Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    Litchfield / North Shore Pointson Bantam Lake

    Clear-water points and shallow flats known for sight-fishing smallmouth on the fly.
    Bantam Lake reportDirections41.6715°N, 73.2176°W

    Conditions right now

    No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.

    Weather now
    64°F
    Overcast, wind 7 mph SW
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    What's working on Bantam Lake

    1. 01Bluegill are likely transitioning to deeper water and weed lines as temperatures drop.
    2. 02Subsurface patterns imitating leeches, baitfish, and aquatic invertebrates will be most effective.
    3. 03Midge and scud activity remains a consistent food source for bluegill in cooler water.
    4. 04Opportunistic feeding on Blue-Winged Olive mayflies might occur on warmer, overcast days.

    What to tie on at Litchfield / North Shore Points

    Picked from recent reports for this stretch.

    streamer80%

    Woolly Bugger (Olive)

    #4#6#8

    A highly versatile streamer, imitating leeches and baitfish which are consistent food sources for bluegill in the fall, especially in lake environments.

    nymph80%

    Hare's Ear Nymph

    #12#14#16#18

    An essential and versatile mayfly nymph imitation, effective year-round for bluegill foraging on aquatic insects.

    Buy at Amazon
    dry80%

    Gurgler (Bass)

    #2#4#6

    As spring progresses and water temperatures warm, topwater action for panfish can begin, especially in the late afternoons, making this a good attractor for Bluegill.

    nymph80%

    Damsel Nymph (Olive)

    #14#16#18

    Damsel nymphs become active in late spring as they migrate towards shore to hatch, making this olive pattern effective when stripped slowly along weed beds for Bluegill.

    dry80%

    Elk Hair Caddis

    #14#16#18

    Caddisflies become active in late spring. This dry fly imitates adult caddis, which are a significant food source for rising Bluegill.

    Buy at Amazon
    dry80%

    Chironomid Pupa (Black)

    #14#16

    Chironomids are a primary food source in stillwaters during spring. This pattern effectively mimics the abundant midge pupae Bluegill will be actively feeding on subsurface.

    nymph80%

    Pheasant Tail Nymph

    #14#16#18#20

    This classic nymph imitates various small mayfly nymphs, including BWO nymphs which are active in spring, making it a consistent subsurface producer for Bluegill.

    Buy at Amazon
    streamer80%

    Woolly Bugger (Black/Olive)

    #4#6#8

    A versatile streamer effective year-round for predatory fish, imitating leeches and baitfish active in warming spring waters, attracting aggressive strikes from Bluegill.

    nymph80%

    Scud (Pink/Orange)

    #12#14#16#18

    Freshwater shrimp (scuds) are a consistent food source in big lakes, especially in areas with aquatic vegetation, and can be very effective in early spring for active Bluegill.

    Buy at Amazon

    Connecticut season by season

    What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.

    Fly shops nearby

    Local flies, current advice and guided trips.

    All fly shops