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Ice Fishing Spots and Derbys This Winter

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
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With winter really upon us and temperatures hitting negatives you might be wondering where a great spot for ice fishing might be. Throughout Berkshire county there are many different bodies of water to choose from.

Be sure to have your fishing license for those 15 years or older that you can purchase online through MassFishHunt.

Also make sure the ice is thick enough before heading out as well as let someone know where you are going. Have an ice fishing destination you want included on our list–email info@iberskhires.com.

Stockbridge Bowl
Stockbridge

The lake is a popular scenic spot. Fishermen are known to catch trout, bass, and sunfish here. This is the perfect place to set up your tent or chair and cut a hole for your fish. 

Laurel Lake
Lee 

Laurel Lake is not only a great view but bass are a popular catch. There's a public paved ramp and large parking lot located on the southern tip of the lake.

Pontoosuc Lake
Pittsfield

This spot is best known for its yellow perch. It's quite popular for ice fishing so you're sure to also meet some new friends out on the ice.

Be sure to participate in this year's annual ice fishing derby on Saturday, Feb. 21.

More information here.

Onota Lake
Pittsfield

Onota Lake is stocked with hundreds of rainbow trout every year, and with the right bait you're sure to get a catch.

Cheshire Reservoir
Cheshire

This is a great spot to catch bass, pickerel and pike. 

Be sure to participate in the years annual ice fishing derby on Sunday, February 8th.

More information here.

Windsor Lake
North Adams 

Affectionately known as Fish Pond, this small lake is stocked with rainbow trout, some brook and brown trout, and chain pickerel. 

Mercers Pond 
Great Barrington

A great place to set up a tent and make a hole for the perfect fish to hopefully win at this year's fishing derby on Saturday, Feb. 14.

More information here.

Be sure to safely get on the ice and make sure if it's good for you to go out on, MassWildlife has many tips so that you can keep yourself and others safe when ice fishing.


Tags: ice fishing,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

SteepleCats Earn Their First Home Win of Summer

By Ben McDonoughFor iBerkshires.com Sports
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — It took nearly three weeks and plenty of heartbreak, but the North Adams SteepleCats finally had their breakthrough moment at Joe Wolfe Field.
 
Behind six strong innings from starter Niklas Pavia and a game-changing three-run third inning, the SteepleCats earned their first home victory of the 2026 season Sunday afternoon, defeating the Upper Valley Nighthawks 4-1.
 
The SteepleCats wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Chris Diaz opened the bottom of the first with a double into the gap and immediately put pressure on the Nighthawks by stealing third base. One batter later, Bobby Stang hit a ground ball that allowed Diaz to race home and give North Adams an early 1-0 advantage.
 
That was all the support Pavia needed to settle into a groove.
 
The right-hander was electric from the start, striking out the side in the second inning and consistently attacking hitters with confidence. Pavia struck out seven batters over six innings of work, allowing just one run while repeatedly pitching out of trouble.
 
Upper Valley’s lone run came in the third inning when Frank Kelly launched a solo home run to left field, knotting the game at one apiece.
 
The tie lasted only minutes.
 
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