Need a kiver spot near Sterling, MA

[PJT]

Hi all,

My 6 year old nephew is coming to visit me this weekend and asked to bring him fishing. I need a sure-thing spot for sunfish or kivers within a few minutes from my house. I can only think of either wacashum (sp?) off of gates road, Wachusett reservoir (near church other side of aqueduct) , or Stillwater (near the singing bridge -bad area for him). This may seem impossible but I have tried before but was never able to catch any sunfish.

The only criteria is that it is close in walking distance from the car and that he does not need to climb up or down rocks or if there are any trip hazards around. I need to be very, very careful because he bruises and breaks bones easy. The best would be for him to catch a trout or something so he can bring it home for his mom since he has been so excited talking about it. I already bought him one of those 'kid combos' and he's been practicing his casting.

I was thinking west wacashum near where the canoe launch and where the rail trail is since it seems to be flat and grassy but I don't know if there are any fish there since I never fished it before. I can only bring him out for a max of an hour or thereabouts so I need a sure spot. I have heard the pumping station on rt 140 was ok since I think wheelchairs can get to it.

Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks.

[NatickDave]

How about Comet Pond?

ND

[DAQ]

Wachusett Res. near the Stone Church should have some.

D

[PJT]

Thanks. Don't know where comet pond is so it might be too much out of the way. I'll check out the area around stone church on my way home and pre-scout it tonite but if I rember correctly, it's a steep bank with rocks which it isn't good for access.

If all else fails, I do remember that White's Pond in Concord has a pebble area off to the right at the boat launch that is pretty productive. Not sure if there are kivers there though. But as far as access it seems good but the drive might be too far.

Thanks. Keep the suggestions coming though...

[Eddy Merckx]

PJT, there are a few places I can think of quickly:

-Believe it or not, the little round pond near the soccer/baseball fields on Muddy Pond Rd. holds sunfish and some small bass. This is probably the easiest access. I'm talking about the small round basin basically behind the school, NOT Muddy Pond. Fish worms and bobbers, keep the worm off the bottom and your nephew should do OK. Watch your step, the Canada geese like this pond too ;) .

-For the kids, I like Lynde Basin/Wekepeke too. Park on Heywood, it an easy walk on old dirt roads to the water. The lower part of the basin seems to fish better than the upper.

- Go out to the point near the canoe launch at W. Waschaum for a chance at stocked trout. This is a little iffy if access is a concern. Same thing with fishing off the rail trail; you have to scramble up and down the trestle to get to the water.

-Stuart Pond off Justice Hill Rd. has very good road access.

The pumping station on the Quinnapoxet does have wheelchair access and a nice casting platform, but it's not the first place I would bring a kid if I wanted to be sure he was going to do some catching. The Old Stone Church is usually good for perch, but it's really exposed to wind, which can be tough for young kids.

Good luck, I hope the kid goes home with a big smile and a sore arm from cranking in many fish!

(Yup, I'm the mad Kivver Spot Burner! :cool: )

[PJT]

Thanks Eddy. Exactly what I was looking for, local knowledge all within 5-10 minutes of my house.

I didn't know the little pond in next to the softball fields had fish in it. That would be perfect as he can get to it himself without any help. Better get at it now before the new playground goes in. Not sure if that pond goes away but I'm sure they will do something to it.

I'll give that a go and W. Waschaum. If need be I'll carry him in and try to find a flat area for him to stand.

Thanks again.

[sped]

Easy access, loads of kivers and perch, you'll probably be alone and 'nuff parking......perfect......for extra fun keep going to the "next" pond.......also a 2nd for the pond behing the schools near the soccer fields..........there are bass in there......I know the guy who tossed a few in when he was in high school the year the pond was built ;) ....... Sped

[NatickDave]

Sorry 'bout that...I meant Asnacomet Pond on Rt. 68 in Hubbarston. I know there is good casting and good access there.

ND

[PJT]

Just wanted to say thanks for the kivver spots. He had a great time and although we did not hook them, the LM bass we spotted in their spawning beds were a nice site to see. He was able to cast and reel in by himself about 6 sunfish in a few minutes and was very proud of himself.

[Eddy Merckx]

--127-3- --127-3- --127-3-

A new fisherman is born!


(PJT, now that you've done your good turn, hit the local rivers. Fishing on both the Quinnie and Stillwater was OUTSTANDING this weekend.)

[PJT]

Really? --123-3

I might have to do a recon mission tonite after work. Thanks!