Connecticut · Fishing
Fishing in Thompson, Connecticut
Thompson sits in Connecticut's quiet northeast corner, and its fishing scene is built almost entirely around still water.
6 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 6 spots
Thompson sits in Connecticut's quiet northeast corner, and its fishing scene is built almost entirely around still water. The town has a handful of ponds worth your time — Wakefield Pond, Duck Pond, Reams Pond, Stump Pond, Whitmans Pond, and Lower Pond all show up on local fishing maps, and each one offers the kind of lake fishing that suits anglers who prefer a kayak or a bank spot over wading a river. These are warmwater ponds, so think largemouth bass, yellow perch, and pickerel rather than trout. None of the waters in this list carry a gold medal or wild trout designation, so if a trophy trout stream is your goal, you'll want to look elsewhere in Windham County. What Thompson does offer is accessible, low-pressure pond fishing that doesn't require a boat ramp reservation or a long hike in. Most of these ponds are small enough that a kayak or canoe gives you a real advantage, letting you work the edges and coves where bass tend to hold. If you're new to fishing or bringing kids, the smaller ponds like Duck Pond and Lower Pond are worth starting with before working up to the larger options.
Frequently asked questions
What species can I expect to catch in Thompson's ponds?
The ponds listed here are warmwater fisheries, so largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and yellow perch are your most realistic targets. Bluegill and other sunfish are common in most Connecticut ponds of this size and are a reliable option if bass aren't cooperating.
Do I need a Connecticut fishing license to fish these ponds?
Yes. Any angler 16 or older needs a valid Connecticut fishing license, available through the DEEP's online licensing portal or at local bait and tackle shops. Check the DEEP website for current fee schedules and any pond-specific regulations before you go, since rules can vary by water body.
What's the best time of year to fish Thompson's ponds?
Late spring through early summer is generally the most productive window for bass, when water temperatures warm up and fish move into shallower areas to spawn. Fall is also solid, particularly September and October, when bass feed aggressively before winter. Perch and pickerel can be caught reliably from ice-out through late autumn.
What time of day should I plan to fish?
Early morning is your best bet for bass on most of these ponds, especially in summer when midday heat pushes fish deeper. The last two hours before sunset are a close second. Midday fishing in July and August tends to be slow unless you're targeting deeper structure.
Do I need a boat, or can I fish from the bank?
Bank access varies by pond, but several of Thompson's ponds can be fished from shore with some walking. That said, a kayak or canoe opens up significantly more water, particularly for working coves and weed edges where bass hold. If you're bringing a motorized boat, check current DEEP regulations for horsepower limits on smaller ponds before you launch.
