Lake Bonair Fishing Guide, Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut

• Overview

  Lake Bonair sits in Capitol Planning Region, out in Connecticut. This is rolling bush country. At 21 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. The closest town, Ellington, is 2.4 miles distant. Further out sit Crystal Lake (2.7 miles) and Rockville (3.5 miles). The county line is nowhere near, so one local authority covers the water.

• Where to Fish on Lake Bonair

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. County-wide records name bluegill, pumpkinseed and yellow perch. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. On Lake Bonair that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  July runs about 72°F on average, January about 25°F. A hard winter is normal, and the thaw brings a strong few weeks. Count on hard cover from midwinter, and open water from late March. Break-up sits around late March on average, with the water closing again about late December. The strongest runs come at either end of the open season. It holds true on Lake Bonair more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  We have no record of the rules that apply on this bank. You can park half a mile away and walk in from there. Bonair Hill Road Open Space takes in this water; protected-area rules will apply. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Season dates differ by species, so read the table. Close seasons apply to some species and not others. Charters Pond at 1.2 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position at Lake Bonair before loading the car.