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Connecticut · Fishing
Avon's fishing scene is built around stillwater — four ponds scattered across town that offer a low-pressure alternative to the more crowded reservoirs elsewhere in Hartford County.
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Avon's fishing scene is built around stillwater — four ponds scattered across town that offer a low-pressure alternative to the more crowded reservoirs elsewhere in Hartford County. Hoe Pond, Secret Lake, Ely Pond, and Farms Road Pond are all lake fisheries, which means you're casting into relatively calm water rather than working a current. That shapes everything from the gear you'll bring to the techniques that actually produce fish. None of these are destination waters that draw anglers from across the state, but that's part of the appeal — on a weekday morning you can often have a pond to yourself. Connecticut DEEP manages stocking programs across the state's public waters, so it's worth checking their online stocking reports before you go, particularly in spring and fall when activity picks up. Access points vary by site, so a quick look at DEEP's public fishing area maps before your first visit will save you time at the water. A basic spinning setup handles everything these ponds ask of you, and a valid Connecticut fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
All four fishable waters in Avon — Hoe Pond, Secret Lake, Ely Pond, and Farms Road Pond — are ponds, so you're fishing still, enclosed water rather than rivers or streams. Expect warm-water and stocked species typical of Connecticut's smaller public ponds. Check Connecticut DEEP's stocking records to see which specific waters have received recent stockings before you plan your trip.
Yes. Connecticut requires a valid state fishing license for anyone 16 years of age or older. Licenses can be purchased online through the Connecticut DEEP website or at authorized license agents. Make sure you have it on your person while fishing — wardens do check.
Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Ely Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Farms Road Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Hoe Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Hartford Reservoir Number 6
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Secret Lake
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Cooper Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Longs Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Bond Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Last Natural Pond
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Third Natural Pond
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Lower Mills Pond
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Spring and fall are generally the most productive seasons on Connecticut's smaller ponds. Spring brings post-winter feeding activity and coincides with DEEP's stocking runs, while fall cooling triggers another feeding window before ice-up. Summer fishing can slow during midday heat, so early morning or the last hour before sunset tends to outperform afternoon sessions.
A light to medium spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations on these ponds. Bring a mix of soft plastics, small spinners, and live or prepared bait like worms or PowerBait if you're targeting stocked trout. A small tackle box, polarized sunglasses to read the water, and a net round out a practical kit for this type of fishing.
Yes. Pond fishing is generally the most accessible format for newer anglers and younger kids — no wading, no current to manage, and the casting distances involved are short. Farms Road Pond and Ely Pond in particular are worth scouting for ease of bank access, though you should verify current access conditions through DEEP's public fishing area listings before visiting with young children.
