BBQ_Pitmaster

Water temp in Quabbin is ~ 64. They aren't shallow, but they're definitely closer to the bank. Steep drop offs to 25 - 40 feet. Catching some fish on paddle tails but nothing big. At what water temp do people pick up the tube, and how deep do you fish it?

Yes, there is a public boat launch on Unity/Winnecook. I rented a house on the lake and I was able to carry my boat through the yard so I didn't need to use the ramp, so I can't comment on the condition of it. "Friends of Lake Winnecook" on Facebook is very responsive. They answered all of my questions, I'm sure they could give you more information about the ramp.

I'm inexperienced with fall smallmouth fishing because it's usually a busy time with school, sports, etc. This year I'll have more time to fish at Quabbin on my new boat. What types of areas do you target as the smallmouth move out of their summer spots? What are you looking for on your electronics? Hoping to learn a lot this fall and some tips from more experienced anglers would be awesome.

I've only fished Thompson in July and August so my advice might only be relevant for the next few weeks. Maybe a local could throw in their two cents. Try throwing a wacky worm around floating docks and letting it sink on slack line. I've also had a lot of luck with a Roboworm on a dropshot at offshore points. Deep diving crankbaits can also be effective. Those are the three techniques that I've had the most success with on Thompson, but Ned rig or tube jig would probably also work. 15 - 25 feet has been the sweet spot for me in the summer. I've never used a fish finder on Thompson but it would definitely help.

I second Thompson Lake - regardless of the season, you always have great chance at a 3+, a good chance at 4+, and a puncher's chance at a 5+. Fish are plump and aggressive. There's a reason the 8 lb state record came out of there! Attached is a picture from my last trip up there in 2018. Last weekend I stayed at Lake Winnecook in Burnham. The Sally in my profile picture choked a 4.3 Keitech. Didn't have a scale unfortunately. My buddies and I had a big fish money pool but they caught 2 more of a similar size and we couldn't figure out whose was biggest.