Red Cedar Lake near Salem: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Red Cedar Lake lies in Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region, Connecticut. What surrounds it is mixed woodland. Around 131 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Bank access stretches around 2.4 miles in total. On our Southeastern Connecticut Planning Region list it sits near the top for size. Some 5 miles away sits Salem, the nearest settlement. Hartford sits 28 miles out, and it is the nearest city worth the name. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Red Cedar Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. Points where the flooded channel swings in are the reliable ones. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. County-wide records name bluegill, black crappie, striped bass and largemouth bass. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. At Red Cedar Lake the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  On the long-term average, July reads 71°F and January reads 26°F. Mild ends to the year keep the season long. It should never be assumed safe, whatever the month says. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. That is the shape of the year on Red Cedar Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. A carry of half a mile from the nearest parking is the price of fishing here. A marked angling spot sits within half a mile. Mooween State Park takes in this water; protected-area rules will apply. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Where the way in crosses private ground, ask first. Deep River Reservoir sits 1.4 miles off and takes the overflow. Rules at Red Cedar Lake are worth checking on the day.