West Branch Reservoir near Winsted: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Look for West Branch Reservoir in the Northwest Hills Planning Region part of Connecticut. Height above sea level is 640 feet. It measures about 199 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. It ranks high for size among our Northwest Hills Planning Region listings. For a base, Winsted sits 5.5 miles out. Beyond it, Barkhamsted at 7.4 miles and New Hartford Center at 8.5 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on West Branch Reservoir

  The records we hold are silent on depth, so plan to find it yourself. 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. Across Northwest Hills Planning Region, recorded fish include bluegill, brown trout and largemouth bass. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. Read West Branch Reservoir for ten minutes before the first cast goes out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Typical July readings run about 69°F; by January the average is down near 22°F. Winter shuts the surface down for months. The lid usually goes in early April, which opens the strongest weeks of the year. Break-up sits around early April on average, with the water closing again about late December. Reckon on open water from spring through to late autumn, with May and June the strongest. It holds true on West Branch Reservoir more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  No access rule appears in what we hold. A made slipway is half a mile from here, which settles the boat question. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. Mapping records toilets within half a mile. Bank access can be seasonal on ground like this. Where tickets apply, they are sold in the nearest town rather than on the bank. Hartland Pond, 1.7 miles away, makes the obvious fallback. Signs at West Branch Reservoir carry more weight than any list.