Town(s):
Litchfield CT, Morris CT
County:
Litchfield
Size:
947
acres
Average Depth:
16
feet
Maximum Depth:
26
feet
Boating Allowed:
Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats, Jet-skis, State & Local Rules & Regulations Apply
Swimming:
Swimming Allowed, No Restrictions
Bantam Lake is located in the towns of Litchfield and Morris. It is in the Housatonic River Drainage Basin and is the largest natural lake in the state. The original water level was raised by a small private dam on the northwestern end of the lake. The watershed is 20,962 acres of mostly undeveloped woods and wetland with moderate residential development. It drains northwest into the Bantam River, a tributary of the Shepaug River. The shoreline is partially wooded with numerous homes and cottages. Most of the shoreline to the north and east is owned by the White Memorial Foundation and is undeveloped. The transparency of the lake is turbid with visibility to 2-3 feet in the summer.
Bantam Lake contains good numbers of northern pike with fish commonly reaching weights of 10-15 pound or more. The fishing should be good for pike, especially through the ice. Currently, this is the best lake in the state for anglers to catch a really big pike. Fishing should be fair for largemouth bass. Good numbers of yellow perch, white perch and crappies can be caught, but few large ones.
Water Quality:
No Known Issues, Town/State Monitoring
Vegetation Growth:
Unknown
Non-native Species:
Unknown
Fishing Comments:
Should be good for pike, espically through the ice. Currently, this is the best lake in the state for anglers to catch a really big pike. Fishin is also fair for bass and perch.
Fish Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Brown Bullhead, Sunfish, Bluegill, White Sucker
Boat Access:
Access for Power and Non-power Boats
Ramp Comments:
There is a state-leased boat launch on the southeastern shore. Facilities at the launch include a ramp with concrete slabs, parking for 15 cars with trailers and chemical toilets (seasonal). A parking fee is charged on weekend and holidays from the third Saturday in April through Columbus Day.
From Rte. 61 take 109 west for 0.9 miles, right (north) on East Shore Rd. for 0.5 miles, launch is on the left. There is also public access for canoes and small car-top boats at several locations on the Bantam River within the white memorial property.
Parking Spaces:
11-20
Shoreline Development:
50-75%
