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Connecticut · Fishing
Preston, Connecticut isn't a fishing destination that shows up on many radar screens, which is part of the appeal.
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Preston, Connecticut isn't a fishing destination that shows up on many radar screens, which is part of the appeal. The town's fishing centers on a pair of small lakes — Avery Pond and Cooley Pond — both suited to the kind of relaxed, accessible lake fishing that doesn't require a boat ramp reservation or a long hike in. These are warmwater ponds in the classic southern New England mold, meaning you're fishing for bass, pickerel, panfish, and whatever the state has stocked rather than chasing wild trout in a tailwater. That's not a knock — it means the learning curve is low, the gear requirements are minimal, and a half-day outing is genuinely worth the drive. Preston sits in New London County, so anglers need a Connecticut freshwater fishing license, and standard state regulations apply to both waters. If you're coming from the shoreline towns or passing through on the way to the Quiet Corner, either pond makes for a practical stop. Cooley Pond and Avery Pond are close enough to each other that you can reasonably fish both in a single day if one isn't producing.
Both are typical southern Connecticut warmwater lakes, so largemouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, and bluegill are the most likely catches. Connecticut DEEP periodically stocks ponds across the state, so it's worth checking their online stocking reports before your trip to see if either water has received recent attention.
Shore fishing is viable at both ponds. A kayak or canoe will open up more water and let you work structure that's hard to reach from the bank, but it's not required. If you bring a motorized boat, check current Connecticut DEEP regulations for horsepower restrictions on smaller inland waters.
Avery Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Pawcatuck River (Westerly Access)
~20 min drive
Moderate
Avery Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Cooley Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Lords Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Horace Main Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Morgan Pond Reservoir
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Blue Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Billings Lake
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Pine Swamp
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Blissville Pond
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Round Hill Pond
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Late spring through early summer is generally the most productive window for bass and pickerel, when water temperatures are rising and fish are active in the shallows. Fall can also be solid for bass before the water cools significantly. Midsummer midday fishing tends to slow down — early morning and evening outings will outperform afternoon sessions.
A light to medium spinning setup covers most situations at both ponds. For bass and pickerel, soft plastics, small spinnerbaits, and spoons all work. If you're targeting panfish or introducing a younger angler, a simple bobber-and-worm rig is hard to beat. Bring polarized sunglasses — they help you spot structure and fish in the shallower areas.
Yes, a Connecticut freshwater fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase one online through the Connecticut DEEP website or at licensed vendors in the area. Have it accessible while you're fishing — conservation officers do check.
