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Connecticut · Fishing
North Stonington sits in the quiet northeastern corner of Connecticut, and its fishing is shaped by that same low-key character.
3 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
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North Stonington sits in the quiet northeastern corner of Connecticut, and its fishing is shaped by that same low-key character. The three stillwater spots here — Blue Lake, Assekonk Pond, and Hetchel Swamp — are all lake and pond fisheries, which means you're working structure: drop-offs, weed edges, submerged timber, and shallow flats depending on the season. Hetchel Swamp in particular fishes differently from the other two given its swampy character, with slower, darker water that tends to hold largemouth bass and pickerel in the warmer months. Blue Lake and Assekonk Pond offer more conventional pond fishing with typical southern New England warmwater species. None of these are destination trophy fisheries, but they're genuinely fishable waters that reward anglers who take the time to read the water rather than just casting blind. Access points and parking are modest, so this isn't a place you show up with a 20-foot bass boat. A kayak, canoe, or small car-top boat is the practical choice for most of these spots. Expect light pressure outside of opening weekend in April, which makes mid-week visits in May and early fall particularly productive.
All three are warmwater fisheries typical of southern New England ponds. Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and yellow perch are the most consistent targets. Hetchel Swamp's darker, swampier water is especially well-suited to pickerel. Bluegill and other panfish are present in the ponds and make for good light-tackle fishing.
A kayak, canoe, or small car-top aluminum boat is the right call for all three locations. Ramps and access points in North Stonington are not built for large trailered boats, and the size of these waters doesn't require one anyway. A kayak gives you the most flexibility to work shallow edges and swampy areas, particularly at Hetchel Swamp.
Billings Lake
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Pawcatuck River (Westerly Access)
~14 min drive
Moderate
Breakheart Pond
~17 min drive
Easy
Hetchel Swamp
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Wood River (Arcadia Management Area)
~17 min drive
Moderate
Blue Lake
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Spaulding Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Ripley Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Billings Brook Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Billings Brook Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Spalding Pond
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Assekonk Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Late April through June is the most productive window, when bass and pickerel are active in the shallows before summer heat pushes them deeper. Early fall, roughly September into October, is a close second as water temperatures drop and fish feed aggressively before winter. Midsummer fishing slows on warm afternoons but can pick back up in the early morning hours.
Yes, a Connecticut freshwater fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase one through the Connecticut DEEP website or at licensed vendors. For current size and bag limits on bass and pickerel in these specific waters, check the Connecticut DEEP Fishing Guide for the most up-to-date regulations before your trip, as rules can vary by water body.
Yes, these are approachable waters for beginners. Assekonk Pond and Blue Lake offer relatively straightforward pond fishing where a simple bobber-and-worm setup will catch perch and bluegill reliably. Hetchel Swamp is a bit more technical given the vegetation and structure, but it's still manageable for anyone comfortable in a kayak. Light spinning gear in the 6- to 7-foot range handles all three spots well.
