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Connecticut · Fishing
Griswold sits in the quiet eastern corner of Connecticut, and its fishing options reflect that low-key character. The two main waters here are Stone Hill Reservoir and Welch Pond, both lake fisheries suited to anglers who prefer a slower pace over wading fast current.
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Griswold sits in the quiet eastern corner of Connecticut, and its fishing options reflect that low-key character. The two main waters here are Stone Hill Reservoir and Welch Pond, both lake fisheries suited to anglers who prefer a slower pace over wading fast current. Stone Hill Reservoir is the larger of the two and tends to hold warmwater species typical of southern New England lakes. Welch Pond is a smaller, more intimate spot that can be productive for the same reason — less pressure. Neither water is a destination fishery in the way that some Connecticut rivers are, but that also means you're unlikely to share a bank with a crowd on a weekday morning. If you're driving in from outside the area, it's worth pairing a trip to Welch Pond with a stop at Stone Hill Reservoir since both are within the same general corridor. Spring and fall are the most reliable seasons for active fish, and early morning outings consistently outperform midday ones on both still-water fisheries. Connecticut DEEP manages stocking schedules for many state waters, so checking their current stocking reports before your trip is the most reliable way to time a visit.
Both are lake fisheries, so expect warmwater species common to southern New England still water — largemouth bass, yellow perch, and pickerel are typical. Connecticut DEEP stocks many smaller reservoirs and ponds with trout in spring, so it's worth checking their stocking list to see whether either water is scheduled before your trip.
Yes. Connecticut requires a valid state fishing license for anyone 16 or older. You can purchase one online through the Connecticut DEEP website or at licensed vendors. If you're fishing from a boat on Stone Hill Reservoir, check whether a boat launch permit or reservoir-specific access permission is also required, as some Connecticut water supply reservoirs have additional rules.
Welch Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Welch Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Stone Hill Reservoir
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Hell Hollow Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Hell Hollow Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Douglas Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Rubber Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Mason-Gray Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Douglas Swamp
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Beachdale Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Stanton Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Stanton Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Light to medium spinning tackle covers most situations on both waters. For bass and pickerel, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and small topwater lures work well along shoreline structure. If trout are stocked, a simple slip-bobber rig with a worm or small inline spinner will get the job done. Neither water demands specialized gear.
Early morning, roughly the first two hours after sunrise, is consistently the most productive window on still-water fisheries like these. Fish are more active in low light and cooler surface temperatures. Late afternoon into evening is a secondary window worth trying, especially for bass in warmer months.
Yes. Lake fishing at Welch Pond and Stone Hill Reservoir involves no wading, no complicated current reading, and relatively forgiving technique requirements. Perch and stocked trout in particular are cooperative targets that work well for newer anglers. Just confirm public access points before you go, as parking and bank access at smaller Connecticut ponds can be limited.
