What You'll Find at Rogers Lake

Rogers Lake is a shallow, weedy pond in Old Lyme that holds largemouth bass and panfish — bluegill, sunfish, and crappie. The lake runs roughly 40 acres and averages 8 to 12 feet deep, with much of it shallower than that. Weed growth is heavy in summer, which concentrates the fish but makes casting difficult. Spring and fall are the most productive times here, when the water clears and the weeds thin out enough to work a lure without constant snagging.

The pond sits in a residential area, so access is limited and the shoreline is mostly private. There is a small public boat launch on the north end, near the intersection of Rogers Lake Road and Lake Road. The launch is tight — a single-lane concrete ramp with limited parking — but it's the only way to get a boat on the water here. Kayaks and canoes work better than motorboats on a pond this size and this shallow.

Key Takeaways

  • Rogers Lake holds largemouth bass and panfish in shallow, weedy water that fishes best in spring and fall when weeds thin.
  • The public boat launch is on the north end near Rogers Lake Road and Lake Road, with limited parking and a single concrete ramp.
  • Summer weed growth is heavy enough to make conventional casting difficult; early morning and late evening produce better than midday.
  • A Connecticut fishing license is required, and the lake is catch-and-release only for bass under 12 inches.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Fish

Spring (April through May) is when Rogers Lake fishes best. Water temperatures climb into the 50s and 60s, bass move shallow to spawn, and the weeds haven't yet taken over. Fish the north end and the eastern shoreline where there's a mix of open water and emerging vegetation. Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics in 3 to 6 feet of water will produce. Panfish bite throughout the spring on small jigs and live minnows near any structure — fallen trees, dock pilings, or weed edges.

Summer (June through August) turns Rogers Lake into a weed jungle. The largemouth bass move deeper and tighter to cover, and the panfish scatter into the thickest vegetation. If you fish at all in summer, go early — sunrise to 9 a.m. — when the water is cooler and the fish are more active. Topwater lures and weedless soft plastics work better than anything that hangs up. Many anglers skip summer here and return in fall.

Fall (September through October) brings a second peak. Water cools, weeds die back, and the bass move back to shallower structure. The panfish bite improves, and you can cover more water without constant snagging. Fish the same areas you fished in spring — the north end, the eastern shore, and any visible drop-offs. By late October, the bite slows as water temperatures drop below 50 degrees.

Winter (November through March) is slow. The pond doesn't freeze solid most years, but the fish are deep and inactive. A few anglers fish the deeper holes on the south end, but it's not worth the effort unless you're desperate for a winter outing.

Access and Parking

The public boat launch is your only realistic access point. It's located on the north end of the lake, accessible from Rogers Lake Road in Old Lyme. The ramp itself is a single concrete lane, wide enough for one trailer at a time. Parking is tight — there's a small gravel lot that holds maybe 6 to 8 vehicles. On weekends in spring and fall, it can fill up early.

The launch is maintained by the town of Old Lyme. There's no fee, but there's also no attendant or facilities beyond the ramp itself. Arrive early if you're going on a weekend, and be prepared to back your trailer straight down — there's no room to maneuver. Kayaks and canoes can be hand-launched from the parking area, which is often easier than waiting for the ramp.

The rest of the shoreline is private residential property. Do not trespass or attempt to launch from anywhere else. Locals watch the lake closely, and the Old Lyme police respond to complaints.

What Tackle and Techniques Work Best

For largemouth bass, bring spinnerbaits (1/4 to 1/2 ounce) in white, chartreuse, and black. Crankbaits that run 3 to 6 feet deep work well in spring and fall. Soft plastics — 4 to 6-inch worms and creature baits — are your best bet in summer when you need to fish heavy cover. Topwater lures (poppers and walk-the-dog baits) produce in early morning and late evening, especially in fall.

For panfish, a simple approach works best: a small jig (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) tipped with a live minnow or a small soft plastic. Bluegill and sunfish also bite on tiny spinners and inline spinners. Crappie prefer live minnows suspended near structure in 4 to 8 feet of water. A light spinning rod and 4 to 6-pound test line is all you need.

Because the lake is shallow and weedy, a depth finder is useful if you have one, but not essential. The deeper holes are on the south end and along the eastern shore. Weedless hooks and Texas-rigged soft plastics will save you time and frustration in summer.

Regulations and What You Need to Know

Connecticut requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a one-day license, a seven-day license, or an annual license through the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Licenses are sold online, at sporting goods stores, and at some bait shops in the area.

Rogers Lake has a slot limit for largemouth bass: you must release any bass under 12 inches. Bass 12 inches and larger can be kept, with a daily limit of five fish. Panfish have no size limit and no daily limit. Always check the current DEEP regulations before you fish — rules change, and it's your responsibility to know what's in effect.

The lake is open year-round, but access is best during daylight hours. There's no specific closing time posted at the launch, but common sense applies — don't show up at dusk expecting to fish until dark.

Nearby Water and Alternatives

If Rogers Lake is crowded or the bite is slow, the Connecticut River is 2 miles south and holds striped bass, largemouth bass, and catfish. The river is wider and deeper than Rogers Lake, and it fishes well year-round. Access is available at several public boat launches in Old Lyme and East Lyme.

Lake Hayward, about 5 miles north in East Haddam, is larger and deeper than Rogers Lake and holds similar species plus some smallmouth bass. It has better facilities and more parking, though it also draws more anglers. Amos Lake, also in East Haddam, is smaller and quieter, with good panfish and largemouth bass fishing.

If you want to stay local and avoid the ramp entirely, the tidal marshes and coves along the Connecticut River shoreline in Old Lyme hold striped bass and bluefish in summer and fall. These areas are accessible by kayak and don't require a boat launch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Rogers Lake from shore?

Technically yes, but practically no. The entire shoreline is private residential property, and there's no public access except the boat launch. Wading or shore fishing will get you a trespassing complaint. Stick to a boat or kayak launched from the public ramp.

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

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late evening (5 p.m. to dark) are most productive, especially in summer when midday heat shuts down the bite. Spring and fall fish throughout the day, but morning and evening are still better. Overcast days produce better than bright, sunny days.

Do I need a motorboat, or will a kayak work?

A kayak works great and is often better than a motorboat on a pond this shallow and weedy. You can cover the shallows quietly, maneuver around weed beds easily, and launch by hand without waiting for the ramp. A small electric trolling motor is useful if you have one, but not necessary.

Is Rogers Lake stocked with fish?

Rogers Lake is not regularly stocked by the state. The largemouth bass and panfish populations are self-sustaining. The lake does receive occasional trout stockings in spring, though trout don't survive the warm summer water and aren't a reliable target.

What should I do if the boat launch is full?

Come back later or try a nearby lake. Lake Hayward and Amos Lake are both within 10 minutes and have better parking. If you have a kayak, you can hand-launch from the parking area even when the ramp is busy, though you'll be sharing a small space with car traffic.