Lake Lillinonah is located between the boundaries of Bridgewater, Brookfield, New Milford, Newtown, Roxbury and Southbury. Its headwaters being the Housatonic River in New Milford. The lake was formed in 1955 by Connecticut Light and Power for hydroelectricity. The land that was flooded to form Lake Lillinonah was virtually a canyon with extremely steep hills on all sides. These steep hillsides still exist about the water and rise 200 ft or more along the lake. From New Milford the extends 12 miles to the Shepaug Dam; covers 1900 acres; has 45 miles of shoreline; and has a maximum water depth of 110 feet.

The shoreline of Lake Lillinonah is beautifully lined with primarily deciduous forests. Of the 45 miles of shoreline 43 are wooded. Lake Lillinonah is the winter home to as many as 40 Bald Eagles. The eagles have discovered that the tailrace below the Shepaug Dan is a good source for fish and feed here from November to March. The eagles roost along the steep shores of the lake. One of the major roosting areas is the west shore line of the Shepaug River branch on the lake 3 ½ miles from the dam.  For more information about the Eagles on Lake Lillinonah click here. ( link to Eagles Page)

The lake ranks as one of Connecticut’s premier fishing lakes with excellent Bass fishing. The Connecticut state record for Northern Pike was caught in Lake Lillinonah.  Lake Lillinonah ranks first in the state for bass growth rates and among the highest in the state for bass population densities. Lake Lillinonah is a hidden treasure that has become a true asset for the towns adjoining the lake, regional residents, and the state of Connecticut as a whole.

LAKE ACCESS

Access to the Lake Lillinonah is limited. The lake has one active marina at the headwaters of the lake in New Milford. Most boaters who trailer their boat bring fuel. There are two state operated boat launches located three and four miles from the dam and are available to the general public. These boat launches are accessible from route 133. The town of Southbury has an adequate launch for town residents only. The town of Newtown maintains a boat launch ramp and parking area for its residents  on Hanover Road. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department for access information.