Fishing Fun: 8 Connecticut State Parks to Reel in the Big One

Connecticut is home to numerous state parks that offer excellent fishing opportunities. Whether you prefer freshwater lakes, rivers or saltwater fishing along the coast, the Constitution State has a variety of spots for anglers to enjoy. Here are some of the best state parks in Connecticut for fishing whether you’re taking off from your driveway and marina or a private boat lift rental.

1. Squantz Pond State Park

Located near Candlewood Lake in New Fairfield, Squantz Pond State Park is known for its excellent bass fishing. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, trout and perch. The scenic setting makes it a great place to fish from shore or by boat.

• Water: Freshwater
• Key Species: Trout, perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass  
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

2. Hammonasset Beach State Park

Connecticut’s largest shoreline park, Madison’s Hammonasset Beach State Park, offers fantastic saltwater fishing. Striped bass, bluefish, and flounder can be caught from the jetty or by surfcasting along the beach. There’s also a boat launch nearby for offshore fishing from private boat slips for rent.

• Water: Saltwater
• Key Species: Bluefish, flounder, striped bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore

3. Black Rock State Park 

A great spot for freshwater fishing, Black Rock State Park in Watertown is stocked with trout by the Connecticut DEEP. It also has populations of bass, sunfish, and catfish. The surrounding wooded area provides a peaceful fishing experience for non-motorized vessels like kayaks and canoes.

• Water: Freshwater
• Key Species: Bass, sunfish, catfish, trout
• Fishing Type: Shore, canoe, kayak

4. Housatonic Meadows State Park

One of the best places in Connecticut for fly fishing, Housatonic Meadows State Park offers excellent trout fishing. The Housatonic River runs through the 451-acre park in Sharon. Anglers can catch brown and rainbow trout, especially in the designated Trout Management Area.  

• Water: Freshwater 
• Key Species: Brown and rainbow trout
• Fishing Type: Shore, fly, kayak

5. Chatfield Hollow State Park 

An excellent location for family-friendly fishing, Chatfield Hollow State Park features a stocked pond with trout, bass and sunfish. The park, located in Killingworth, offers picnic areas and hiking trails. It’s a great spot for a complete outdoor adventure from a private boat dock rental.

• Water: Freshwater
• Key Species: Sunfish, trout, bass 
• Fishing Type: 

6. Mansfield Hollow State Park 

Mansfield Hollow State Park is popular for bass fishing, with anglers regularly catching largemouth and smallmouth bass. The park, located in Mansfield, allows both shore fishing and boating, and it’s a great place for fishing from a kayak or canoe.

• Water: Freshwater
• Key Species: Largemouth and smallmouth bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore, kayak

7. Salt Rock State Park 

Located along the Shetucket River in Sprague, Salt Rock State Park offers excellent trout fishing, especially during the spring and fall stocking seasons. The park is also a popular spot for camping and hiking.

• Water: Freshwater
• Key Species: Trout  
• Fishing Type: Shore 

8. Silver Sands State Park

Silver Sands State Park, located in Milford, is a coastal park that offers excellent opportunities for saltwater fishing. Anglers can catch striped bass, bluefish and flounder from the shore or while wading into Long Island Sound.

• Water: Saltwater
• Key Species: Striped bass, bluefish, flounder
• Fishing Type: Shore, boat