What You'll Find at Bigelow Hollow

Bigelow Hollow State Park sits in Union, Connecticut, about 45 minutes northeast of Hartford. The park centers on two connected ponds — Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Pond — both stocked with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and pickerel. The water is shallow and weedy, which means good cover for bass but also means you need to pick your approach carefully depending on the season and time of day.

The park itself is 688 acres of mixed forest and wetland. You get a boat launch at Bigelow Pond and a smaller launch area at Mashapaug, plus a network of trails if you want to fish from shore. The ponds are connected by a narrow channel, so you can fish both in a single trip if you have a small boat or canoe. The whole setup is day-use only — no camping — which means the parking lot fills up on summer weekends but stays quiet on weekday mornings.

Key Takeaways

  • Bigelow Hollow has two connected ponds stocked with largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and pickerel, accessible by boat launch or from shore.
  • Early morning and late afternoon are best for bass, especially in summer when midday heat pushes fish into deeper weeds and shade.
  • The park charges a day-use fee and requires a Connecticut fishing license; boat launch fees vary by season.
  • Shallow, weedy water means you need to fish slowly with soft plastics or topwater lures rather than fast-moving crankbaits.
  • Weekday mornings offer the best chance for solitude and active fish; summer weekends draw crowds but also draw more anglers sharing information about what's working.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Fish

Spring (April through May) is when the bass move shallow to spawn. Fish the weedy edges and any shallow bays you can find — early morning is critical because the fish retreat to deeper water as soon as the sun gets high. Soft plastics in natural colors (green pumpkin, watermelon) work better than bright lures in clear spring water. Pickerel are also active in spring and will hit topwater early, so bring a small popper if you want a chance at a different species.

Summer (June through August) flips the pattern. The shallow weeds become a trap for bass during the day — they're there, but they're not feeding actively in the heat. Fish early (before 8 a.m.) and late (after 5 p.m.) when the water is cooler and the light is low. During midday, move to the deeper channel between the two ponds or fish the shaded side of the weed beds. Pickerel stay active all day and don't mind the heat, so if the bass aren't cooperating, switch to pickerel-sized lures and work the edges of the thickest weeds.

Fall (September through October) brings the best overall fishing. The water cools, the bass move back to the shallows, and they feed aggressively to build up for winter. Fish the same shallow areas you fished in spring, but now you can fish them all day. Topwater lures work well in fall because the lower light and cooler water make bass more willing to chase.

Winter (November through March) is slow. The ponds don't freeze solid most years, but the bass are deep and lethargic. If you fish winter, focus on the deepest parts of the channel and fish very slowly — a jig dragged along the bottom or a soft plastic rigged on a light weight. Most anglers skip winter and wait for spring.

Access, Parking, and Launch Details

The main entrance is on Mashapaug Road in Union. There's a parking area with a boat launch for Bigelow Pond — this is where most people start. The launch is a concrete ramp suitable for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. A second parking area and smaller launch serves Mashapaug Pond directly. Both areas have vault toilets but no running water or concessions.

Day-use parking requires a Connecticut state park pass. You can purchase a daily pass at the gate or use an annual pass if you have one. Boat launch fees are separate from parking and vary depending on whether you have a state park pass and what type of boat you're launching. Call ahead to confirm current fees — they change seasonally and occasionally year to year.

Shore fishing is possible from the parking areas and along some of the trails, though the best shore access is limited. If you don't have a boat, focus on the areas immediately around the launch ramps and ask the park staff where shore anglers typically fish. The trails loop through the park and pass near the water in places, but most of the shoreline is either private or inaccessible.

What License and Permits You Need

You need a Connecticut fishing license to fish Bigelow Hollow. Licenses are sold online through the Connecticut DEEP (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) website, at sporting goods stores, and at some bait shops. A short-term license (3 days) costs less than a full-season license if you're just visiting. Residents and non-residents pay different rates.

There are no special permits required beyond the fishing license and the day-use parking pass. If you're launching a boat, make sure your boat registration is current — Connecticut requires registration for all motorized boats and most canoes and kayaks.

Tackle and Techniques That Work

Soft plastics are your bread and butter at Bigelow Hollow. A 4-inch worm rigged Texas-style (weight threaded on the line, hook through the head of the worm) lets you fish through weeds without snagging constantly. Green pumpkin, watermelon, and natural brown colors work better than bright chartreuse or white in the clear water. Fish slowly — let the worm sink and crawl it along the bottom or through the weed beds.

Topwater lures work well in low-light conditions (early morning, late evening, overcast days). A small popper or walking bait in the 2- to 3-inch range will draw strikes from bass and pickerel. Work it slowly and pause between casts to let the ripples settle — aggressive, fast-moving topwater often spooks fish in shallow water.

Crankbaits are less effective here than in deeper, clearer lakes. The weeds catch them, and the shallow water means bass can see them coming from far away. If you want to throw crankbaits, stick to the channel between the ponds where there's more open water and slightly more depth.

Live bait (shiners or small bluegill) works for both bass and pickerel, especially if you're fishing from shore or a stationary boat. Fish it under a bobber in the shallows or let it sit on the bottom in deeper areas. This is a slower approach but often produces larger fish.

When to Go and What to Expect

Weekday mornings in spring and fall are your best bet for both fish and solitude. The parking lot is usually half-full or less, the fish are actively feeding, and you'll have room to move around without dodging other boats. Summer weekends are crowded — the lot fills by 9 a.m. on nice days — but the fishing is still decent if you get there early.

The park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset. In summer, that's roughly 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. In winter, it's more like 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plan your trip accordingly, especially if you want to fish the prime early-morning or late-evening hours.

Bring more water and snacks than you think you'll need. There are no concessions at the park, and the nearest restaurants are several miles away in Union or Ashford. The weather can change quickly in spring and fall, so pack a rain jacket even if the forecast looks clear.

Nearby Water and Alternative Options

If Bigelow Hollow is crowded or the fishing is slow, several other ponds are within 20 minutes. Mashapaug Pond (which is part of the state park) offers a quieter alternative if you're willing to fish the smaller launch area. Shenipsit Lake in Stafford is about 15 minutes away and offers similar bass and pickerel fishing in a slightly larger body of water. Ashford Lake is another option, though it's more developed and gets crowded on weekends.

For river fishing, the Natchaug River runs through the region and holds smallmouth bass and pickerel. It's more technical than pond fishing — you need to read current and structure — but it's less crowded and offers a different kind of challenge if you're tired of casting to weeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Bigelow Hollow?

No, but a boat gives you access to the best water. Shore fishing is possible from the parking areas and some trails, but most of the productive weed beds are only reachable by boat. If you don't have one, consider renting a canoe or kayak — several outfitters in the region rent them by the day.

What's the difference between Bigelow Pond and Mashapaug Pond?

Bigelow Pond is larger and has the main launch ramp, so it gets more traffic. Mashapaug Pond is smaller and quieter but has less developed access. Both hold the same fish species. If you want solitude, start at Mashapaug; if you want to fish where other anglers are catching fish, go to Bigelow.

Can I fish at night?

No, the park closes at sunset. Night fishing is not permitted. Plan your trips to end before dark, especially in winter when sunset comes early.

What's the best time of year to visit?

Fall (September through October) and spring (April through May) offer the most consistent fishing and the most comfortable weather. Summer is hot and crowded. Winter is slow and cold. If you can only go once, go in fall.

Are there any size or catch limits?

Connecticut has statewide regulations for bass and pickerel. Check the current Connecticut DEEP fishing guide for exact size and bag limits — they can change year to year. The guide is free and available online or at the park entrance.