2019 Shenipsit Lake Reservoir Recreation Program Set To Open

TOLLAND, CT — The Shenipsit Lake Reservoir Recreation Program, a unique partnership between Connecticut Water and the Shenipsit Lake Association, is scheduled to open for the 2019 fishing season on April 13.

Free fishing and hiking are available through the program at Connecticut Water’s Shenipsit Lake Reservoir, located in parts of Ellington, Tolland and Vernon. Connecticut Water pays for the entire program, which is free to the public. The Shenipsit Lake Association monitors daily activities. This is the program’s 25th anniversary.

Fishing

Fishing is permitted from designated shoreline areas or from oar- or electric-powered boats that are stored at the designated boat storage area. There are 46 boat storage spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Boat Registration

Lake Association representatives will begin issuing boat slips at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, at the Park and Ride Lot on Reservoir Road, near Exit 67 off I-84 in Vernon. The first 46 people in line will be assigned a spot for their boat. If snow or ice is forecast, the registration might be rescheduled to Sunday, April 7, at 7 a.m. Any changes to the schedule will be posted to Connecticut Water’s website at www.ctwater.com.

Hiking

The hiking trail is open year-round, from sunrise to sunset. The portion of the trail parallel to Shenipsit Lake Road in Tolland is an old railroad bed that is maintained by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association as a Blue-Blazed Trail. Existing town roads make up the rest of the trail.

Public Water Supply Source

Shenipsit Lake Reservoir is a public water supply source that has been opened for the Department of Public Health-approved recreation program since 1994. The reservoir is an important source of water supply for Connecticut Water’s system that serves nearly 100,000 people in north central Connecticut.

"We take great measures to protect public drinking water supplies and our watershed areas as part of our commitment to environmental stewardship," said Jessica Demar, Connecticut Water’s environmental and regulatory compliance coordinator. "To our knowledge, this is the only recreation program on a public water supply reservoir in the state of Connecticut that does not require a fee-based permit."

"We are all very fortunate to have access to these resources. Not only does the lake provide some of the best fishing in the state, but it also offers several miles of trails that everyone can enjoy," Shenipsit Lake Association President Shawn LaForest said.

For more information, contact Connecticut Water at 800-286-5700 or visit www.ctwater.com/community/serving-communities for more information about the Shenipsit Lake Reservoir Recreation Program.