Navigation Home - AA-Fishing Lakes Fish

Fishing At Candlewood Lake In 2024

AKA: Candlewood Reservoir

Pick A LakePick A SpeciesPick A State

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white catfish, black crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, rock bass, white perch, yellow perch and chain pickerel at Candlewood Lake in Connecticut.

Candlewood Lake, CT

Known as a smallmouth bass haven, Candlewood Lake is also home to walleye, trout, crappie, perch, sunfish, catfish, chain pickerel and largemouth bass. Not only is Candlewood the largest lake in Connecticut, it is considered by most anglers to be the best fishery in the state, at Danbury.

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Video

Candlewood Lake, located in Fairfield and Litchfield counties, is Connecticut's largest lake and a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts. Spanning over 8 square miles, Candlewood Lake offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities and is renowned for its excellent angling experiences.

One of the most popular fish species found in Candlewood Lake is the smallmouth bass. Anglers from far and wide flock to this lake to target these hard-fighting and acrobatic game fish. The rocky shorelines, submerged structures, and deep drop-offs provide ideal habitat for smallmouth bass. Anglers often employ techniques such as casting with jigs, soft plastic baits, or crankbaits to entice the smallmouth bass lurking in the lake's clear waters.

In addition to smallmouth bass, Candlewood Lake is also home to other sought-after species such as largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and various panfish species. The lake's rich forage base and diverse habitat support healthy populations of these fish, providing anglers with a wide range of fishing opportunities.

When planning a fishing excursion to Candlewood 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 respect these regulations to preserve the health of the fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing practices.

Candlewood Lake in Connecticut offers anglers an exceptional fishing experience with its diverse fish populations, scenic beauty, and ample boating opportunities. Whether you're targeting bass, pike, walleye, or panfish, the lake provides a rewarding and memorable fishing adventure in the heart of Connecticut.

This 5,400-acre lake is located on the middle-western edge of Connecticut. 60 miles of shoreline zig-zag in and out over a ten-mile area. Several public boat ramps provide easy access for pleasure boats, pontoons, all kinds of fishing boats and other pleasure craft. Canoes, kayaks and car-top boats can be portaged from many areas around the lake. Many of the same areas provide access for fishing from the bank. Multiple marinas, restaurants, stores and lodging are all convenient to area visitors.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Connecticut

Primary fish species residing in Candlewood Lake

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Smallmouth bass White catfish Black crappie Walleye Rainbow trout Bluegill Pumpkinseed Sunfish Redbreast Sunfish Rock Bass White Perch Yellow Perch Chain pickerel

Candlewood Lake Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Candlewood Lake, allowing anglers to explore its expansive waters and access various fishing hotspots. The lake permits motorized boats, making it convenient for anglers to navigate and cover larger areas. Additionally, the lake features several marinas where boaters can launch their vessels or rent equipment for their fishing adventures.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Candlewood Lake Boat Rentals
Rentals: Pontoon boats
860 350-2628

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Candlewood - Squantz Cove Public Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off State Route 39, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Lattins Cove Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Forty Acre Mountain Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Marinas

Brookfield Bay Marina
476 Candlewood Lake Road
Brookfield, CT 06804
203 740-2628

Candlewood East Marina
204 Candlewood Lake Road
Brookfield, CT 06804
203 775-2253

Chatterton Marina
5 Shore Dr
New Fairfield, CT 06812
203 746-9138

Echo Bay Marina
227 Candlewood Lake Road
Brookfield, 06804
203 775-7077

Nina Marina
10 Hayestown Rd
Danbury, CT 06811
203 798-7527

Click here for a Connecticut Fishing License.

While camping is not directly available at Candlewood Lake, there are nearby campgrounds and state parks that provide accommodations for anglers looking to extend their fishing trips. These camping options offer facilities such as tent sites, RV hook-ups, picnic areas, and amenities like showers and restrooms.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

No Campgrounds or RV Parks

Candlewood Lake CT Map - Fishing & Hiking Areas

Contact Information

Candlewood Lake
Candlewood East Marina
204 Candlewood Lake Rd
Brookfield, CT 06804
203 775-2253

 

Fishing lakes in each state.

AL Fishing Lakes AR Fishing Lakes AZ Fishing Lakes CA Fishing Lakes CO Fishing Lakes CT Fishing Lakes DC Fishing Lakes DE Fishing Lakes FL Fishing Lakes GA Fishing Lakes HI Fishing Lakes IA Fishing Lakes ID Fishing Lakes
IL Fishing Lakes IN Fishing Lakes KS Fishing Lakes KY Fishing Lakes LA Fishing Lakes MA Fishing Lakes MD Fishing Lakes ME Fishing Lakes MI Fishing Lakes MN Fishing Lakes MO Fishing Lakes MS Fishing Lakes MT Fishing Lakes
NC Fishing Lakes ND Fishing Lakes NE Fishing Lakes NH Fishing Lakes NJ Fishing Lakes NM Fishing Lakes NV Fishing Lakes NY Fishing Lakes OH Fishing Lakes OK Fishing Lakes OR Fishing Lakes PA Fishing Lakes
RI Fishing Lakes SC Fishing Lakes SD Fishing Lakes TN Fishing Lakes TX Fishing Lakes UT Fishing Lakes VA Fishing Lakes VT Fishing Lakes WA Fishing Lakes WI Fishing Lakes WV Fishing Lakes WY Fishing Lakes