Fishing Moodus Reservoir

AKA: Moodus Lakes

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Moodus Reservoir Fishing Video
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Moodus Reservoir, CT

Popular Fish Species Moodus Reservoir, CT

Moodus Reservoir Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Moodus Reservoir is a popular bass fishing lake. Locals say fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding. A history of careful fisheries management by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. In Moodus Reservoir, bass often move shallow and become fairly 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.

Moodus Reservoir Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

A nice population of black crappie resides in Moodus Reservoir. 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.

Moodus Reservoir Popular Fish - Chain Pickerel

Chain Pickerel Fishing

Chain pickerel prefer to weedy areas of lakes and rivers. They ambush baitfish and sunfish which requires cover for them to hide within. Submerged aquatic vegetation, brush, fallen tree limbs, or structures such as rock piles, bridge pilings, rip-rap, or debris. Moodus Reservoir has a very healthy population of these toothy critters, many approaching 30 inches and exceeding 5 pounds. Unlike many freshwater fish species, chain pickerel do not school up. They tend to be loners. Once you catch one, find other, spots with similar cover and depth to fish. Flashy spoons, live minnows, and bait-imitating crankbaits all work well. For added excitement, try fishing topwater lures over vegetation areas. Topwater lures that mimic wounded baitfish are very tempting to these predators. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing can get very exciting with these big pike.

Moodus Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch and chain pickerel at Moodus Reservoir in Connecticut.

Special boat speed limits are in effect on Moodus Reservoir. The lake is made up of two pools covering 480 acres (Upper 360 + Lower 120) and is located in the south-central part of the state, 2 miles east of Moodus.

One of the most popular fish species found here is largemouth bass. In addition to largemouth bass, Moodus Reservoir is also home to other popular fish species such as northern pike, pickerel, and various panfish species including bluegill and pumpkinseed.

Together the two pools have about 8 miles of shoreline, much of which is developed or has limited access for fishing from the bank. Fish species include bass, pickerel, perch and sunfish. This small lake is ideal for kayaks, canoes and rowboats. The Upper Moodus Reservoir Boat Launch is open to the public and has parking for 10 vehicles with trailers.

Primary fish species residing in Moodus Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Moodus Reservoir Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Lakeside Dan's
Rentals: Fishing boats and kayaks
860 759-3054

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Upper Moodus Reservoir Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Launching Area Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.