Town(s):
Bridgewater CT, Brookfield CT, Newtown CT, New Milford CT, Roxbury CT, Southbury CT
County:
Fairfield, Litchfield, New Haven
Size:
1547
acres
Average Depth:
44
feet
Maximum Depth:
90
feet
Boating Allowed:
Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats, Jet-skis, State & Local Rules & Regulations Apply
Swimming:
Unknown
The Lake Lillinonah is an impoundment of the Housatonic River, created in 1955 by construction of the Shepaug dam. In addition to the Housatonic River, this dam impounded the southern end of the Shepaug River Creating what is commonly called the Shepaug arm. Lillinonah is a long, narrow impoundment that has retained riverine characteristics. The dam is owned by Northeast Utilities and operated as a hydroelectric generating station. Therefore, the lake is subject to water- level fluctuations. The watershed is 890,433 acres encompassing the Housatonic River watershed. The land surrounding this impoundment is mostly wooded with light residential development. In addition to the Housatonic and Shepaug Rivers, Lillinonah is fed by numerous small streams and brooks. Much of the shoreline is wooded and very steep- sided. Paugussett State Forest encompasses 2.8 miles of the western shore opposite the mouth of the Shepaug River. There are a moderate number of homes along its shores; however, most are set back from the water’s edge.
The transparency of the lake is turbid with visibility of 5 ft. in the summer, but varies with location. The bottom of the lake consists of rocky ledge, sand, gravel, cobble or mud, depending on area. The fishing should be good for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and carp; fair to good for yellow perch, white perch and crappie; and fair for sunfish and catfish. Panfish are plentiful, but large ones are uncommon. Trophy- sized pike are occasionally caught.
Water Quality:
No Known Issues, Town/State Monitoring
Vegetation Growth:
Unknown
Non-native Species:
Unknown
Fishing Comments:
Should be good for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and carp; fair to good for yellow pearch, white pearch and crappie; and fair for sunfish and catfish.
Fish Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Yellow Perch, White Perch, White Catfish, Brown Bullhead, Yellow Bullhead, Sunfish, Bluegill, White Sucker
Boat Access:
Access for Power and Non-power Boats
Ramp Comments:
There are two state-owned boat launches on the lake. One is on the northeastern shore (Steel Bridge) and the other is on the western shore (Pond Brook). Facilities at each site include a paved ramp suitable for most boats, parking for 50 to 60 cars with trailers, and chemical toilets (seasonal). A parking fee is charges on weekend and holidays at both sites from the third Saturday in April through Columbus Day.
Steel Bridge - Exit 9 off I-82, Rte. 25 north, Rte. 133 east, right into the launch area after crossing bridge over the lake. Pond Brook- Exit 9 off I-84, Rte. 25 north, Rte. 133 east, right on Obtuse Rocks Rd. just before the Rte. 133 bridge in Brookfield, and launch is the first left after passing Hanover Rd. in Newton.
Parking Spaces:
More than 40
Shoreline Development:
50-75%
