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Connecticut · Fishing
Putnam, Connecticut sits in the Quiet Corner of the state, and its fishing reflects that character — unhurried, accessible, and centered on a handful of still-water ponds that hold up well through the warmer months.
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Putnam, Connecticut sits in the Quiet Corner of the state, and its fishing reflects that character — unhurried, accessible, and centered on a handful of still-water ponds that hold up well through the warmer months. The main options in town are East Putnam Pond, Aldrich Pond, Cady Pond, and Tavern Brook Pond No. 1, all of which are lake or pond fisheries suited to anglers who prefer shoreline or small-boat fishing over wading rivers. These are not trophy destinations, but they are genuinely fishable waters that reward people who show up consistently and learn the spots. Expect warm-water species typical of northeastern Connecticut ponds — largemouth bass, yellow perch, and pickerel are common across this type of water. Connecticut DEEP manages stocking programs statewide, so checking their current stocking reports before your trip is worth the five minutes it takes. Access to most of these ponds is straightforward, making Putnam a reasonable choice for families, beginners, or anyone who wants a low-pressure day on the water without a long drive into the hills.
East Putnam Pond, Aldrich Pond, Cady Pond, and Tavern Brook Pond No. 1 are all warm-water pond fisheries, so largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and yellow perch are the most likely catches. Bluegill and other sunfish species are also common in this type of Connecticut still water. None of these ponds are designated trout management waters, so don't plan a trip around trout unless you've confirmed recent stocking with Connecticut DEEP.
A light to medium spinning setup handles most situations well here. For bass and pickerel, soft plastics, small spinnerbaits, and surface lures in the early morning work reliably. If you're after perch or bluegill, a simple bobber-and-worm rig is hard to beat. A small kayak or canoe opens up more of the water on larger ponds like East Putnam Pond, but bank fishing is viable at all of these locations.
West Thompson Lake Campground
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Aldrich Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Tavern Brook Pond No 1
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Tavern Brook Pond No 1
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Tavern Brook Pond No 1
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
East Putnam Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Lower Pond
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Cady Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Warsaw Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Tavern Brook Pond No 2
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Reams Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
LaBonte Pond
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Early morning and the hour before sunset are consistently the most productive windows, especially for bass and pickerel, which move into shallower water to feed when light levels are low. Midday fishing in summer tends to slow down as water temperatures rise and fish push deeper. Spring and fall extend the productive window considerably, and overcast days can fish well throughout the afternoon.
Yes, a Connecticut fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase one through the Connecticut DEEP website or at licensed vendors in the area. Before fishing, check the current Connecticut Inland Fishing Regulations booklet for any pond-specific rules on size limits, bag limits, or gear restrictions, as these can vary by water body.
It's a solid choice. Pond fishing from the bank is forgiving for beginners, and species like bluegill and yellow perch are cooperative enough to keep younger anglers interested. Tavern Brook Pond No. 1 and Cady Pond are smaller, calmer waters that work well for first-timers who aren't ready to navigate bigger lakes. Bring simple gear, arrive early, and focus on the shallower edges near any visible vegetation.
