Fishing Watchaug Pond
AKA: Watchaug Lake
Popular Fish Species Watchaug Pond, RI
Black Crappie Fishing
Watchaug Pond holds a plentiful population of black crappie, which are fat and healthy this year. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Watchaug Pond is considered the best bass fishing lake in Rhode Island. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass, which reside here in decent numbers as well. Fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. In Watchaug Pond, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Yellow perch , which are popular here, tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch and chain pickerel at Watchaug Pond in Rhode Island.
Watchaug Pond Fishing Video
One of the top bass lakes in Rhode Island, Watchaug Pond is a 570-acre lake in the southwest part of the state, at Fort Ninigret, RI. This fertile fishery has about 4 miles of shoreline, and is wrapped on three sides by Burlingame State Park.
Watchaug Pond, situated in the southern part of Rhode Island near the town of Charlestown, is a picturesque freshwater lake offering fantastic fishing opportunities. Spanning over 570 acres, Watchaug Pond is a popular destination for anglers seeking a tranquil fishing experience.
The pond is well-known for its excellent bass fishing. Anglers can target both smallmouth and largemouth bass, making it a versatile location for bass enthusiasts. Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to catch these prized game fish. Casting soft plastics, crankbaits, or topwater lures near submerged structures and weed beds can be effective techniques for enticing strikes from bass.
Watchaug Pond also supports a healthy population of black crappie, which can be caught throughout the year. Anglers can use small jigs, live bait, or soft plastics to catch these panfish around submerged structures and brush piles. Chain pickerel, another popular species, offer thrilling action and can be targeted using spoons, spinners, or flashy lures.
Yellow perch are abundant in Watchaug Pond and provide excellent sport and table fare. Anglers can target these fish using live bait such as worms or minnows or by using small jigs and soft plastics.
With its abundance of smallmouth and largemouth bass, black crappie, chain pickerel, yellow perch, and opportunities for boating and camping, Watchaug Pond is a prime destination for anglers and nature lovers looking for a memorable fishing experience in the southern region of Rhode Island.
The Watchaug Pond State Boat Launch ramp is located on the eastern shore off Sanctuary Road. Anglers can pursue bass, crappie, perch and pickerel, both from boats or by fishing from the bank. The campground at Burlingame State Park has lakeside campsites with boat access and easy portage of canoes, kayaks and car-top boats.
Primary fish species residing in Watchaug Pond
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Watchaug Pond Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Apart from fishing, Watchaug Pond also caters to boating enthusiasts. Anglers can explore the serene waters of the pond by boat, allowing them to access fishing spots that are otherwise difficult to reach from the shoreline. The peaceful ambiance and beautiful surroundings make it a delightful experience for boating enthusiasts.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Watchaug Pond State Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Sanctuary Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Fishing License
Click here for a Rhode Island Fishing License.
For those who wish to extend their stay, camping facilities are available nearby. Camping near Watchaug Pond allows anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the natural beauty of the area and have easy access to the fishing grounds during their stay.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Burlingame State Park Campground - 401 322-8910
Watchaug Pond RI Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Watchaug Pond
Burlingame State Park
1 Burlingame State Park Rd
Charlestown, RI 02813
401 322-8910
Fishing lakes in each state.
080224
Watchaug Pond in Rhode Island.
Information about fishing lakes in Rhode Island
Fishing for bass, crappie, perch and pickerel in southwest RI.
