Squantz Pond Boat Launch
Squantz Pond Boat Launch
New Fairfield
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.
Site Sketch of the Squantz Pond Boat Launch
| Type: | Trailered |
|---|---|
| Season: | Year round |
| Address: | Shortwoods Road, New Fairfield |
| Directions: | Located west off Route 39 in Squantz Pond State Park. |
| Lake Area: | 270 Acres |
| Regulations: | Vessels launching from State boat launch are prohibited from using a motor or combination of motors in excess of 25 HP. Larger motors may be attached but the propeller must be removed and the motor inclined out of the water or as high as possible. No motorized vessels may land or unload passengers or equipment on DEP owned property outside of the launch area. 45 mph daytime limit, 25 mph limit from ½ hour after sunset to ½ 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: | Pit (Year Round) |
| Parking Spaces: | 25 |
| Parking Surface: | Paved |
| Access Road Surface: | Paved |
| Ramp Surface: | Concrete Plank |
| ADA Accessible: | Yes |
| 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 on September 15, 2026.