Fishing Lake McDonough
AKA: Barkhamsted Lake
Popular Fish Species Lake McDonough, CT
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Lake McDonough is a popular bass fishing lake. Weekend anglers find the fishing to be a bit slow at times, yet much better 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. 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.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Lake McDonough. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. 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.
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. Lake McDonough 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.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch and chain pickerel at Lake McDonough in Connecticut.
Lake McDonough Fishing Video
An ideal lake for fishing from the bank, Lake McDonough aka Barkhamsted Lake is a 390-acre lake in the northwest corner of the state at Hartland. The lake has about 9 miles of shoreline, and sections in many areas around the lake are accessible to fish from shore.
Lake McDonough, located in Barkhamsted, Connecticut, is a pristine and serene destination for fishing enthusiasts. This 116-acre lake, nestled within the scenic surroundings of the Nepaug State Forest, offers a tranquil setting for anglers to enjoy a day of fishing.
One of the popular fish species found in Lake McDonough is trout. The lake is stocked with both rainbow trout and brown trout, providing ample opportunities for anglers to test their skills. Trout fishing is particularly popular in the spring and fall when the water temperatures are cooler. Anglers often use a variety of baits and lures, such as live worms, artificial flies, or spinners, to entice these prized game fish.
In addition to trout, Lake McDonough is also home to other fish species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. Bass fishing enthusiasts can explore the lake's shorelines, submerged structures, and weed beds in search of these game fish. Anglers often use techniques like casting with soft plastic baits, crankbaits, or topwater lures to attract the attention of the bass.
When planning a fishing trip to Lake McDonough, 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 follow these regulations to preserve the fish population and maintain the integrity of the fishery.
Lake McDonough in Connecticut offers anglers a peaceful and scenic fishing experience, with its diverse fish species, calm waters, and surrounding forested landscapes. Whether you're targeting trout, bass, or perch, Lake McDonough provides a tranquil setting for anglers to enjoy a memorable fishing adventure in the heart of nature.
Boats are limited to 10 mph maximum which makes this an ideal body of water for kayaks, canoes and row boats. The Lake McDonough Boathouse offers rowboat rentals and has a boat launch ramp open to the public for a fee. Bass, trout, sunfish and perch are all plentiful here as fishing pressure is low due to the speed limit.
Primary fish species residing in Lake McDonough
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Lake McDonough Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Lake McDonough, allowing anglers to access different areas of the lake and find their preferred fishing spots. The lake permits non-motorized boats, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, creating a peaceful and environmentally friendly fishing experience.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Lake McDonough Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, off Reservoir Road, this is a six-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake McDonough
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 at Lake McDonough, offering anglers the opportunity to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The nearby American Legion State Forest provides campsites and amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and hiking trails, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Austin Hawes Campground - 860 379-0922
White Pines Campsites - 860 379-0124
Lake McDonough CT Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake McDonough
Lake McDonough Boat Launch
Reservoir Rd
Barkhamsted, CT 06063
860 278-7850
Fishing lakes in each state.
091924
Lake McDonough in CT
CONNECTICUT
Fishing for bass, trout, sunfish and perch in northwest CT.
