Lake Hayward

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Lake Hayward

Town(s): Colchester CT, East Haddam CT
County: Middlesex, New London

Size: 174 acres
Average Depth: 11 feet
Maximum Depth: 19 feet

Boating Allowed: Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, State & Local Rules & Regulations Apply
Swimming: Swimming Allowed, No Restrictions

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Lake Hayward, once known as Long Pond (by the Indian tribes who inhabited its shores) and then Shaw Lake, is situated just north of Devil's Hopyard State Park in the northeastern corner of East Haddam and is bordered by the towns of Colchester and Salem.


The eastern shore of Lake Hayward boasts beautiful sunsets and a dirt road that is now a designated scenic route. East side residents are not part of an association since all the residents have either waterfront properties or a right-of-way for lake access.


The west side of the lake, which enjoys wonderful sunrises, has four beaches all covered with clean abundant sand to entice the summer residents. The Property Owners Association of Lake Hayward (POALH) is a chartered body democratically governed by the property owners. Annual dues are assessed each year at the annual association meeting and the town assessment is used as a base. Through mandatory membership, owners enjoy the benefits of well-kept beaches, tennis courts, volleyball, basketball and baseball fields, areas to keep boats, a children's playground, garbage pickup, portalets at the beaches and a pavilion which houses many activities.


To add to the serenity of Lake Hayward, many years ago gasoline motorboats were banned, and now one can hear only the hum of little electric motors among the chirping of the Lake's peep frogs. During the summer months many enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating, row boating, and sailing, both in sailboats and on sailboards. During the winter months you will see ice fisherman and ice skaters on the lake with an occasional small fire for winter warmth.

The blend of year-round and summer residences work together, and pride is apparent in the well-maintained properties displayed by the vast majority of seasonal (and year-round) residents. With today's zoning regulations, year-round residences are grandfathered in, but any new seasonal conversion to year-round must be on a minimum of a one-half acre lot. This regulation assures that Lake Hayward will remain a predominately seasonal area. Most year-round residents enjoy the busy summer season when friendships are renewed and summer activities begin. They do, however, also admit to enjoying the end of a season - when traffic diminishes, beaches become empty, kayaks, canoes and sailboats vanish for the winter and daily life becomes just a touch less social.

 

Water Quality: Treated Annually, No Known Issues
Vegetation Growth: Minimal
Non-native Species: Unknown

Fish Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Brown Bullhead, Sunfish, Bluegill, American Eel

Boat Access: Primarily Car-top boats & Canoes
Ramp Comments: A state owned boat launch is located at the northern section of the east side. Facilities include a small paved ramp, parking for approximately 5 cars and chemical toilets (seasonal). This ramp is used for launching of small boats. Public access is restricted to the launch area. Take Route 11, Exit 6, west on Lake Hayward Road, left onto East Shore Drive. Launch is on the right.
Parking Spaces: Less than 10

Shoreline Development: 50-75%