Guide To The Best Fishing Lakes In Connecticut

Top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in CT.

Bantam Lake, Candlewood Lake, Lake Zoar, Mansfield Hollow Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Saugatuck Reservoir and Waramaug Lake are the most popular places for fishing in Connecticut, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species, some of which can be caught while ice fishing.

Connecticut is home to a variety of fishing lakes, offering anglers diverse opportunities to pursue their favorite fish species. The state has both warm water lakes and cold water lakes, each with its unique characteristics and fish populations.

Warm water lakes in Connecticut provide excellent fishing for species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and various panfish. Candlewood Lake, the largest lake in the state, is renowned for its warm water fishery. Anglers can target trophy-sized bass and enjoy the thrill of hooking into feisty pike. Other warm water lakes, such as Lake Zoar, Lake Lillinonah, and Lake Housatonic, also offer exciting fishing opportunities for these species.

Cold water lakes in Connecticut are known for their excellent trout fishing. These lakes are regularly stocked with rainbow trout, brown trout, and occasionally brook trout. Popular cold water fishing lakes in Connecticut include Highland Lake, Squantz Pond, and Coventry Lake. Anglers can enjoy both shore and boat fishing to pursue these prized trout species. Spring and fall are the prime seasons for trout fishing in these lakes when water temperatures are favorable.

Connecticut's fishing lakes are not limited to bass and trout. Many lakes also provide opportunities for anglers to target other popular species such as walleye, muskellunge, and catfish. Lakes like Pachaug Pond, Mansfield Hollow Lake, and Lake Lillinonah are known for their walleye populations. West Branch Reservoir is a prime spot for muskellunge, and anglers can find catfish in lakes such as Coventry Lake and Bantam Lake.

It's important for anglers to familiarize themselves with fishing regulations and obtain the necessary fishing licenses when fishing in Connecticut's lakes. This ensures compliance with size and creel limits, as well as any special regulations in place to protect the fisheries.

Whether you prefer the thrill of catching bass in warm water lakes or enjoy the tranquility of trout fishing in cold water lakes, Connecticut's fishing lakes offer a wide range of species and angling experiences. With its scenic surroundings and abundant fish populations, the state's lakes provide anglers with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sport of fishing throughout the year.

Bass Lakes

Bantam Lake, Bashan Lake, Beach Pond, Candlewood Lake, Highland Lake, Lake Lillinonah, Mansfield Hollow Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Pachaug Pond, Quaddick Reservoir, Washinee Lake, Washining Lake and Wononscopomuc Lake are considered the best options for largemouth and smallmouth spotted bass. More...

Catfish Lakes

Bashan Lake, Candlewood Lake, Waramaug Lake are favorite options for channel and white catfish. More...

Crappie Lakes

Bashan Lake, Candlewood Lake, Gardner Lake, Mansfield Hollow Lake, Quaddick Reservoir, Washinee and Washining Lake are the most popular for black crappie. More...

Sunfish & Panfish Lakes

Bantam Lake, Bashan Lake, Candlewood Lake, Lake Lillinonah, Lake McDonough, Mansfield Hollow Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Moodus Reservoir, Saugatuck Reservoir, Waramaug Lake and Washinee Lake are popular spots to fish for bluegill, bream, perch and other sunfish. More...

Walleye Lakes

Lake Zoar, Mashapaug Lake and Saugatuck Reservoir are considered the top locations for walleye fishing. More...

Trout Lakes

Bantam Lake, Bashan Lake, Beach Pond, Candlewood Lake, Gardner Lake, Highland Lake, Lake McDonough, Lake Zoar, Mansfield Hollow Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Saugatuck Reservoir, Waramaug Lake, Washinee and Wononscopomuc Lake are the favorite options for rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout. More...

Salmon Lakes

Beach Pond, Crystal Lake, East Twin Lake, Lake Wononskopomuc, Mount Tom Pond and West Hill Pond offer fishing for Atlantic or kokanes salmon.

Visit the Connecticut fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the Connecticut map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations. Look to our sister site for additional information about boating in CT at many of the most popular destinations in the state.

Best Destinations By State.