Fishing Johnson Pond

AKA: Flat River Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Johnson Pond Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Johnson Pond, RI

Popular Fish Species Johnson Pond, RI

Johnson Pond Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Johnson Pond is a popular bass fishing tournament lake with annual events held by local and state fishing organizations. Both weekend and tournament anglers are catching bass in good numbers. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass and spotted bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. A history of careful fisheries management by the Fish & Wildlife, Rhode Island Department of Environmental has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. In Johnson Pond, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. In winter when the lake freezes over and the ice is safe, bass can also be caught while ice fishing.

Johnson Pond Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

A nice population of black crappie resides in Johnson Pond. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Johnson Pond. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.

Johnson Pond Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch and chain pickerel at Johnson Pond in Rhode Island.

Boating and fishing are popular at Johnson Pond, aka Flat River Reservoir, a 650-acre lake in the north-central part of the state, at Coventry. This winding lake has over 15 miles of shoreline to explore by canoe, kayak or power boat.

Among the popular fish species found in Johnson Pond are smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, and pumpkinseed. Smallmouth and largemouth bass are the prized catches for many anglers at Johnson Pond. Chain pickerel are another prevalent species in Johnson Pond, known for their aggressive strikes and voracious appetites. Yellow perch and pumpkinseed are popular panfish species that are abundant here.

Flat River Reservoir boat ramp, Zeke's Bridge Fishing Access and Water's Edge Campground are three options for launching boats. Much of the lake is surrounded by dense forest and private homes, but adventurous anglers can always find a spot for fishing from the bank.

Primary fish species residing in Johnson Pond

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Johnson Pond Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Zeke's Bridge Fishing Access Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Harkney Hill Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.