Fishing Lake Zoar

AKA: Zoar Lake, Zoar Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Lake Zoar Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
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Lake Zoar, CT

Popular Fish Species Lake Zoar, CT

Lake Zoar Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Big, fat smallmouth bass are a favorite of many locals around Lake Zoar, 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 also reside here in good numbers. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallmouth and largemouth.

Walleye Fishing

Thanks to good fisheries management, and prior-year stocking programs, a healthy population of walleye are catchable in the waters of Lake Zoar this year. Even when the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very productive. Use GPS to locate spots you normally fish during warmer times of the year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower and closer to shore. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Northern Pike Fishing

Thriving in the depths of Lake Zoar are the always hungry northern pike, which makes them a very popular species for local anglers. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. Summer is spotty but pike can be caught all summer long. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can be a big help.

Lake Zoar Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, white catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brook trout, bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, rock bass, white perch, yellow perch and northern pike at Lake Zoar in Connecticut.

Lake Zoar, located in southwestern Connecticut, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a diverse fishery and a peaceful outdoor experience. Spanning over 900 acres, this picturesque lake offers anglers ample opportunities to catch a variety of fish species. There are 23 miles of shoreline to explore while chasing bass, catfish, crappie, trout, perch, pike and several sunfish species.

One of the popular fish species found in Lake Zoar is bass. Anglers can target both largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, which thrive in the lake's fertile waters. In addition to bass, Lake Zoar is also home to other popular species including walleye, pike, and panfish such as crappie, perch, and sunfish.

Fishing from the bank is popular here, as well as fishing from canoes, kayaks and fishing boats. Be aware of speed limits for boating here. Access is easy via parks and public facilities located around the lake. Kettletown State Park, which closes from early September to mid May annually, and Jackson Cove Park (day-use only) is closed from November 15th to March 15th. Both parks are located on the northeast side of the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Zoar

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Zoar Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lake Zoar Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, northeast side, off Scout Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.