Best Places To Fish in Connecticut
Connecticut, known as the "Nutmeg State," offers anglers a variety of excellent fishing locations throughout its diverse waterways. From freshwater lakes and rivers to coastal estuaries, Connecticut provides abundant fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best fishing opportunities in the state, for a variety of fish species.
One of the best places to fish in Connecticut is the Housatonic River. The Housatonic is renowned for its excellent trout fishing, particularly brown trout and rainbow trout. Spring and fall are the prime seasons to fish for trout in this river, as water temperatures and conditions are optimal for these cold-water species. Anglers can enjoy fly fishing or spin fishing for trout in the Housatonic's scenic stretches, which are often surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
Another popular fishing destination in Connecticut is Candlewood Lake. As the largest lake in the state, Candlewood Lake offers a wide range of fishing opportunities. Smallmouth bass and largemouth bass are the primary target species in this lake, with summer being the best time to fish for bass. Anglers can also find other popular game fish species in Candlewood Lake, such as northern pike, walleye, and panfish. The lake's expansive size and varied underwater structure provide ample spots for anglers to explore and cast their lines.
Connecticut's coastal areas offer exceptional fishing opportunities as well, with Long Island Sound being a prime location. Long Island Sound is home to a diverse range of fish species, including striped bass, bluefish, fluke (summer flounder), and black sea bass. Striped bass, in particular, attract many anglers due to their size and thrilling fight. The best season for striped bass fishing in Long Island Sound is typically spring and fall when these migratory fish move along the coast. Anglers can enjoy both boat-based and shore fishing for striped bass and other species along the Sound's shoreline.
Additionally, the Farmington River is another top fishing destination in Connecticut, known for its excellent trout fishing. This scenic river is regularly stocked with brown trout and rainbow trout, offering anglers the opportunity to enjoy catch-and-release fly fishing or spin fishing. Spring and fall are the prime seasons to fish the Farmington River, as water conditions and insect hatches make for productive angling experiences.
Connecticut's Top-Five, Amazing Fishing Spots
- Bantam Lake in northwest CT
- Candlewood Lake in western CT
- Bashan Lake in south-central CT
- Saugatuck Reservoir in southwest CT
- Lake McDonough in northwest CT
What you like to fish for, and how you like to fish, often comes into play when choosing the best places to fish in Connecticut. These are five of the top producers over time and deserve a few casts. Learn more...
Most Popular Fish Species In Connecticut
In the scenic lakes of CT you can fish for two species of bass, four species of trout, two species of catfish, walleye, sunfish, crappie, striped bass and several other fun species. Learn more...
Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Connecticut
- Bantam Lake in northwest CT
- Candlewood Lake in western CT
- Pachaug Pond in southeast CT
Smallmouth bass in excess of seven pounds and double-digit largemouth bass, swim in several of the bass fisheries in the state. Learn more...
Top Places To Fish For Trout In Connecticut
- Highland Lake in northern CT
- Candlewood Lake in western CT
- Saugatuck Reservoir in southwest CT
Brook, brown, lake and rainbow trout all find many places to call home in lakes, rivers and ponds across the state. Visit the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Fisheries Division website for information about trout stocking in Connecticut. Learn more...
Best Lakes To Fish For Catfish In Connecticut
- Candlewood Lake in western CT
- Lake Zoar in southwest CT
- Gardner Lake in southeast CT
Catfish thrive in river systems and major lakes. Here we focus on lakes, and these are three lakes with great potential for great catfishing trips. Learn more...
Best Walleye Fishing Lakes In Connecticut
- Candlewood Lake in western CT
- Lake Zoar in southwest CT
- Saugatuck Reservoir in southwest CT
The state record walleye exceeds 15 pounds, and quality walleye are caught year round at numerous fisheries across the state. The best place to catch them may vary one year over the next, but these three are a great place to start. Learn more...
Best Sunfish Fishing Lakes In Connecticut
- Bantam Lake in northwest CT
- Candlewood Lake in western CT
- Bashan Lake in south-central CT
Sunfish are at the heart of the food chain for many fisheries. They are also fun to catch and can make a tasty fish fry. In Connecticut you can catch bluegill, pumpkinseed, rock bass and yellow perch. Learn more...
Enjoy these top spots to go fishing in Connecticut
Find the best places to fish, by state.
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