Shenipsit Lake

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Shenipsit Lake

Town(s): Ellington CT, Tolland CT, Vernon CT
County: Tolland

Size: 532 acres
Average Depth: 30 feet
Maximum Depth: 68 feet

Boating Allowed: Electric Motor Boats
Boating Comments: Boats entering the water must first be quarantined in the designated storage area for a 48 hour period. This on-site storage is required to protect against zebra mussel contamination in accordance with the DPH permit. Upon completion of the quarantine period a sticker will be issued for the boat. The sticker must be prominently displayed anytime the boat is used on the lake. To maintain the sticker the boat must remain at the on-site storage facility. If the boat is removed to another lake the sticker will be marked void and the boat will need to be quarantined again if it is to be used on the lake. Boats may be only brought ashore at the boat storage facility launch site. All boats registered to the State of Connecticut are required to be numbered and display current registration decals. Anyone boating shall have a valid fishing license, necessary personal floatation devices, and safe boating certificate as required by law.
Swimming: No Swimming Allowed

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Shenipsit Lake is bordered by the three towns of Ellington, Tolland and Vernon Connecticut. The Lake is the home of some of Connecticuts most beautiful wildlife including deer, blue heron, owl and wild turkeys to name a few. A native bald eagle also makes an occassional appearance, perhaps keeping guard over this precious resource. Shenipsit Lake is the property of the Connecticut Water Company, our premier sponsor for the use of the Lake and its surroundings. Without their support and guidance, access to the Lake would not exist and this natural resource could only be enjoyed as a fleeting glimpse while crossing the bridge from Shenipsit Lake Road. Please enjoy Shenipsit Lake, but understand that Shenipsit Lake Reservoir is a public drinking water supply. Special precautionary measures must be taken to ensure the continuous protection and quality of the water supply source. All permitted recreational activities have been approved by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH). Everyone visiting the Lake are asked to observe the terms and conditions of the permit (located at the Boat Launch facility), particularly regarding proper waste disposal and prohibition of contact with the water. There will be a Lake Monitor on-site daily through October 31st as part of the approved program. The Lake Monitor will supervise activities during the permitted hours, sunrise to sunset, to ensure the fishing and trail programs are implemented in accordance with the DPH permit. See our Rules section for a quick summary of what you can and cannot do at Shenipsit Lake.

Shenipsit Lake is located in the towns of Ellington, Tolland and Vernon and is a natural lake within the Connecticut River Drainage Basin. A dam was built on the outlet to supply water for drinking and to run the mills of Rockville. There are a few homes along the northern shore. The transparency of the lake is clear with visibility of 11-13 feet in the summer. The bottom of the lake consists of sand, gravel, boulders, ledge and mud. The fishing should be fair to good for crappie and white perch; and fair for trout ( with a chance for a holdover), bass and rock bass.

Water Quality: No Known Issues
Vegetation Growth: Unknown
Non-native Species: Unknown

Fishing Comments: Should be fair to good for crappie and white perch. Fishing is allowed along designated areas of the shoreline or by boats powered by oars or electric motors from sunrise to sunset each day during the permitted program period. All persons 16 years of age and older must possess a valid Connecticut fishing license. Those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult with a valid fishing license. Wading into the lake is strictly prohibited.
Fish Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, White Perch, Brown Bullhead, Sunfish, Bluegill

Boat Access: Primarily Car-top boats & Canoes
Ramp Comments: There is no state-owned access on the lake; however, a limited number of rowboats are available to the public from the Connecticut Water Co., and the Shenipsit Lake Association operates a boat storage facility for members on the northern shore. Contact the Lake Association for additional information. From Rte. 74, take Rte. 83 north for 2.3 miles, right on Snipsic Lake Rd. for 1.6 miles, access is on the right.
Parking Spaces: Less than 10

Shoreline Development: 50-75%