What You'll Find at Broadway Lake

Broadway Lake is a shallow, weedy pond just outside Anderson that holds both smallmouth and largemouth bass, along with panfish. The lake runs roughly 40 acres and rarely exceeds 12 feet deep, with most of the basin sitting between 4 and 8 feet. Heavy aquatic vegetation — mostly milfoil and pondweed — covers much of the bottom and creates the kind of structure that bass use for cover and feeding.

The weed growth is the defining feature here. It makes the lake challenging to fish in summer but also makes it productive. Largemouths hunt in the thick stuff; smallmouths patrol the edges and deeper pockets. Bluegill and pumpkinseed are abundant and will take small jigs or live shiners if you want a simpler day on the water.

Key Takeaways

  • Broadway Lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass in shallow water surrounded by heavy weed growth, especially milfoil and pondweed.
  • Spring and fall offer the best fishing because weed density is lower and bass move more predictably between shallow and deeper zones.
  • Summer fishing requires heavy cover presentations — thick-bodied swimbaits, punch rigs, or topwater — to reach bass buried in vegetation.
  • Public access is available at a small town launch on the north shore; parking is limited and the ramp can be tight for larger trailers.
  • Panfish are reliable year-round and provide good action when bass fishing is slow.

Seasonal Patterns and When to Fish

Spring (April through May) is the most consistent time. Bass move shallow to spawn, and the weed growth hasn't yet become impenetrable. You'll find fish in 3 to 6 feet of water along the weed edges and in small pockets of open water. Crankbaits, soft plastics, and small swimbaits all work. Water temperature climbs from the low 50s to the mid-60s, and bass feed aggressively before and after the spawn.

Summer (June through August) turns the lake into a maze. Weeds thicken and can reach the surface in many areas. Largemouths retreat into the densest cover; smallmouths hold on the deeper edges and in channels between weed beds. If you want to fish summer, bring heavy gear — 7-foot rods, 20-pound braid, and lures designed to punch through vegetation. Topwater early and late in the day can produce explosive strikes. Midday, focus on the deepest open water you can find, usually near the dam on the south end.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring. Weeds begin to die back, water cools, and bass become active across the entire lake. This is when you can cover water and find fish consistently. Transition zones — where shallow weed beds meet deeper open water — hold the most fish. Crankbaits and swimbaits work well.

Winter (November through March) slows considerably. Bass move to the deepest holes, usually 8 to 12 feet near the dam. Jigging with live shiners or small soft plastics can produce, but the bite is slow and requires patience. Many anglers skip winter here and focus on nearby lakes with better cold-water structure.

Access and Launch Information

The main public access is a town-maintained launch on the north shore, off Route 6. There is a small parking area — roughly 8 to 10 spaces — and a single concrete ramp. The ramp is narrow and can be difficult for trailers longer than 18 feet. If you have a larger rig, scout the launch before you back down; some anglers park on the road and hand-launch kayaks or canoes instead.

There is no fee to launch. The parking area is open dawn to dusk. No overnight parking is permitted. The ramp can get congested on weekends, especially in spring and fall, so arriving early is worth the effort.

A secondary access point exists on the east shore via a small public fishing area, but it is walk-in only and has no parking for vehicles. It works well for anglers without a boat who want to fish from shore with spinning gear or a fly rod.

Tackle and Technique for Weedy Water

In spring and fall, standard bass tackle works fine. A 6.5-foot medium-heavy spinning rod with 12-pound monofilament or 15-pound braid handles crankbaits, soft plastics, and small swimbaits. Largemouths respond well to 4-inch paddle-tail swimbaits in natural colors — shad, perch, or crawfish patterns. Smallmouths prefer smaller offerings: 2.5-inch swimbaits or 3-inch soft plastics rigged on 1/8-ounce jigheads.

Summer demands heavier gear. Switch to a 7-foot medium-heavy casting rod, 20-pound braid, and a heavy leader of 20-pound fluorocarbon. Punch rigs — a 1-ounce weight with a thick plastic craw or creature bait — let you drive through dense weed mats. Topwater lures like walking baits or poppers create commotion that draws strikes from largemouths hiding in the thickest cover. Fish early (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and late (5 p.m. to dark) when bass are most active.

For panfish, a light spinning setup with 6-pound monofilament and small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce) or live shiners works year-round. Bluegill and pumpkinseed school in shallow weed pockets and around the dock pilings near the launch.

What to Expect and Common Challenges

Broadway Lake is not a trophy lake. You will catch plenty of fish in the 1- to 3-pound range, with occasional largemouths pushing 4 to 5 pounds. Smallmouths typically run smaller, 1 to 2 pounds. The real value here is consistent action and a chance to practice fishing weedy water — a skill that transfers to many other Northeast lakes.

The main challenge is vegetation. In summer, you will lose lures to weeds. Bring extras. In spring and fall, weed growth is manageable but still present; expect to clear your lure frequently. The shallow depth also means the lake can be muddy after heavy rain, which reduces visibility and slows the bite.

Boat traffic is light to moderate on weekends and minimal on weekdays. The lake is popular with local anglers but not crowded. Respect posted no-wake zones near residential areas on the west shore.

Nearby Water and Alternatives

If Broadway Lake is too weedy or too slow when you visit, several other options sit within 15 minutes. Mashapaug Lake, also near Anderson, is larger and deeper with less vegetation — better for summer fishing. Moosup Pond holds similar species but has more open water and clearer conditions. Both are worth exploring if you want variety or if conditions at Broadway aren't cooperating.

For a different experience, the Quinebaug River runs nearby and holds smallmouth bass and fallfish. The river fishes best in spring and fall when water levels are moderate; summer heat and low flow make it tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish Broadway Lake from shore?

Yes. The east shore has a public fishing area with walk-in access. You can also fish from the launch parking area or from residential areas with permission. Shore fishing works best for panfish and in spring when bass are shallow. Summer weed growth makes shore fishing difficult.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are most consistent. Weed growth is manageable, bass are active, and you can cover water. Summer is possible but requires heavy tackle and patience. Winter is slow and best skipped unless you specifically want to practice deep-water jigging.

Do I need a boat to fish Broadway Lake?

No. Shore access exists, and kayaks or canoes work well. A small boat or johnboat is ideal for reaching the deeper zones and navigating around weed beds, but not required. Hand-launching a kayak at the north ramp avoids the tight trailer situation.

What size fish should I expect?

Largemouths typically run 1 to 3 pounds, with occasional fish to 5 pounds. Smallmouths are usually 1 to 2 pounds. Panfish are abundant and average 6 to 10 inches. This is a numbers lake, not a trophy lake.

Is there a launch fee or permit required?

No fee to launch at the public ramp. No permit is required for fishing. Connecticut fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.