Navigating the diverse aquatic ecosystems of Connecticut can be complex, but this A Fisheries Guide To Lakes And Ponds Of Connecticut from conduct.edu.vn offers a clear path to understanding the regulations, opportunities, and unique characteristics of each water body. Whether you’re targeting trout, bass, or simply seeking a serene spot to cast a line, this guide is your comprehensive resource for freshwater fishing in Connecticut, ensuring responsible angling and conservation practices for future generations. Learn about fishing locations, angling ethics, responsible fishing, and Connecticut fishing spots.
1. Understanding Connecticut’s Lake and Pond Fishing Regulations
Before you cast your line into Connecticut’s lakes and ponds, it’s crucial to understand the current fishing regulations. Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) sets these regulations to protect fish populations and maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems.
1.1. General Trout Fishing Regulations
From March 1st until 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of April, trout fishing in lakes and ponds, except for “trout management lakes,” follows a catch-and-release protocol. This regulation aims to protect trout during their spawning season. Outside this date range, refer to specific water body regulations for any special rules.
1.2. Two-Step Regulation Process
Determining the applicable fishing regulations involves a simple two-step process:
- Species Regulations: Begin by checking the species regulation page for general statewide regulations regarding species, legal methods, and limits.
- Water Body Lookup: Look up the specific water body in the alphabetical list provided in this guide. If the water body is listed, note any special regulations that apply. If the water body is not listed or if there are no specific regulations, the statewide regulations apply.
This systematic approach ensures that anglers are always aware of the rules governing their chosen fishing location. This fisheries guide to lakes and ponds of connecticut ensure sustainable fishing.
1.3. Navigating Special Regulations
Special regulations may include:
- Size Limits: Minimum or maximum length requirements for specific species.
- Creel Limits: The maximum number of fish that can be harvested per day.
- Gear Restrictions: Restrictions on the type of bait, lures, or fishing methods allowed.
- Seasonal Closures: Periods when fishing is prohibited to protect spawning fish.
1.4. Understanding Fish Species Name Codes
To easily identify the fish species in this guide, refer to the following codes:
| Code | Species Name | Code | Species Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| AE | American Eel | NP | Northern Pike |
| AS | Atlantic Salmon | RA | Smelt |
| BB | Brown Bullhead | S | Sunfish (Bluegill, Pumpkinseed) |
| CA | Common Carp | SMB | Smallmouth Bass |
| CB | Calico Bass (Black Crappie) | T | Trout (Brook, Brown, Rainbow, Tiger) |
| CC | Channel Catfish | TM | Tiger Musky |
| CP | Chain Pickerel | WA | Walleye |
| K | Kokanee | WP | White Perch |
| LMB | Largemouth Bass | YP | Yellow Perch |
Using these codes can quickly identify the species present in each body of water.
1.5. Icons Indicating Fishing and Boating Opportunities
This guide uses icons to indicate fishing and boating opportunities at each location:
| Icon | Feature |
|---|---|
| Public Launching Area – suitable for trailered boats | |
| Public Launching Area – suitable for cartop boats | |
| Access for Mobility Challenged | |
| Shoreline Fishing Available | |
| Family Friendly Fishing Area | |
| Picnic Area | |
| State Campground | |
| Fishing Line Recycling Receptacle | |
| Trout and Salmon Stamp Is Required to Fish (age 16+) |
These icons provide valuable information about the amenities and access available at each location.
1.6. Bathymetric Maps
Depth contour maps (Bathymetric) are available for some lakes on our web page. These maps can be useful for locating fish holding structure and understanding the underwater topography. Boating access is the responsibility of the Boating Division. Questions or comments please contact us. Waterbody names with a blue link provide specific state boat ramp information as on the Boating Division’s boat launch webpage.
By adhering to these regulations, anglers contribute to the conservation of Connecticut’s valuable aquatic resources.
