Are you an avid angler looking for Connecticut’s best bass fishing spots? Do you want to know where all the local experts go when searching for a surefire catch? Look no further! We’ve researched and compiled a list of the top destinations for those pursuing largemouth and smallmouth bass. From lakeside builds offering everything from family-friendly fish fries to heavily wooded streams perfect for fly casting, we’ve got it all – so get ready to set out on your next Connecticut outdoor adventure!
Top Bass Fishing Locations in Connecticut
Thanks to its numerous lakes, rivers, and streams, Connecticut offers many fishing opportunities for anglers. This article’ll delve deeper into some of Connecticut’s best bass fishing locations. We’ll also provide detailed information on each location, including dimensions, historical context, and fishing tips. Additionally, we’ll list the fish species commonly found at these spots.
1. Candlewood Lake
Candlewood Lake is the largest lake in Connecticut, spanning over 5,420 acres with approximately 60 miles of shoreline. It was created in the 1920s by impounding the Rocky River and serves as a reservoir for the Rocky River Hydroelectric Plant. The lake’s maximum depth reaches around 90 feet, while its average depth is about 40 feet. The lake is known for its clear water and diverse aquatic habitat, making it an ideal location for bass fishing. Candlewood Lake is home to several fishing tournaments throughout the year, drawing anglers from all over the region.
Fish species often found in Candlewood Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Chain Pickerel - Yellow Perch - Walleye
Fishing tip: Target rocky points, drop-offs, and underwater structures for smallmouth bass using jigs, crankbaits, or soft plastic baits.
2. Lake Lillinonah
Lake Lillinonah is the second-largest lake in Connecticut, covering approximately 1,547 acres with 45 miles of shoreline. It was formed in 1955 by constructing the Shepaug Dam on the Housatonic River. This picturesque lake offers a variety of fishing opportunities, including bass fishing, and has several boat launches available for easy access. The lake’s maximum depth is around 110 feet, and its average depth is approximately 30 feet.
Fish species often found in Lake Lillinonah:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Northern Pike - Walleye - Channel Catfish
Fishing tip: Focus on submerged timber, weed lines, and rocky shorelines for largemouth bass using spinnerbaits, soft plastics, or topwater lures.
3. Maltby Lakes
Maltby Lakes is a series of three reservoirs located in Orange and West Haven, Connecticut. The lakes were created in the late 1800s and early 1900s as part of the New Haven Water Company’s effort to provide drinking water to the surrounding area. These lakes offer excellent bass fishing opportunities and are accessible by shoreline fishing or by boat (with restrictions). Maltby Lakes 1, 2, and 3 cover areas of 11 acres, 20 acres, and 32 acres, respectively.
Fish species often found in Maltby Lakes:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Chain Pickerel - Yellow Perch - Black Crappie
Fishing tip: Try using live bait like shiners or nightcrawlers near submerged structures, fallen trees, or weed beds for largemouth bass.
4. Bantam Lake
Bantam Lake is the largest natural lake in Connecticut, covering approximately 947 acres with a maximum depth of around 25 feet. It is located in Morris and Litchfield and offers beautiful scenery and great bass fishing. The lake has a variety of aquatic habitats, including shallow weedy areas and deep drop-offs, providing an excellent environment for bass to thrive.
Fish species often found in Bantam Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Northern Pike - Chain Pickerel - Yellow Perch
Fishing tip: Target weed beds and shallow coves with soft plastic baits, spinnerbaits, or topwater lures for largemouth bass.
5. Lake Zoar
Lake Zoar is a reservoir on the Housatonic River, spanning 909 acres with about 18 miles of shoreline. It was created in 1919 with the construction of the Stevenson Dam. The lake’s maximum depth reaches around 100 feet, while its average depth is about 25 feet. This lake offers a diverse fishing experience and has several boat launches for easy access. Its rocky shorelines and submerged structures make it an ideal location for bass fishing.
Fish species often found in Lake Zoar:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Walleye - Channel Catfish - White Perch
Fishing tip: Fish near rocky points, ledges, and submerged structures using jigs, drop shots, or crankbaits for smallmouth bass.
6. Squantz Pond
Squantz Pond is a 270-acre lake located in Fairfield County, Connecticut. It offers picturesque views and a variety of fishing opportunities. The pond has a maximum depth of around 50 feet, while its average depth is about 20 feet. With abundant submerged structures like fallen trees and stumps, it provides an excellent habitat for bass.
Fish species often found in Squantz Pond:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Chain Pickerel - Yellow Perch - Black Crappie
Fishing tip: Fish near submerged structures and weed beds using soft plastic baits or spinnerbaits for largemouth bass.
7. Highland Lake
Highland Lake is a 444-acre lake situated in Litchfield County, Connecticut. It is known for its clear water and beautiful surroundings, making it a popular destination for anglers and recreational boaters alike. The lake has a maximum depth of around 60 feet and an average depth of approximately 25 feet.
Fish species often found in Highland Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Chain Pickerel - Yellow Perch - Brown Trout
Fishing tip: Target rocky shorelines and drop-offs using jigs, crankbaits, or soft plastic baits for smallmouth bass.
8. Quaddick Reservoir
Quaddick Reservoir is a 407-acre body of water located in Windham County, Connecticut. It was created in the 1860s by damming the Five Mile River for textile mill operations. The reservoir has a maximum depth of around 45 feet and an average depth of about 20 feet. It offers a variety of fishing opportunities, including bass fishing.
Fish species often found in Quaddick Reservoir:
- Largemouth Bass - Chain Pickerel - Yellow Perch - Black Crappie - Northern Pike
Fishing tip: Focus on shallow coves and submerged structures using soft plastic baits, spinnerbaits, or topwater lures for largemouth bass.
9. Mashapaug Lake
Mashapaug Lake is a 297-acre lake located in Tolland County, Connecticut. It is known for its clean water and scenic beauty, which attracts anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. The lake has a maximum depth of around 39 feet, while its average depth is about 15 feet. It offers excellent bass fishing opportunities, as well as other species.
Fish species often found in Mashapaug Lake:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Chain Pickerel - Yellow Perch - Black Crappie
Fishing tip: Target weed beds and shallow areas using soft plastic baits, spinnerbaits, or topwater lures for largemouth bass.
10. Lake Waramaug
Lake Waramaug is a 656-acre natural lake located in Litchfield County, Connecticut. It is named after Chief Waramaug of the Pootatuck Native American tribe. The lake has a maximum depth of around 45 feet and an average depth of approximately 22 feet. It offers a diverse fishing experience with various aquatic habitats, making it an ideal location for bass fishing.
Fish species often found in Lake Waramaug:
- Largemouth Bass - Smallmouth Bass - Chain Pickerel - Yellow Perch - Brown Trout
Fishing tip: Fish near rocky points, ledges, and submerged structures using jigs, drop shots, or crankbaits for smallmouth bass.
If you’re looking for a bass fishing location in Connecticut, these areas will surely make your fishing trip a success! Boasting some of the best bass fishing waters that offer plenty of opportunity for experienced and even novice anglers, each place provides an idyllic escape and perfect spot for luring large-mouth bass. This article has given you an overview of where to get started so now it’s all up to you; will you choose the lake or take out your spinning rod on the river?
Regardless of where you embark on a fishing adventure, remember to consult state regulations, acquire necessary licenses, and be aware of safety when boating and fishing in these beautiful places. Moreover, if angling captures your interest, at Fishing Vista we have many more articles about some great local spots around the globe—so go ahead and read them whenever you can!