The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Bantam Lake
Northwest Hills County, Connecticut · 950 acres (1.5 sq mi)
45°F water, calm tomorrow morning.
About Bantam Lake
In Northwest Hills County, Connecticut, Bantam Lake covers 950 acres; it is a natural lake. It lies on the Bantam River. Bantam Lake is the largest natural lake in Connecticut.
From end to end it runs about 2.2 miles and its shoreline adds up to about 9.1 miles. At about 890 ft above sea level, it follows the seasons of the region. It reaches about 25 ft at its deepest, with an average depth near 14 ft. The nearest town, Litchfield, is about 2.3 miles northeast. The closest city is Waterbury, about 13 miles away.
- Size
- 950 acres (1.5 sq mi)
- Deepest
- About 25 ft (average 14 ft)
- Shoreline
- About 9.1 miles
- End to end
- About 2.2 miles
- Elevation
- About 890 ft
- Type
- Natural lake
- River
- Bantam River
- County
- Northwest Hills County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise
- 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 7 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 7 mph
- 3:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 9 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish to expect
For a lake of this size in Connecticut, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish are the fish to expect. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 45°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- SlowSmallmouth bass
Cold. Slow presentations on deep rock.
- SlowLargemouth bass
Cold and sluggish. Fish slow and deep near steep banks.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- SlowCatfish
Cold. Slow, in the deepest holes. Cut bait works best.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
Open water
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:39 am · sunset 4:33 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Bantam Lake
- Litchfieldabout 2.3 mi northeast
- Bethlehem Villageabout 3.4 mi south
- Washingtonabout 5.6 mi southwest
- New Prestonabout 6.2 mi west
- Waterburynearest city, about 13 mi southeast
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Questions about Bantam Lake
What fish are in Bantam Lake?
Lakes like Bantam Lake usually hold smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Bantam Lake?
About 25 ft at the deepest point, about 14 ft on average. The 3-D view shows where the deep water is.
How big is Bantam Lake?
950 acres, with about 9.1 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Bantam Lake?
Litchfield is about 2.3 miles northeast; Bethlehem Village is about 3.4 miles south.
What is the water temperature at Bantam Lake today?
The surface was about 45°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Bantam Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
