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Bass Fishing In Connecticut For 2024

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Guide to fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass.

By Rick Seaman

Bass fishing At Daybreak

Connecticut Bass Fishing

Bass fishing in Connecticut is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.

2024 Bass Fishing Favorites

Largemouth Bass Fishing In Connecticut

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in Connecticut. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in Connecticut. The state record largemouth bass is over 12 pounds.

Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass

Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!

Popular bass fishing locations in Connecticut include Candlewood Lake, Lake Zoar, and Bantam Lake, among others. Anglers can target largemouth bass by casting topwater lures, plastic worms, jigs, or crankbaits near submerged structures, weed beds, and fallen trees. The summer months, particularly early morning and late evening, are ideal for targeting largemouth bass in Connecticut.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Connecticut

Smallmouth Bass

While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with or nearby the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 11 pounds.

In addition to largemouth bass, Connecticut is also home to excellent smallmouth bass fisheries. Rivers such as the Housatonic, Farmington, and Naugatuck are well-known for their smallmouth bass populations. Smallmouth bass provide thrilling angling experiences with their acrobatic jumps and powerful fights. Anglers can target smallmouth bass by casting crankbaits, jigs, or soft plastic baits near rocky shorelines, river currents, and deep pools. Spring and fall are prime seasons to fish for smallmouth bass in Connecticut, as water temperatures are optimal for their feeding activity.

Both largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing in Connecticut require a valid fishing license, and anglers should adhere to size and creel limits to ensure the sustainability of the bass populations. It's also important to be aware of any specific regulations or special fishing restrictions in place for the waters you plan to fish.

Connecticut Bass Fishing Waters

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for additional, valuable information about bass and bass fishing. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite lake in Connecticut.

Bass fishing basics video.

2024 Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Connecticut

Alexander Lake, Amos Lake, Bantam Lake, Bashan Lake, Beach Pond, Black Pond, Candlewood Lake, Cedar Lake, Colebrook River Lake, Crystal Lake, Gardner Lake, Green Falls Pond, Highland Lake, Lake Beseck, Lake Lillinonah, Lake McDonough, Lake Quassapaug, Lake Saltonstall, Lake Zoar, Lower Bolton Lake, Mansfield Hollow Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Middle Bolton Lake, Moodus Reservoir, Mudge Pond, Pachaug Pond, Pine Acres Lake, Pinewood Lake, Quaddick Reservoir, Quinebaug Pond, Rogers Lake, Saugatuck Reservoir, Shenipsit Lake, Squantz Pond, Tyler Lake, Waramaug Lake, Washinee Lake, Washining Lake, West Hill Pond, West Thompson Lake, Winchester Lake and Wononscopomuc Lake all have populations of bass. Lakes which safely ice over in winter may provide options for ice fishing.

Connecticut's bass fishing opportunities, combined with the state's scenic landscapes and tranquil waterways, make it a sought-after destination for bass anglers. Whether you're targeting largemouth bass in the state's picturesque lakes or seeking the challenge of hooking into smallmouth bass in its rivers, Connecticut offers a diverse range of bass fishing experiences for anglers to enjoy. So grab your fishing gear, explore the state's waterways, and get ready for some exciting bass fishing action in the beautiful state of Connecticut.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Connecticut

Bass In Connecticut

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass

World record: 22 lbs 4 oz

State Record: 12 lbs 14 oz

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass

World record: 11 lbs 15 oz

State Record: 7 lbs 12 oz

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 bass fishing lures for Connecticut this year

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

Connecticut State Record Bass

The state record largemouth bass was caught from Mashapaug Lake.

The state record smallmouth bass came from Shenipsit Lake.

Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Constitution State.

Bass fishing book

Catch big bass!

 

Bass fishing information by state.

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