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Connecticut · Fishing
Chaplin is a small town in eastern Connecticut with a quiet fishing scene built around three stillwater options: Tucker Pond, Mansure Pond, and Upson Lake. None of these are destination waters that draw crowds from across the state, which is part of the appeal.
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Chaplin is a small town in eastern Connecticut with a quiet fishing scene built around three stillwater options: Tucker Pond, Mansure Pond, and Upson Lake. None of these are destination waters that draw crowds from across the state, which is part of the appeal. You're looking at classic Connecticut lake fishing — largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, and whatever panfish have taken hold in a given season. Access tends to be low-key, and you're unlikely to be fighting for a spot on the bank or at a launch. This is the kind of fishing that rewards people who show up early, pay attention to structure, and aren't expecting a trophy on every trip. If you're driving from outside the region, Chaplin makes more sense as part of a broader eastern Connecticut fishing day than as a standalone destination. But if you're local to Windham County or passing through, these three ponds are worth knowing about. Regulations follow Connecticut DEEP statewide freshwater rules, so a valid Connecticut fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
All three are typical Connecticut warmwater ponds, so largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, and various panfish like bluegill and pumpkinseed are the most realistic targets. Bass and pickerel tend to hold near weedy shallows and fallen structure. None of these waters are listed as designated trout or wild trout waters, so don't plan a trip around trout fishing here.
Yes. Connecticut requires a valid state freshwater fishing license for anyone 16 or older. You can purchase one through the Connecticut DEEP website or at licensed vendors. Make sure to check current DEEP regulations for any size or bag limits that apply to the species you're targeting.
Tucker Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Mansure Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Upson Lake
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Black Spruce Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Bibbins Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Lower Dam
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Leander Pond
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Tift Pond
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Baldwin Pond
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Hampton Reservoir
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Frog Pond
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Tift Pond
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Late spring through early summer is generally the most productive window for bass and pickerel, when water temperatures are rising and fish are active in the shallows. Fall can also be solid as fish feed up before winter. Midsummer fishing slows during the hottest part of the day, so early morning or evening outings will serve you better.
A medium-action spinning or baitcasting setup covers most situations on these ponds. For bass and pickerel, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and weedless rigs work well around vegetation. If you're after perch and panfish, a lighter setup with small jigs or live bait like worms is more appropriate. A kayak or canoe will open up more water than bank fishing alone.
Access details can vary and are worth confirming with Connecticut DEEP before your trip, as launch conditions and public access points at smaller town ponds can change. Hand-carry watercraft like kayaks and canoes are generally the most practical option for ponds of this size. Calling the DEEP or checking their online access map ahead of time will save you a wasted drive.
