So I have not seen too much on Candlewood in here so I figured I'd get one going.   Last year was the first year I had my 16ft Alumacraft V-16 with a 25HP four-stroke Yammy on the back. 

 

PRE-SPAWN:  Didnt fish (getting my boat prepped and the harsh winter didnt release the ice until late march. But I am looking forward to it this year, gonna try some nice jerkbaits I got (lucky craft pointers and flukes) 

 

SPAWN:   I had great success (quantity) bed fishing in the Spring with my best being around 3lbs.  I primarily used 1/4oz jig heads with 3-4" Keitech easy shiner in smallmouth magic .  I fished Swing Impact Fat but had more success with a smaller profile bait

 

POST-SPAWN:  I had a tough time learning how to fish this time.  The grass and weeds were still pretty small and I fished docks but didnt have much success at all.

 

SUMMER:  The weeds were now full, thick, and reaching the surface.  I had a tough time the first couple times out but then I got my Lowarnce Elite 7 HDI and that gave me "eyes" to see what I was fishing which was tremendous.  I had great success fishing weed lines in 3-6ft of water that were on drop offs transitioning from (3-6ft) to (17-25ft)  I fished both swimbaits and some live bait here and it was tremendous.  I caught my my PB smallie on 8/9/14 at my boat slip.  Here it is. 21" 4LB14oz (measured and weighed!)

 

FALL:  Unfortunately the Fall got very busy and I was only able to fish once!  I know i missed some great fishing but theres always this year!

 

Looking forward to seeing what everyone says....

Tightlines

 

This year will be my first year on Candlewood but I've been at it for a while and I'm guessing that it's not much different than most  N.E. Lakes so south facing bays with access to deep water will still be the first places to try. Maybe I'll see you out there.

Nice Grandpa1114, Candy is the best fishery I have personally fished.  There is A LOT of recreation on the lake during the summer which can make fishing tough, but Im sure every big lake is like that.  Why would south facing bays with access to deep water be where you start?

Those bay will warm up first. And the bass will be using those access to move up as the water warms up!

Rudy

Exactly...That time of year the sun is still coming up from the southern hemisphere and shines North. Warmer water...more activity from cold blooded animals.....etc...etc... 

Exactly...That time of year the sun is still coming up from the southern hemisphere and shines North. Warmer water...more activity from cold blooded animals.....etc...etc... 

 

It's more like the southern wind warms the lake and pushes the warm top column of water north, while northern wind cools and pushes the water south. I moved to Connecticut this year, and I can't wait to fish in these beautiful lakes once the ice clears for bass fishing.

I live approximately 30 minutes from Candy and dont fish it often for several reasons. It has been a difficult adjustment for me in deep water. I fish tons of other CT lakes, mostly in northwest ct, with great success, so i have not branched out yet. Candlewood is challenging and i hope to spend more time out there this year and learn some tricks. Good luck out there. Cant wait for ice out.

Use do fish there often in April. It's a great lake.

minnow and short fish, do you guys fish from shore or a boat? 

i usually fish alone and would be open to fish with someone else.

 

 Sometimes BSing about fishing is better than fishing lol

When I fished with Orange County Bassmasters out of Middletown we always started the season at Candy since CT will allow weigh-ins during Catch and release seasons. It's a tremendous fishery that gives up good bags in spite of heavy tournament pressure. Sure, you have to figure them out but the patterns are pretty typical. 

My PA club can't get a permit :-/

Love Candlewood Lake......been there a lot the last few years with my bass club. That lake has more bass I think than anywhere I fish.

Love Candlewood Lake......been there a lot the last few years with my bass club. That lake has more bass I think than anywhere I fish.

How are you getting a permit for a tournament?

Go through the CT fish and game website.

Go through the CT fish and game website.

Our tourny director said that they won't give our club a permit. Maybe he's blowing smoke?

Do you guys have club insurance?

Hey guys, new to the forum but I'm in Danbury and fish candlewood regularly. I'm 21 and would love the chance to meet some new fishing buddies with the same addiction as I.

do u have a boat on candlewood?

I live in eastern CT.. I do very well on the eastern and central side of Connecticut, but have yet to explore cwood. This year will be my first because I'm fishing the CT B.A.S.S Federation tournaments.! I have heard nothing but good things about candlewood though..!

I live in MA but fish the Northern CT Bass Anglers.  Club out of Enfield.  Good club too..anyways I received our tourney schedule a couple months ago and was floored that candle didn't make it.  Ive never fished candlewood and would love too..looks like I need to just take a trip myself with the way you guys talk about the place

Anyone know if there is good shore access in Candlewood? I moved up to CT from MD, and I would love to get some smallmouth action.

There is some shore access in Danbury (south part of the lake) by the boat ramp.

Fishing candlewood? There's a map of it that shows where the stumps are(big bass). Jimmy Houston caught his first double digit bass there.

I fish from shore in western ct. I'm going to move around more this year. Lake Zoar, and lake lillinoah plus the housatonic river will be my new haunts.

Looks like ill be fishing for ice cubes on opening day? The ice is still on, we still have cold and snow falling.

We're feeding the starved deer and turkeys. There here day and night.

I'll be hitting Candlewood this year for the first time. I'm pretty excited about it. How's the boat ramp work? I hear you have to pay to launch your boat? Is the parking area pretty secure? Any issues leaving your vehicle at the ramp?