Jig (Casting & Pitching) Fishing on Candlewood Lake
Candlewood Lake · Connecticut · Northeast
Candlewood Lake is a massive 5,420-acre reservoir in northern Connecticut created by damming the Housatonic River, making it the state's largest freshwater body. The lake features extensive rocky shorelines, submerged timber, deep channels, and numerous coves that provide ideal habitat for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. With its size, structure complexity, and healthy fish populations, Candlewood is a respected bass fishing destination that attracts anglers from across the Northeast.
A lead or tungsten head with a weed guard, skirt, and soft plastic trailer. Fished on the bottom by pitching, casting, or slow-rolling. The jig imitates crawfish and bottom-dwelling forage. More big bass have been caught on jigs than any other lure category — it's the lure that separates serious anglers.
Jig (Casting & Pitching) Setup for Candlewood Lake
| Rod | 7'–7'3" medium-heavy casting rod, fast action |
| Reel | 7.1:1 baitcaster |
| Line | 15–20 lb fluorocarbon (cover) or 50 lb braid (heavy grass) |
| Weight | 3/8 oz standard; 1/2–3/4 oz in wind or deep; 1/4 oz finesse |
| Hook | Built-in, typically 4/0–5/0 |
Seasonal Tactics on Candlewood Lake
Lake: Spring brings active bass to shallow coves and creek channels as water temperatures warm from the dam discharge. Focus on transitional areas where deeper water meets shallow spawning flats for consistent action on largemouth and smallmouth.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Pre-spawn is prime season — pitch brown/green pumpkin jig to 45° bank transitions and rocky points.
Lake: Summer bass move to deeper structure including submerged timber, channel ledges, and rocky points as the lake stratifies. Early morning and evening topwater fishing along rocky shorelines produces strikes, while mid-day fishing requires probing deeper structure.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Football jig on offshore ledges 15–30 feet. Swimming jig around grass edges at dawn.
Lake: Fall is prime time at Candlewood as cooling water temperatures activate bass throughout the lake. Baitfish schooling in open water attracts aggressive feeding bass that respond well to topwater and crankbait presentations near points and drop-offs.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Swim a jig around baitfish schools near points and flats. Shad trailer colors in fall.
Lake: Winter fishing slows considerably, but dedicated anglers find bass holding in deeper channels and near the dam structure where water remains slightly warmer. Slow presentations like jigging and drop-shotting near rocky bottom areas can produce quality largemouth and smallmouth.
Jig (Casting & Pitching): Slowest presentation — drag a 3/8 oz football jig on deep hard bottom. Barely move it.
Best Conditions
All seasons, all depths, all cover types; most effective in 50–70°F water; excellent in pre-spawn and when fish are on hard bottom
Match trailer to conditions: craw trailer in cold water (slower fall, bigger profile), swimbait trailer when swimming, chunk trailer for flipping.
More Techniques for Candlewood Lake
Ready to fish Candlewood Lake?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →