PM Half-day Trip - Danbury, CT
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Four-hour afternoon fishing trip on Candlewood and Lilinonah LakesTarget largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and crappie speciesAll fishing gear included, accommodates up to two guests
Looking for a solid afternoon on the water without burning your whole weekend? Terry Baksay's PM half-day trip on Candlewood Lake and Lake Lilinonah delivers exactly what Connecticut bass fishers are after. This 4-hour window gives you and one buddy plenty of time to work the structure, hit the drop-offs, and chase some serious largemouth and smallmouth action. The lakes around Danbury have been producing consistent catches all season, and this trip puts you right in the sweet spots where the fish are stacking up.
You'll be fishing two of Connecticut's top-rated bass destinations in one trip. Candlewood Lake stretches over 5,400 acres with deep water structure that holds fish year-round, while Lake Lilinonah offers miles of rocky shoreline and submerged timber that bass can't resist. Captain Terry knows these waters like the back of his hand - he'll position you over productive ledges, work the creek channels, and find the current breaks where bass ambush baitfish. The afternoon bite can be red-hot, especially when the sun starts dropping and fish move shallow to feed. You're not just casting blind here - every spot has been tested and proven to produce. The boat handles two anglers comfortably, so you'll have room to work without bumping elbows. All your rods, reels, tackle, and bait come included, which means you can focus on fishing instead of rigging up.
Terry runs a mixed bag of techniques depending on what the fish want that day. You might be flipping jigs into heavy cover, working spinnerbaits along the weed edges, or dragging soft plastics down rocky points. The depth finder stays busy - these lakes have serious structure with creek channels dropping to 40+ feet, submerged roadbeds, and standing timber that creates perfect ambush points. For largemouth, you'll focus on the shallow cover and transition zones where they stage before feeding. Smallmouth prefer the rocky areas and deeper structure where they can relate to bottom contour changes. Crappie fishing picks up around brush piles and suspended over deeper water, especially when they're schooled up tight. The tackle selection covers everything from finesse presentations to power fishing gear. Texas-rigged worms, crankbaits, and topwater plugs all get their time depending on conditions. Terry adjusts the approach based on weather, water temperature, and what's been working recently.
Largemouth Bass dominate the shallow cover and weed lines throughout both lakes. These Connecticut largemouth average 2-4 pounds with plenty of fish pushing 5+ pounds caught regularly. They're most active during low-light periods, making this afternoon trip perfect timing as the sun angle changes. Spring through fall offers consistent action, but late summer and early fall can be world-class when they're feeding heavy before winter. Largemouth hit everything from topwater frogs in the weeds to deep-diving crankbaits along drop-offs. The fight is classic bass - hard runs, jumps, and gill-rattling head shakes that keep your drag singing.
Smallmouth Bass in these waters are absolute bulldogs that fight way above their weight class. Lake Lilinonah especially holds some impressive smallies that cruise the rocky points and ledges. They typically run 1-3 pounds but don't let the size fool you - pound for pound, they're the scrappiest fish in these lakes. Smallmouth prefer cooler water and rocky structure, making them a consistent target when largemouth get finicky during hot weather or cold fronts. They're suckers for tube jigs bounced along the bottom, small crankbaits worked over rocks, and drop-shot rigs in deeper water. The bite feels like you hooked a freight train, and they'll fight all the way to the boat.
Crappie fishing adds variety when the bass bite slows down. Both lakes hold solid populations of slab crappie that school up in predictable patterns. Spring spawning brings them shallow into coves and creek arms, while summer and fall finds them suspended over deeper structure. Danbury-area crappie run nice sizes with plenty of 10-12 inch fish that make excellent table fare. They're perfect for light tackle fishing with small jigs, live minnows, or tiny soft plastics. When you find a school, you can often catch several before they move on. Crappie provide steady action and are great confidence builders, especially for newer anglers who want to feel that consistent tug.
This PM half-day trip gives you everything you need for a memorable afternoon without the full-day commitment. Terry's local knowledge puts you on fish fast, the gear is dialed in, and you'll learn techniques that work on these specific waters. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to bass fishing, want to squeeze in some action after work, or just prefer the afternoon bite, this trip delivers solid value. The 2-person capacity keeps things personal and gives you plenty of individual attention. Remember to grab your Connecticut fishing license before you head out - that's the only thing not included. Book your spot and get ready to see why Candlewood Lake and Lake Lilinonah have earned their reputation as premier Connecticut bass waters.
Your fishing platform for this Candlewood Lake adventure is a well-equipped motorboat designed to get you on the bass fast. The boat features a reliable GPS system to navigate these Connecticut waters and locate your favorite fishing spots, plus a fish finder that'll help you pinpoint where the largemouth and smallmouth bass are holding. An onboard ice box keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during the 4-hour trip. With space for 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of room to cast and fight fish without bumping elbows. The motor provides quiet, efficient transport between fishing areas on both Candlewood Lake and Lake Lilinonah, so you can maximize your time with lines in the water targeting bass and crappie in these productive Connecticut lakes.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are the perfect family fish - easier to catch than bass but still fun to fight. These silvery panfish run 7-12 inches and about half a pound, traveling in schools around submerged brush and deeper structure. Both black and white crappie call our lakes home, with blacks preferring clearer areas. Early spring during spawn and late fall are prime times, though they bite year-round if you fish deeper in summer heat. What guests love most is the action - when you find one, you'll usually catch several more from the same spot. They're also some of the best eating fish around, with sweet white meat that's hard to beat. My go-to tip: use small jigs or live minnows under a bobber near fallen trees. Be patient and let them take the bait fully before setting the hook.
Micropterus SalmoidesThese green giants are what most folks think of when they hear "bass fishing." Running 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds on average, largemouths have that massive mouth that extends past their eyes - perfect for ambushing prey. In Candlewood and Lilinonah, you'll find them around fallen trees, weed beds, and rocky points where they can hide and strike. Spring through early fall gives you the best action, especially dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes them special? They fight hard, jumping and pulling drag like crazy. Plus they're great eating when kept from clean water. Here's a local trick: try red lures or baits - these fish are naturally drawn to that color, and it works particularly well in our murky lake water.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouths are the scrappy fighters of the bass world. These bronze-backed beauties average 18-20 inches and pack serious muscle for their size. You'll find them around rocky bottoms, points, and drop-offs in clearer water - they love the structure that Candlewood and Lilinonah provide. Spring and fall offer the best fishing when they're in shallower water, but summer fishing can be great too if you target deeper rocky areas. What sets them apart? Pound for pound, they're the strongest fighters you'll hook - jumping, diving, and making long runs that'll test your drag. They're also excellent table fare with firm, flaky meat. Local tip: early morning or late evening with light tackle works best. Try weightless soft plastics or small jigs around rocky structure, and don't be surprised when they nearly pull the rod out of your hands.
Connecticut