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Best Places to Magnet Fish in Connecticut

Best Spots for Treasure Hunting

Connecticut abounds with magnet fishing opportunities. From its rivers and lakes to reservoirs, state parks, and coastal areas — each location teems with potential discoveries. You may encounter historical artifacts, discarded possessions, or lost treasures submerged within these waters. For instance, waterways such as the Farmington River and Pachaug Pond have bestowed coins, colonial artifacts, even firearms upon patient explorers. Ready to dive into your own adventure?


Some top spots for magnet fishing in Connecticut include the Farmington River, Bantam Lake, Mystic River, and the Thames River. Each of these locations has attracted magnet fishers with their potential for finding items like old coins, jewelry, and metal objects, offering an exciting magnet fishing experience.


The Farmington River

The Farmington River

Connecticut Magnet Fishing Spots

The Farmington River

The Farmington River is an ideal location for both beginners and experienced magnet fishers. Its clear and calm waters provide a relaxing day out while ensuring a better chance of spotting and retrieving interesting finds with your magnet. Additionally, its gentle currents make it easier to maneuver your magnet through the water without too much resistance.

Bantam Lake

As the largest natural lake in Connecticut, Bantam Lake is a magnet fishing haven, known for interesting discoveries that have thrilled avid enthusiasts. Its size and depth make it an exciting location to explore, with the promise of uncovering a wide array of lost and discarded items, ranging from antique relics to modern-day treasures lurking on its bed.

Pachaug Pond

Pachaug Pond is not only popular among anglers for its rich bass, sunfish, and yellow perch species but also allures magnet fishers with the prospect of discovering unique items beneath its shimmering surface. The pond's peaceful ambiance offers a conducive environment for magnet fishing expeditions, where valuables from bygone eras may await discovery.

Mystic River

The Mystic River provides magnet fishing enthusiasts with an exhilarating blend of scenic beauty and potential finds. Besides being home to striped bass and bluefish, this river holds the promise of unearthing coins, jewelry, anchors, and other intriguing items that could unveil captivating stories from centuries past.

Housatonic River

Renowned for its scenic beauty and considerable history, the Housatonic River boasts an abundance of metal objects that have been discarded or lost over the years. This makes it an enticing location for magnet fishers seeking a mix of historical significance and unexpected surprises hidden within its depths.

Lake Zoar

Lake Zoar's reputation as a hotspot for largemouth bass and northern pike fishing also extends to magnet fishing endeavors. Enthusiasts scouring its waters may chance upon intriguing historical artifacts and modern-day items that have found their way to the lakebed over time.

Lake Lillinonah

Lake Lillinonah is a beautiful lake located in western Connecticut and is a popular spot for magnet fishing. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including bass and trout, and is a great location for fishing enthusiasts. Magnet fishers have reported finding various metal objects, including old coins and tools, while fishing in the area.

Quaddick Reservoir

The Quaddick Reservoir is located in northeastern Connecticut and is a great location for magnet fishing. The reservoir is a popular fishing destination and is home to various fish species, including bass and trout. Magnet fishers have reported finding various metal objects, including old coins and tools, while fishing in the area.

Shetucket River

Shetucket River boasts an extensive range of fish species along with the promise of finding old coins and tools. This presents magnet fishers with an exciting opportunity to engage with both natural beauty and the thrill of discovering historical items that may have been lost or discarded over time.

Thames River

The Thames River is another popular spot for magnet fishing in Connecticut. It is a large tidal river that runs through southeastern Connecticut and is home to various fish species, including striped bass and bluefish. Magnet fishers have reported finding interesting items in the river, including old coins, jewelry, and even old anchors.

Connecticut Magnet Fishing Laws & Regulations


In Connecticut, there are laws and regulations regarding magnet fishing. It is illegal to remove objects or artifacts or conduct archaeological research on state and municipal lands. If you discover a historical artifact while magnet fishing in Connecticut, you must report it to the appropriate authorities. Additionally, you need permission from the landowner before magnet fishing on private property in Connecticut.


Be sure to read our post on  What to Do If You Find a Gun Magnet Fishing  for guidance on legal, safety, and ethical implications.

Here are some magnet fishing finds in Connecticut.

