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 5 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Lake Gaillard
South Central Connecticut County, Connecticut · about 920 acres (1.4 sq mi)
52°F water, calm tomorrow morning.
About Lake Gaillard
Lake Gaillard spreads over about 920 acres in South Central Connecticut County, Connecticut. Lake Gaillard is a South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority water-supply reservoir in North Branford.
From end to end it runs about 2.3 miles with roughly 7.9 miles of shoreline. Its surface is about 180 ft above sea level. North Branford sits right on the water. The closest city is Hamden, about 6 miles away.
- Size
- About 920 acres (1.4 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 7.9 miles
- End to end
- About 2.3 miles
- Elevation
- About 180 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- County
- South Central Connecticut 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 10 mph
Saturday Good
- 6:00 am – 8:15 amsunrise · wind 8 mph
- 3:00 pm – 5:15 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 12 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
Expect the usual Connecticut mix for a lake this size: smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and sunfish and catfish. The state fish and wildlife agency lists what is stocked and the rules for this lake. With the surface at 52°F, the notes below say which of them should be biting.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
- FairLargemouth bass
Cooling down. Try slow baits on points and deeper channel edges.
- FairCrappie
Schooled on deeper brush piles. Fish small jigs slowly.
- SlowBluegill and sunfish
Cold. Deep and hard to tempt. Use tiny baits.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
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
5 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 6:37 am · sunset 4:32 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Lake Gaillard
- North Branfordon the shore
- Branfordabout 4.3 mi southwest
- Branford Centerabout 4.4 mi southwest
- North Havenabout 4.7 mi northwest
- Hamdennearest city, about 6 mi northwest
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Questions about Lake Gaillard
What fish are in Lake Gaillard?
Lakes like Lake Gaillard 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 Lake Gaillard?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Lake Gaillard?
About 920 acres, with about 7.9 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Lake Gaillard?
North Branford is on the shore; Branford is about 4.3 miles southwest.
What is the water temperature at Lake Gaillard today?
The surface was about 52°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Lake Gaillard on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.