Friends of the Lake

Friends of the Lake, Inc.
P.O. Box 403
Bridgewater, CT 06752

Tel: (860) 210-8064
Fax: (860) 210-9894

www.friendsofthelake.org
info@friendsofthelake.org

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About Lake Lillinonah

Lillinonah Is A Hidden Treasure

From its headwaters in the Housatonic River in New Milford, Lake Lillinonah extends 12 miles to the Shepaug Dam, covering 1900 acres to a maximum depth of 110 feet with 45 miles of shoreline, much of it steep hillside that rises 200 feet or more above the water line. Connecticut Light and Power created Lake Lillinonah in 1955 as a source of hydroelectricity and flood control. The dam's 57,000-horsepower turbine drives a 43,000-kilowatt generator in what is Connecticut's newest and largest hydroelectric plant.

Canoe and kayak enthusiasts as well as pleasure boaters, fishermen and water skiers enjoy the lake in the warm months and, if the weather is cold enough, fisherman also dot the ice in the winter.

The lake is a haven for wildlife. Bald Eagles have discovered that the tailrace below the Shepaug Dam is a good source for fish. Some 40 or so of these magnificent birds make Lake Lillinonah their home from November or December until March. The birds may be observed from the CL&P lookout above the dam. Call 800-368-8954 for information.

Lake Lillinonah is also one of Connecticut's premier fishing lakes. The state record for the largest Northern Pike was set there. According to the Connecticut DEP Fisheries Division electro surveys of fish populations, Lake Lillinonah ranks first in the state for Bass growth rates and among the highest in the state for Bass population densities. Walleye were introduced into the lake in the late 1950's, but the stocking program was abandoned when the fish did not reproduce. There is a small population of Northern Pike.

Articles and Downloads

Lake Lillinonah Health Issues
Prepared by George Knocklien, consultant to Lake Lilillinonah Authority
Download 141 PDF
Housatonic River Ranked Among Most Endangered
New York Times - April 14, 2004
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Northwest Conservation District Announces the FOTL Funded Lake Lillinonah 9 Month Study
Learn More
Housatonic River Shoreline Report & Action Plan Summer 2002
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Lillinonah's Leap
The Legend of Lake Lillinonah By David E. Philips
Download 84kb PDF