Gardner Lake Boat Launch

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Gardner Lake Boat Launch

Salem

A 3ft -4ft drawdown will commence on or about November 1, 2024. The drawdown will be managed until March 1, 2025, to restore the normal water surface elevation by early April 2025.

Please note: With any drawdown and refill periods, there are risks that the desired level and refill may not be achieved within the timeframes due to weather events and conditions.

Advisory
An increased risk of an algae bloom has made this area potentially unsafe for water contact.

Be alert and avoid skin contact with water that:

Looks like spilled paint
Has surface scums, mats or films
Is discolored or has colored streaks
Has green globs floating below the surface

Keep children and pets away from algae blooms and rinse off any exposed skin or fur with clean water.

For more information:
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Water/Water-Quality/Blue-Green-Algae-Blooms

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

An aerial view of the Gardner Lake boat launch.

Site Sketch of the Gardner Lake Boat Launch

Type:	Trailered
Season:	Year round
Address:	126 Old Colchester Road, Salem
Directions:	Located east off Route 354 in Salem just north of Route 82.
Lake Area:	529 Acres
Regulations:	6 MPH limit from sunset to 8 am.
Fishing Regulations:	Freshwater Fishing Guide (ct.gov)
Docks:	Fixed Concrete
Toilets:	Chemical (Seasonal)
Parking Spaces:	54
Parking Surface:	Paved
Access Road Surface:	Paved
Ramp Surface:	Concrete Slab
ADA Accessible:	Yes
Additional Info:	Schedule of Marine Events and Fishing Tournaments (ct.gov), (Note: tournaments are not open to the general public)