Deep River Reservoir near Salem: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Set in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Deep River Reservoir is a Connecticut water. The shore lies 14 miles out. Surface area is around 236 acres, which gives you real water without needing a boat. Few waters listed in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region are bigger. Salem lies 4 miles from the water. Hartford is the closest city, 27 miles away. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Deep River Reservoir

  No figure exists for depth, so let the water show you. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. Look for where the old bank line still shows under the surface. Open biodiversity records for Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region list bluegill, black crappie and striped bass. At least one recorded species is protected in parts of its range; read the local rules before targeting anything. Take Deep River Reservoir a stretch at a time.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Seasonal averages run from 26°F in January up to 71°F in July. In milder years the surface never sets. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. February into May fishes hardest as the water warms. Deep River Reservoir fishes to that pattern most years. A cold snap sets things back for several days.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing on record says whether the bank is open or closed. A protected area covers this ground, which usually means restrictions on access. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Ask in the nearest town if you are unsure. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Should this one be busy, Red Cedar Lake is 1.4 miles off. Ask locally about Deep River Reservoir if anything is unclear.