I grew up in north central CT in a small farm town called Windsor Locks, and fished the local Connecticut River, Farmington River, and Rainbow Reservoir. In the early 1990s, I lost my job and was out of work for nearly two years. In that stretch of time, when I wasn't filling out resumes for local jobs (about 10-20 a day), I killed time by fishing western CT at some of the larger reservoirs like Colebrook Res. & West Branch Res. (aka Hogback Res., which sits behind Colebrook), as well as the Farmington River.
Photo Credit: FourSquare.com
Fast forward to the present, earlier this Fall, I was asked if I had been to Hopeville Pond State Park, 874 Hopeville Rd, Griswold, Connecticut. I've been there to hike around the park, walk the trails, ride my bike, and check out the boat launch area - which is heavily used by the big bass boat guys. They have to park their trucks over behind the park ranger's office several yards away from the launch area. We, as kayak anglers, have the awesome option of launching from the beach area because the parking area is right there.
I had stopped by the local park ranger's office and asked if it was okay to launch from the beach area with my kayak. Of course, he said, "yes", provided we stay away from the people on the beach.
The park's recreational activities include biking, hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and swimming. The park's campground features 80 campsites. Fish found in 137 acre Hopeville Pond include channel catfish, northern pike, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, and yellow perch.
The picnic area at Hopeville State Park. To the right, is the beach area.
Photo Credit: RVpoints.com
Photo Credit: Pinterest
My initial views of the water's clarity was pretty clear. The pond is visited by migrating ducks and some Canadian geese. It was a hot spot for paddle boarders, casual paddlers, and the larger bass boat owners as well. There were a few spots where lily pads were present - a good hiding place for bass in the summer. I saw a few of the bass boat guys working the outer edges of the pad areas. No problem for those of us that fish out of kayaks!
Photo Credit: CTFishTalk.com
Photo Credit: CT DEEP CT.gov
Photo Credit: Inland Fishing in CT. CTvisit.com
The boat launch ramp at Hopeville State Park isn't very wide, so it's one vehicle at a time. Trucks with trailers must be parked in the lot behind the Park Ranger's quarters.
Photo Credit: CT DEEP
The boat launch ramp at Hopeville State Park flanks a wooden walking bridge that connects trails on the other side of the park.
Photo Credit: CT DEEP
A large spacious beach area for plenty of swimmers. Kayak Anglers can launch from the beach area - just be careful not to disturb the beach goers.
Photo Credit: SeeSwim.com
The beach area at Hopeville State Park during the Fall.
Photo Credit: CT DEEP
Sunset twilight over Hopeville State Park & Campground during the Fall.
A camp fire feels good at the end of a perfect day of fishing at Hopeville State Park & Campground.
So, if you're looking for a perfect blend of hiking, trail biking, camping, paddling, and kayak fishing, give Hopeville State Park & Campground a try. Located in Griswold,CT.
As usual, keep those lines wet and tight! - J
