Lake Lillinonah

Lake Lillinonah is a 1,547-acre reservoir on the Housatonic River, backed up behind the Shepaug Dam between Brookfield and Bridgewater. DEEP stocks it with northern pike and tiger muskie, and it also holds smallmouth and largemouth bass, white perch, crappie and some of the biggest common carp in the state.

When to fish

• April: On The Water's western Connecticut guide targets pike and smallmouth here with flies and lures; smallmouth move shallow to feed in spring.
• May: pike fishing opens up after the spawn, and On The Water rates the western lakes and the Housatonic above the Connecticut River for pike right now.
• Early summer: carp anglers have taken to Lillinonah; a state-record carp came from here in June 2025.
• Late October on: the power company draws the lake down for dam maintenance (from October 26 in 2026), which changes the launch and shoreline.

Where to fish

• Coves and shallows in spring: smallmouth and pike move shallow to feed and spawn.
• Stay clear of the dams: boats must keep a set distance from the Shepaug Dam and the Bleachery Dam.

How to fish it

For pike, On The Water suggests flashy spinnerbaits and swimbaits, and even topwater plugs after the spawn. For smallmouth in spring, On The Water's eastern Connecticut writer relies on small hair jigs and suspending jerkbaits.

Getting there

The state launch is on the north shore off Route 133 (199 Main Street South) in Bridgewater, open year-round for trailered boats. Hydrilla, an invasive weed, was recently found in the lake, so clean your boat and trailer. The Housatonic and its impoundments carry a PCB fish consumption advisory, and Lillinonah has special pike and muskie rules; check the Connecticut Freshwater Fishing Guide and the state Department of Public Health advisory.