Gardner Lake

Boat Ramps: 1
Access Points: 3
Species: 18

Gardner Lake is a picturesque 529-acre freshwater lake located in southeastern Connecticut, spanning the towns of Salem, Montville, and Bozrah. This natural lake, which has been enhanced by a 168-foot earthen dam that raises the water level by 4 feet, offers exceptional year-round fishing opportunities. With an average depth of 14 feet and reaching its deepest point at 39 feet near Minnie Island, Gardner Lake features approximately 5 miles of shoreline surrounded by scenic wooded areas. The lake's clear waters and diverse underwater structure make it a popular destination for both recreational anglers and tournament fishermen seeking a variety of freshwater species.

Connecticut licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Gardner Lake and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Muskellunge

Esox masquinongy

Walleye

Sander vitreus

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Atlantic Salmon

Salmo salar

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Brown Bullhead

Ameiurus nebulosus

Chain Pickerel

Esox niger

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

Pumpkinseed

Lepomis gibbosus

White Catfish

Ameiurus catus

White Perch

Morone americana

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Yellow Perch

Perca flavescens

Fish stocking schedule

All stockings · 1

TroutOct 8, 2026

Source

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

Open stocking page

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Gardner 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.

Gardner Lake Access

Access Point

Minnie Island State Park Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Gardner 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 Gardner 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 Gardner Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Gardner 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.