Fishing Riverside Pond in Capitol Planning Region, Connecticut

• Overview

  Riverside Pond is one of the Capitol Planning Region waters in Connecticut. What surrounds it is rolling bush. About 7 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. Stafford lies 0.1 miles from the water. Stafford Springs lies 2.3 miles off, Crystal Lake another 5.9 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Riverside Pond

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Records held for Capitol Planning Region cover bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, chain pickerel and brook trout. These are county-wide records, so not all of them will be in this water. Fish Riverside Pond where the bottom changes rather than where it looks deep.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The year swings from about 24°F in January to roughly 70°F in July. Seasons are distinct, and each one fishes differently. Once it clears, about late March, the fishing comes on quickly. On average, late March opens the water and late December closes it again. The strong weeks are the first after break-up and the last before the freeze. The season on Riverside Pond rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Public sources are silent on who controls the bank. Parking sits half a mile out, which makes for a walk with tackle. East Street Open Space covers ground next to the water; its rules will apply on that side. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Failing this one, try Hydeville Pond, 0.9 miles away. For Riverside Pond, the notice at the access point is the final word.