Wood Creek Pond is a recreational treasure located a few minutes from the center of town at 428 Ashpohtag Road just off Rte. 272. Many consider it to be one of Connecticut's hidden gems that the organizers of WIN enjoy sharing. This summer, WIN guests are invited to join expert fisherman Doug McDevitt on Saturday, August 5, from 9 to 11 a.m., and from noon to 2 p.m., and on Sunday, August 6, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Wood Creek Pond, if they want to sharpen their fly-fishing skills. He will demonstrate the art of casting and share many tips and tricks for successful fly fishing. Five lucky participants per session will "suit up" with loaned equipment courtesy of Orvis's store in Avon for an in-depth experience. This event is sure to please fish enthusiasts of all ages and levels. For a WIN calendar of events click here.
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| Cast Away @ Wood Creek Pond |
When visiting Wood Creek Pond, many visitors are struck by its unspoiled natural beauty. The shoreline is lined with a mixture of hardwood and evergreen trees that are punctuated with Mountain Laurel, the showy powder-pink blossom that is the State Flower which blooms in May and June. Standing on the shoreline of the pond it is so quiet. Most of the time, the only sounds you hear come from your surroundings. A turtle basks in the sun on a rock, a chipmunk darts among the thickets near the shoreline, a majestic Great Blue Heron stalks fish in the shallows, and a chorus of birds serenade you, this is nature at its best.
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| Beautiful any time of year |
Wood Creek Pond is also considered to be a birding hot spot where more than 103 species have been observed including Bald Eagles, Broad-winged Hawks, and Red -Tail Hawks. There are common sightings of Red-winged Blackbirds, American Redstart, Yellow Warblers, Canada Geese, Mallards, Barn Swallows, Black-throated Green Warblers, Cedar Waxwing, Ruby-crowned Kinglets, and Common Merganser, among many others. How amazing is that! The most rewarding thing about birding at Wood Creek Pond is that you never know what might fly by --- so, it is always best to get your camera ready!
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| Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife |
In addition to fishing, another favorite pastime is canoeing and kayaking because Wood Creek is small enough to explore in a couple of hours and diverse enough to be interesting. The water is clean and cold, and so clear that most of the time you can see right down to the bottom and watch as fish frolic - think of it as an all-natural aquarium! Paddling is a good way to get up close to see things that you wouldn't see otherwise on the distant shoreline. You may catch a glimpse of a muskrat or beavers "literally" busy constructing their dams. There are vast patches of water lilies and old tree stumps that rise out of the shallow water that add dimension and interest to this beautiful natural setting.
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| A golden carpet of waterlilies |
For fishermen, Wood Creek Pond is paradise. Its cold spring water is teaming with Large Mouth Bass, Brown Bullheads, Yellow Perch, Chain Pickerel, and Blue Gills. There is some shoreline fly-fishing, but canoeing is the best way to explore this pond. Much of it is quite shallow although there is a deep channel between the island once you clear the boat launch area. For information on fishing licenses including one-day fishing licenses click here
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| Nurtured by Nature in Norfolk |
Wood Creek Pond offers something special every season. During the spring watch nature renew with ephemeral flowers and the first green leaves of the season. Summer is bountiful and ideal for bird watching, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Autumn is simply spectacular with the fall colors reflected in the pond's clear waters. Winter snow frosts the landscape and the ice on the pond make it perfect for ice fishing and skating. Whatever season you choose, you will feel nurtured by nature in Norfolk.
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