Metacomet Lake
Fly fishing in Massachusetts · Beginner · Best seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall
Target Species
Largemouth Bass, Pickerel
About This Water
Hampden County lake with bass fishing. Belchertown area.
Fishing Recommendations
Metacomet Lake, located in Belchertown, Massachusetts, is a quintessential New England warm-water gem. While many fly anglers head to the nearby Swift River for trout, those in the know look to Metacomet for some of the most exciting "green fish" action in the Pioneer Valley.
Here is your comprehensive guide to fly fishing Metacomet Lake.
🎣 Location Overview
Metacomet Lake is a relatively small, 68-acre "kettle hole" pond. What makes it special is its intimacy and its habitat. Unlike the massive Quabbin Reservoir nearby, Metacomet is manageable, sheltered from high winds, and features a classic mix of lily pad fields, submerged weed beds, and downed timber.
The water is generally clear to slightly stained, with a maximum depth of about 20 feet, though most of the productive fishing happens in the 3- to 8-foot range. Because it is restricted to electric motors or small outboards (6hp limit), it remains a quiet, peaceful destination perfect for kayak anglers and float tubers who want to fly cast without battling heavy boat wakes.
🐟 Target Species & Behavior
Largemouth Bass
The bass here are the kings of the weeds. They are highly structure-oriented. During the day, they tuck deep into the "slop" (heavy vegetation) to escape the sun. They primarily feed on bluegill, yellow perch, and the abundant dragonfly/damselfly population.
Chain Pickerel
Metacomet has a healthy population of "water wolves." Pickerel here are aggressive and will often strike a fly right at the boat. They hold in the thinner weed edges and ambush anything that flashes. They are the primary reason you should always carry a few wire leaders or heavy fluorocarbon.
📅 Best Times to Fish
- Spring (May – Mid-June): This is prime time. As the water hits 55–60°F, bass move into the shallows to spawn. Look for sandy patches among the weeds. Post-spawn (early June) offers the most aggressive feeding window.
- Summer (July – August): Focus on the "Golden Hours." The midday sun drives fish deep into the weeds. Fish from 5:00 AM to 8:00 AM or 6:30 PM until dark. Night fishing with surface poppers can be legendary here.
- Fall (September – October): As the weeds begin to die back, bass become more mobile and hunt in schools. This is the best time for streamers and baitfish imitations.
- Cloudy/Overcast Days: In a clear lake like Metacomet, a gray sky is a fly fisher's best friend, as it brings the fish out from under the lily pads to roam.
🪰 Recommended Flies & Techniques
Topwater (The "Heart-Stopper" Method)
- Flies: Boogle Bugs (Poppers), Dahlberg Divers (Frog patterns), and Deer Hair Mice.
- Technique: Cast to the pockets in the lily pads. Let the rings disappear. Give it one subtle "pop," then let it sit for 5–10 seconds. Most strikes happen when the fly is stationary.
Subsurface (The "Search and Destroy" Method)
- Flies: Woolly Buggers (Olive or Black, size 4), Game Changers, and Clouser Minnows (Chartreuse/White).
- Technique: Use a floating line with a long leader or a slow-sinking intermediate line. Strip the fly erratically along the edges of the weed lines.
The Weedless Wonder
- Flies: Johnson’s Silver Minnow (fly version) or any fly with a stiff mono weed guard.
- Technique: Cast directly onto the lily pads and "hop" the fly off the leaf into the water. This mimics a frog or dragonfly falling in and often triggers an instant reaction strike.
💡 Pro Tips & Local Knowledge
- The "Pickerel Tax": Pickerel will shred expensive deer-hair flies. If you find yourself landing more pickerel than bass, switch to a 20lb or 30lb fluorocarbon bite tippet to prevent break-offs.
- Focus on the Western Shore: The western bank often has more overhanging tree cover, providing shade earlier in the afternoon. Bass love to tuck under these "overhangs."
- The Dragonfly Hatch: In mid-summer, Metacomet has massive dragonfly hatches. If you see bass jumping clear out of the water, they are targeting adults. Use a blue or olive foam dragonfly pattern and twitch it on the surface.
- The "Deep Hole": There is a deeper basin toward the center-south of the lake. In the heat of August, if the shallows seem dead, try a weighted streamer on a sinking line in 12–15 feet of water.
⚠️ Important Information
- Access: There is a public boat ramp located on the southern end of the lake off Pool Road. It is paved but small; perfect for trailers, kayaks, and canoes.
- Regulations: Massachusetts fishing license is required. Metacomet follows state-wide regulations for Bass (5 fish limit, 12" minimum), but Catch and Release is strongly encouraged to maintain the quality of this small fishery.
- Invasive Species: Be sure to wash your boat and gear after leaving Metacomet. Like many MA lakes, it struggles with milfoil, and we want to prevent spreading it to the nearby Swift or Holyoke ranges.
- Wading: Wading is difficult due to the silty/mucky bottom and heavy weed growth. This is much more of a "vessel" lake than a "wading" lake.
Guide’s Final Word: Metacomet is the perfect place to hone your "bass on the fly" skills. It's small enough to learn in a day, but the fish are savvy enough to keep you coming back. Tight lines!
Bug Hatches & Matching Flies
| Hatch | Type | Peak months | Time of day | Hook sizes | Matching flies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midges (Chironomids) Chironomidae | midge | April, May, September, October | All day | #18-24 | Zebra Midge #18-22, Griffith's Gnat #20-24, Brooks Sprout Midge #18-20 |
| Speckled Spinner (Callibaetis) Callibaetis | mayfly | June, July, August, September | Late Morning/Afternoon | #14-16 | Callibaetis Parachute #14-16, Hare's Ear #14-16, Mercer's Poxyback Callibaetis #14-16 |
| Giant Michigan Mayfly (Hex) Hexagenia limbata | mayfly | June, July | Dusk/Night | #6-10 | Hexagenia Dry #6-8, Brooks Hex Emerger #8-10, Large Pheasant Tail #8-10 |
| Blue Damselfly Enallagma | terrestrial | June, July, August | Mid-day | #10-14 | Marabou Damsel Nymph #10-12, Adult Damsel #12-14 |
| Spotted Sedge Hydropsyche | caddis | June, July | Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis #14-16, LaFontaine's Deep Sparkle Pupa #16-18 |
| Angler's Curse (Caenis) Caenis | mayfly | July, August | Early Morning | #22-26 | Caenis Spinner #24-26, Brassie #22-24 |
| Green Darner Anax junius | terrestrial | July, August | Afternoon | #4-8 | Dragonfly Nymph #6-10, Woolly Bugger (Olive) #6-10 |
| Terrestrial Ants and Beetles Formicidae / Coleoptera | terrestrial | July, August, September | Mid-day/Afternoon | #12-18 | Black Foam Ant #16-18, Chernobyl Ant #10-12, Foam Beetle #14-16 |