2024 State of Connecticut Bass Tournament Fishing Report
We are excited to announce the release of "The State of Connecticut Bass Tournament Fishing," our comprehensive annual report offering valuable insights into bass tournament fishing across the state.
As bass tournament fishing continues to be a major part of Connecticut’s recreational activities, this report provides an in-depth look at tournament trends, the impact on local waterbodies, and key statistics that are vital for anglers, tournament organizers, and fisheries managers alike.
Key Findings from the 2024 Report: • 42 Waterbodies Hosted Tournaments: A total of 42 lakes and reservoirs across Connecticut hosted at least one bass tournament in 2024. • Candlewood Lake Leads with 150 Tournaments: Candlewood Lake remains the most popular tournament destination, hosting 150 bass fishing events in 2024 alone. • Biggest Bass: The report highlights the top 20 largest bass caught during tournaments, showcasing the quality of fishing in the state. • Tournament Pressure Insights: A breakdown of monthly tournament activity, including the concentration of events on Connecticut’s most renowned fisheries. • Overall Post-Tournament Reporting: The overall rate of post-tournament fish reporting stands at 35%. As this rate improves, future reports will provide more detailed population insights.
This report is designed to benefit a wide range of stakeholders, including: • Bass Tournament Organizers: To help guide future event planning and understand regional trends. • Everyday Anglers: To stay informed about bass tournament activity and the health of Connecticut’s bass populations. • Lake Association Groups: For insights on tournament frequency and its potential impact on local waters. • Fisheries Managers and Stakeholders: To use data-driven information in managing and conserving the state's bass fisheries.
We encourage you to share this report with anyone who may find it of interest, including fellow anglers, tournament organizers, and local lake associations. Additionally, tournament directors are continually encouraged to begin providing post-tournament reports after every event to help increase the total reporting percentage. This will ultimately make the report more accurate and valuable to the entire bass fishing community.
We look forward to your feedback and to working together to continue improving Connecticut’s bass fisheries. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me at spencer.mallette@ct.gov or 203-908-5827.
Spencer M. Mallette Fisheries Biologist – Warmwater Program Bureau of Natural Resources – Fisheries Division Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection 230 Plymouth Road, Harwinton, CT 06791 p: 203.908.5827 |spencer.mallette@ct.gov
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