Lake Lillinonah Boat Launch

Bridgewater

HYDRILLA IS RAPIDLY SPREADING THROUGHOUT CT AND HAS BEEN RECENTLY FOUND IN THIS WATERBODY. It grows quickly and forms dense patches. It can displace native plants, impact fish and wildlife habitat, and interfere with boating, paddling and fishing.

Help Stop the Spread of Hydrilla

Note: Lake Lillinonah is subject to seasonal and periodic water level fluctuations.

When available, additional information will be posted here or contact FirstLight Power Resources (FirstLight), the owner and operator of the Rocky River hydroelectric power station at (888-417-4837) for more information.

September 10, 2026
Lake Lillinonah – Beginning on October 26, 2026, FirstLight will initiate a drawdown of Lake Lillinonah at the Shepaug Dam to conduct its annual maintenance and inspection activities. The normal summer operating range of the station is from 200’-195.5’, and the drawdown will target an elevation of 190.5’. The drawdown will lower lake levels to minimum pond levels and aim to return to normal operating elevations on November 4, 2026, as river conditions allow. All homeowners are encouraged to remove structures, boat lifts, and docks from Lake Lillinonah to prevent ice or flood damage from occurring during the winter months. All work planned to occur along the shoreline requires prior permitting from FirstLight, who can be contacted at www.firstlightpermits.com.

A view from the Lake Lillinonah boat launch.

Site Sketch of the Lake Lillinonah Boat Launch

Type:	Trailered
Season:	Year-round
Address:	199 Main Street South, Bridgewater
Directions:	On north shore of lake on east side of Route 133.
Lake Area:	1,547 Acres
Regulations:	Vessels are prohibited from approaching within 300 feet on upstream side or 1,500 feet on downstream side of Shepaug Dam. Vessels are prohibited from approaching within 300 feet downstream of the Bleachery Dam. 45 MPH limit daytime, 25 MPH from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise.
Fishing Regulations:	Freshwater Fishing Guide (ct.gov)
Docks:	Floating Wood (Seasonal)
Toilets:	Chemical (Seasonal)
Parking Spaces:	50
Parking Surface:	Paved
Access Road Surface:	Paved
Ramp Surface:	Concrete Slab
ADA Accessible: Additional Info:	Yes Schedule of Marine Events and Fishing Tournaments (ct.gov), (Note: tournaments are not open to the general public)