2. Comprehensive Guide to Connecticut’s Lakes and Ponds
This section provides an alphabetical listing of Connecticut’s lakes and ponds, along with specific regulations and information for each.
2.1. Alphabetical Listing of Water Bodies
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
2.2. Detailed Water Body Information
Each entry includes the following information:
- Water Body Name: Listed alphabetically for easy reference.
- Location: The town or towns where the water body is located.
- Acreage: The size of the water body in acres.
- Species: The fish species known to inhabit the water body, using the codes defined above.
- Regulations: Any special regulations that apply to the water body, including speed limits, gear restrictions, and creel limits.
- Access: Information about public access points, boat launches, and other amenities.
2.3. Sample Water Body Entries
ALLEN BROOK POND, Wallingford, (see Wharton Pond)
ALEXANDER LAKE, Killingly; 215 acres
Species: LMB, SMB, CP, S, BB, WP, YP
- No public access
- The possession and use of any live alewives, blueback (glut or river) herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin shad as bait is prohibited.
- Motor size limit — 12 cubic inches (Approx. 10 horsepower).
AMOS LAKE, Preston; 113 acres
Species: LMB, SMB, CP, S, BB, WP, YP
- 8 mph speed limit. See Boater’s Guide for summer exemption
- Trout Management Lake
- Trout: From March 1 – 6:00 am second Saturday of April, Daily creel limit—1, 16″ minimum length.
- Bass Management Lake
- Largemouth and smallmouth bass: 12″ to 18″ protected slot limit.
- Daily creel limit—6 bass.
- Only 1 may be 18″ or greater.
ANDERSON POND (Blue Lake), North Stonington; 57 acres
Species: LMB, CP, CB, S, BB, YP No special regulations.
ANGUS PARK POND (Eastbury Park Pond), Glastonbury; 9.4 acres
Species: T, CP, LMB, S, BB, YP
- Access courtesy of the Town of Glastonbury – webpage
- Trout fishing is catch and release only from March 1 until 6:00 am second Saturday of April (Daily limit of 0). Rest of the year the daily limit is 5 trout
- Fishing allowed from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April – October 31.
- Boats and canoes prohibited.
ASHLAND POND, Griswold; 89 acres
Species: LMB, CP, YP, S
ASPINOOK POND, Lisbon/Griswold/Canterbury; 301 acres
Species: LMB, WP, YP, S, CA, CB
- Informal boat access off Butts Bridge Road, no facilities.
- Butts Bridge is the demarcation line between the pond and the Quinebaug River.
AVERY POND, Preston; 36 acres
Species: CP, LMB, YP, BB, S
- 8 mph speed limit.
B
BABCOCK POND, Colchester; 119 acres ****
Species: LMB, YP, S, CP, BB
- 8 mph speed limit
BACKWATER POND, Thompson
- No special regulations
BALDWINS POND, Meriden; 5.4 acres
Species: T, S, LMB
- Access courtesy of the City of Meriden
- Trout fishing is catch and release only from March 1 until 6:00 am second Saturday of April (Daily limit of 0). Rest of the year the daily limit is 5 trout
BALL POND, New Fairfield; 83 acres ****
Species: T, LMB, BB, S, YP
- Vessels with motors attached prohibited.
BANTAM LAKE, Morris-Litchfield; 947 acres
Species: NP, SMB, LMB, WP, CB, YP, S, BB
-
Northern Pike Lake
-
May 1–Nov. 30: Daily creel limit—2, 26″ minimum length.
-
Dec. 1–last day Feb.: Daily creel limit—1, 36″ minimum length.
-
March 1–April 30: Closed to northern pike fishing.
-
All Other Species: Statewide regulations apply.
-
Motors prohibited 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
-
Use of internal combustion motors prohibited on the Bantam River between Bantam Lake and the inlet to Little Pond.
BARBER POND, Bloomfield; 9.4 acres
Species: S
- Access allowed courtesy of the Town of Bloomfield
- Boats and canoes prohibited except between May 16 and October 31.
