New England's Best Bass Fishing Spots by State
New England is filled with charming lakes that not only provide idyllic vacation retreats but also invite bass fishing enthusiasts from around the world to do what they do best.
Of course, the warmer months from spring to fall are the perfect time to go bass fishing in the northeastern states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. And here is the absolute best spot to do it in each one.
Connecticut: Candlewood Lake
Location: Fairfield and Litchfield counties (in western Connecticut)
Best time for bass fishing: Spring and summer
Type of bass: Largemouth, smallmouth
Connecticut's largest lake (at 5,400 acres) also happens to be its best for fishing, being home to multiple fish species. However, the lake is perhaps best known for smallmouth fishing due to the vegetation that provides the ideal habitat for a generous bass population.
Maine: Webber Pond
Location: Vassalboro (in central Maine)
Best time for bass fishing: Spring and summer
Type of bass: Largemouth, smallmouth
Webber Pond is man-made and is also one of the smaller fishing spots on this list. It's also important to note that fishing enthusiasts will want to get their fishing done here in spring and summer before the lake’s water level is lowered in October to help with weed control.
Massachusetts: Wachusett Reservoir
Location: Central Massachusetts
Best time for bass fishing: Spring and summer
Type of bass: Largemouth, smallmouth, white
At 8 pounds, 2 ounces, the record for the largest smallmouth bass ever caught in Massachusetts was set in this reservoir. Adding to its charm, the lake does not allow motorized boats, and people instead look to fishing opportunities along its 37 miles of shoreline.
New Hampshire: Lake Winnipesaukee
Location: Belknap and Carroll counties (in central New Hampshire)
Best time for bass fishing: Spring through fall
Type of bass: Largemouth, smallmouth
While bass fishing is most popular at Lake Winnipesaukee in spring and summer, the 44,000-acre lake is also known as a popular place for ice fishing when it freezes over in the winter. The bass fishing tournaments held here each year are known to produce sizable catches.
Rhode Island: Watchaug Pond
Location: Washington County (in southern Rhode Island)
Best time for bass fishing: Spring through fall
Type of bass: Largemouth, smallmouth
Here's another charming New England lake that's popular for both fishing from boats and along the shoreline. The 570-acre pond is particularly popular due to its location at the end of Burlingame State Park.