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Connecticut · Fishing
Middlebury, Connecticut is a small town with a surprisingly solid lineup of still-water fishing, built around three lakes that sit within a short drive of each other.
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Middlebury, Connecticut is a small town with a surprisingly solid lineup of still-water fishing, built around three lakes that sit within a short drive of each other. Lake Quassapaug is the biggest draw, a natural lake with enough depth and structure to hold a decent variety of warmwater species through most of the year. Sperry Pond and Lake Elise round out the options and tend to see less pressure, which matters on weekends when Quassapaug can get busy with both anglers and recreational boaters. All three are lake fisheries, so you're working the shoreline, docks, coves, and drop-offs rather than reading current. That suits spinning gear and light baitcasting setups well. Connecticut's inland fishing falls under DEEP regulations, so you'll need a valid Connecticut fishing license before you wet a line, and it's worth checking the DEEP website for any site-specific rules or seasonal closures before your trip. This is accessible fishing — nothing here requires a long hike or a specialized boat — which makes Middlebury a reasonable choice for anglers of most experience levels, including families getting kids started on the water.
Not necessarily. All three are lake fisheries where shore fishing is possible, particularly from accessible banks and any public access points. A kayak or canoe opens up more water and lets you work coves and structure that shore anglers can't reach, but you don't need a motorized boat to have a productive outing.
These are warmwater lake fisheries typical of central Connecticut, so largemouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch are the most consistent targets. Pickerel show up in weedy shallows as well. None of the three lakes in this listing are designated gold medal or wild trout waters, so don't plan a trip around trout as your primary target without checking current DEEP stocking reports first.
Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Northfield Brook Lake Group Shelters
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Lake Quassapaug
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Lake Elise
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Sperry Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Reichenback Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Kelley Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Engleke Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Morehouse Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Balmoral Farm Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Schildgen Pond
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Hesseky Meadow Pond
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Late spring through early fall is the most productive window for warmwater species. Bass fishing picks up noticeably in May and June when water temperatures rise and fish move shallow to spawn. Summer mornings and evenings are worth prioritizing since midday heat pushes fish deeper and reduces surface activity. Fall can also be good as fish feed aggressively before winter.
Early morning is consistently the most productive time on all three lakes, especially in summer. Fish are more active in lower light, and you'll also avoid boat traffic on Lake Quassapaug, which sees recreational use as the day goes on. Evening is a solid second option for the same reasons.
Yes, a Connecticut fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older fishing inland waters, including all three lakes listed here. You can purchase one online through the Connecticut DEEP website or at authorized license agents in the area. Check the DEEP site for current fees and any site-specific regulations before your visit.