- Use of all motors prohibited.
BASHAN LAKE, East Haddam; 273 acres
Species: T, LMB, SMB, CP, CB, YP, S
- Trout fishing is catch and release only from March 1 until 6:00 am second Saturday of April (Daily limit of 0). Rest of the year the daily limit is 5 trout
- Bass Management Lake
- Largemouth and smallmouth bass: 12″ to 16″ protected slot limit
- Daily creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16″ or greater
- 35 mph speed limit days, 6 mph limit ½ hour after sunset to 8 a.m.
BATTERSON PARK POND, Farmington; 140 acres
Species: CB, YP, WP, S, LMB, WA, CC
BAUMMER POND, Naugatuck; 2.7 acres
Species: T, BB, S
- Trout fishing is catch and release only from March 1 until 6:00 am second Saturday of April (Daily limit of 0). Rest of the year the daily limit is 5 trout
- Access courtesy of the Town of Naugatuck
BEACH POND, Voluntown – Rhode Island; 372 acres
Species: T, LMB, SMB, CP, S, YP, WA
- Connecticut or Rhode Island fishing license legal on entire pond.
- No more than six tip-ups may be used when ice-fishing.
Rhode Island regulations apply for bass and pickerel.
- Largemouth and smallmouth bass: Daily creel limit—5 bass, 12 inch minimum length.
- Chain Pickerel: Daily creel limit—5, 14 inch minimum length.
All Other Species: CT Statewide regulations apply.
Trout fishing is catch and release only from March 1 until 6:00 am second Saturday of April (Daily limit of 0). Rest of the year the daily limit is 5 trout.
Walleye Lake
BEACHDALE POND, Voluntown; 46 Acres
Species: LMB, T, YP, BB
- Trout fishing is catch and release only from March 1 until 6:00 am second Saturday of April (Daily limit of 0). Rest of the year the daily limit is 5 trout.
- 8 mph speed limit
BEACHLAND POND, West Hartford; 1.1 Acres **
Species: S
- Access courtesy of the town of West Hartford
BEAVER BROOK PONDS (Bibbins Ponds), Windham; 20 Acres
Species: T
- Trout fishing is catch and release only from March 1 until 6:00 am second Saturday of April (Daily limit of 0). Rest of the year the daily limit is 5 trout.
- Boats and canoes prohibited except from May 16 to October 31.
- Motors prohibited.
BEAVER PARK LAGOON, New Haven; 8.5 acres
Species: CC, T, AE, LMB, CA, S, BB
Community Fishing Waters
- Trout fishing is catch and release only from March 1 until 6:00 am second Saturday of April (Daily limit of 0). Rest of the year the daily limit is 5 trout.
- Channel catfish and white catfish.
- Daily creel limit- 3 catfish.
- Access courtesy of the City of New Haven
BESECK LAKE, Middlefield; 116 acres
Species: LMB, YP, CB, S
- 8 mph speed limit.
- See Boater’s Guide for summer exemption.
BESSE PARK POND, Torrington; 4.5 acres **
Species: S
- Access courtesy of the city of Torrington
BICENTENNIAL POND (Mansfield Town Pond), Mansfield; 6 acres **
Species: T, S, LMB, BB
- Trout fishing is catch and release only from March 1 until 6:00 am second Saturday of April (Daily limit of 0). Rest of the year the daily limit is 5 trout.
- Access courtesy of the town of Mansfield
BIGELOW POND, Union; 25 acres
Species: T, YP, LMB, S
- Use of internal combustion engines to propel vessels is prohibited.
BILLINGS LAKE, North Stonington; 97 acres
Species: T, LMB, YP, CP, S, CB, BB
- Trout fishing is catch and release only from March 1 until 6:00 am second Saturday of April (Daily limit of 0). Rest of the year the daily limit is 5 trout.
- Bass Management Lake
- Largemouth and smallmouth bass: 12 inch to 16 inch protected slot limit.
