Orange, MA Fishing: The Jump Town of USA

Orange is an industrial and farming zone in Franklin County, Massachusetts. It was the site of the first automobile industry in all of the US and home to the notable New Home Sewing Machine Company, which produced more than a million sewing machines before halting operations in the 1920s. After the end of the industrial era in Orange town, many other industries such as farming and steel manufacturing were established. 

Europeans first settled in Orange, Massachusetts, in 1746. Many history books state the pieces of land from Athol, Royalston, and Warwick created its first community. It was not until 1783 that it became incorporated as a town. Thanks to the Ruggles Grant and Erving's Grant, this place quickly filled with settlers, paving the way for its incorporation.

Another interesting fact about this place is that it takes its name after William, the Prince of Orange from the Netherlands. Prince William was third in line to the Dutch throne and seventeenth to the British throne. However, King William, I of the Netherlands abdicated his throne. After his death, his son, Prince William, became the Prince of Orange and heir apparent. 

Nowadays, Orange is coveted for its skydiving facility, which made it earn the name "Jump Town of USA." Aside from that, many bodies of water surround this place, such as the Millers River, Tully Pond, and Lake Mattawa, making it a hotspot for recreational and professional anglers.

Orange Fishing

With Millers River flowing through the center of Orange, this place indeed offers a variety of exciting fishing spots. Additionally, several ponds and lakes are within its vicinities, such as Lake Mattawa, Lake Rohunta, Silver Lake, Sportsman Pond, Whites Pond, and Tully Pond.

Orange town locals say that excellent timing and weather are critical to an enjoyable fishing experience in Millers River. It can be dangerous and challenging to venture on when waters are running high. On the other hand, its waters become thin and hot during summer. Once you find the best timing, you will enjoy various fish from this river as it houses smallmouth bass, channel catfish, rainbow trout, white sucker, brown trout, largemouth bass, common carp, and walleye. 

Furthermore, it would be best to visit Millers River during the annual River Rat Race. Locals hold this event every April, and it attracts hundreds of kayak and canoe enthusiasts to compete in serious and wacky watercraft.

Millers River has its fair share of trout during spring and fall. Most anglers fishing in its waters tend to utilize the fly fishing technique, wherein they usually use flies such as Perdigon Nymphs, Sexy Walt's, and Frenchies. 

Another fishing spot you can visit in Orange is Lake Mattawa, a 118-acre Great Pond located on the southern part of Route 2. You will be mesmerized by its clear waters when you see this lake in person. The presence of several underwater springs contributes to its clarity, which is a good thing, especially for anglers, since you will have more visibility of the fish that you want to catch. 

Lake Mattawa also offers a variety of fish to catch, such as largemouth bass, rainbow trout, chain pickerel, bluegill, smallmouth bass, brown trout, yellow perch, and spotted bass. Ice fishing is one of the most challenging sports that anglers can do in this lake during winter. This method is distinct from the regular casting on the lake since the waters can be frozen. Aside from that, the gear is different, too, as you have to bring drills and ice rods. 

Another gem for canoeists and anglers is Lake Rohunta, Massachusetts. It is a 383-acre lake created by a dam in Millers River's branch. Water lilies and pickerelweed are some of the vegetation in this lake, and these are inhabited by rock bass, northern pike, bluegill, yellow perch, and spotted bass.

Jigging or use of artificial lures is widely used by anglers when fishing in Lake Rohunta. This fishing method effectively catches all sorts of fish because the jig twitches, creating an illusion that you are using live bait. 

Top 10 Fish Species in Orange, MA

The top 10 fish species to catch in Orange are rainbow trout, brown trout, chain pickerel, walleye, American yellow perch, northern pike, spotted bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and bluegill.

Seasonal Fishing

There is never an off-season when it comes to fishing in Orange. You can get excellent catches here all year round. You have to make sure that you have a Massachusetts Fishing License, which you can buy from any local fishing store within the vicinity.  

The different varieties of trout available in most water bodies in Orange get stocked between March to May and by the end of September. The purpose of trout stocking during spring and fall is purely for recreation and to attract anglers from all sorts of places. 

Visiting in Orange winter is also an exciting thing to do. As the water freezes from December to March, ice fishing becomes an enjoyable activity in this place. All anglers who want to practice ice fishing are allowed up to five hooks simultaneously. 

The hooks that you can use for this activity can be a combination of jig sticks and tip-ups and the most popular species you can catch during this season are largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and yellow perch. 

Experience the Sky in Orange

Fishing is not the only exciting thing that you can do in Orange. While you are here, you can also maximize your time by experiencing its skies. After all, it's not named the Jump Town of the USA for nothing. 

1. Feel the Wind as You Skydive in Jumptown

Orange is the first commercial skydiving center in the USA, and Jumptown is the best and most premier place to enjoy this activity. This facility offers Tandem and Accelerated Freefall training. Besides that, there are also fantastic dropzones that you surely wouldn't want to miss, such as the Accelerated Freefall Camp, VIP Tandem option, and Jumptown.

2. Witness Beautiful Migratory Birds in Branch Bridge Road and Lake Rohunta

Branch Bridge Road is the best spot for migratory bird watching in Orange, Massachusetts. It is located between the White Pond Road in South Ahol and Blackington Road in New Salem. 

From mid-March to late spring of every year, many migratory waterfowls flock to this place. The top species that you will be able to witness here include ring-necked duck, common goldeneye, hooded and common mergansers, green-winged teal, lesser and greater scaup, and bufflehead. 

3. Go to Cloud Nine by Visiting Hunt Farm Corn Maze

Going to this corn maze may not be an activity involving the sky, but visiting this place and trying its fun-filled activities will surely take you to cloud nine. Finishing the corn maze is a thrilling experience. Plus, you will receive an exciting reward at the end! 

Of course, you can also purchase delicious corn cobs. In addition to that, they also have pumpkins and carving kits to let you design your own Halloween decoration.