Bantam Lake is a superb place for game fishing. Here you can catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, redbreast sunfish, rock bass, white perch, yellow perch, chain pickerel, and northern pike. There are several events held here each year, including annual bass tournaments.

driving directions

Bantam Lake is the largest natural lake in Connecticut. It covers 950 acres and has 10 miles of shoreline. There are many fish species, but the DEEP (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) stocks the lake with northern pike. The typical size of a northern pike caught in these waters is 10-15 pounds, and the record is 28.5 pounds.
Northern pike season runs from May through February, and the daily limit and length vary depending on the season. From May to November, the daily limit is 2, with a 26-inch minimum length. From December through February, the daily limit is 1, with a 36-inch minimum length.

Bass are limited to 6 per day, and they must be 12 inches or longer. Catfish are limited to 6 per day of any size. The limit for walleye is 2, and they must be 18 inches or longer. Chain Pickerel are limited to 6, and they must be 15 inches or longer. There is no limit on panfish except the white perch.

All boats are welcome on Bantam Lake, with boat ramps located at Point Folly and Deer Island. Launch your canoe or kayak from shore. Ice fishing is allowed when the lake is frozen.

Bantam Lake boat ramps:

The following boat ramps provide access to Bantam Lake.