From CT DEEP:

We are happy to announce the release of the 2025 “State of Connecticut Bass Tournament Fishing”. This comprehensive annual report offers 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 2025 Report:

Less Tournaments than 2024: A total of 66 less tournaments were completed in 2025 than in 2024.
44 Waterbodies Hosted Tournaments: A total of 44 lakes and reservoirs across Connecticut hosted at least one bass tournament in 2025.
Candlewood Lake Leads Again with 140 Tournaments: Candlewood Lake remains the most popular tournament destination, hosting 140 bass fishing events in 2025, 10 less than in 2024.
Biggest Bass (by Species!): This year, we were able to break down the top 20 largest bass between species. You will find separate tables for both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass.
Tournament Pressure Insights: A breakdown of monthly tournament activity, including the concentration of events on Connecticut’s most renowned fisheries.
Overall Post-Tournament Reporting: We improved total reporting rates 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.