Town(s):
Monroe CT, Newtown CT, Oxford CT, Southbury CT
County:
Fairfield, New Haven
Local Name:
Zoar Lake
Size:
909
acres
Average Depth:
29
feet
Maximum Depth:
72
feet
Boating Allowed:
Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats, Jet-skis, State & Local Rules & Regulations Apply, Horsepower or Speed Restrictions
Swimming:
Swimming Allowed, No Restrictions
Lake Zoar is located in the towns of Monroe, Newtown, Oxford and Southbury and is an impoundment of the Housatonic River created by the Stevenson Dam in Monroe. The dam is owned and operated by Northeast Utilities as a hydroelectric facility. The watershed is 986,420 acres encompassing the Housatonic River drainage. The land surrounding the lake is mostly wooded with limited residential development. Approximately 2.5 miles of the western shore is in Paugusett State Forest and 1.5 miles of the eastern shore is within Kettletown State Forest. There is a moderate residential development in the northern part of the impoundment.
The transparency of the lake is fair with visibility of 7-8 ft. in the summer. The bottom of the lake consists of rock, broken ledge and boulders. The fishing should be fair for bass, white perch, sunfish, eels and catfish. Except to catch a lot of small white perch.
Water Quality:
No Known Issues, Town/State Monitoring
Vegetation Growth:
Unknown
Non-native Species:
Unknown
Fishing Comments:
Should be fair for bass, white perch, sunfish, eels, and catfish. Expect to catch a lot of small white perch.
Fish Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Brown Trout, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, White Catfish, Brown Bullhead, Sunfish, Bluegill, White Sucker, American Eel
Boat Access:
Access for Power and Non-power Boats
Ramp Comments:
A state-owned boat launch is located on the northern end in the Lake Zoar Wildlife Area. Facilities at the launch include a paved ramp, parking for 60 cars, and chemical toilets (seasonal).
To get to the ramp, take Exit 14 off I-84, south on Lakeside Rd. for 1.5 miles, right on Scout Rd., launch is at the end of the road.
Parking Spaces:
More than 40
Shoreline Development:
50-75%
