Lake Chaffee Fishing near Stafford Springs, Connecticut

• Overview

  In Connecticut, Lake Chaffee belongs to Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region. This is rolling bush ground. Around 52 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. There is roughly 1.1 miles of shoreline here, which is a short walk end to end. By elevation it is in the upper part of our Connecticut listings. The nearest town is Stafford Springs, 5.6 miles away. Further out sit Stafford (5.8 miles) and Holland (8.9 miles).

• Where to Fish on Lake Chaffee

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. Draw-down through summer strips the margins, so follow the water out. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Public occurrence data for Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region names bluegill, smallmouth bass, yellow bullhead and largemouth bass. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. The near bank of Lake Chaffee is often the one people ignore.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Averages move between 23°F in January and 69°F in July. The year runs cold to warm and back, with clear transitions. Break-up comes around early April, and the run that follows is short and strong. The season between ice runs from about early April to late December. Fish feed hardest at the start and the close of the open season. Lake Chaffee fishes to that pattern most years.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Parking is not close: 0.9 miles from the bank, and no nearer option is mapped. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Armitage Pond sits 0.7 miles off and takes the overflow. Check the position on Lake Chaffee before loading the car.