Quaddick Reservoir near Thompson: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Quaddick Reservoir lies in Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region, in Connecticut. It sits 24 miles in from the sea. Shoreline length is close to 5.3 miles, and each section fishes a little differently. On our Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region list it sits near the top for size. Thompson is the closest place, 2.1 miles off. Beyond it, North Grosvenor Dale at 4.7 miles and Putnam at 4.8 miles. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Quaddick Reservoir

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Open biodiversity records for Northeastern Connecticut Planning Region list bluegill, smallmouth bass, yellow bullhead and largemouth bass. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. Fish Quaddick Reservoir where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The range across the year is 24°F to 70°F. A solid cap is the normal state through winter. Winter locks it down, and late March brings it back. The water is typically free of ice between late March and late December. Spring is short and heavy here; autumn is longer and steadier. Anyone fishing Quaddick Reservoir regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. There is a ramp at Quaddick Reservoir Boat Launch, half a mile out. This lies within protected land, so the rules will be stricter than usual. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Rules differ from one water to the next round here. Some ground is open by custom rather than by right, so tread carefully. Lower Pond at 0.7 miles is the sensible second choice. Check the position on Quaddick Reservoir before loading the car.