Quinebaug Lake bass feed heavily on panfish fry and crayfish. Lures mimicking these forage species are usually effective.

The DEP has set a slot and creel limit wherein fish between 12 and 16 inches must be released. Only two bass longer than 16 inches may be kept.

According to DEP information, anglers have good opportunities to catch largemouth bass over that magical 16-inch limit. Smallmouth bass are present, but scarce.

Brown and rainbow trout are stocked into the pond each spring and hold over through June. Crappies, yellow perch and chain pickerel are also available in good numbers. The pond is within Quinebaug Pond State Park with a boat-launching ramp on the northern end of the pond.

Anglers may access the park by taking Exit 92 off I-395. From the highway, take Route 6 west to Route 12. Continue south on Route 12 for about one mile. Turn east onto Shepard Hill Road to the state park entrance.

Gas-powered motors are prohibited on Quinebaug Lake.

Billings Lake
This 97-acre pond is one of the prettiest ponds in southern New England. The shore is lined with wild mountain laurel, which blooms in June. White and pink blossoms brighten the shoreline as the ultra-clear water glistens in the summer sun.

As an added attraction, the pond has an abundant supply of largemouth bass.

The pond has a maximum depth of 33 feet, with an average depth of 14 feet. Several small islands are scattered around the pond. Anglers fishing this pond will find a wide array of bass habitat, from thick milfoil weedbeds to rocky points. Lily pads also dot the shoreline, especially in the southern end of the lake.

According to fisheries reports, largemouth bass over 15 inches are common. But anglers should expect to catch several small bass before finding a chunky one, since the pond also has an overabundance of largemouths shorter than 12 inches.

This stockpile of small fish prompted the DEP to apply the same slot and creel limits.

Meanwhile, anglers can limit the number of small bass they catch by increasing the size of their lures.

The DEP also stocks the pond with trout every spring. Many of these fish hold over long into the summer. Chain pickerel are common, but like the bass, are numerous and stunted. Crappies and sunfish provide panfishing opportunities. Golden shiners appear to be the main forage.

Access to the pond is from a boat- launching ramp on the north end of the lake in Pachaug State Forest.

To get there, take Exit 85 off I-395. Follow Route 138 east to Route 201. Turn right onto Route 201. Continue on Route 201 for about three miles past the intersection with Route 165. Turn left on Billings Lake Road. The ramp is at the end of the dirt road.

Connecticut's resident license fees are $20 for the season. Non-resident license fees are $40 for the season, or $16 for a three-day permit.

For fishing and licensing information, contact the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, Inland Fisheries Division, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106; or call 1-860-424-3475.

For tourism information, write to the Connecticut Tourism Division, 14 Rumford Street, West Hartford, CT 06107; or call 1-800-282-6863.