General view of Big Eddy Pond from the southern end
November 7, 2020
Location and Access to Big Eddy Pond
Where is Big Eddy Pond Located?
This 4-acre water body is found in the back of the Topsham Transfer Station at the end of Townsend Way, off Foreside Road in Topsham, ME. However, the Maine Atlas and Gazetteer does not show the pond. Hence, use the Google Map link above to find its specific location. My goal today is fishing for trout on Big Eddy Pond.
Access
The easiest access is by car. Slowly drive through the entrance of the transfer station, stop and tell the attendant your purpose, continue to the back of the facility, and look for a dirt road that loops around the grassy knoll (i.e., the closed landfill). It will bring you directly to the shore of the pond after a 2-minute ride. Anglers can park their vehicles right along the pond shoreline.
Keep in mind that the transfer station operates from 8 am until 5 or 6 pm (depending on the season) and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Click here for more details.
If you want to fish before opening or after closing hours, or on the two closed days, then park your car in the small parking lot to the left of the entrance to the transfer station and walk for about 10 minutes to the pond via the local trails.
Beware that Big Eddy Pond has a smaller twin called Little Eddy Pond. Only the former (most southerly) is stocked with trout.
Look for this sign. Big Eddy Pond is right behind it.
Big Eddy Pond Features, Stocking, Depth Profile, and Angling Rules
General Characteristics
Many of my blog readers have asked about where one can fish from shore in the fall using waders without a boat or fancy electronics. Big Eddy Pond is one of those spots.
It and its twin are also called the Topsham Ponds. Both are embedded in a large wooded area which is crisscrossed by multiple trails. From all appearances, this pond looks to be a flooded former gravel pit. The entire shoreline is free of trees and brush. Hence, one can pretty much walk all around the pond without hip boots or waders, particularly in the fall when the water level is low.
The substrate is sandy and firm, and the water is crystal clear.
Annual Stocking
The State stocked this pond earlier this fall with 525 9″ brookies and 75 13″ brookies. It is the latter one-pounders that are of interest to me.
Depth Profile
A depth map is not available for Big Eddy Pond
Fishing Regulations
A review of the rules shows that the pond is open to fishing from October 1 to November 30. However, anglers can only use artificial lures. Also, all trout must be released alive and at once. Click here for the full regulations applicable to Big Eddy Pond.
The bigger trout are hiding in the schools of smaller fish.
Fishing for Trout on Big Eddy Pond
Arrival and Conditions
I arrive at Big Eddy Pond at 10:30 am. It is a glorious late-fall day, with air temps in the mid-60’s, full sunshine, and a light southern breeze. One cannot ask for better conditions this time of year!
Surprisingly, given the easy access, the nice weather and the generous trout stocking, no one else is fishing. Hence, I have the place all to myself, except for the occasional mountain bikers and people out for a stroll.
Technique for Fishing for Trout on Big Eddy Pond
I am using my ultra-light spinning rod with a small spinning reel spooled with 6-pound monofilament fishing line, and a trusted #2 Mepps spinner. Removing one of the three hooks from the treble and flattening the barb on one of the two remaining hooks minimized harm to the fish
I cast my lure out with great anticipation. No fish has bitten 30 minutes later… By then, I have slowly walked and cast my way to the southern tip of the pond. A little 9″ trout finally decides to grab the spinner. None too soon!
Results of Fishing for Trout on Big Eddy Pond
It just never gets old, particularly on a perfect fall day!
And then the bonanza starts… It is a deeply-satisfying but rare condition that only occurs when all the stars align perfectly. And that alignment is occurring this morning (click here, here, and here for other examples).
The trout are all hiding in that southern corner of the pond. I toss my spinner out and, because of the crystal-clear water, see dozens of trout eagerly swimming after and lurching towards the lure. Also, several times, every cast results in a hit and every second cast yields a fish!
I land two dozen trout over the next hour, but also miss a bunch more. Even though most of the fish are the much less interesting nine inchers, I do catch six of the harder-fighting 13 inchers. What a blast!
On my way out, I pass a dad and his young son who are fishing where I originally started. They have not caught a thing. Therefore, I tell them about the bunch of eager trout at the opposite end of the pond. They thank me and immediately move to my former spot.
It is a great feeling to share my good luck.
I love the brilliant spawning colors of the males
The outcome of fishing for trout on Big Eddy Pond: I caught about two dozen brook trout (largest = 13″) in 1.5 hours of fast and furious fishing.
Was the information in this blog useful? I invite you to share your thoughts and opinions. Also, feel free to discuss your fishing experiences at this location.
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