For bass fishermen, Watchaug Pond is a great place to plan a fishing trip. Known as one of the best bass-fishing lakes in Rhode Island, the waters here create the perfect habitat for a thriving population of healthy bass. In fact, The Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife states that the growth rates of the bass population here are better than average. The best baits to use to catch these bass are plastic crayfish and shiners that mimic their natural food sources. Try fishing in shallow covers, underwater coontail beds and clusters of lily pads. In addition to bass, you can find many other fish in this 573-acre, including crappie, perch, and pickerel. To get out on the water, head to the boat launch near Sanctuary Road on the eastern shore. Watchaug Pond is surrounded on three sides by Burlingame State Park, which offers lakeside campsites and boat access areas.

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