Messerschmidt’s Pond
Messerschmidt’s Pond is a small gem in the towns of Deep River and Westbrook. Its 73 acres of water are accessible by boats powered by electric motors or paddle.

Anglers can expect a good population of largemouths. A boat launch is on the pond’s western edge not far from Route 145.

From Deep River, travel west on Route 80 to either Route 145, where you can access the boat launch or Westbrook Road, which winds it way through the Messerschmidt Wildlife Management Area and touches the pond’s eastern shore.

Moodus Reservoir
Moodus Reservoir in East Haddam covers nearly 500 acres. It’s also part of the state’s Bass Management Program, with specific regulations designed to encourage largemouth and smallmouth bass as well as calico bass.

Moodus Reservoir is actually two bodies of water divided by the East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike. The larger portion of the reservoir may be accessed at the boat launch off a secondary road from the East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike. The smaller portion’s boat launch is off a secondary road off Route 149. From the city of Colchester, take Route 16 west to Route 149. This will bring you the smaller portion of the reservoir. From Route 149, take Falls Bashan Road to the East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike. Motorized boats are allowed.

Bashan Lake
Still in the East Haddam area, not far from Moodus Reservoir is Bashan Lake. This 273-acre Bass Management Lake is also noted for largemouths, smallmouths and calico bass.

Access to the lake is from one of many secondary roads off the East Haddam-Colchester Turnpike. Motorized boats are allowed.

Coventry Lake
Coventry Lake, also known as Wangumbaug Lake, is a Bass Management Lake as well as a walleye fishery in the town of Coventry. In Coventry Lake’s 465 acres, anglers will also find smallmouths and calicoes. Last May, a 5-pound-plus largemouth was pulled from its waters.

From the city of Willimantic, take Route 32 and then follow the left fork onto Route 31, which leads into the town on Coventry and the lake. Motorized boats may be launched at the lake’s eastern point.

Mono Pond
Mono Pond is another spot to try near the city of Willimantic. Mono Pond covers 113 acres and it has a boat launch. From Willimantic, travel west on Route 66 to Pine Street and then turn onto Hunt Road.

Winnemaug Lake
Winnemaug Lake near Waterbury is a good option for paddlers. Motorized boats are prohibited on the 113-acre lake, but there is good largemouth action.

Take Route 84 west from Waterbury and then Route 63 north to Route 6 south. Many secondary roads provide access to Winnemaug Lake.