Town(s):
Union CT
County:
Tolland
Size:
287
acres
Average Depth:
19
feet
Maximum Depth:
38
feet
Boating Allowed:
Kayaks, Canoes, Sail Boats, Electric Motor Boats, Power Boats, State & Local Rules & Regulations Apply
Boating Comments:
No Jet-ski's allowed.
Swimming:
Swimming Allowed, No Restrictions
Mashapaug Lake is located in the town of Union and is a natural lake within the Thames River Drainage Basin. The water level was raised by the construction of three low earthen dams. The watershed is 2,932 acres of mostly undeveloped forested land with some light residential development. The lake is fed by Wells Brook and two small brooks. It normally drains south into Bigelow Brook, which feeds into the Natchaug River . However, a control structure can also allow water to flow north into Hamilton Reservoir and onward into the upper Quinebaug system. The shoreline is mostly wooded with some residences clustered on the northern an western shores.
The transparency of the lake is very clear with visibility of 28 ft. during late summer. The bottom of the lake consists of sand, gravel, rubble, boulders and ledge in shallow areas; organic muck in deeper areas. The fishing should be seasonally excellent for stocked trout; good for bass and sunfish; and fair for other species.
Water Quality:
No Known Issues
Vegetation Growth:
Unknown
Non-native Species:
Unknown
Fishing Comments:
Should be seasonally excellent for stocked trout; good for bas and sunfish.
Fish Species:
Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Yellow Perch, Brown Bullhead, Sunfish, White Sucker
Boat Access:
Access for Power and Non-power Boats
Ramp Comments:
A state-owned boat launch is located within Bigelow Hollow State Park at the southern end of the lake. Facilities at the launch include a ramp with concrete slabs, a concrete bulkhead, parking for 15 cars, disabled fishing access, hiking trails, picnicking and pit-type toilets. Additional parking is available in the park 500 yards from the launch. A parking fee is charged Memorial through Labor Day.
Exit 73 off I-84, Rte. 190 north, right on Rte. 171 south for 1.3 miles, Park entrance is on the left.
Parking Spaces:
21-40
Shoreline Development:
50-75%
