Fishing Candlewood Lake

AKA: Candlewood Reservoir

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Popular Fish Species Candlewood Lake, CT

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Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are a very popular target of many local anglers at Candlewood Lake, as they are tough fighters and exciting to catch. Fishing for smallmouth bass is good anytime they are shallow - in spring, during high water, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.

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Largemouth Bass Fishing

Candlewood Lake continues to deliver great catches of largemouth bass for anglers. Results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been as good as advertised. A significant number of large bass also roam these waters for the added bonus of a potential lunker. Thorough fisheries management by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Fishing has maintained a quality bass fishery for some time now. Generally speaking, when the bite is good bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Candlewood Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass is good here, year round. Even in winter when the lake freezes over, bass can be caught while ice fishing. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.

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Yellow Perch Fishing

Candlewood Lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.

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Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, rock bass, white perch, yellow perch and chain pickerel at Candlewood Lake in Connecticut.

Candlewood Lake Fishing Video

Known as a smallmouth bass haven, Candlewood Lake is also home to walleye, trout, crappie, perch, sunfish, catfish, chain pickerel and largemouth bass. Not only is Candlewood the largest lake in Connecticut, it is considered by most anglers to be the best fishery in the state, at Danbury.

Candlewood Lake, located in Fairfield and Litchfield counties, is Connecticut's largest lake and a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts. Spanning over 8 square miles, Candlewood Lake offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities and is renowned for its excellent angling experiences.

One of the most popular fish species found in Candlewood Lake is the smallmouth bass. Anglers from far and wide flock to this lake to target these hard-fighting and acrobatic game fish. The rocky shorelines, submerged structures, and deep drop-offs provide ideal habitat for smallmouth bass. Anglers often employ techniques such as casting with jigs, soft plastic baits, or crankbaits to entice the smallmouth bass lurking in the lake's clear waters.

In addition to smallmouth bass, Candlewood Lake is also home to other sought-after species such as largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and various panfish species. The lake's rich forage base and diverse habitat support healthy populations of these fish, providing anglers with a wide range of fishing opportunities.

When planning a fishing excursion to Candlewood Lake, anglers should familiarize themselves with the fishing regulations specific to the lake, including size and creel limits for different fish species. It is important to respect these regulations to preserve the health of the fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing practices.

Candlewood Lake in Connecticut offers anglers an exceptional fishing experience with its diverse fish populations, scenic beauty, and ample boating opportunities. Whether you're targeting bass, pike, walleye, or panfish, the lake provides a rewarding and memorable fishing adventure in the heart of Connecticut.

This 5,400-acre lake is located on the middle-western edge of Connecticut. 60 miles of shoreline zig-zag in and out over a ten-mile area. Several public boat ramps provide easy access for pleasure boats, pontoons, all kinds of fishing boats and other pleasure craft. Canoes, kayaks and car-top boats can be portaged from many areas around the lake. Many of the same areas provide access for fishing from the bank. Multiple marinas, restaurants, stores and lodging are all convenient to area visitors.

Primary fish species residing in Candlewood Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Candlewood Lake Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Candlewood Lake, allowing anglers to explore its expansive waters and access various fishing hotspots. The lake permits motorized boats, making it convenient for anglers to navigate and cover larger areas. Additionally, the lake features several marinas where boaters can launch their vessels or rent equipment for their fishing adventures.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Candlewood Lake Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
860 350-2628

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Candlewood - Squantz Cove Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off State Route 39, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Lattins Cove Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Forty Acre Mountain Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Marinas

Brookfield Bay Marina
476 Candlewood Lake Road
Brookfield, CT 06804
203 740-2628

Candlewood East Marina
204 Candlewood Lake Road
Brookfield, CT 06804
203 775-2253

Chatterton Marina
5 Shore Dr
New Fairfield, CT 06812
203 746-9138

Echo Bay Marina
227 Candlewood Lake Road
Brookfield, 06804
203 775-7077

Nina Marina
10 Hayestown Rd
Danbury, CT 06811
203 798-7527

Fishing Guides On Candlewood Lake

Noah’s Fishing Guide Service - bass

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Connecticut Fishing License.

While camping is not directly available at Candlewood Lake, there are nearby campgrounds and state parks that provide accommodations for anglers looking to extend their fishing trips. These camping options offer facilities such as tent sites, RV hook-ups, picnic areas, and amenities like showers and restrooms.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

No Campgrounds or RV Parks

Candlewood Lake CT Map - Fishing & Hiking Areas

Contact Information

Candlewood Lake
Candlewood East Marina
204 Candlewood Lake Rd
Brookfield, CT 06804
203 775-2253

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