What Lake Wintergreen Offers

Lake Wintergreen is a 41-acre pond in Griswold, Connecticut, managed by the state's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). It holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pickerel, and panfish — primarily bluegill and sunfish. The lake sits in a quiet residential area and draws local anglers rather than travelers, which means less crowding than the state's larger impoundments but also fewer amenities on-site.

The water is relatively shallow, averaging 15 to 20 feet with a maximum depth around 35 feet. Weed beds line much of the shoreline, and the bottom is soft in places — conditions that favor bass and pickerel. Spring and fall are the most productive seasons here, though summer panfish action can be steady if you fish early morning or late evening.

Access is limited to a small public boat launch on the eastern shore. There is no bait shop, no rental facility, and no food service at the lake itself. You will need your own boat or plan to fish from shore, and you should bring everything you need before you arrive.

Key Takeaways

  • Lake Wintergreen holds largemouth and smallmouth bass, pickerel, and panfish in a 41-acre pond managed by Connecticut DEEP.
  • The public boat launch is small and located on the eastern shore; there are no on-site facilities, so bring all gear and supplies with you.
  • Connecticut fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 and older, and you can purchase them online through the DEEP website or at authorized vendors.
  • Spring and fall produce the best bass fishing; summer panfish action is strongest in early morning and late evening hours.
  • Weed beds and soft bottom make the shoreline productive for both casting and trolling, but the shallow average depth limits where boats can safely operate.

Seasons and What Fish Are Biting

Spring (April through May) brings the most reliable bass fishing. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 60s, and both largemouth and smallmouth move into shallower water to feed before spawning. Topwater lures, soft plastics, and crankbaits work well along the weed beds. Early morning is best, and the bite often slows by mid-morning.

Summer (June through August) is tougher for bass because they move deeper and become less active in the heat. Panfish — bluegill and sunfish — are more reliable. Fish early, before 9 a.m., or wait until the sun drops after 6 p.m. Small jigs, live crickets, and worms will catch panfish consistently in shallow areas near structure.

Fall (September through October) rivals spring for bass activity. Water cools, bass feed aggressively again, and pickerel become more active. The same techniques that work in spring apply here. By late October, water temperatures drop into the 50s and the bite slows as fish prepare for winter.

Winter (November through March) sees very little fishing pressure. The lake does not freeze solid most years, but cold water makes fish sluggish. A few dedicated anglers fish for pickerel and bass in deep holes, but success is inconsistent and requires patience.

Access, Parking, and Boat Launch Details

The public boat launch at Lake Wintergreen is located off Wintergreen Road on the eastern shore. The parking area is small — roughly 10 to 12 spaces — and fills quickly on weekends during spring and fall. There is no fee to launch, and no permit is required beyond your Connecticut fishing license.

The launch itself is a concrete ramp suitable for small to medium boats. Trailers with single axles and boats under 20 feet are the practical limit; larger rigs may have difficulty maneuvering in the tight lot. The ramp is maintained by DEEP but can become slippery in wet conditions, so approach slowly and use caution.

Shore fishing is possible along parts of the perimeter, but much of the shoreline is private residential property. Stick to the public areas near the launch and respect posted signs. Wading is not practical because the bottom is soft and murky in most places.

There are no restrooms, no picnic tables, and no shade structures at the launch area. Plan accordingly — bring water, sunscreen, and any food you will need during your time on the water.

Connecticut Fishing License and Regulations

Anyone 16 years old or older must carry a valid Connecticut fishing license to fish Lake Wintergreen. You can purchase a license online through the DEEP website (ct.gov/deep) or at authorized vendors including sporting goods stores and some bait shops throughout the state. Licenses are available as one-day, seven-day, or annual options.

Connecticut does not require a separate trout stamp for this lake because it is not stocked with trout. However, you should check the current DEEP fishing guide for any changes to regulations or special restrictions — these are updated annually and sometimes mid-season.

Bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of six fish per person. Pickerel have a 15-inch minimum and a five-fish daily limit. Panfish (bluegill and sunfish) have no minimum size and a 25-fish daily limit. These limits apply to all anglers and are enforced by DEEP wildlife officers.

What Gear to Bring

For bass and pickerel, bring a medium-power spinning or baitcasting rod with 8- to 12-pound test line. Topwater plugs, soft plastic worms (4 to 6 inches), crankbaits, and small spinnerbaits are all effective. A tackle box with a variety of colors — black, green, white, and natural — covers most conditions.

For panfish, a light spinning rod and 4- to 6-pound line work well. Small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce), live crickets, worms, and small spinners will catch bluegill and sunfish. A small net makes landing panfish easier and reduces handling time.

Bring a personal flotation device (PFD) if you are boating — it is required by law in Connecticut. A depth finder is helpful for locating the deeper holes where bass retreat in summer, but not essential for panfish or spring bass fishing. Sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses reduce glare and help you spot fish in shallow water.

Nearby Amenities and Where to Get Supplies

Griswold is a small town, and services near the lake are limited. The nearest gas station and convenience store are about 2 miles away on Route 12. For tackle, bait, and fishing supplies, you will need to travel to larger towns — Jewett City (about 5 miles) or Norwich (about 10 miles) have sporting goods stores and bait shops that stock live bait and tackle.

If you plan to fish for a full day, buy your bait and supplies before you arrive at the lake. There is no food service on-site, so pack lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. A cooler with ice is useful if you plan to keep fish.

Lodging options are limited immediately around Lake Wintergreen. Nearby towns like Jewett City and Norwich have motels and small hotels if you are traveling from out of state, but most anglers fish this lake as a day trip from within Connecticut.

Tips for Success at Lake Wintergreen

Fish the weed beds early in the day when bass are most active. Cast parallel to the weeds rather than into them — this reduces snags and keeps your lure in the strike zone longer. If you are boating, use your depth finder to locate the transition zone where shallow water drops off into deeper holes; bass often hold at these edges.

Panfish are less picky than bass and will bite throughout the day, but your best chance is still early morning or late evening. Fish near any structure — fallen trees, docks, or the deeper holes — where panfish congregate. A simple bobber rig with a worm or cricket works as well as anything else.

Respect the small parking area by arriving early on weekends. If the lot is full, come back later or try a different day. The lake is quieter on weekdays, and you will have a better experience with fewer boats on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a boat to fish Lake Wintergreen?

No, but your options are limited without one. Shore fishing is possible near the launch area, but most of the productive water is accessible only by boat. If you do not own a boat, you could fish from shore for panfish in shallow areas, but you would miss the deeper holes where bass retreat in summer.

What is the best time of year to fish here?

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are most productive for bass and pickerel. Water temperatures are ideal, and fish are actively feeding. Summer panfish fishing can be good if you fish early or late in the day, but bass fishing is slower.

Can I keep fish I catch at Lake Wintergreen?

Yes, within the legal limits. Bass must be 12 inches or longer, pickerel 15 inches or longer, and panfish have no minimum size. You can keep up to six bass, five pickerel, and 25 panfish per day. Check the current DEEP fishing guide to confirm these limits have not changed.

Is there a launch fee or permit required?

No launch fee is charged, and no special permit is required beyond your Connecticut fishing license. The launch is free and open to the public during daylight hours.

What should I do if the parking lot is full?

The lot holds only 10 to 12 vehicles, so it fills quickly on nice weekends. Come back later in the day, try a weekday, or visit during less popular seasons like winter or mid-summer. Arriving before 7 a.m. on weekends increases your chances of finding a space.