Dodge Pond, Niantic, Connecticut

Nestled in the charming town of East Lyme, Connecticut, Dodge Pond is a scenic 34-acre natural lake that offers visitors a peaceful retreat from everyday life. With its impressive maximum depth of 51 feet and steep sidewalls, this hidden gem provides unique recreational opportunities for water enthusiasts while serving as the Navy’s most modern open-water acoustic test site.

You’ll find Dodge Pond accessible year-round via the boat launch on Lake Avenue Extension, making it perfect for seasonal adventures. The pond’s creation was enhanced by an earthen dike built near its outlet in the late 1800s, adding to its distinctive character within the Southeast Coastal Drainage Basin. Whether you’re interested in boating, fishing, or simply enjoying the tranquil surroundings, Dodge Pond delivers a quintessential Connecticut lake experience.

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Dodge Pond

Dodge Pond is a peaceful lake tucked away in East Lyme, Connecticut. This hidden gem offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The calm waters reflect the surrounding trees, creating a picture-perfect scene.

You’ll find plenty of opportunities for recreation at Dodge Pond. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck catching bass, perch, and other freshwater species. The quiet atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to cast your line and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

During summer months, the pond becomes a favorite spot for kayaking and canoeing. As you paddle across the water, you might spot local wildlife including herons, turtles, and various bird species that call this area home. The shoreline features gentle slopes and patches of vegetation that add to its natural charm.

Seasonal changes bring new beauty to Dodge Pond. In fall, the surrounding trees display vibrant colors that reflect on the water’s surface. Winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland, while spring brings fresh greenery and renewed activity.

Rating: 4.2 (5 reviews)
Location: East Lyme, CT 06357

Geography and Features of Dodge Pond

Dodge Pond is a small but impressive body of water in Connecticut with notable depth and unique features. The pond’s physical characteristics make it both attractive for recreation and scientifically interesting.

Location in Connecticut

Dodge Pond is located in East Lyme, Connecticut, in the southeastern corner of the state. This picturesque 30-acre waterbody is situated in New London County, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike.

When you visit the area, you’ll find that Dodge Pond is approximately 65 miles from Bradley International Airport. This convenient location means you can easily include it in your Connecticut travel itinerary.

The pond is particularly notable for housing the Dodge Pond Acoustic Measurement Facility in its southeast corner, adding a unique technical significance to this natural feature.

Natural Surroundings

What makes Dodge Pond special is its remarkable depth profile. With a maximum depth of 51 feet (16 meters) and a mean depth of 24 feet, this pond is surprisingly deep for its size!

You’ll notice its steep sidewalls create a very small littoral zone (shallow water area near the shore). This unique formation gives Dodge Pond a distinctive character compared to other Connecticut lakes.

The pond’s shoreline has been developed on approximately two-thirds of its perimeter with houses. However, you can still access the water through a public boat launch, perfect for fishing or boating adventures.

The remaining undeveloped shoreline offers glimpses of Connecticut’s natural lakeside ecosystems, creating an interesting blend of developed and natural environments around this compact but deep waterbody.

Recreational Activities at Dodge Pond

Dodge Pond offers visitors a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy throughout the year. The 29-acre lake in New London County provides excellent opportunities for both water sports and fishing enthusiasts.

Fishing Opportunities

Dodge Pond is a fantastic spot for anglers of all skill levels. The pond has specific fishing regulations you should know before casting your line. From March 1 until 6:00 am on the second Saturday of April, trout fishing is catch and release only. After this period, you can keep up to 5 trout per day.

The shallow waters of Dodge Pond make it an excellent habitat for various fish species. Local fishing tournaments are sometimes held here, though these events aren’t open to the general public. You can check the Schedule of Marine Events and Fishing Tournaments on the CT.gov website for more information.

For the best fishing experience, arrive early in the morning or late in the evening when fish are most active.

Boating and Kayaking

You’ll find a public boat launch that provides convenient access to Dodge Pond’s tranquil waters. The launch is well-maintained and suitable for small watercraft.

The pond’s modest 29-acre size makes it perfect for peaceful kayaking or canoeing adventures. You can easily paddle around the entire perimeter in a couple of hours, enjoying the scenic views and wildlife along the shoreline.

Motorized boats are permitted, but the pond’s shallow nature makes it better suited for smaller craft. When boating, always be mindful of other visitors, especially anglers who may be fishing from the shoreline or from their own boats.

Remember to check local regulations about boating seasons and requirements before your visit.