What to expect at Great Hollow Lake

Great Hollow Lake is a 90-acre impoundment in Voluntown, in the northeastern corner of Connecticut near the Rhode Island border. The lake sits within state forest land and draws anglers for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pickerel, and panfish — primarily bluegill and crappie. The water is moderately clear to tea-colored depending on season and recent rainfall, with a maximum depth around 35 feet but most productive fishing in shallower structure along the shoreline and around the dam.

Access is straightforward: a state boat launch with parking sits on the north shore, maintained by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). The lake is open year-round to fishing, though spring and fall typically produce the most consistent action. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, and winter ice fishing is possible when conditions allow, though ice thickness varies and should always be verified before venturing out.

Key Takeaways

  • Great Hollow Lake holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, pickerel, bluegill, and crappie, with spring and fall offering the most reliable fishing.
  • A public boat launch on the north shore provides the main access point; parking is available and the facility is maintained year-round.
  • Connecticut fishing licenses are required for all anglers 16 and older, and bass have specific size and bag limits that vary by season.
  • The lake's shallow structure near the shoreline and around the dam holds the most fish; deeper water in the center is less productive for most species.
  • Motorboats are permitted, but trolling motors and canoes are equally effective and often better for working shallow cover.

Seasons and what bites when

Spring (April through May) is the strongest season at Great Hollow Lake. Bass move into shallow water to spawn, and both largemouth and smallmouth respond to crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures worked along the shoreline and near submerged timber. Water temperature climbs from the mid-50s to the upper 60s, triggering aggressive feeding. Panfish also become active during this window, and bluegill and crappie move into shallow bays to nest.

Summer fishing (June through August) slows during midday but remains productive in early morning and evening. Bass retreat to deeper structure and shade, particularly around the dam and any submerged vegetation. Topwater and shallow-running crankbaits work best at dawn; switch to deeper presentations or live shiners as the sun climbs. Panfish remain catchable throughout the day in deeper water and around any available cover.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for consistency. Cooling water temperatures push bass back into shallower feeding zones, and the entire lake becomes more uniformly productive. Crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics all produce. Pickerel, often overlooked during other seasons, become more aggressive as water cools.

Winter (November through March) slows the bite significantly for open-water fishing, though dedicated anglers still catch bass and panfish on small jigs and live minnows. Ice fishing is possible when ice thickness reaches 4 inches or more, but conditions vary year to year and should be confirmed locally before committing. Bluegill and crappie are the primary targets through the ice.

Species, size limits, and regulations

Connecticut requires a fishing license for all anglers 16 and older. Licenses are available through the DEEP website, by mail, or at authorized vendors statewide. A one-day license costs less than a full-season license and is useful for visiting anglers.

Largemouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size limit with a daily bag of six fish. Smallmouth bass share the same 12-inch minimum and six-fish daily limit. Pickerel have no minimum size and no bag limit, making them a good option for anglers wanting to keep fish for the table. Bluegill and other panfish have no minimum size or bag limit.

Crappie regulations in Connecticut specify a 9-inch minimum size with a daily bag of 15 fish. Check the current DEEP fishing guide before your trip, as regulations can change. The guide is available on the DEEP website and covers all state waters.

How to reach the lake and where to launch

Great Hollow Lake is located in Voluntown, accessible via Route 49. From the town center, follow signs toward the state forest. The public boat launch is on the north shore and is marked; parking is available in a small lot adjacent to the ramp. The launch accommodates both trailered boats and hand-carried canoes and kayaks.

The launch is maintained by DEEP and is open during daylight hours. There is no launch fee. Facilities are basic — the ramp itself, parking, and a small picnic area — but no fuel, bait, or tackle shop is on-site. Plan to bring everything you need, including water and snacks.

The lake is roughly 20 minutes from the Rhode Island border and about 45 minutes from the town of Groton on Connecticut's coast. It is a destination for locals and visiting anglers from the region rather than a major draw from far away, which means the lake sees moderate pressure and remains relatively uncrowded even on weekends.

Tackle and techniques that work

Largemouth bass respond well to soft plastic worms and creature baits worked slowly along the shoreline, particularly in spring and fall. Crankbaits in the 2- to 3-inch range are effective for covering water quickly. Topwater lures produce strikes in low-light conditions and can be exciting, though they require patience and accurate casting.

Smallmouth bass prefer smaller presentations than largemouth and often hold on rocky or sandy bottom. Small jigs (1/8 to 1/4 ounce) tipped with live minnows or soft plastics work consistently. Crankbaits that mimic crawfish are also productive.

Panfish — bluegill and crappie — respond to small jigs, live minnows, and crickets. A simple bobber rig with a live minnow suspended 2 to 4 feet deep is effective and requires no special technique. Crappie often school, so once you locate one, others are usually nearby.

Pickerel are aggressive and will strike larger lures and live shiners. They are less picky than bass and can be a reliable option when bass are slow. Trolling with small spoons or spinners can also produce pickerel and smallmouth.

Best spots to fish on the lake

The dam area on the south end of the lake holds structure and deeper water; it is a reliable spot for bass and pickerel, particularly in summer when fish move deeper. Work the face of the dam and the rocky area immediately below it.

The northern shoreline, near the boat launch, has shallow bays and submerged timber that hold spawning bass in spring and feeding fish throughout the year. This area is accessible and productive for anglers working from small boats or kayaks.

Any visible vegetation or fallen trees along the shoreline should be worked carefully. These areas concentrate bass and panfish, especially in spring and fall. Early morning and evening produce the most strikes.

The deeper central basin of the lake is less productive for most species but can hold bass during the heat of summer. If you are fishing midday, focus on the deepest available structure rather than shallow water.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring a Connecticut fishing license (or purchase one at the launch area if a vendor is present, though this is not may provide). Bring your own tackle, as no shop is on-site. A small tackle box with soft plastics, crankbaits, jigs, and hooks covers most situations.

Sunscreen, a hat, and water are essential, particularly in summer. The lake is exposed with little shade on the water itself. Bring a cooler if you plan to keep fish; pickerel and panfish are good eating, and keeping a few reduces pressure on bass populations.

If you are launching a trailered boat, arrive early on weekends; the lot fills occasionally during peak season. Hand-carried boats (canoes, kayaks, small inflatables) can be launched at any time and often provide better access to shallow structure where the most fish hold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Great Hollow Lake?

No. The boat launch accommodates canoes, kayaks, and hand-carried inflatables. Shore fishing is also possible in limited areas near the launch and around the dam, though a boat or kayak gives you access to more productive water and structure.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are most consistent. Water temperatures are moderate, bass are active in shallow water, and panfish are abundant. Summer can be productive early and late in the day, and winter ice fishing is possible when ice is thick enough.

Can I keep fish from Great Hollow Lake?

Yes. Pickerel have no size or bag limit and are good eating. Bluegill and crappie are also legal to keep. Bass can be kept if they meet the 12-inch minimum, with a daily limit of six. Check the current DEEP fishing guide for any changes to regulations.

Is there a launch fee?

No. The public boat launch is free and maintained by the Connecticut DEEP. Parking is available in the lot adjacent to the ramp.

What should I do if I am new to the lake?

Start by fishing the shoreline and shallow bays near the launch in spring or fall, when fish are most active. Work soft plastics and crankbaits slowly along any visible structure. If you are fishing in summer or winter, focus on deeper water near the dam and any submerged timber. Talk to other anglers at the launch — most are willing to share general information about what is working.