Photo by Steve Chaconas

Bass are fast taking over the New England sportfishing scene. These opportunistic feeders are always looking to get the most calories with the least effort, which is why so many different lures can elicit a strike -- and why so many anglers are getting hooked on bass fishing!

From the spring spawn right through to ice-fishing season, black bass provide hard-hitting angling action in the majority of New England’s rivers, ponds and lakes.

Luckily for avid bass anglers, the region’s fisheries biologists continue to manage this resource with an eye toward healthy populations and quality-sized fish. They adjust regulations according to the needs of the species in each state, so be sure to check the 2007 angler’s guide for your state before heading out.

With so many quality bass out there waiting for the right crankbaits, spinnerbaits and Texas rigs to come along, New England’s anglers could fish every day and still miss some prime fishing holes. To ensure that you find the right place at the right time, here’s a year-round list of best bets for bass from each state’s fisheries experts:

CONNECTICUT
The rising popularity of Nutmeg State bass fishing means increased angler pressure and the need for extremely effective management. The good news is that management plans and regulations to promote big bass put into place nearly five years ago are already paying tackle-busting dividends.

The original 2002 plan included two general types of bass management areas -- Big Bass Lakes, where the goal was to increase the number of quality-sized bass through increased length limits and smaller daily creel limits; and Trophy Bass Lakes, where trophy-class fisheries are the goal and slot limits are in effect.

General statewide bass regulations include a 12-inch length limit in lakes, ponds and the Connecticut River, with a daily creel limit of six fish. Before heading out, be sure to check the 2007 Connecticut Angler’s Guide, available wherever fishing licenses are sold, as well as online at Dep.State.CT.US/Burnatr/Fishing/FishingInfo/Angler.htm.

In the meantime, here’s a year-round sampling of great Nutmeg State bass hotspots:

Gardner Lake, in the towns of Salem, Montville and Bozrah has plenty of both smallmouth and largemouth bass. Access can be had via a boat launch on the southern shore.

From Norwich, take Route 2 west to Route 354. The access road is off Route 354 north of its intersection with Route 82.

Other early bass waters include Crystal, Highland and Ball lakes. Reliable spring fishing for largemouths may also be had in the shallow coves of the Upper Moodus Reservoir and the Still River.

As waters warm, other largemouth bass spots for hot summer action include Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Winchester and Coventry lakes and Long Pond. Bass action remains very good in the Natchaug and Willimantic rivers over the summer.

When the leaves change, head for Beseck Lake in Middlefield. To reach the state-owned boat launch from Route 66, take Route 147 south for 1.5 miles. The launch is on the right.

Hardwater anglers will want to check out Candlewood Lake, the state’s largest lake and one of the region’s best bass fisheries.

Access is from the Squantz Cove boat launch on Route 39, at the northwestern end of the lake.

Squantz Pond, separated from Candlewood by state Route 39, is another great bass destination.

For more fishing information visit Dep.State.CT.US, or call (860) 424-3474.

For travel information, call 1-888- 288-4748, or visit CTVisit.com.