What you'll find at East Twin Lake

East Twin Lake is a 73-acre impoundment in Morris, Connecticut, tucked into the Northwest Hills region where the terrain starts to roll and the fishing pressure stays lighter than it does closer to the coast. The lake holds both smallmouth and largemouth bass, along with chain pickerel and sunfish. The water is moderately clear, and the shoreline mixes rocky points, shallow coves, and wooded banks — the kind of structure that holds bass year-round if you know where to look.

This is a town-owned lake with a public boat launch and parking area on the north shore, making it accessible without a private connection. The launch is small and can get crowded on summer weekends, but the lake itself rarely feels packed. Most of the pressure comes from local anglers, which means the fish see fewer lures than they would at a more famous destination.

Key Takeaways

  • East Twin Lake has a public boat launch on the north shore in Morris with parking for roughly a dozen vehicles.
  • Smallmouth bass prefer the rocky points and deeper structure on the eastern and southern ends; largemouth bass hold in the shallow coves and weed edges on the western side.
  • Spring and fall are the most productive seasons, with early morning and late evening the best times to fish year-round.
  • Connecticut fishing licenses are required; the lake is open to fishing from sunrise to sunset, and motors are restricted to electric only.

Access and parking at the public launch

The public boat launch sits on the north shore, accessible from Route 61 in Morris. There is a small parking area with space for roughly a dozen vehicles, a gravel launch ramp, and a dock. The launch is maintained by the Town of Morris Parks and Recreation Department. Arrive early on weekends if you want a may provide spot; the lot fills by mid-morning on nice days in summer.

The launch is suitable for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. Trailers are acceptable, but the ramp is narrow and can be slow during peak times. There is no fee to launch, but a Connecticut fishing license is required to fish. The area is open from sunrise to sunset, and electric motors only — no gas engines are permitted on East Twin Lake.

Where smallmouth bass hold throughout the year

Smallmouth bass at East Twin Lake respond to the same structure they do everywhere: rocky points, drop-offs, and deeper water. The eastern end of the lake has the most pronounced rocky shoreline and the deepest water — this is where you will find smallmouth in summer when they retreat from the shallows. Work the points with small crankbaits, tubes, or drop-shot rigs in 8 to 15 feet of water.

In spring and fall, smallmouth move shallower and become more aggressive. The southern end of the lake has a series of rocky points that hold fish in 4 to 8 feet of water during these seasons. Early morning is critical — fish the first two hours after sunrise before the sun gets high and the fish move deeper. Topwater plugs and small swimbaits work well when the water is calm.

Winter fishing for smallmouth is possible but requires patience. The fish move to the deepest holes, typically 18 to 25 feet deep near the dam on the southern end. Jigging with live shiners or small spoons is the most effective approach, but you will need to drill through ice if the lake freezes solid.

Largemouth bass in the shallow coves and weed edges

Largemouth bass at East Twin Lake prefer the western side of the lake, where shallow coves and marshy areas provide cover and food. These fish are less structure-dependent than smallmouth and will hold in 2 to 6 feet of water around fallen trees, lily pads, and emergent vegetation. Throw soft plastics — creature baits, crawfish imitations, or 4-inch worms — and work them slowly through the cover.

The northwestern cove is particularly productive in spring when largemouth move into the shallows to spawn. Fish early and late in the day; midday sun pushes them deeper into the thickest cover. Topwater frogs and poppers can draw explosive strikes in low-light conditions, especially in May and June.

Summer largemouth often retreat to deeper water or the thickest weed beds. If you find dense vegetation, work the edges with a weedless setup — a Texas-rigged worm or a frog — and be patient. The fish are there, but they are less active in the heat.

Seasonal patterns and timing

Spring (April through May) is the most reliable season at East Twin Lake. Water temperatures rise from the low 50s to the mid-60s, and both smallmouth and largemouth move into the shallows to feed and spawn. Fish early morning and late evening; the bite often shuts down by mid-morning. Soft plastics and small crankbaits work well across both species.

Summer (June through August) is slower overall. The lake warms to the low 70s, and fish move deeper or into thick cover. Midday fishing is nearly impossible; focus on dawn and dusk. Night fishing with topwater can be productive if you have access to a headlamp and are comfortable navigating the lake in low light.

Fall (September through October) is the second-best season. Water temperatures drop back into the 60s, and fish become aggressive again as they feed heavily before winter. The bite is active throughout the day, though early morning and late afternoon are still best. This is a good time to explore new areas and experiment with different lures.

Winter (November through March) is slow but not impossible. If the lake does not freeze, you can fish the deep holes near the dam with live bait or small jigs. If it does freeze, ice fishing is an option, but check local conditions and ice thickness before venturing out.

What else lives in East Twin Lake

Chain pickerel are abundant at East Twin Lake and will strike the same lures you use for bass. They are aggressive and fun on light tackle, though most anglers target them incidentally while bass fishing. If you want to fish specifically for pickerel, use slightly larger lures and work the weed edges and shallow coves.

Sunfish — bluegill, pumpkinseed, and redear — are plentiful and provide good action for kids or anyone looking for a relaxing day. Fish the shallow coves with small jigs, live crickets, or waxworms. They are most active in late spring and early summer.

Regulations and what to bring

Connecticut requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) website or at most tackle shops and sporting goods stores. A daily license costs less than a weekly or annual license if you are only planning one or two trips.

East Twin Lake is open to fishing from sunrise to sunset. Electric motors only — no gas engines. There is no size or creel limit on largemouth or smallmouth bass in Connecticut, though the state recommends catch-and-release to maintain healthy populations. Bring sunscreen, water, and a headlamp if you plan to fish early or late. The parking area has no facilities, so plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish East Twin Lake from shore?

Yes, though access is limited. The public launch area has a small dock and shoreline where you can fish, but most of the lake is surrounded by private property. Your best bet is to launch a boat or kayak and fish from the water.

What is the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (first two hours after sunrise) and late evening (last two hours before sunset) are most productive year-round. Midday fishing is slow, especially in summer. Overcast days are better than bright, sunny days.

Do I need a boat to fish East Twin Lake?

A boat or kayak gives you access to most of the lake, but you can fish from the dock and shoreline at the launch area without one. A kayak is a good option if you do not have a motorboat — it is quiet, affordable, and lets you reach areas a larger boat cannot.

Are there any restrictions on lures or bait?

Connecticut allows both live bait and artificial lures. Live shiners, crawfish, and worms are all legal. There are no restrictions on lure type, so you can use whatever works for you.

What should I do if the parking lot is full?

Arrive early, especially on weekends. If the lot is full, do not block the launch or park illegally — come back another time or try a different lake in the region. The lot fills quickly on nice summer days, so plan accordingly.