Shenipsit Lake Reservoir Recreation Program To Open For 2023 Season

TOLLAND, CT — The Connecticut Water Company, the Shenipsit Lake Association and the towns of Ellington, Tolland and Vernon Thursday announced that the 2023 Shenipsit Lake Reservoir recreation program will open at sunrise on Saturday, April 8, for the 2023 season.

Here is the rundown:

Recreation is allowed under a permit granted to Connecticut Water from the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), which provides for approved recreational opportunities with measures to protect the public drinking water source. Hiking is permitted year-round while fishing activities are allowed annually from the second weekend in April to October 31st. Shenipsit Lake Reservoir is a public drinking water supply and there are precautions in place to ensure the continuous protection and quality of the water supply source.

The 2023 program features fishing from designated shoreline areas, fishing from boats registered and stored at the boat storage area, and hiking. Fishing from boats is available to property owners along the shoreline of the Shenipsit Lake Reservoir and for those who have boats stored at the boat storage area. There are 42 slots in the boat storage area that will be assigned on a first-come, first-served basis through an online registration process.

“In 2022, more than 10,200 people took advantage of the Shenipsit Lake Reservoir recreation program,” stated Craig J. Patla, president of Connecticut Water. “We are pleased to offer this program again in 2023. For nearly 30 years this program has provided access to a great natural resource for recreation while still preserving the quality of the public drinking water supply.”

Mayor Daniel Champagne of Vernon stated, “We are pleased that this valuable resource will be open to the public for hiking and fishing, as well as for fishing from boats in 2023. We are also pleased that residents of the three communities that surround the lake have priority for some of the boat storage slots.”

First Selectman Lori Spielman of Ellington stated, “Outdoor recreation is vital to our community. It is one of the many reasons that this is a great place to live and work. I encourage the residents of Ellington and those in nearby communities to take advantage of this natural gem. Fishing and hiking can be enjoyed by young and old alike, and these activities help us manage the stress in our daily lives, and appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us.”

Tolland Town Manager Brian Foley stated, “We are fortunate to have this beautiful natural resource within our communities. Having these recreation programs functioning while also protecting our drinking water provides great balance and utilization of this lake which we all benefit from. Thank you to all those who make it possible.”

Those who wish to have their boat at the boat storage area, located at 95 Ellington Road in Tolland, will need to register their boats through an online process. Paper registration forms will not be accepted. The registrations will be on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Saturday, March 25, at noon. The link for boat registration can be found at www.ctwater.com/shenipsit.

The initial registration will close at midnight on March 26, and the 42 slots will be assigned. All registrants will be notified of the status of their registration request on March 29, and further instructions will be provided for those who received a boat slot. People are encouraged to continue to apply online, as a waiting list will be maintained for those who do not initially receive a slip — if openings become available. Those receiving a boat slip will have an opportunity to deliver their boat to their slip beginning Saturday, April 1.

The registration process provides an equal opportunity for residents of the three communities of Ellington, Tolland and Vernon, with 30 boat slots designated for the residents of those towns. In addition, there are 4 slots available to members of the Shenipsit Lake Association, and the remainder of the slots are available to those living both in and beyond Shenipsit Lake border towns.

Additional information on the recreation program is available at www.ctwater.com/shenipsit.

If you are interested in becoming a Lake Monitor, or have questions about the recreation program, please send an email to Shenipsitlake@ctwater.com.