- Daily creel limit — 6 bass.
- Only 2 may be 16 inches or greater.
BIRGE POND, Bristol; 15.8 acres
Species: T, CC, S
Community Fishing Water
- Access courtesy of the City of Bristol
- Trout fishing is catch and release only from March 1 until 6:00 am second Saturday of April (Daily limit of 0). Rest of the year the daily limit is 5 trout.
- Channel catfish and white catfish.
- Daily creel limit — 3 catfish.
BISHOP SWAMP (Jurovaty Pond), Andover; 53 acres
Species: LMB, CB, S, BB
- Informal cartop launch.
- Use of internal combustion engines to propel vessels is prohibited.
BLACK POND, Meriden-Middlefield; 76 acres
Species: T, LMB, CP, BB, CB, S, CC
- Use of internal combustion enginesto propel vessels is prohibited.
Trout fishing is catch and release only from March 1 until 6:00 am second Saturday of April (Daily limit of 0). Rest of the year the daily limit is 5 trout.
Bass Management Lake — Largemouth and smallmouth bass:
- 12 inch to 16 inch protected slot limit.
- Daily creel limit 6 bass.
- Only 2 may be 16 inches or greater.
Catfish Lake — Channel catfish first stocked in 2007.
- Channel catfish and white catfish.
- Daily limit — 6 catfish.
BLACK POND, Woodstock; 74 acres
Species: T, LMB, SMB, CP, YP, BB, S, CB
Trout Management Lake
- From 6:00 am 2nd Saturday of April until the last day of February
- 5 trout per day; one of which may be a Brook Trout, 14 inches or larger
- From March 1 to 6:00 am 2nd Saturday of April
- Daily Creel Limit 1 trout; 14 inch minimum length
- Motors limited to 5 horsepower.
BLACK ROCK LAKE, Watertown; 21 acres ****
Species: T
- Trout fishing is catch and release only from March 1 until 6:00 am second Saturday of April (Daily limit of 0). Rest of the year the daily limit is 5 trout.
- Access courtesy of the US Army Corps of Engineers – webpage
BLACK ROCK POND, in Black Rock State Park, Watertown; 9.5 acres
Species: T, LMB
Trout Park
- Trout fishing is catch and release only from March 1 until 6:00 am second Saturday of April (Daily limit of 0).
- Rest of the year the daily limit is 2 trout.
- Trout and Salmon Stamp required to fish.
- All vessels prohibited.
BLUE LAKE (see Anderson Pond)
BOLTON LAKES (Lower, Middle, Upper), Bolton-Coventry-Vernon; 346 acres
Species: YP, BB, CP, LMB, SMB, S
- Motors limited to 6 horsepower
Bass Management Lake — Largemouth and smallmouth bass
- 12″ to 16″ protected slot limit.
- Daily creel limit—6 bass.
- Only 2 may be 16″ or greater.
- Other: Motors limited to 6 horsepower.
BOLTON NOTCH POND, Bolton; 17 acres
Species: LMB, S, YP
- Informal cartop launch
BRANFORD SUPPLY PONDS, Branford; 26 acres ****
Species: T, LMB, S, CP
- Trout fishing is catch and release only from March 1 until 6:00 am second Saturday of April (Daily limit of 0). Rest of the year the daily limit is 5 trout.
BREAKNECK POND, Union-Massachusetts; 92 acres
Species: S, YP, CB, CP, LMB
- Walk-in access (approximately 1.2 miles from north end of Bigelow Pond).
- Connecticut or Massachusetts license legal on entire pond.
- Use of internal combustion engines prohibited.
- Motor vehicle access prohibited.
BROAD BROOK MILLPOND, East Windsor; 19 acres
Species: T, LMB, YP, S
- Trout fishing is catch and release only from March 1 until 6:00 am second Saturday of April (Daily limit of 0). Rest of the year the daily limit is 5 trout.
- Motors prohibited.
BULL POND, Harwinton; 20 acres **
