Hanover Reservoir, Norwich, Connecticut

Hanover Reservoir is a beautiful 22-acre lake nestled in New London County, Connecticut. This charming body of water offers visitors a peaceful escape surrounded by the natural beauty of the area. You’ll find excellent fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, black crappie, and chain pickerel at this scenic destination.

Built in 1900, the reservoir features a 27-foot high dam stretching 750 feet across. The reservoir stands as the largest body of water in the Hanover village area, where you can also explore some historic houses nearby. Whether you’re an angler looking for your next big catch or simply seeking a tranquil spot to enjoy Connecticut’s natural landscape, Hanover Reservoir delivers a rewarding experience.

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Hanover Reservoir

Hanover Reservoir is a hidden gem tucked away in Connecticut. This peaceful lake offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You’ll find yourself drawn to its calm waters and natural beauty.

The reservoir is perfect for fishing enthusiasts looking to catch some local species. Many visitors bring small boats or kayaks to explore the water’s surface. You can spend hours enjoying the tranquility while surrounded by Connecticut’s lush greenery.

Wildlife viewing is another popular activity at Hanover Reservoir. Birds and other animals often visit the shoreline, creating perfect photo opportunities. You might want to bring binoculars to spot some of the more elusive creatures that call this area home.

The surrounding trails provide easy access to different viewpoints around the reservoir. You can take a leisurely walk while enjoying the seasonal changes that make this spot beautiful year-round. The area remains relatively uncrowded, allowing for a more personal connection with nature.

Rating: 4.7 (3 reviews)
Location: Connecticut

Overview of Hanover Reservoir

Hanover Reservoir is a charming 22-acre lake nestled in New London County, Connecticut. This scenic body of water offers visitors a peaceful retreat with opportunities for fishing and recreation in a beautiful natural setting.

History and Background

Hanover Reservoir has deep roots in Connecticut’s recreational history. The area once included Hanover Park, which was a major regional attraction in its heyday. This popular destination featured an impressive amusement park where visitors enjoyed theater productions, exciting rides, games, and even semi-pro baseball games.

The reservoir is currently managed by the local government of Sprague, Connecticut. Its primary purpose today is recreation, though like many small lakes in the region, it likely served other community needs throughout its history.

The dam that forms the reservoir is an earth-type structure. While the exact date of construction isn’t specified in the available information, it represents the typical infrastructure development that helped create recreational water bodies throughout Connecticut during the early-to-mid 20th century.

Geographical Features

Hanover Reservoir’s modest 22-acre size makes it an intimate and accessible lake for visitors. You’ll find it tucked away in the scenic landscape of New London County, surrounded by Connecticut’s characteristic New England beauty.

The lake is renowned for its fishing opportunities. Anglers flock to these waters primarily for three popular fish species:

Largemouth bass
Black crappie
Chain pickerel

The earthen dam that created this reservoir has a natural appearance that blends with the surrounding environment. While specific details about the reservoir’s depth and shoreline features aren’t provided in the available information, you can expect the typical characteristics of a small Connecticut lake – likely featuring some wooded areas and possibly limited public access points.

Recreational Activities

Hanover Pond offers wonderful opportunities for outdoor fun all year round. You can enjoy this beautiful Connecticut gem through various activities that connect you with nature.

Fishing is a popular pastime at Hanover Pond. From March 1 until the second Saturday of April, trout fishing is catch-and-release only. After that, you can keep up to 5 trout per day.

The 0.8-mile Hanover Pond Trail provides a perfect walking route. Beginning at Dossin Beach parking lot and ending at Orville H. Platt High School, this path lets you take in scenic views while getting some exercise.

Wildlife watching is another great activity. Birds and other animals make their homes around the pond’s edges, giving you plenty to observe on your visit.

In neighboring areas like Hanover, you can explore historic cemeteries or the 300-acre Baltic Reservoir. The Connecticut River shoreline nearby is excellent for:

Walking
Bird watching
Nordic skiing (winter months)

Once upon a time, Hanover Park was a major regional attraction with an amusement park featuring theater productions, rides, and games. While those amenities are gone, the natural beauty remains for you to enjoy.

During summer days, the pond offers a refreshing escape from the heat. Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of exploring this charming Connecticut water feature.