The lake is manmade, thanks to an earthen and masonry dam on the headwaters of the East Branch Naugatuck River. It covers about 250 acres with a maximum depth of 17 feet. The average depth is about 8 feet. When the lake was formed, the dam builders did not clear the trees from the land. Ice from previous winters has chopped off most of the trees below the surface. Fishermen need heavy lines to deal with the numerous underwater snags.

Winchester Lake has two distinct pike fisheries. In the early and mid-winter seasons, look for pike in the deeper water near the dam. As spring approaches, pike move into the shallow backwaters looking for spawning habitat. Most anglers move their tip-ups to the headwaters of the lake in late February and early March.

For the most part, Winchester Lake is undeveloped, giving it the illusion of fishing a mountain pond in northern New England.

Public access is via a state boat ramp on the southern shore adjacent to the dam. To get to the access, take Route 44 west from Winsted. Turn south on Route 263 for five miles to Winchester Center. Route 263 takes a sharp right turn. Approximately one-half mile past the center, turn onto West Road to the boat launch.

The resident season fishing license fee is $20. Non-resident fees are $40 for the season or $16 for a three-day permit.

Pachaug Pond
Pachaug Pond is a recent addition to the state’s pike action. It is also an artificial pond created by damming the Pachaug River. Pike anglers will find 870 acres of water with a deep basin of 16 feet and an average depth of 6 feet.

Ice-anglers will find these depths somewhat misleading, as the water level is normally lowered a few feet every winter to allow shoreline residents the opportunity to work on their property. The water drop also keeps the weed growth somewhat at bay during the summer season.

The pond’s shoreline is primarily wooded with open pasture. Shoreline development is moderate with areas of clustered houses and cottages.

Pachaug State Forest borders the northern shore of the pond where the public boat-launching area can be found.

Milfoil is one of the major submerged aquatic weeds on the pond. Pike hunters should look for edges of the old milfoil beds at the mouths of coves in the northern portion of the lake.

The golden shiner is one of the top forage species in the lake and makes great pike bait.

Public access is provided through a state boat launch adjacent to the Pachaug Pond dam. It is a large area that is plowed during the winter. The launch may be reached by taking Exit 85 off I-395 onto Route 138. Head east on Route 138 for about 2.5 miles to the launch.

For more information on pike fishing in Connecticut, contact the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection’s Inland Fisheries Division at (860) 424-3475.

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

RHODE ISLAND
Waterman Reservoir
Just a few miles west of Providence, Rhode Island ice-anglers will find some great pike fishing in Waterman Reservoir. This 306-acre reservoir has a maximum depth of 15 feet with an average depth of 7 feet. The shoreline is highly developed. The best access is from Exit 7 off I-295. Head west on Route 44 for about four miles. Look for roadside parking around the lake.

Fish the submerged points along the east side of the lake or cross the lake to the island complex. The lake has an extensive shoal area where pike move into the shallows to feed on golden shiners or drop deep to ambush stunted panfish.

Resident license fees are $9.50 for the season. Non-resident license fees are $31 for the season or $16 for a three-day permit.

For more Rhode Island fishing information, contact the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife at (401) 222-3576. For tourism information, write to the Rhode Island Tourism Division, 1 West Exchange St., Providence, RI 02903; or call (800) 556-2484.