River Open — prime stream season

Willard Brook (Damon Pond)

Ashby / Townsend, MA · about 63 hours from Maupin (typical, off-peak)

The Townsend brook Evening Sun sits next to — DCR beach lot on a named trout stream, not a Squannacook pull-off.

Salt River / stream Lake / pond Shop (desk) Guide only Parking Stay State access Private — ask first

Around now

Most likely in this drive this week. Not a guarantee — confirm the official rule.

Smallmouth bass
Trout
Sunfish and crappie

Also worth a thought: Largemouth bass, Chain pickerel.

Season

General-law trout streams are in the main season. Bag limits change after Sep 10. MassWildlife is the source of truth. Official rule

License

Massachusetts freshwater license

Park

DCR Willard Brook State Forest Damon Pond lot at 10 Townsend Road, Ashby, off Route 119. Seasonal park fee at the beach lot. Forest HQ is 599 Main Street, West Townsend.

Walk in

Short from the Damon Pond lot to the pond, dam, and brook.

Wading

Small shaded brook. Knee-deep in normal water. Pond is stillwater.

Usual window

Spring and fall. Midsummer is a short dawn. Confirm MassWildlife / DMF.

Friday conditions

Wind ? mph.

Sky: ⛅ 84° partly
Sun and moon: Rise 6:06 · 🌕 Full moon · Set 7:30
Wind at dawn: 0 mph · Mostly Clear · 55°F
Wind later: dawn: 0 mph

10am: 0 mph

2pm: W 1 mph

dusk: N 2 mph
Stocking: Last stocked Apr 24, 2026 · spring water · MassWildlife stocking

A setup that belongs here

3- or 4-wt on the brook; 5-wt on the pond.

Notes

DCR state forest. Stocked brook and the pond. Confirm MassWildlife / DMF.

Summer beach fee. If the lot is full, do not invent a shoulder on Route 119.

Maps Call shop

Log this trip

Private. On this phone, and in your test book if you signed in on Journal.

Shops

Evening Sun Fly Shop

55 Groton St, Pepperell, MA 01463
Wed–Fri 4–7:30pm, Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 9am–2:30pm

Home shop for the Nissitissit and northern I-495 streams. Evening hours help if you work a day job.

Call Website

Guides

Shop desks, plus a few independents who fish public water. We do not take a cut. Call them.

Evening Sun — Nissitissit and 495

Pepperell, MA · wade · Ask the shop — evening hours help if you work

Good for: Small fly-only water, northern I-495

Home shop for the Nissitissit. They know who should be on that stretch.