What you'll find at Lake Waramaug

Lake Waramaug is a 68-acre impoundment in New Preston, Connecticut, ringed by state park land and private homes. The lake holds largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and panfish—sunfish and crappie mostly—in water that stays relatively clear through the season. It's a solid choice if you want to fish close to the Litchfield Hills without fighting crowds, and the state park access means you can launch a boat or fish from shore without paying a fee.

The lake runs roughly north to south, with the deepest water in the middle and shallower flats along both shores. Weed growth picks up by mid-summer, which concentrates the bass and pickerel but can make casting difficult if you're not ready for it. The northern end has more development; the southern end, near the state park, stays quieter and holds better structure for fishing.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Waramaug State Park offers a public boat launch and shore access on the southern end of the lake at no charge.
  • Largemouth bass and chain pickerel respond well to topwater and soft plastics in spring and fall, and to deeper presentations during summer heat.
  • Panfish are reliable year-round, especially around the weed edges and drop-offs on the eastern and western shores.
  • Summer weed growth can be heavy; plan to fish early morning or use weedless rigs if you're visiting mid-June through August.

Launch and access points

Lake Waramaug State Park sits on the southern shore and has a paved boat launch that fits trailers up to about 20 feet. The parking lot is small—maybe 15 spaces—so arrive early on weekends. There's also a picnic area and a short walking trail if you want to scout the water before launching.

Shore fishing is possible from the park grounds, though the bank is steep and rocky in places. If you don't have a boat, the eastern shore has a few pull-offs along Route 45 where you can walk down to the water, but parking is limited and informal. Your best bet for shore access is the state park itself.

Spring fishing: April through May

Bass move shallow in spring as water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 60s. Work the northern shallows and the coves on the eastern shore with crankbaits and soft plastics in crawfish colors. Pickerel are aggressive during this window too and will hit topwater early and late in the day.

Panfish spawn in late April and May, and they congregate in the shallows near weed beds and fallen timber. A simple jig tipped with a small minnow or a 2-inch soft plastic will produce steady action. The water is still relatively clear, so lighter line and smaller baits work better than they will later in the season.

Summer patterns: June through August

By mid-June, weeds take over much of the lake's shallow water. Bass and pickerel move to the weed edges and the deeper channels between weed beds. Fish early morning before the sun gets high, and use weedless rigs—Texas-rigged soft plastics or spinnerbaits—to avoid constant hangups.

If the weed growth is too thick to fish effectively, focus on the deeper water in the middle of the lake. A drop-shot rig or a small jig fished vertically can produce bass and pickerel in 12 to 18 feet of water. Panfish stay active around the weed edges throughout the day and are often your most reliable catch during summer heat.

Fall fishing: September through October

Fall is the best time to fish Lake Waramaug. Water temperatures drop into the 60s and 50s, bass and pickerel move back to the shallows, and weed growth begins to die back. Topwater plugs and soft plastics work well from September through mid-October, especially early and late in the day.

The northern end of the lake and the coves on both shores hold the most active fish. Pickerel are particularly aggressive in fall and will chase larger baits and lures. Panfish remain steady around the weed edges and drop-offs, and they're often larger in fall than they are in spring.

Winter considerations

Lake Waramaug does freeze, but ice-out timing varies. The lake typically becomes fishable again in late March or early April. If you're planning a winter trip, call the state park or check the Connecticut DEEP website for current conditions before you go.

Winter fishing from shore is possible during open-water periods in December and January, though the water is cold and fish are less active. If you do fish winter, focus on the deeper channels and move slowly—a small jig or a live minnow under a bobber will produce occasional bites.

What to bring and what to know

Bring a mix of lures: topwater plugs, crankbaits, soft plastics in crawfish and shad colors, and spinnerbaits. A 6- to 7-foot medium-action rod works for most of the fishing here. If you're fishing from shore, waders or water shoes help because the banks are rocky and the water is cold even in summer.

The lake is open to the public, but respect private property on the northern shore. Fishing hours are dawn to dusk. The state park has a small fee for day-use parking if you're not launching a boat, though the fee is modest and includes access to the picnic area and restrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Connecticut fishing license?

Yes. Connecticut requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a short-term license online through the Connecticut DEEP website or at most bait and tackle shops in the area. A three-day license is available if you're visiting from out of state.

What's the best time of day to fish Lake Waramaug?

Early morning and late evening are most productive, especially in spring and fall. During summer, when weed growth is heavy and water temperatures are high, fish early morning before 9 a.m. or wait until the sun drops in late afternoon. Midday fishing is slower but still possible if you fish deeper water or around heavy cover.

Can I fish from a kayak?

Yes. Kayaks are allowed on Lake Waramaug. The state park launch accommodates kayaks, and you can also hand-launch from the shore near the park. The lake is small enough that you can explore most of it in a few hours, and the water is generally calm except on windy days.

Are there restaurants or bait shops nearby?

New Preston has a few small restaurants and shops within a few miles of the lake. The nearest full-service bait and tackle shop is in Litchfield, about 15 minutes away. It's worth stopping there before you fish if you need specific lures or live bait.

What's the depth of Lake Waramaug?

The lake reaches about 50 feet at its deepest point in the middle, with shallower flats along both shores. Most of the productive fishing happens in 4 to 15 feet of water, especially around weed beds and drop-offs. A depth finder is helpful but not necessary if you're fishing from shore or a kayak.