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Connecticut · Fishing
New Milford's fishing scene is built around still water. The four spots listed here — Cedar Hill Pond, G.J. Keefe Dam, Mathews Pond, and Willow Springs Fountain — are all lake or pond fisheries, which means you're working calm water rather than chasing current.
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New Milford's fishing scene is built around still water. The four spots listed here — Cedar Hill Pond, G.J. Keefe Dam, Mathews Pond, and Willow Springs Fountain — are all lake or pond fisheries, which means you're working calm water rather than chasing current. That shapes everything from your gear choices to the time of day that actually produces. Connecticut's inland lakes and ponds typically hold largemouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, and chain pickerel, and state-stocked trout show up in many town ponds in spring. G.J. Keefe Dam is the most structurally interesting of the four given the impoundment setup, which tends to concentrate fish near the dam face and any inflow channels. Cedar Hill Pond and Mathews Pond are more straightforward stillwater fisheries suited to anglers of any experience level. Willow Springs Fountain is the smallest and most accessible of the group, making it a reasonable option if you're bringing kids or just want a low-commitment outing. None of these waters require a boat — bank fishing is the standard approach at all four locations. You will need a valid Connecticut fishing license for anyone 16 or older.
Yes. Connecticut requires a fishing license for anyone 16 years of age or older. You can purchase one online through the CT DEEP website or at most local bait and tackle shops. There is no separate town permit required for these public water bodies.
Connecticut's inland ponds commonly hold largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, and bluegill. Spring-stocked trout are a possibility at town ponds that participate in CT DEEP's stocking program, though you should check the current stocking list on the DEEP website to confirm which specific waters are scheduled — the activity data here doesn't specify stocking status for these four locations.
G.J. Keefe Dam
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Willow Springs Fountain
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Mathews Pond
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Cedar Hill Pond
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Ash Swamp
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Yelding Dam
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Hatch Pond
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Peckerman Dam
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Hull Pond
~13 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Pawling Reservoir
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NY.
South Spectacle Pond
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Ellis Pond
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near NY.
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows for bass and pickerel in warm months. Perch and bluegill tend to be more active throughout the day and are a reliable option if you're fishing midday in summer. In spring and fall, midday can be just as good as dawn since water temperatures are cooler across the board.
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations at these ponds. For bass and pickerel, soft plastics, small spinnerbaits, and shallow-running crankbaits all work from the bank. If you're targeting perch or bluegill, a simple bobber-and-worm rig is hard to beat and is especially practical at Willow Springs Fountain where the water is smaller and more confined.
All four locations are bank-fishable and none require a watercraft. G.J. Keefe Dam, by its nature, offers good bank access near the dam structure. If you do want to bring a small kayak or canoe to one of the larger ponds like Cedar Hill or Mathews, check local signage on arrival for any launch restrictions, as rules can vary by site.
