Town(s):
East Haddam CT
County:
Middlesex
Size:
361
acres
Average Depth:
6
feet
Maximum Depth:
14
feet
Boating Allowed:
Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats, Jet-skis, State & Local Rules & Regulations Apply
Swimming:
Swimming Allowed, No Restrictions
Moodus Reservoir is located in East Haddam. It is a shallow, artificial impoundment in the Connecticut River Drainage Basin. A causeway separates the lake into two discrete basins: Upper Moodus (361 acres; the southeastern Basin) and Lower Moodus ( 125 acres; the northwest basin). The eastern cove of Upper Moodus is very shallow (less than 3 ft.) with many submerged stumps. The watershed is 6,720 acres of mostly woods and wetland with some agricultural and residential land use. Moodus is fed from the north by Molley, Pine and Pickerel Lake Brooks and by a number of other small streams. Upper Moodus intermittently receives water from nearby Bashan Lake via a culvert in the western cove. The outlet flows over the dam spillway at the western end of Lower Moodus into the Moodus River, which empties into Salmon Cove on the Connecticut River. Lower Moodus is almost entirely lined by cottages. Upper Moodus is surrounded by woods, farmland and swamp with most housing restricted to its western shore.
The transparency of the lake is fair and the visibility is reduced to 6 ft. in the summer by tea- colored stain. The bottom of the lake consists of sand, mud and detritus. Fishing should be good to excellent for bass, especially for those anglers who know how to fish the heavy vegetation. It is a good spot to catch a trophy bass. Fishing should be fair to good for yellow perch and black crappie and fair for sunfish. Additionally, pickerel should provide plenty of action, although most of the fish caught will be small.
Water Quality:
No Known Issues
Vegetation Growth:
Unknown
Non-native Species:
Unknown
Fishing Comments:
Should be excellent for bass. Pickerel should provide plenty of action, although most will be small.
Fish Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Black Crappie, Brown Bullhead, Sunfish, Bluegill, White Sucker, American Eel, Bridle Shiner
Boat Access:
Access for Power and Non-power Boats
Ramp Comments:
State-owned boat launches are located on the northeastern shore of Lower Moodus and on the western shore of Upper Moodus. Facilities at each side include paved ramps, parking for 10 cars and chemical toilets (seasonal).
Lower Moodus- From Rte. 16, Rte 149 south 2.3 miles, left on Mott Lane, launch is 50 yds. on right.
Upper Moodus- Continue south on Mott Lane, right at the end of the road, left on Lainching Area Rd, launch is at the end.
Parking Spaces:
Less than 10
Shoreline Development:
50-75%
