There is certainly no lack of good bass fishing in Maryland. With huge reservoirs like Deep Creek, Lock Raven and Liberty, just to name a few, Free State bass anglers have plenty of waters from which to choose. A trip to a big reservoir is not always in the cards, though, especially in today's harsh economic times. These days, some of our state's smaller bass-producing waters are a lot more attractive to anglers. Likewise, the lure of a less-traveled waterway has always been enticing for serious bass fishermen. Let's take a look at three less-known smaller waters that can serve up some decent bassing action without all of the crowds.

JOHNSON'S POND
Johnson's Pond, in Wicomico County, has an interesting history that dates back to colonial times when it was used for waterpower for a mill. Originally a lot smaller, once the mill was no longer needed, modern technology found a new use for the lake. With the advent of electric power, the lake and its dam were converted to generate hydro­electric power. The original dam held out until 1933 when it washed out. By 1936, a newer, better-constructed dam was built a little farther upstream. It is still standing till this day.

Johnson Pond's 105 acres are shallow in nature with a maximum depth of 11 feet; however, the pond is the largest impoundment along the Eastern Shore. The pond also has several tributary streams that feed it. These streams account for some good early-season bass action, as well as a good spot to look for bass during the first part of the fall.

The north fork of the lake is deeper and has some excellent bass-holding structure, including fallen trees, stumps, docks and vegetation. In addition to the natural structure that the lake has, Christmas trees have been placed in the lake to enhance its fish-producing capabilities. Most of the artificial structure has been placed off the old swimmers beach, which makes for some good plastic bait fishing, as well as a good place to look for crappies during the summer and late season.

The eastern shore of the main part of the lake is lined with steep banks and plenty of fallen trees. This is a good place for trying plastic baits. The waters around the timber also provide anglers some good early-morning surface action. You'll also find some good fishing along the western side of the lake where fallen trees, brush and private docks make up the bulk of the fish-holding structures.

Early-season fishing in Johnson's is prime time for using spinnerbaits and swimming plugs in the shallows, as this is the first place to come alive with bass in the spring.

Once the heat of summer arrives, you will find some excellent topwater fishing while using constant-motion lures such as buzzbaits and Jitterbugs fished after dark, and on poppers and darters in the open-water pockets early and late in the day. Fishing weedless rigged plastics in and around vegetation is also a good bet, especially during the summer.

Johnson's Pond is a "Special Bass Management Area," and produces some hefty size bass on an annual basis. With an excellent forage population made up of gizzard shad, golden shiners and chub suckers, the pond does produce its share of big bass. Johnson's Pond has no horsepower limitation, and has some good shoreline access, as well.

WHEATLEY LAKE
One of the best-kept bass-fishing secrets in Maryland is Wheatley Lake. Located in Charles County just outside La Plata near the bottom of the state, the 75-acre lake possesses some of the best water quality of any of Maryland's many bass fishing hotspots. In addition, the lake has an excellent forage population that keeps the bass nice and fat the year 'round.