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Ice Fishing Lakes In Connecticut

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Guide to favorite fish species at top ice fishing lakes in the state.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Ice fishing

Most lakes in CT freeze over in winter. Some of the best ice fishing lakes in the stateinclude Lake Zoar, Candlewood Lake and Highland Lake. The most popular species through the ice, across the state, include bass, trout and perch. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best ice fishing lakes in the state, plus the species found in each lake. See a list of lakes and species below.

Ice fishing is as basic as fishing gets. During winter, it is popular here in the state. Aside from the tools one uses to create a hole in the ice, all other gear is very basic. A simple rod, reel, line and hook or lure is all you need. Lures, live bait and prepared bait are options, depending on the fish species in the lake or pond.

Ice fishing in Connecticut provides anglers with a unique and exciting fishing experience during the winter months. Although the state's winters can be cold, several fish species are available to target through the ice.

Ice Fishing Tips & Techniques Video

One popular fish species for ice fishing in Connecticut is yellow perch. These tasty panfish are known for their schooling behavior and can be found in many lakes and ponds throughout the state. Anglers typically use small jigs, spoons, or bait such as minnows or worms to entice perch under the ice. It's common to set up multiple tip-ups or jigging lines to increase your chances of catching these feisty fish.

Another popular target species for ice anglers is northern pike. Connecticut has several lakes, such as Bantam Lake and Mansfield Hollow Lake, known for their pike populations. These toothy predators can provide thrilling strikes and strong fights. Tip-ups with live or dead baitfish, such as smelt or shiners, are commonly used to target pike through the ice.

Black crappie and bluegill are also popular species to target while ice fishing in Connecticut. These panfish can be found in many lakes and ponds and are known for their willingness to bite during the winter months. Small jigs or ice fishing-specific baits tipped with waxworms or small pieces of bait are effective for catching crappie and bluegill.

When participating in ice fishing, safety should be a top priority. Before venturing onto the ice, it's important to ensure that the ice is thick and strong enough to support your weight. At least four inches of clear, solid ice is generally considered safe for walking, while a minimum of five to six inches is recommended for ice fishing. Always use caution, especially near inlets, outlets, and areas with currents, as ice thickness can vary.

It's essential to dress appropriately for the cold weather and to have safety equipment on hand, such as ice picks, a throw rope, and a personal flotation device (PFD). These items can assist in self-rescue in the event of an emergency. Ice fishing with a partner is also recommended for added safety.

Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) provides guidelines and safety tips for ice fishing, so it's important to stay updated on any specific regulations or advisories in your area.

Ice fishing in Connecticut offers anglers a chance to enjoy the serene winter landscape while pursuing a variety of fish species. By following safety precautions and using the proper gear, anglers can have a successful and enjoyable ice fishing experience in the state's frozen waters.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Connecticut

Top Ice Fishing Lakes & Species

There are numerous places to go ice fishing in the state. Here are a list of some of the proven, best destinations.

Beach Pond

Largemouth bass Walleye Rainbow Trout Brown trout Yellow Perch

Candlewood Lake

Rainbow Trout Bluegill Yellow Perch

East Twin Lake

Largemouth bass Brown trout Yellow Perch

Highland Lake

Largemouth bass Rainbow Trout Brook Trout Brown trout Yellow Perch Chain pickerel

Lake Beseck

Largemouth bass Black crappie Bluegill White Perch Yellow Perch Chain pickerel

Lake Zoar

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass Black crappie Rainbow Trout Brook Trout Yellow Perch Northern Pike

Mansfield Hollow Lake

Largemouth bass Black crappie Rainbow Trout Brook Trout Brown trout Yellow Perch Northern Pike

Pachaug Pond

Black crappie White Perch Yellow Perch Northern Pike

Squantz Pond

Walleye Rainbow Trout Brown trout White Perch Yellow Perch Chain pickerel

Tyler Lake

Largemouth bass Rainbow Trout Yellow Perch Chain pickerel

Winchester Lake

Largemouth bass Yellow Perch Chain pickerel Northern Pike

Click the images for species details.

This is a great way to get the kids to go outdoors in winter, connect with nature and learn to fish. The first consideration when attempting to go ice fishing, is safety. Make sure the ice is safe, and that you are prepared should an accident occur. Dress to stay warm - it's better to remove extra jackets than be cold and miserable. Be aware that the ice can be slippery, and falls can be dangerous.

Click here for ice fishing basics, including details on finding the best place to fish, tips for cutting a hole, basic tackle, bait, lures, depths to fish, safety, shanty's, tents and huts.

Best ice fishing method for crappie, bluegill, perch and sunfish

Horizontal jigs and spoon-type baits are the go-to baits for crappie, either tipped with a minnow, wax worm or prepared baits often triggers more bites. Jigs work better close to the bottom, spoons tend to work better higher in the water column. If options allow, 15 to 30 feet is the most common depth. Adjust as necessary. See additional info on ice fishing for crappie, perch and sunfish.

Best ice fishing method for walleye

Four basic lures are all you need. Ice jigs are minnow shaped with a tail that causes them to fall in a circular patter. Drop them to the desired depth (often to the bottom), then lift the bait a few feet to let it fall on slack line. Spoons: Metal slabs in chrome or a wide array of colors are used to jig up-and-down mimicking a dying baitfish. Lipless crankbaits: Fish like a spoon. Jigs: Use slightly larger jigs than for crappie, preferably with a flashing blade attached. Tip with live bait and let it sit, up a ways from the bottom typically 1 to 3 feet. A general tip is to always keep your bait off the bottom, one to 5 feet is an ideal place to start. Additional information about ice fishing for walleye.

Best ice fishing method for trout

Trout focus on small forage fish in winter, so baits that flash silver - jigs or spoons, do well in attracting trout. Dual rods, where legal, are very effective. One rod with a jig/live bait set up on a tip-up, the second with a spoon fished up and down pretty aggressively. See more detail about ice fishing for trout.

Best ice fishing method for bass

Bass are often found closer to the shoreline than schooling fish. Fish the same as other species, using a bit larger baits and slightly heavier line. Be prepared to battle using your drag if you hook a big one. Additional information about ice fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Best ice fishing method for pike and musky

Live bait, shiners and sunfish, are a great way to attract these big fellahs, assuming local law allows their use. Heavier line, steel leaders, bigger hooks and stronger tip-ups are in order. See more information on ice fishing for pike and musky.

Click here for a Connecticut Fishing License.

Connecticut Map

 

States with notable ice fishing.

AZ Ice Fishing CA Ice Fishing CO Ice Fishing CT Ice Fishing IA Ice Fishing ID Ice Fishing IL Ice Fishing IN Ice Fishing
KS Ice Fishing MA Ice Fishing MD Ice Fishing ME Ice Fishing MI Ice Fishing MN Ice Fishing MT Ice Fishing ND Ice Fishing
NE Ice Fishing NH Ice Fishing NJ Ice Fishing NM Ice Fishing NV Ice Fishing NY Ice Fishing OH Ice Fishing OR Ice Fishing
PA Ice Fishing RI Ice Fishing SD Ice Fishing UT Ice Fishing VT Ice Fishing WA Ice Fishing WI Ice Fishing WY Ice Fishing