Candlewood Lake

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Candlewood Lake

Town(s): Brookfield CT, Danbury CT, New Fairfield CT, New Milford CT, Sherman CT
County: Fairfield, Litchfield

Size: 5064 acres
Average Depth: 33 feet
Maximum Depth: 89 feet

Boating Allowed: Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Power Boats, Jet-skis, State & Local Rules & Regulations Apply
Swimming: Swimming Allowed, No Restrictions

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Candlewood Lake is located in the towns of Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford and Sherman. It is in the Housatonic River Drainage Basin and is the largest lake in the state. A 90 ft. dam was built in 1923, flooding in the former Rocky River Basin, to create a pumped storage hydroelectric facility. Water is pumped in from the Housatonic River and drawn out via a penstock at the lake’s northern end to generate power. The watershed is 25,907 acres of mostly undeveloped woods and wetland with moderate amounts of urban and residential development and some agricultural land. In addition to the Housatonic River, Candlewood is fed by Sawmill Brook, Squantz Pond, Ball Pond Brook and several other small brooks. The only outflow is to the Housatonic River through the power station at the northern end.

The transparency of the lake is fair to clear and has a visibility of 8-11 ft. in summer. The bottom of the lake varies from sand, gravel and cobble in shallow areas and muck in deep water. Fishing should be excellent for largemouth and smallmouth bass, good to excellent for trout and fair for other fish species. This is one of the nest lakes in the state to catch large holdover brown trout.

Water Quality: No Known Issues, Town/State Monitoring
Vegetation Growth: Unknown
Non-native Species: Unknown

Fishing Comments: Should be excellent for largemouth and smallmouth bass, good to excellent for trout and fair for other fish species. This is one of the best lake in the state to catch large holdover brown trout.
Fish Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, White Perch, White Catfish, Brown Bullhead, Yellow Bullhead, Sunfish, Bluegill

Boat Access: Access for Power and Non-power Boats
Ramp Comments: There are two state-owned boat launches on the lake. Both ramps are in excellent condition, and a parking fee is charged on weekend and holidays from the third Saturday in April through Columbus Day. Facilities at the launch include a ramp with concrete slabs, parking for 100 cars and chemical toilets (seasonal). Shallow launch conditions at times. To get to the ramp take Exit 7 off I-84, Rte. 7 north for 1 mile, north on Candlewood Lake Rd., left (west) on Nabby Rd. for 0.75 miles, left on Forty Acre Rd., launch is on right. The ramp is located across the street from Squantz Pons State Park. Facilities at the park include boating, fishing, hiking, concessions, picnicking, and swimming. The park is located off if I-84 exit 6. Rte. 37 north, Rte. 39 north for 3.8 miles to state park entrance on right.
Parking Spaces: More than 40

Shoreline Development: 50-75%