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Connecticut · Fishing
Union is one of Connecticut's smallest towns by population, but it punches well above its weight for still-water fishing. Sitting almost entirely within Nipmuck State Forest, the town is ringed by ponds that see far less pressure than lakes closer to Hartford or Worcester.
6 spotsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 6 spots
Union is one of Connecticut's smallest towns by population, but it punches well above its weight for still-water fishing. Sitting almost entirely within Nipmuck State Forest, the town is ringed by ponds that see far less pressure than lakes closer to Hartford or Worcester. Breakneck Pond is the most well-known of the group and the easiest to orient a day around, but Morey Pond, Meyers Pond, Buckley Pond, Forest Pond, and the impoundment at Wells Brook Dam each hold fish and give you real options depending on how far you want to walk or paddle. All six listings here are lake or pond fisheries, so this is not a destination for moving-water or stream fishing. Expect largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish as the bread-and-butter species across most of these waters, with trout stocked in select ponds during spring and fall seasons by the Connecticut DEEP. Access ranges from a short walk to a longer carry-in, which naturally keeps boat traffic low and makes a canoe or kayak a genuine advantage. If you are driving up from southern Connecticut or crossing from Massachusetts, the fishing here is worth building a full day around rather than treating as a quick stop.
Yes. Anyone 16 or older needs a valid Connecticut fishing license to fish any of these waters, including those inside Nipmuck State Forest. Licenses can be purchased online through the Connecticut DEEP website or at local license agents. Non-resident licenses are available if you are coming from Massachusetts or Rhode Island.
Gasoline-powered motors are not permitted on most ponds within Nipmuck State Forest, including Breakneck Pond. Electric trolling motors are generally allowed, and non-motorized craft like canoes and kayaks are the practical choice here. Confirm current rules with the Connecticut DEEP before your trip, as restrictions can vary by water body.
Buckley Pond
~1 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Wells Brook Dam
~2 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Morey Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Meyers Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Morse Reservoir
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Breakneck Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Armitage Pond
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Forest Pond
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Hamant Brook Reservoir
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Reservoir No. 5
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Kenyon Pond
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CT.
Lake George
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near MA.
Spring is the most productive window, roughly late April through early June, when water temperatures rise and both bass and pickerel are active in the shallows. DEEP trout stocking typically happens in spring and again in fall, so if trout are your target, those shoulder seasons are worth prioritizing. Midsummer fishing slows during the heat of the day but can pick back up in the evening hours.
A medium-light spinning rod handles most situations across these waters. For bass and pickerel, soft plastics, small spinnerbaits, and surface lures work well along weedy edges and coves. If you are targeting stocked trout, a simple slip-bobber rig with a worm or a small inline spinner covers the basics. Pack light if you are walking into Forest Pond or Meyers Pond, since the carry can be longer than it looks on a map.
Yes, particularly Breakneck Pond, which has the most established access and is the most straightforward to navigate. Panfish like bluegill and yellow perch are reliably catchable and forgiving for newer anglers. The forested setting and low boat traffic also make it a calmer experience than busier Connecticut lakes, which helps when fishing with children.
