Fishing Mansfield Hollow Lake
AKA: Mansfield Hollow Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Mansfield Hollow Lake, CT
Black Crappie Fishing
A nice population of black crappie resides in Mansfield Hollow Lake. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Mansfield Hollow Lake is a popular bass destination for local anglers. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Anglers can also catch smallmouth bass, which reside here in decent numbers. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. In winter when the lake freezes over and the ice is safe, bass can also be caught while ice fishing. A history of careful fisheries management by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection has helped to maintain a good bass fishery for anglers.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Mansfield Hollow Lake. As a result, the 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.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch, chain pickerel and northern pike at Mansfield Hollow Lake in Connecticut.
Mansfield Hollow Lake Fishing Video
Mansfield Hollow Lake, located in northeastern Connecticut, is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts seeking a peaceful and productive angling experience. This 500-acre lake, nestled within Mansfield Hollow State Park, offers a serene setting surrounded by wooded hills and picturesque landscapes.
One of the most popular fish species found in Mansfield Hollow Lake is the largemouth bass. Anglers are drawn to this lake for its healthy population of largemouth bass, known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. The lake's diverse structure, including submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and rocky areas, provides ideal habitat for bass. Anglers often use a variety of techniques such as casting with plastic worms, crankbaits, or topwater lures to entice the largemouth bass lurking in the lake's waters.
In addition to largemouth bass, Mansfield Hollow Lake is also home to other popular fish species, including northern pike, chain pickerel, and various panfish species such as bluegill and black crappie. Pike and pickerel fishing can be particularly exciting as these predatory fish offer thrilling strikes and strong fights. Anglers often use large spoons, spinnerbaits, or live bait to target these aggressive predators.
When planning a fishing trip to Mansfield Hollow Lake, anglers should familiarize themselves with the fishing regulations specific to the lake, including size and creel limits for different fish species. Respecting these regulations helps maintain the health of the fish population and ensures a sustainable fishing experience for everyone.
Mansfield Hollow Lake in Connecticut provides anglers with a peaceful and rewarding fishing experience, with its diverse fish species, tranquil surroundings, and boating opportunities. Whether you're targeting bass, pike, pickerel, or panfish, Mansfield Hollow Lake offers a picturesque setting for anglers to enjoy a memorable fishing adventure in the heart of nature.
The boat launch ramp, parks and other public areas provide access to the water. Boating speed limit is 8 MPH limit, with no water-skiing allowed. Car-top boats, kayaks and canoes are a great way to experience this fishery. Bass, crappie, trout, sunfish and chain pickerel are the primary inhabitants of the lake along with an occasional trout which arrive through stocked rivers which flow into the lake.
Primary fish species residing in Mansfield Hollow Lake
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Mansfield Hollow Lake Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Mansfield Hollow Lake, allowing anglers to explore the lake's different areas and access prime fishing spots. The lake permits motorized boats, making it convenient for anglers to navigate the waters and cover larger areas. Additionally, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards are also welcome on the lake, providing a quieter and more intimate fishing experience.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Mansfield Hollow Lake Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Bassettes Bridge Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Mansfield Hollow Lake
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.
Camping facilities are available within Mansfield Hollow State Park, offering an opportunity for anglers to extend their fishing trips and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. The park provides both tent and RV camping options, along with amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and hiking trails, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
No Campgrounds or RV Parks
Mansfield Hollow Lake CT Map - Fishing & Hiking Areas
Contact Information
Mansfield Hollow Lake
Mansfield Hollow State Park
31 Old Willimantic Rd
Chaplin, CT 06235
860 455-9057
Fishing lakes in each state.
090624
Mansfield Hollow Lake in Connecticut.
CONNECTICUT
Information about fishing lakes in Connecticut
Fishing for trout, bass, crappie, sunfish and chain pickerel, at Mansfield Hollow Lake, in northern CT.
