Fishing Moodus Reservoir
AKA: Moodus Lakes
Popular Fish Species Moodus Reservoir, CT
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Moodus Reservoir is a popular bass fishing lake. Locals say fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding. A history of careful fisheries management by the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. In Moodus Reservoir, bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. In winter when the lake freezes over and the ice is safe, bass can also be caught while ice fishing.
Black Crappie Fishing
A nice population of black crappie resides in Moodus Reservoir. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing is often a great way to catch a nice bunch of slabs. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels in deeper water.
Chain Pickerel Fishing
Chain pickerel prefer to weedy areas of lakes and rivers. They ambush baitfish and sunfish which requires cover for them to hide within. Submerged aquatic vegetation, brush, fallen tree limbs, or structures such as rock piles, bridge pilings, rip-rap, or debris. Moodus Reservoir has a very healthy population of these toothy critters, many approaching 30 inches and exceeding 5 pounds. Unlike many freshwater fish species, chain pickerel do not school up. They tend to be loners. Once you catch one, find other, spots with similar cover and depth to fish. Flashy spoons, live minnows, and bait-imitating crankbaits all work well. For added excitement, try fishing topwater lures over vegetation areas. Topwater lures that mimic wounded baitfish are very tempting to these predators. When the lake freezes over, ice fishing can get very exciting with these big pike.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, yellow perch and chain pickerel at Moodus Reservoir in Connecticut.
Moodus Reservoir Fishing Video
Special boat speed limits are in effect on Moodus Reservoir. The lake is made up of two pools covering 480 acres (Upper 360 + Lower 120) and is located in the south-central part of the state, 2 miles east of Moodus.
Moodus Reservoir, located in East Haddam, Connecticut, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a tranquil and rewarding fishing experience. This 430-acre reservoir offers a peaceful setting surrounded by scenic landscapes, making it an ideal spot for anglers to cast their lines.
One of the popular fish species found in Moodus Reservoir is largemouth bass. Anglers are drawn to this lake for its healthy population of bass, known for their aggressive strikes and strong fights. The reservoir's structure, including submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and rocky areas, provides excellent habitat for bass. Anglers often use a variety of techniques such as casting with plastic worms, crankbaits, or topwater lures to entice the largemouth bass hiding in the lake's waters.
In addition to largemouth bass, Moodus Reservoir is also home to other popular fish species such as northern pike, pickerel, and various panfish species including bluegill and pumpkinseed. Pike and pickerel fishing can be particularly exciting as these predatory fish offer powerful fights and thrilling strikes. Anglers often use flashy spoons, spinnerbaits, or live bait to target these aggressive predators.
When planning a fishing trip to Moodus Reservoir, anglers should familiarize themselves with the fishing regulations specific to the reservoir, including size and creel limits for different fish species. It is important to follow these regulations to maintain the health of the fish population and sustain a thriving fishery.
Moodus Reservoir in Connecticut offers anglers a peaceful and rewarding fishing experience, with its diverse fish species, serene surroundings, and boating opportunities. Whether you're targeting bass, pike, pickerel, or panfish, Moodus Reservoir provides a tranquil setting for anglers to enjoy a memorable fishing adventure in the heart of nature.
Together the two pools have about 8 miles of shoreline, much of which is developed or has limited access for fishing from the bank. Fish species include bass, pickerel, perch and sunfish. This small lake is ideal for kayaks, canoes and rowboats. The Upper Moodus Reservoir Boat Launch is open to the public and has parking for 10 vehicles with trailers.
Primary fish species residing in Moodus Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Moodus Reservoir Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Lakeside Dan's
Rentals: Fishing boats and kayaks
860 759-3054
Boating is a popular activity on Moodus Reservoir, allowing anglers to explore different areas of the lake and find their preferred fishing spots. The reservoir permits non-motorized boats such as canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, providing a peaceful and environmentally friendly fishing experience.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Upper Moodus Reservoir Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Launching Area Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.
Fishing Guides On Moodus Reservoir
If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.
Fishing License
Click here for a Connecticut Fishing License.
Camping facilities are available near Moodus Reservoir, offering anglers the opportunity to extend their fishing trips and fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Nearby campgrounds and state parks provide amenities such as tent sites, RV hook-ups, picnic areas, and access to hiking trails, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Grandview Camping & Cottages - 860 873-3332
Markham Meadows Campground - 860 267-9738
Salem Farms Campground - 860 859-2320
Moodus Reservoir CT Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Moodus Reservoir
Upper Moodus Reservoir Boat Launch
East Haddam, CT 06423
860 424-3000
Fishing lakes in each state.
082324
Moodus Reservoir in CT
CONNECTICUT
Fishing for bass, pickerel, perch and sunfish in south-central CT.
