Fishing Gardner Lake
AKA: Gardner Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Gardner Lake, CT
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Gardner Lake is a popular bass tournament for local anglers. Weekend and tournament anglers find the fishing to be slow at time, yet pretty good at other times. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass, which reside here in decent numbers. In winter when the lake freezes over and the ice is safe, bass can also be caught while ice fishing. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. A history of careful fisheries management by the CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection has helped to maintain a good bass fishery for anglers.
Black Crappie Fishing
A nice population of black crappie resides in Gardner Lake. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Chain Pickerel Fishing
Chain pickerel prefer to weedy areas of lakes and rivers. They ambush baitfish and sunfish which requires cover for them to hide within. Submerged aquatic vegetation, brush, fallen tree limbs, or structures such as rock piles, bridge pilings, rip-rap, or debris. Gardner Lake has a very healthy population of these toothy critters, many approaching 30 inches and exceeding 5 pounds. Unlike many freshwater fish species, chain pickerel do not school up. They tend to be loners. Once you catch one, find other, spots with similar cover and depth to fish. Flashy spoons, live minnows, and bait-imitating crankbaits all work well. For added excitement, try fishing topwater lures over vegetation areas. Topwater lures that mimic wounded baitfish are very tempting to these predators. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing can get very exciting with these big pike.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch and chain pickerel at Gardner Lake in Connecticut.
Gardner Lake Fishing Video
Naturally beautiful scenery surrounds Gardner Lake, a 430-acre lake located in the southeast corner of the state 2 miles northeast of Salem. Adventurous anglers can find plenty of places to fish from the bank, along the 5 miles of shoreline, in remote areas, at parks and boat launch areas.
Gardner Lake, nestled in the town of Salem, Connecticut, is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts seeking a serene and rewarding fishing experience. This 528-acre lake offers a variety of fishing opportunities and is a favorite among anglers in the region.
One of the popular fish species found in Gardner Lake is largemouth bass. Anglers flock to this lake to target these feisty game fish. The lake's diverse structure, including submerged logs, weed beds, and rocky areas, provides ideal habitat for bass. Anglers often use plastic worms, jigs, or topwater lures to entice the largemouth bass lurking in the lake's waters.
In addition to largemouth bass, Gardner Lake is also home to other popular fish species, including northern pike, pickerel, and various panfish species such as yellow perch and black crappie. Pike and pickerel fishing can be particularly exciting as these predatory fish offer thrilling strikes and strong fights. Anglers often use large spoons, spinnerbaits, or live bait to target these aggressive predators.
When planning a fishing trip to Gardner Lake, it is important to familiarize yourself with the fishing regulations specific to the lake, including size and creel limits for different fish species. Respecting the fishing regulations helps maintain the health and sustainability of the fish population and ensures a balanced fishery for future generations.
Gardner Lake in Connecticut provides a serene and rewarding fishing experience with its diverse fish species, boating opportunities, and nearby camping options. Whether you're targeting bass, pike, pickerel, or panfish, Gardner Lake offers a tranquil setting for anglers to enjoy a memorable fishing adventure.
Several boat launch ramps are available for use by the public. Bass, crappie, trout and yellow perch are some of the favorite species here. Catfish and sunfish are also plentiful. Camping is popular at campgrounds in the area.
Primary fish species residing in Gardner Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Gardner Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Gardner Lake, allowing anglers to explore the lake's different areas and find their preferred fishing spots. The lake allows motorized boats, making it convenient for anglers to navigate the waters and access various fishing grounds. Additionally, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are commonly seen on the lake, providing a quieter and more intimate fishing experience.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Gardner Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Old Colechester Road, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Gardner Lake
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.
Camping facilities are available near Gardner Lake, including nearby state parks and private campgrounds. These accommodations allow anglers to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Camping offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the lake and maximize fishing opportunities during early morning or late evening.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Laurel-Lock Campgrounds - 860 859-1424
Sna-Z Spot Campground - 860 859-7547
Acorn Acres Campground - 860 859-1020
Indianfield Co-Op Campground - 860 859-1109
Pequot Ledge Campground - 860 859-0682
Gardner Lake CT Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Gardner Lake
Gardner Lake State Park
208 Old Colchester Rd
Salem, CT 06420
860 526-2336
Fishing lakes in each state.
090424
Gardner Lake in CT
CONNECTICUT
Fishing for bass, crappie, trout and perch in southeast CT.
