Largemouth Bass
Largemouth Bass are not native to Connecticut but were first stocked in 1870 and have become the most widely distributed gamefish species in the state.
They are found in almost all publicly accessible water bodies throughout Connecticut, where they are typically common to abundant and serve as the principal predator in most lakes and ponds.
Scientific Name: Micropterus salmoides
- Connecticut bass are the Northern strain, which rarely exceed 10 pounds.
- The state record is 12.9 pounds.
- These bass typically measure 6-18 inches commonly, with a maximum recorded size of 23.2 inches in state surveys.
- They have an elongate body with dark olive green coloration on the back fading to brassy green on sides, often with a broad horizontal dark band.
Fishing in Connecticut
Connecticut River
Farmington River
North Atlantic Ocean
Housatonic River
Naugatuck River
The Thimbles
Willimantic River
Westfield River
Paper Rock Shoal
Saugatuck River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- They prefer shallow, vegetated littoral zones of lakes and ponds, or backwaters of streams and rivers with moderate vegetation.
Key Locations
- Top Connecticut bass waters include Candlewood Lake (5,400 acres, considered the best in the state), Lake Lillinonah (1,900 acres), Connecticut River, Highland Lake, Lake Waramaug, Coventry Lake, Moodus Reservoir, and Bashan Lake.
Specific Spots
- Focus on structure like fallen trees, docks, weed edges, and rocky points.
- For summer, target deeper water (6-20 feet) around weed lines.
- Square-bill crankbaits for bumping wood and rock cover.
Largemouth Bass FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Largemouth Bass in Connecticut?
Jerkbaits like the Megabass Vision Ito Oneten in Elegy Bone, Northern Secret, or GP Pro Blue colors. Chatterbaits such as the Z-Man Jack Hammer with Gary Yamamoto Zako trailers.
When is the best time to fish for Largemouth Bass in Connecticut?
Spring (late April through early June) and fall are the prime seasons. For spring fishing when water hits 45 degrees. When water exceeds 50 degrees use chatterbaits. For summer, target deeper water (6-20 feet). Fall fishing peaks when water drops to 55 degrees. Winter requires slow presentations.
How do you catch Largemouth Bass in Connecticut?
Use jerkbaits when water hits 45 degrees. Chatterbaits when water exceeds 50 degrees. Skirted jigs work year-round. For summer, target deeper water with spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and topwater frogs around weed lines.
What do Largemouth Bass eat?
Largemouth bass are opportunistic predators that literally consume anything that fits in their mouth - fish (including other bass up to 50% of their body length), crawfish, snakes, birds, frogs, mice, and various critters.
Where do Largemouth Bass live in Connecticut?
They prefer shallow, vegetated littoral zones of lakes and ponds, or backwaters of streams and rivers with moderate vegetation.
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