Fishing Washinee Lake
AKA: West Twin Lake
Popular Fish Species Washinee Lake, CT
Black Crappie Fishing
A nice population of black crappie resides in Washinee 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. 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.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Washinee Lake is considered a good bass fishing lake by locals and tournament anglers alike. While fishing success can vary day to day, overall it's a good bass lake. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. 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 Washinee Lake. 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.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch, kokanee salmon and chain pickerel at Washinee Lake in Connecticut.
Washinee Lake Fishing Video
The most popular of the Twin Lakes, Washinee Lake (West Twin Lake) is a 290-acre lake located in the far northwest corner of Connecticut. Anglers will find almost 5 miles of shoreline providing cover for a variety of fish species. Bass, perch, kokanee, pickerel and sunfish are all popular here.
Washinee Lake, located in Salisbury, Connecticut, is a charming and popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a serene and productive angling experience. This 281-acre lake offers a peaceful setting surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests, making it an ideal spot for fishing.
One of the popular fish species found in Washinee Lake is trout. The lake is stocked with both rainbow trout and brown trout, providing anglers with ample opportunities to reel in these prized game fish. Trout fishing is particularly productive 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 the trout in the lake's pristine waters.
In addition to trout, Washinee Lake is also home to other fish species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and various panfish species including yellow perch and sunfish. Bass fishing enthusiasts can explore the lake's shoreline structures, weed beds, and drop-offs to target these sought-after game fish. Anglers often use techniques like casting with soft plastic baits, crankbaits, or topwater lures to entice the bass.
When planning a fishing trip to Washinee 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 follow these regulations to maintain the health of the fish population and sustain a thriving fishery.
Washinee Lake in Connecticut provides anglers with a peaceful and rewarding fishing experience, with its diverse fish species, scenic surroundings, and boating opportunities. Whether you're targeting trout or bass, Washinee Lake offers a tranquil setting for anglers to enjoy a memorable fishing adventure in the heart of nature.
The lake is open to all types of boats. Canoes and kayaks are very popular and power boats can launch at a for-fee boat launch ramp. There is limited access for fishing from the bank, and little or no public parking.
Primary fish species residing in Washinee Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Washinee Lake Amenities
Marina: YES (On connected Washining Lake)
Boat Rental: YES (On connected Washining Lake)
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES (On connected Washining Lake)
Restaurant: YES (On connected Washining Lake)
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is permitted on Washinee Lake, allowing anglers to access different areas of the lake and find their preferred fishing spots. The lake allows non-motorized boats such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, providing a peaceful and environmentally friendly fishing experience.
Fishing Boat Rentals
O'Hara's Landing Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, canoes, kayaks and pontoon boats
860 824-7583
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Wicks Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest corner of the lake, off Wicks Road, this is a primitive, one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Washinee 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 not available directly at Washinee Lake, but there are nearby state parks and campgrounds where anglers can find camping amenities. These locations offer a range of accommodations such as tent sites, RV hook-ups, picnic areas, and access to hiking trails, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
No Campgrounds or RV Parks
Washinee Lake CT Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Washinee Lake
O'Hara's Landing Marina
254 Twin Lakes Rd
Salisbury, CT 06068
860 824-7583
Fishing lakes in each state.
101624
Washinee Lake in Connecticut.
CONNECTICUT
Information about fishing lakes in Connecticut
Fishing for bass, perch, kokanee, pickerel and sunfish, at Washinee Lake, in northwest CT.
