Biggest lakes in Connecticut: the top 7 by size

The list

Sizes are the published surface area where one exists; the others are our own measure of the water's outline and read "about". Reservoirs shrink and grow with their level, so a dry year shows less water.

1. Candlewood Lake

Candlewood Lake spreads over 5,420 acres of water. Expect largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and trout. At about 90 ft deep, it stays cooler below the surface well into summer. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves to work.

Candlewood Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

2. Barkhamsted Reservoir

Barkhamsted Reservoir spreads over 2,690 acres. You will find it about 1.6 miles southeast of Barkhamsted. Like most lakes its size in Connecticut, it should hold smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves to work. Barkhamsted Reservoir, impounded by Saville Dam on the East Branch of the Farmington River, is a Metropolitan District Commission water supply.

Barkhamsted Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

3. Bantam Lake

At some 950 acres, Bantam Lake is small enough to learn in a few trips. The lake is about 2.3 miles northeast of Litchfield. The usual Connecticut mix applies: smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. It goes down to about 25 ft. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves to work. Bantam Lake is the largest natural lake in Connecticut.

Bantam Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

4. Lake Gaillard

At about 920 acres, Lake Gaillard is small enough to learn in a few trips. It lies right by North Branford. Like most lakes its size in Connecticut, it should hold smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and a sheltered cove to work. Lake Gaillard is a South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority water-supply reservoir in North Branford.

Lake Gaillard today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

5. Saugatuck Reservoir

At 830 acres of water, Saugatuck Reservoir is small enough to learn in a few trips. It lies near Easton. Like most lakes its size in Connecticut, it should hold smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. It goes down to about 110 ft. Its bed shows three point drop-offs worth a first look. Saugatuck Reservoir, formed by the Samuel P. Senior Dam on the Saugatuck River, is an Aquarion Water Company drinking-water supply.

Saugatuck Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

6. Nepaug Reservoir

Nepaug Reservoir is a reservoir of about 760 acres. The lake is within an easy drive of Bristol (about 8 miles). Nepaug Dam holds it on the Nepaug River. Like most lakes its size in Connecticut, it should hold smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look. Nepaug Reservoir, on the Nepaug River, is a Metropolitan District Commission water-supply impoundment.

Nepaug Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

7. Pachaug Pond

At about 730 acres, Pachaug Pond is small enough to learn in a few trips. You will find it near Jewett City. The usual Connecticut mix applies: smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs: good places to start.

Pachaug Pond today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

Big water, big days

The bigger the lake, the more the wind matters. Plan the day around the forecast, start on the sheltered side and give yourself a way home if it builds.