Candlewood Lake Bass Q & A

Located in western Connecticut, Candlewood Lake is not only one of the largest lakes in the state—spanning over 5,400 acres—but one of the most renowned destinations for bass fishing in the Northeast. With more than 60 miles of shoreline and a variety of coves, ledges, and underwater structures, it has become a favorite spot for both recreational anglers and competitive bass fishermen alike. Candlewood frequently hosts regional and national bass tournaments, drawing skilled anglers from all over the country who are eager to test their abilities on this dynamic and rewarding fishery. 

What makes bass fishing on Candlewood Lake so special is the combination of abundant fish populations and diverse habitat. The lake supports thriving populations of both smallmouth and largemouth bass, and its clear waters and complex structure offer countless opportunities to catch quality fish throughout the year. Rocky points, submerged boulders, weedy flats, and man-made features like docks and stone walls create an ideal environment for bass to feed, spawn, and grow. This structural diversity challenges anglers to adapt their tactics and continually hone their skills. Each outing is a learning experience, as well as a chance for success. 

So what is it that makes Candlewood unique? And how should anglers unfamiliar with the lake approach fishing here? To get a better idea, we asked Devon Ramos of Bounty Hunters Custom Bait and Tackle in Newtown, Connecticut, a few questions about bass fishing on his hometown lake. 

Q: In your opinion, what makes Candlewood a special bass fishery? 

Ramos: “Candlewood is unique and productive for two main reasons. Abundant alewives provide bass with ample forage throughout the season; they get a lot of fish active and moving, chasing bait and often generating reaction bites. However, the most interesting thing about Candlewood is how it was created. The lake is man-made—a flooding of multiple towns in a valley during the 1920s resulted in an incredible amount of hard structure such as rock walls, sunken bridges, graveyards, stumps, etc. Searching around with electronics will really open your eyes to how much structure there is in the lake.”

Q: What is your favorite technique or approach to bass fishing on the lake? 

Ramos: “I love jig fishing. Candlewood is my favorite place to fish a jig, and it sets up perfectly for it. Other than the alewives, crawfish are a main forage for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Natural-colored jigs imitate those crawfish, and you can fish them deep into rock piles and other various cover. Both species will relate to the same structure and are found together all the time, resulting in great mixed bags.” 

Q: What is the biggest bass you have caught out of Candlewood? 

Ramos: “The biggest smallmouth I have caught in Candlewood Lake was 6.20 pounds (or 6 pounds, 3 ounces). It ate a green pumpkin chatterbait first thing in the morning. That was a great day. My biggest largemouth from the lake was 6.98 pounds (or 6 pounds, 15 ounces) on a jig.” 

Q: If you had one piece of advice for someone making the trip for the first time, what would that be? 

Ramos: “My biggest piece of advice for Candlewood is, ‘If it looks good, fish it’. I say it all the time, there is so much amazing structure that looks great to the eye. A secondary piece of advice—take your time. Fish naturally, and use subtle colors like green pumpkin and black. The fish are there, and it is often the few extra seconds of patience between each hop of a jig that will get them to bite.”

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Source: https://onthewater.com/candlewood-lake-bass-q-a

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