Candlewood Lake is a fantastic fishing destination due to its largemouth and smallmouth bass populations. Other species in the lake include crappie, perch, trout, carp, catfish, and rock bass. Although the best lures to use here are spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and topwater baits, people have been known to use ultralight jigs, rubber worms, and crankbaits. Candlewood Lake even has a bass-fishing summer camp that’s great for kids.

driving directions

Candlewood Lake is the largest lake in Connecticut, with 5,400 acres of water and 60 miles of shoreline. It’s surrounded by towns on all sides, including Brookfield, New Milford, Sherman, Danbury, and New Fairfield. Pay attention to all signs as there are a lot of private properties surrounding the lake.

Candlewood Lake is ranked as one of the top 25 best bass fishing lakes due to the many natural geologic structures where bass love to hide, including milfoil, ledges, roadbeds, flats, and humps. Several bass species and many other species are stocked as part of the Connecticut DEEP (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) Trout Management Program.

Before you head out to fish, obtain a fishing license on the DEEP Website or from Connecticut Bait & Tackle. Then head to one of the many accessible fishing spots onshore or launch your motorized boat from the two public boat ramps. Canoes and kayaks can be launched from shore. The average depth of Candlewood Lake is 40 feet, but there are places as deep as 90 feet. There are also 12 islands that you can fish around. Candlewood Lake is also known for its excellent ice fishing in winter.

Candlewood Lake boat ramps:

The following boat ramps provide access to Candlewood Lake.