Updated October 15, 2026
    Access point

    New Fairfield Shoreline / Squantz Coveon Candlewood Lake

    Protected coves and rocky points near Squantz Pond area that hold schooling smallmouth in spring and fall.
    Candlewood Lake reportDirections41.4138°N, 73.4202°W
    Bite report · week of Oct 4

    Bass may be more active in shallower areas

    1. 01Bass may be more active in shallower areas, especially rocky points, humps, and weed lines, before moving deeper.
    2. 02Chain Pickerel will be ambushing prey in and around submerged vegetation and drop-offs.
    3. 03Baitfish imitations will be crucial as bass and pickerel feed heavily on forage fish.
    4. 04Crayfish are a significant fall food source for bass, found in rocky areas.
    5. 05Leech and larger nymph patterns are consistently effective in cooling waters, mimicking sluggish prey.

    What to tie on at New Fairfield Shoreline / Squantz Cove

    Picked from recent reports for this stretch.

    nymph80%

    San Juan Worm

    #10#12#14

    Aquatic worms are often washed into lakes by spring rains and runoff, presenting an easy meal for all target species.

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    streamer80%

    Clouser Minnow

    #3/0#2/0#1/0#2#4

    Minnow and baitfish patterns are highly effective in spring for active predatory species like bass and pickerel in lakes.

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    streamer80%

    Crayfish (Fly)

    #2#4#6

    Crayfish are active in spring as water temperatures rise, making imitations effective for bass and pickerel near rocky lake structure.

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    streamer80%

    Perch Pattern

    #1/0#2#4

    Perch are a common forage fish in Candlewood Lake, and imitating them in early spring can be highly effective for larger predatory bass and pickerel.

    nymph80%

    Damsel Nymph (Olive)

    #14#16#18

    Damsel nymphs become increasingly active in late spring, migrating towards shore from weed beds, making them a prime food source for opportunistic bass and pickerel.

    nymph80%

    Mop Fly

    #10#12#14

    The Mop Fly's grub-like profile is a universal attractor, mimicking various invertebrate food sources that become active in warming spring waters, making it effective for a wide range of predatory and opportunistic fish.

    terrestrial80%

    Hopper

    #6#8#10

    Terrestrial insects like grasshoppers are a crucial food source for bass and pickerel during summer months, especially along grassy banks and overhanging vegetation.

    dry80%

    Elk Hair Caddis

    #14#16#18#20

    Caddisflies are active throughout the summer, and this dry fly is an excellent imitation for adult caddis, appealing to surface-feeding smallmouth bass.

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    nymph80%

    Mop Fly

    #10#12#14

    This grub/larvae imitation is a general workhorse, effective across various species including bass and pickerel, as they forage on aquatic insects during summer.

    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.

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