Town(s):
Colchester CT, East Haddam CT
County:
Middlesex, New London
Size:
82
acres
Average Depth:
6
feet
Maximum Depth:
10
feet
Boating Allowed:
Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats, Jet-skis
Swimming:
Swimming Allowed, No Restrictions
Pickerel Lake is located in the towns of Colchester and East Haddam and is an artificial impoundment in the Connecticut River Drainage Basin. It was originally created for industrial use. The dam is now owned by the State. The watershed is 801 acres of mostly woods and wetland with low-density residential development. The lake is fed by two small wetland brooks, bottom springs and surface runoff. It drains southward into Pickerel Lake Brook, , which feeds into Moodus Reservoir. The eastern shore is completely developed with residences, whereas the western shore is wooded with a few residences set back from the shoreline.
The transparency of the lake is relatively clear with visibility to the bottom. The bottom of the lake consists of organic muck with scattered areas of sand, gravel and coarse boulders. The fishing in the lake should be excellent for largemouth bass and fair to good for pickerel, crappie and sunfish. Extensive submerging vegetation makes fishing difficult during the summer.
Water Quality:
Treated Annually, No Known Issues
Vegetation Growth:
Unknown
Non-native Species:
Unknown
Fishing Comments:
Should be excellent for largemouth bass.
Fish Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Brown Bullhead, Sunfish, Bluegill, Golden Shiner, American Eel
Boat Access:
Access for Power and Non-power Boats
Ramp Comments:
A state-owned boat launch is located on the northern shore. Facilities include a paved ramp, parking for 10 cars, and chemical toilets (seasonal).
From Rte. 16, Rte. 149 south for 200 yards, right on Pickerel Lake Rd., launch is 1.5 miles on left.
Parking Spaces:
Less than 10
Shoreline Development:
25-50%
