Candlewood Lake (Squantz Cove) Boat Launch
Candlewood Lake (Squantz Cove) Boat Launch
New Fairfield
Note: Candlewood Lake 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
Candlewood Lake – FirstLight, the owner and operator of the Rocky River Pumped Hydro Storage Station, will initiate the deep drawdown season for Candlewood Lake, which includes Squantz Pond, after November 1, 2026, as weather conditions allow. In recent years, the annual drawdown of Candlewood Lake has typically been initiated between December and February, with the exact start date determined by weather patterns and planned maintenance timelines. The trend toward warmer and wetter winter weather, widely attributed to climate change, has and may continue to push the drawdown to this later timeframe. The deep drawdown, executed in consultation with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Candlewood Lake Authority, will be completed with water levels returning to normal summer operating ranges prior to Memorial Day 2027. A deep drawdown is scheduled for this year. The normal summer operating range of the station is from 429.5’-427’, and the deep drawdown will target an elevation of 418’ with a 2’ winter operations pumping and generation range from 418-420’. Due to unknown weather patterns, exact dates and associated lake levels are not available. Homeowners are therefore strongly encouraged to remove their structures, boat lifts, and docks from Candlewood Lake prior to the winter season to prevent ice damage along the shoreline. All work planned to occur along the shoreline requires prior permitting from FirstLight, who can be contacted at www.firstlightpermits.com.
Proposed Improvements to Candlewood Lake State Boat Launch
Draft Design Plan (March 4, 2021)
Public Information Meeting Presentation (March 4, 2021)
Response to Public Comments (August 17, 2021)
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
Candlewood Lake – FirstLight, the owner and operator of the Rocky River Pumped Hydro Storage Station, will initiate the deep drawdown season for Candlewood Lake, which includes Squantz Pond, after November 1, 2026, as weather conditions allow. In recent years, the annual drawdown of Candlewood Lake has typically been initiated between December and February, with the exact start date determined by weather patterns and planned maintenance timelines. The trend toward warmer and wetter winter weather, widely attributed to climate change, has and may continue to push the drawdown to this later timeframe. The deep drawdown, executed in consultation with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Candlewood Lake Authority, will be completed with water levels returning to normal summer operating ranges prior to Memorial Day 2027. A deep drawdown is scheduled for this year. The normal summer operating range of the station is from 429.5’-427’, and the deep drawdown will target an elevation of 418’ with a 2’ winter operations pumping and generation range from 418-420’. Due to unknown weather patterns, exact dates and associated lake levels are not available. Homeowners are therefore strongly encouraged to remove their structures, boat lifts, and docks from Candlewood Lake prior to the winter season to prevent ice damage along the shoreline. All work planned to occur along the shoreline requires prior permitting from FirstLight, who can be contacted at www.firstlightpermits.com.
Proposed Improvements to Candlewood Lake State Boat Launch
Draft Design Plan (March 4, 2021)
Public Information Meeting Presentation (March 4, 2021)
Response to Public Comments (August 17, 2021)
Site Sketch of the Candlewood Lake Boat Launch
| Type: | Trailered |
|---|---|
| Season: | Year round |
| Address: | Old Bogus Road, New Fairfield |
| Directions: | Located in Squantz Cove just east off Rte. 39 south off State Park main entrance. |
| Lake Area: | 5,064 Acres |
| Regulations: | Slow-No-Wake in Lattins Cove from the south end north 2,500 feet, and within the area of Squantz Cove from the causeway southeasterly for 2,500 feet. 45 MPH daytime limit, 25 MPH limit 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise. M.S.D. (toilet) on vessels shall not be capable of overboard discharge. |
| Fishing Regulations: | Freshwater Fishing Guide (ct.gov) |
| Docks: | None |
| Toilets: | Chemical & Flush (Seasonal) |
| Parking Spaces: | 75 |
| Parking Surface: | Grass/Gravel |
| Access Road Surface: | Paved/Gravel |
| Ramp Surface: | Concrete Slab |
| ADA Accessible: | No |
| Additional Info: | Schedule of Marine Events and Fishing Tournaments (ct.gov), (Note: tournaments are not open to the general public) |
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Entrance
Access Road
Turning Area
Ramp
Parking
Content Last Updated September 15, 2026.