Fishing Candlewood Lake
AKA: Candlewood Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Candlewood Lake, CT
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Smallmouth bass are a very popular target of many local anglers at Candlewood Lake, 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 and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Candlewood Lake continues to deliver great catches of largemouth bass for anglers. Results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been as good as advertised. A significant number of large bass also roam these waters for the added bonus of a potential lunker. Thorough fisheries management by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection, Fishing has maintained a quality bass fishery for some time now. Generally speaking, when the bite is good bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Candlewood Lake on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass is good here, year round. Even in winter when the lake freezes over, bass can be caught while ice fishing. Smallmouth bass and spotted bass also reside here in good numbers.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Candlewood Lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. They are fun to catch in winter when ice fishing as well. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.
Candlewood Lake Fishing Video
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.
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. Spanning over 8 square miles, the lake offers a diverse range of fishing opportunities.
One of the most popular fish species found in Candlewood Lake is the smallmouth bass. In addition to smallmouth bass, Candlewood Lake is also home to largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and various panfish species.
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.
Primary fish species residing in Candlewood Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
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
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
Fishing Guides On Candlewood Lake
Noah’s Fishing Guide Service - bass
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Connecticut Fishing License.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
No Campgrounds or RV Parks
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.
022025
Candlewood Lake in Connecticut.
CONNECTICUT
Information about fishing lakes in Connecticut
Fishing for bass, walleye, trout, crappie, perch, sunfish, catfish and chain pickerel, at Candlewood Lake, in western CT.
