Bristol Reservoir Number Five, Connecticut: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Look for Bristol Reservoir Number Five in Northwest Hills Planning Region, Connecticut. The land about it is rolling bush. It measures about 38 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Connecticut listings. For supplies, Terryville is 3.7 miles out. Then Plymouth, 4.7 miles, and Northwest Harwinton, 4.9 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Bristol Reservoir Number Five

  Our records hold no depth for this water. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. Species logged across Northwest Hills Planning Region include bluegill, brown trout, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed and black crappie. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Bristol Reservoir Number Five fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 71°F, the coldest about 24°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. Ice-out usually falls in late March, and the weeks after it fish hardest. The open-water window runs from around late March to about late December in an average year. September and October fish steadily right up to the freeze. Time your trip to Bristol Reservoir Number Five by conditions rather than dates.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. The nearest car park is half a mile from the water. City of Bristol Watershed Lands covers this ground, which means extra rules to check. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Check whether bait restrictions apply before you buy any. Check the position on Bristol Reservoir Number Five before loading the car.