  • Fishing Gear: Given Connecticut's popularity for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, hooks, sinkers, and fishing knives are commonly found.
  • Coins: Various kinds of coins, from modern day to potentially historical, are often discovered.--Bicycles: Especially in urban and suburban areas, bikes that have been lost, stolen, or discarded end up in waterways.
  • Metal Scraps: As is common in many locations, screws, nails, and other pieces of scrap metal are frequent finds.
  • Vehicle Parts: Hubcaps, license plates, and smaller car parts can often be found, particularly in areas close to roads or parking lots.
  • Colonial Artifacts: Given Connecticut's long history, some magnet fishers have found colonial-era items like buckles, buttons, and old tools.
  • Firearms: There have been instances where handguns or rifles have been pulled from waterways. These are generally reported to the police, as they could be linked to criminal activities.
  • Maritime Items: Given its coastal areas, items like anchors, marine fittings, and even old ship parts can be found.
  • Safes and Lockboxes: These can sometimes contain valuables or personal items and are often reported to authorities.
  • Historical Signs and Markers: Old signs made of metal, possibly pointing to historical locations or milestones, have been reported as well.


In summary, Connecticut's diverse landscapes and rich history make it a magnet fishing paradise, offering a variety of environments ripe for exploration. From the serene Farmington River, ideal for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike, to the expansive Bantam Lake, where myriad treasures await beneath the surface, each location presents unique opportunities and discoveries. Pachaug Pond beckons with its tranquil waters and hidden valuables, while the historic Mystic River challenges magnet fishers to uncover relics of the past.


Moreover, the picturesque Housatonic River and abundant Lake Zoar provide fertile hunting grounds for those seeking to combine the thrill of discovery with scenic beauty. Connecticut's state parks, such as Devil's Hopyard, offer less-trodden paths where magnet fishing can yield unexpected historical artifacts, providing a glimpse into the area's storied past.


As we delve into the art of magnet fishing, it's crucial to remember the importance of respecting local regulations and the environment to ensure a sustainable and enjoyable experience for all. Our website is dedicated to guiding you through the best practices and prime locations for magnet fishing in Connecticut, ensuring you're well-prepared for your next adventure.


Whether you're drawn to the allure of historical finds or the tranquility of nature, Connecticut's waterways are waiting to reveal their hidden treasures. With each expedition, you contribute to the tapestry of stories woven through the state's history, adding your own discoveries to the rich legacy of Connecticut's waterways. So grab your gear, respect the environment, and embark on a journey of exploration and discovery in the Magnet Fishing Mecca of Connecticut.


Checkout our reviewed selection of magnet fishing gear to get outfitted for your next trip, or our guides on the  best magnets  and  best magnet fishing kits  to make your adventure one to remember. Also take a look at the Found Treasure page to see some of the interesting magnet fishing finds across the country. Remember  safety first  and to properly  dispose  of what you don't keep.

Magnet fishing clubs in Connecticut

Club Name Description Club URL
Alabama Magnet Fishing Public Facebook group based in Hoover, AL. Mainly serves as a platform for sharing finds and locations. https://facebook.com/groups/AlabamaMagnetFishing
Birmingham Metro Magnet Fishers Private Facebook group for Birmingham, AL area. Focuses on responsible magnet fishing and environmental cleanup. https://facebook.com/groups/BirminghamMetroMagnetFishers

Do you know of a Magnet Fishing club or group in Connecticut not listed here? Please share with us to keep this list up to date.

  • Is a permit required for magnet fishing in Connecticut?

    In Connecticut, a permit is not required for magnet fishing in most bodies of water. However, it's always a good idea to check with the local authorities before you go magnet fishing to ensure that you're not breaking any laws.

  • What is the best magnet size for magnet fishing in Connecticut?

    When it comes to magnet size for magnet fishing in Connecticut, most people recommend using a strong neodymium magnet with a pull force of at least 300 pounds. This will help you pick up heavier items that may be buried in the sediment of the waterway. Check out our guides on the best magnets and magnet fishing kits.

  • What kind of items can be found while magnet fishing in Connecticut?

    While magnet fishing in Connecticut, you can find a wide range of metal objects, including old coins, fishing lures, jewelry, tools, and even old weapons. Some magnet fishers have even reported finding old safes and other large metal objects that have been dumped in the water. However, it's important to note that it's illegal to remove anything that may be considered evidence of a crime, so be sure to report anything suspicious to the local authorities.

Also check out these nearby states New York , Rhode Island , Massachusetts , Vermont , New Hampshire , Maine.

Author: Will Flaiz

Discover the world's hidden treasures through magnet fishing! We're calling all magnet fishing enthusiasts to share their favorite locations for this exciting hobby.


Whether it's a serene river, a bustling city canal, or a secret spot only you know about, your recommendations can help fellow adventurers find their next great find. Share your top magnet fishing locations with us and let's explore the depths together. Your insights could reveal new and exciting places for others to enjoy.


Join our community and let's uncover the hidden gems that lie beneath the water's surface.


Happy exploring!

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