Lake Housatonic is a premier fishing destination in Connecticut, with a variety of fish species including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and various types of panfish. Nearby activities include hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in the surrounding state parks. Fishing tips for the lake include using spinnerbaits, jigs, and soft plastic baits for bass, and live bait or large artificial baits for pike and walleye. The best time to visit is in the spring and fall when the water is cooler and fish are more active. Average temperatures during the spring and fall range from 50-65°F.

Featured Fish - Kelp Bass

Because it is considered to be among the best eating fish and a powerful fighter, it is highly sought by sport fishermen. An omnivorous feeder, it will take most of the local live baits as well as a variety of artificial lures. A favorite rig is a metal jig and whole squid that can be bounced along the bottom. The best fishing is summer to fall although it can be fished year round in some areas. The following are fishing methods used to catch this fish: The color of this species is brown to olive green with pale blotches on the back, becoming lighter below. They are easily distinguished from the sand basses by the fact that the third, fourth and fifth dorsal spines are about the same length, whereas the third dorsal spine of the sand basses is much longer than the fourth and fifth.