CTFishTalk.com: Recommend a lake for swimming with a toddler + prego wife - Connecticut Bass Fishing Reports ( CT Bass Fishing Reports ) - A Community Built for Connecticut Fisherman.

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I took my 2 year old and my 6 month prego wife to bashan today and had a blast but it is kind of far for us. Can you recommend a clean lake that I could swim, picnick with the family and maybe catch a fish with some shiners? Fishing is kind of secondary. I will probably grab a dozen shiners to keep it interesting. Suggestions welcomed. Is gardner a good options? I want to be able to either tie up or beach the boat with the family and chill. My boat is a 14' tracker.
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Sorry honey, looks like we will be late again due to motor problems.

Justin

Johnny Skeeter · Joined: 06 May 2007 Posts: 700 Location: Vernon Ct

not too many options as most ct lakes are all houses...mashapaug has a nice state park with some state owned islands where you can chill and fish.
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Just4fun · Joined: 08 May 2007 Posts: 1389 Location: Saybrook

Maybe Cedar Lake in Chester,..but where do you live?
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slimecoat · Joined: 09 Nov 2007 Posts: 1576 Location: Newington, CT.

Mark,

He's from Wethersfield. It says so under his avatar.

I think Johnny hit the nail on the head with Mashapaug. I know Quaddick Res. has a swimming area, as well as ok fishing, but it is farther to travel than going to Mashapaug.

Not many places close to Wethersfield.
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WishinIWasFishin · Joined: 26 Feb 2008 Posts: 219

I put in another vote for Mashapaug (Bigelow Hollow State Park) Bigelow Pond is the first one you see from the road, keep driving into the park to get to Mashapaug lake with the boat ramp. There are plenty of places to picnic with tables and charcoal pits. Go ahead and explore the place as many of the picnic spots close to the parking area are taken up by walkers and not boaters. My family spends many a Sunday afternoon out there...its great!

Enjoy and good luck

PS The state record largemouth came out of there !! Make sure to have all your boating stuff including life vests for all as there is usually a park ranger at the boat launch keeping his eyes on things.
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T_Shan BAWS · Joined: 28 Jun 2007 Posts: 151 Location: Manchester

Lower Bolton has a beach and picnic areas and a rock jetty to fish off of. Not sure how the patrons are down there these days. Gay City state park in Hebron is another place that has a swimming and picnic areas, plenty of places to fish in a small pond and some nice hiking trails.
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thestinkycrappie · Joined: 18 Feb 2008 Posts: 62

I would say the Wethersfield Reservoir would be perfect. All of the wrestling with snapping turtles and water mocasins would toughen the kid up. Just don't hook him in the nose with a rapala.

Johnny Skeeter · Joined: 06 May 2007 Posts: 700 Location: Vernon Ct

the beach at bolton is town owned and they are very strict about who they let in.I would not expect them to allow you to beach your boat there.
johnny
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I love rippin on the river!
"How much can ya bench?"

WillyWonka · Joined: 17 May 2007 Posts: 5 Location: stafford ct

Mashpaug no doubt, has a great swimming area and no speed boaters. get there early and get your spot.
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