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Bantam Lake

Boat Ramps
1
Access Points
1
Species
17

Nestled in the picturesque Litchfield County of northwestern Connecticut, Bantam Lake stands as the state's largest natural lake, spanning approximately 950 acres with nearly 10 miles of shoreline. This fertile waterbody offers anglers a diverse and rewarding fishing experience throughout the year. With its clear waters, abundant vegetation, and varied structure, Bantam Lake has established itself as a premier fishing destination, particularly known for its quality largemouth bass and northern pike fisheries. The lake's natural beauty combined with thorough fisheries management by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has created an excellent environment for both novice and experienced anglers to enjoy productive fishing in a scenic setting.


Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Bantam Lake. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Bantam Lake

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Connecticut licenses and regulations

Connecticut Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Connecticut Fishing License 

Inland fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 years of age or older fishing in the Inland District . Licenses are issued on a calendar year basis and expire on December 31st.

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Connecticut Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Connecticut Stream Access Laws

The public may recreate on both navigable and non-navigable waters. Navigable waters are defined as those subject to the ebb and flow of the tide and used for trade or commerce. On navigable waterways, the public has streambed access and a right to portage below the high watermark.

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Take Bantam Lake with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Bantam Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Bantam Lake to find where and when fish are biting for you.

  • HD depth charts from Garmin

    Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Bantam Lake and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.

Bantam Lake fishing guides

Book a trip with a local fishing guide through Guidesly.

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