Shoreline development is moderate along the northern and eastern sides of the lake. Anglers can avoid conflict with homeowners because the western side of the lake offers better bass fishing. North of the launch ramp is a large, shallow cove with a southern exposed bank. This cove warms fast in spring to attract largemouth bass. South of the ramp is another smaller cove with equal bassing possibilities.

There are several special regulations on Amos Lake. The speed limit is 8 miles per hour prior to June 15. Amos Lake is part of the DEP’s statewide bass management plan. The regulations feature a 12- to 18-inch slot limit. Anglers may keep six bass per day, but only one may be over 18 inches. The remainder must be less than 12 inches. These regulations have been in effect for several years, and anglers will likely catch a number of bass in the 14- to 16-inch class this spring.

Access to the lake is through a state-owned launching ramp in Preston. Take Route 165 from Norwich to Route 164. Head south and watch for signs to the ramp. Because the pond is stocked with trout, fishing is prohibited between April 1 and the third Saturday in April.

Gardner Lake

Gardner Lake in eastern Connecticut is unique in that it harbors largemouth bass and smallmouth bass, as well as walleyes and trout. This multi-layered fishery makes the lake appealing to many fishermen.

The 487-acre lake has a maximum depth of 42 feet, but the deepest hole is a single pit north of the island in the southeast corner of the lake. Aside from that hole, the average depth is only about 10 feet. Bass anglers will find an extensive shoal system on Gardner Lake complete with weeds and other shoreline structure.

In the spring, the best place to start fishing is in the large muddy cove at the northern end of the lake. By early March, the water will have significantly warmed to entice yellow perch into spawning. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and walleyes follow the perch to feast on their eggs and young.

As the season processes, concentrate your fishing efforts along the western shoreline, which offers several coves and points that attract bass. On cold days, work the water near the island as the deep pit provides safe harbor for smallmouth bass during foul weather.

There are several special regulations on Gardner Lake. The speed limit is 6 miles per hour between sunset and 8 a.m. Gardner Lake is also part of the DEP’s statewide bass management plan, with a hefty 16-inch size limit designed to promote the lake as a trophy bass pond. The creel limit is two fish.

Access to the lake is through a state-owned boat-launching ramp in Salem. Take Route 82 from Salem to Route 354. Turn northward and watch for signs. Because the pond is stocked with trout, fishing is prohibited between April 1 and the third Saturday in April.

West Hill Pond

Bass anglers often overlook this 238-acre pond because it is heavily stocked with trout and has a modest kokanee salmon population.

West Hill Pond is deep, with a basin down to 65 feet. Most of the lake is deeper than 20 feet with clear water. Because several small mountain streams feed West Hill, the pond remains cool. Bass anglers with a temperature gauge on their boats will have an advantage. Look for the warmest water.

Anglers without a temperature gauge can try fishing near the launch ramp on the extreme north end of the lake. The ramp cove is shallow and warms quickly. Because the warm afternoon sun heats up the east bank, try fishing that side of the lake, especially in the two small coves. Smallmouth bass seekers should look for the two sunken islands in the south-central part of the lake. The rocky shoals around these islands have been known to produce some large smallmouth bass.

Because the lake is small, there is a 7.5-horsepower motor limit until June 15. Also, the speed limit is 15 miles per hour.