from the shallows. Target the weed lines that form along the drop-offs on the eastern and western sides of the lake. Work the edges with soft plastics — 4-inch worms rigged Texas-style or creature baits — and fish slowly. Early morning and late evening are most productive; midday fishing is slow unless you're working deep structure.

Chain pickerel remain active throughout summer and will chase topwater lures and small spinnerbaits in the weedy areas. Panfish hold in deeper water during the day but move back to shallows at dawn and dusk. If you have a depth finder, look for the 20- to 30-foot zone where the thermocline forms — bass often suspend just above it during the heat of the day. Live minnows drifted along these deeper breaks will produce steady action.

Fall — Topwater Action and Aggressive Feeding

September and October are some of the best months at Long Pond. Water temperatures drop back into the 60s, bass move shallow again, and they feed aggressively in preparation for winter. Topwater lures — poppers, walk-the-dog baits, and buzz baits — produce explosive strikes in the early morning hours. Fish the same shallow coves and bays you worked in spring, but now the action often lasts longer into the day.

Panfish also feed heavily in fall, and bluegill and sunfish will take small jigs and spinners throughout the afternoon. Chain pickerel are at their most aggressive, and they'll chase nearly anything you throw. By late October, as water temperatures drop below 50 degrees, fishing slows, but there's still a window of good action on calm days when you can work shallow structure with soft plastics and live minnows.

Access and Launch Information

The primary public boat access is the Northwood town ramp on the north end of Long Pond, off Northwood Road. The ramp is gravel, maintained by the town, and has parking for several trailers. There's no fee to launch, though parking is limited during peak times on weekends. The ramp is suitable for small to mid-size boats and canoes; larger trailers may find the lot tight.

Shore access is limited because much of the shoreline is private residential property. Your best options for shore fishing are the area near the boat ramp and a few pull-offs along Northwood Road on the eastern shore. Always ask permission before crossing private land, and respect posted property. Kayak and canoe access is easier — you can launch from the ramp and explore the shallower coves that are harder to reach by motorboat.

What Gear and Tackle to Bring

For largemouth bass, bring a medium-power spinning rod with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braid. Spinnerbaits in sizes 1/4 to 1/2 ounce, crankbaits in the 2- to 4-inch range, and soft plastics (4- to 6-inch worms and creature baits) cover most situations. Topwater lures are essential in spring and fall. For panfish, a light spinning rod with 4- to 6-pound line and small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with waxworms or live minnows will produce steady action.

Chain pickerel will take the same lures as bass but are less picky — they'll chase spinnerbaits and topwater without hesitation. Bring a net if you're fishing from a boat; the shallower areas can be weedy, and a net makes landing fish easier. Polarized sunglasses help you spot bass in the clear water, especially in spring and fall. A depth finder is useful for locating the weed lines and deeper structure in summer, but not essential if you're willing to explore and mark productive spots as you find them.

Seasonal Patterns and Water Temperature

Long Pond's fishing follows the classic New England pattern: spring and fall offer the most active surface feeding, summer requires deeper water and structure, and winter closes the lake to most anglers. Ice typically forms by late November and remains solid through March. Water temperature is the key — bass feed most aggressively when water is between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which means spring (mid-April through May) and fall (September through October) are your prime windows.

Summer fishing is possible but requires patience and a willingness to fish deeper and slower. Winter ice fishing for panfish and pickerel is an option if you have the gear and experience, but the lake is not known as a major ice-fishing destination. Most local anglers focus their effort on the open-water season from April through November, with the heaviest pressure in May and September.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Long Pond from shore?

Yes, but access is limited because most of the shoreline is private. The area near the town boat ramp and a few pull-offs along Northwood Road offer shore access. Always respect posted property and ask permission before crossing private land. Kayak or canoe access gives you more flexibility to reach productive shallow areas.

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

Spring (mid-April through May) and fall (September through October) are most productive. Water temperatures in the 55- to 75-degree range trigger aggressive feeding in bass and panfish. Summer fishing is slower and requires working deeper structure, while winter closes the lake to most anglers.

Do I need a boat to fish Long Pond?

No, but a boat gives you access to more water and deeper structure. Shore fishing is possible near the ramp and along Northwood Road. A kayak or canoe is an excellent option — it's quieter than a motorboat, costs less, and lets you explore the shallow coves where bass and panfish concentrate.

What size fish can I expect?

Largemouth bass typically run 12 to 18 inches, with occasional fish in the 3- to 4-pound range. Panfish average 6 to 9 inches. Chain pickerel are common and often run 15 to 20 inches. This is a solid local lake, not a trophy destination, but consistent action and healthy populations make it worth the trip.

Is there a launch fee at the town ramp?

No, the Northwood town ramp is free to use. Parking is limited, especially on weekends, so arrive early if you're launching during peak times. The ramp is gravel and suitable for small to mid-size boats and trailers.