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Connecticut · Fishing
Clinton's fishing is quiet, pond-based, and accessible without a boat ramp reservation or a long drive. The town has three stillwater spots worth knowing: Chapman Mill Pond, Upper Millpond, and Indian Lake, all of which offer lake fishing in a compact area of the Connecticut shoreline.
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Clinton's fishing is quiet, pond-based, and accessible without a boat ramp reservation or a long drive. The town has three stillwater spots worth knowing: Chapman Mill Pond, Upper Millpond, and Indian Lake, all of which offer lake fishing in a compact area of the Connecticut shoreline. These are not trophy destinations with stocked trophy trout programs, but they're solid options for bass, panfish, and pickerel, which are the species you'd realistically expect in small Connecticut ponds of this type. The setting is low-key — shoreline access, light pressure on weekdays, and the kind of fishing that works well for beginners or anyone who wants a few hours on the water without logistics. Because all three spots are ponds rather than tidal or river water, technique stays consistent: light spinning gear, soft plastics or live bait near structure, and patience in the warmer months when fish go deep midday. Connecticut requires a freshwater fishing license for anyone 16 and older, and the state's DEEP website is the right place to confirm current regulations and any stocking updates before you go.
Yes. Connecticut requires a freshwater fishing license for anyone 16 or older. You can purchase one through the CT DEEP website or at licensed vendors in the area. There is no separate town permit required for these ponds, but confirm current access rules with CT DEEP before your visit.
Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish like bluegill and yellow perch are the typical catch in small Connecticut ponds like these. None of the three spots are designated wild trout or gold medal waters, so trout fishing is not the draw here unless DEEP has run a seasonal stocking, which you'd want to verify directly with them.
Indian Lake
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Upper Millpond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Chapman Mill Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Vincent Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Vincent Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
McVeagh Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Horse Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Tuxis Pond
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Tuxis Pond
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Rintoul Pond
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Birch Millpond
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Frank Serafino Pond
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are the most productive windows, particularly for bass and pickerel. Midday fishing in summer slows down as water temperatures rise and fish move to deeper, cooler water or heavy cover.
A light to medium spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations on these ponds. Soft plastic lures, small spinners, and live bait like worms or shiners all work. If you're targeting pickerel, a short wire leader helps avoid bite-offs. There are no boat launches confirmed at these locations, so plan for shoreline or bank fishing.
Yes. Pond fishing in a low-pressure environment like this is one of the better setups for new anglers. The species are forgiving, the gear requirements are simple, and you don't need to read current or tides. Panfish in particular are reliable biters and a good way to keep younger anglers engaged.
