Candlewood Lake, CT Bass Fishing Report
Posted: Thu May 08, 2008 2:59 pm
I thought I'd post a quick report on Candlewood Lake in Connecticut since I've been fishing the lake for the past three weeks. This year was the first time I have ever fished the lake when there were bass spawning on opening day (April 19th) and from what I have heard this is only the second time that has happened.
With the unusually warm weather water temps were ranging from the mid 50' to even the low 60's in some areas of the lake. Smallmouth Bass have been (and still are) spawning in the main lake areas around points, main lake cuts and on boulder flats. The first week offered opportunities for both Pre-spawn and spawning bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth). Many of the lakes population of larger bass were suspended off main lake spawning areas in water up to 35'. These bass were difficult to catch, but many could be taken on suspending jerkbaits.
The hair jig bite has been very productive this spring and was a top producer in most of the tournaments over the last few weeks. It is still producing big fish, so do not over look these little gems when you are out there.
Even through a major cold front, the smallmouth that were spawning remained on beds and currently the lake has exploded with big females locking down on beds in 3' - 16' of water. If you are planning on fishing Candlewood this week, you can expect to find a blend of spawn and early-post-spawn smallmouth and largemouth. With the new moon and fairly stable weather conditions, the next big push will start in some of the major coves on the lake. Do not over look some of these back pockets as more largemouths begin setting up to spawn.
Another lure that has been producing very well this spring is the Keitech "Little Spider" (a 3x type spider grub). They are available at the Valley Angler Tackle Shop in sizes ranging from 2" to 3.5". Color was not critical, however over the last week, the 3" model seemed to be out performing the other sizes. Dragging these spider grubs around gravel points with mixed boulders will produce big results.
Good Luck and as always, I hope you find this information helpful…
Attached files
With the unusually warm weather water temps were ranging from the mid 50' to even the low 60's in some areas of the lake. Smallmouth Bass have been (and still are) spawning in the main lake areas around points, main lake cuts and on boulder flats. The first week offered opportunities for both Pre-spawn and spawning bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth). Many of the lakes population of larger bass were suspended off main lake spawning areas in water up to 35'. These bass were difficult to catch, but many could be taken on suspending jerkbaits.
The hair jig bite has been very productive this spring and was a top producer in most of the tournaments over the last few weeks. It is still producing big fish, so do not over look these little gems when you are out there.
Even through a major cold front, the smallmouth that were spawning remained on beds and currently the lake has exploded with big females locking down on beds in 3' - 16' of water. If you are planning on fishing Candlewood this week, you can expect to find a blend of spawn and early-post-spawn smallmouth and largemouth. With the new moon and fairly stable weather conditions, the next big push will start in some of the major coves on the lake. Do not over look some of these back pockets as more largemouths begin setting up to spawn.
Another lure that has been producing very well this spring is the Keitech "Little Spider" (a 3x type spider grub). They are available at the Valley Angler Tackle Shop in sizes ranging from 2" to 3.5". Color was not critical, however over the last week, the 3" model seemed to be out performing the other sizes. Dragging these spider grubs around gravel points with mixed boulders will produce big results.
Good Luck and as always, I hope you find this information helpful…
Attached files