Striped Bass Fishing In Connecticut

Guide to fishing for stripers in CT.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Connecticut offers exciting opportunities for striped bass fishing, with several major lakes providing excellent angling experiences for anglers targeting these prized game fish. While striped bass are primarily known for their migratory behavior along the coast, they can also be found in certain inland waters. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about striped bass and hybrid stripers fishing and identify popular striper waters in the state.

Striper Fishing Video

Learn the basics for catching striped bass.

One notable lake for striped bass fishing in Connecticut is Candlewood Lake. As the largest lake in the state, Candlewood offers a thriving population of striped bass. Anglers can enjoy the challenge of targeting these powerful fish in the lake's expansive waters. Other lakes that provide opportunities for striped bass fishing include Lake Zoar and Lake Lillinonah.

Connecticut has a history of producing impressive striped bass catches, and the state's record books reflect this. The current state record for striped bass stands at an impressive weight of over 81 pounds. This record-setting catch was made in the waters of Long Island Sound, showcasing the potential for trophy-sized striped bass in Connecticut's coastal areas.

When targeting striped bass in Connecticut, anglers commonly use a variety of methods such as trolling, casting, or live bait fishing. Successful techniques can vary depending on the season and the specific location. It's essential to stay informed about fishing regulations and adhere to size and creel limits to ensure the sustainability of the striped bass population.

Connecticut's lakes provide anglers with the opportunity to catch striped bass outside of the traditional coastal fishing grounds. These inland waters offer a unique experience for anglers seeking striped bass action closer to home. With the potential for trophy-sized fish and a chance to break state records, striped bass fishing in Connecticut's major lakes is an exciting pursuit for both local and visiting anglers.

Striped Bass Lakes

While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams become the ideal spawning grounds for stripers. Landlocked stripers then populate the lakes. Fishing for stripers in Connecticut is primarily in Long Island Sound and the tributary waters leading into the sound like the Connecticut river, Atlantic Ocean in the New Haven Harbor and other inlet rivers.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Connecticut State Record Striped Bass

The state, and world, record striped bass was caught from Outer Southwest Reef.

Fishing for Stripers in Connecticut

When fishing for stripers concentrate on the deeper waters in the lake. If you can locate schools of shad, stripers are often close by. When the baitfish are shallow over the deep water, you can catch stripers on crankbaits or by swimming spoons at appropriate depths. Check Connecticut fishing reports for current striper information. And for the ultimate thrill try large topwater baits if you see any surface feeding action. When the stripers are deep, jigs and jigging spoons work well. Live and cut bait will also take striped bass when they are in medium to deeper water. Fish nearby or in the river channel if it is a defined depth change. Trolling is also an excellent way to fish for stripers. Use flashy lures in bigger sizes.

Striped bass fishing information, by state.