Guide To Fishing At Watchaug Pond

AKA: Watchaug Lake

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.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

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.

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.

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.

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.

What to fish for...

Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch and chain pickerel at Watchaug Pond in Rhode Island.

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

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.

Click here for a Rhode Island Fishing License.