What You'll Find at Alexander Lake

Alexander Lake sits in the town of Voluntown in northeastern Connecticut, a small, shallow impoundment that holds both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The lake runs roughly 40 acres and rarely draws the crowds you see at bigger regional waters, which means you can work the shallows and structure without competing for space. The bottom is soft in most places, with some rocky areas near the dam, and the shoreline is mostly wooded—good cover for bass, especially in spring and early summer.

The water clarity varies by season and recent rainfall. After heavy rain, it can turn stained; in dry spells, it clears considerably. That matters for lure choice and presentation. The lake is spring-fed and relatively stable in depth, so you won't see the dramatic water-level swings that plague some Connecticut impoundments. Largemouths dominate the population, but smallmouths are present and worth targeting on the rocky sections.

Key Takeaways

  • Alexander Lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass in roughly 40 acres of shallow, wooded water in Voluntown.
  • The lake has a soft bottom with some rocky areas near the dam, providing structure for bass throughout the year.
  • Spring and early summer are peak seasons when bass move shallow to spawn and feed in the weedy margins.
  • Public access is available at the town boat launch on Route 49, which has parking and a small fee.
  • Connecticut fishing regulations apply, including a 12-inch minimum for largemouth and smallmouth bass.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Fish

Spring (April through May) is when Alexander Lake fishes best. Largemouths move into the shallows to spawn, and you can find them in 2 to 6 feet of water around the weedy edges and near fallen timber. Throw soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater early in the morning. The smallmouths are slower to move shallow but will be on the rocky areas near the dam and along any hard-bottom transitions.

Summer (June through August) pushes bass deeper and into thicker cover. The weeds thicken, and largemouths retreat to the shade of overhanging trees and dense vegetation. Early morning and late evening are your best windows. Smallmouths may hold on deeper rocky structure or in the cooler water near the dam. Topwater and weedless presentations work better than open-water lures.

Fall (September through October) brings another strong bite as water temperatures drop and bass move back to shallower feeding zones. The weed growth dies back, making it easier to work structure. Crankbaits and swimbaits can be effective, and you'll find fish more willing to chase.

Winter (November through March) is slow. Bass are lethargic and deep. If you fish this lake in winter, focus on the deepest holes and the area near the dam, and fish slowly with small presentations. Many anglers skip Alexander Lake in winter and fish larger, deeper lakes instead.

Access and Parking

The public boat launch is on Route 49 in Voluntown, on the north side of the lake. There is a small parking area and a concrete ramp suitable for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. The launch is maintained by the town and is open to the public. There is typically a modest launch fee (check with the town of Voluntown for current rates, as fees vary year to year).

The launch is the primary public access point. Shore fishing is limited because much of the shoreline is private property. If you have a canoe or kayak, you can paddle along the public water and fish from the boat. Wading is not practical on most of the lake due to the soft bottom and depth near the launch.

What Regulations You Need to Know

Connecticut's statewide fishing regulations apply at Alexander Lake. Largemouth and smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of 6 fish per angler. You must have a valid Connecticut fishing license, which you can purchase online through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) or at most bait and tackle shops.

The lake is open year-round, but the best fishing is during the open-water season (April through October). Catch-and-release is always an option and is encouraged during the summer months when water temperatures are high and fish stress easily. Check the current DEEP regulations before you go, as rules can change.

Tackle and Techniques That Work

For largemouths, soft plastics in 4- to 6-inch lengths work well around weeds and fallen timber. Rigged Texas-style on a 3/16- to 1/4-ounce weight, they let you work slowly through cover. Crankbaits in the 2- to 3-inch range are effective in spring when fish are aggressive. Topwater plugs at dawn and dusk can produce explosive strikes, especially in shallow water.

Smallmouths respond to smaller presentations. Tubes in 2- to 3-inch lengths, jigs tipped with crawfish imitations, and small swimbaits all work on the rocky sections. Cast tight to the dam and along any hard-bottom transitions. Smallmouths are more structure-oriented than largemouths, so focus your effort on the bottom composition rather than weed lines.

Spinning gear in the 6- to 7-foot range with 8- to 12-pound braid or monofilament is ideal for this lake. The shallow water and cover don't require heavy equipment, and lighter gear lets you feel the bottom and detect strikes more easily.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) is consistently the most productive time at Alexander Lake. The water is calmer, light levels are lower, and bass are actively feeding. Late afternoon (4 p.m. to sunset) is your second-best window. Midday can be slow, especially in summer, but overcast days and windy conditions can extend the bite throughout the day.

Weekdays are quieter than weekends, and you'll have more room to work. The lake rarely gets crowded even on busy days, which is one of its advantages. Expect to see a handful of other anglers on a typical weekend morning, but nothing like the pressure at larger regional lakes.

Nearby Waters Worth Considering

If Alexander Lake is too small or too slow for what you're after, several other northeastern Connecticut lakes are within 20 minutes. Pachaug Pond in Griswold holds largemouths and pickerel and is slightly larger. Ashland Pond in Voluntown is another small option nearby. For bigger water and more consistent structure, Quinebaug Lake (also called Quinebaug Pond) in Plainfield offers more depth and a larger population of smallmouths.

The Quinebaug River itself runs through the region and holds smallmouths and fallfish if you prefer moving water. The river is accessible at several public access points and offers a different experience than lake fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Alexander Lake?

No. A canoe or kayak works well and gives you access to more of the lake than shore fishing. If you have a small motorboat, the launch accommodates it, though the lake is shallow enough that trolling is not the primary technique. Many anglers fish successfully from the launch area itself.

What's the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (April and May) is peak season when largemouths are spawning and shallow. Fall (September and October) is your second-best option. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, but midday is slow. Winter is generally not worth the effort unless you're specifically targeting deep-water smallmouths.

Are there any restrictions on boat motors?

Check with the town of Voluntown before launching. Some small Connecticut lakes restrict motor size or prohibit motors entirely. Call the town clerk's office or the Parks and Recreation department to confirm current rules for Alexander Lake.

Can I catch and keep fish here?

Yes, within Connecticut's regulations: 12-inch minimum for bass, 6 fish per day. Catch-and-release is encouraged, especially in summer when water temperatures stress fish. If you keep fish, keep them on a stringer in the water to maintain quality.

What should I bring for a day at Alexander Lake?

Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat—there's limited shade on the water. A small tackle box with soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater is enough. If you're launching a boat, arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends. Bring your fishing license and check the weather before you go.