Recreation
Boating | Swimming & Beaches | Fishing | Camping | Other Activities
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Boating on Lake Waramaug presents many opportunities for fun and relaxation, but also poses the biggest threat for the introduction of invasive weeds, as well as potential safety issues.
Boat Launch
Under Connecticut Law, boaters must inspect their vessel for vegetation and properly remove and dispose of any vegetation before transporting the vessel; violations are subject to fines. To reinforce this law, the launching of boats on Lake Waramaug is restricted, and the Town of Washington passed a boat inspection ordinance.
The Lake Waramaug Agreement
An agreement between the three towns and the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection was signed in September 2004, following near unanimous approvals at town meetings. Major elements of the agreement include:
- No state boat launch will be built at the Lake. (For background, the State proposed an 85 motorboat facility at the State Park in 1995.)
- The sole public motorboat access to the Lake will be the Washington Town Ramp.
- Environmental inspection will be required for all motorboats entering the Lake at the Washington Boat Ramp.
- Washington Boat Ramp will be reconstructed to improve safety, access and parking.
- A maximum of 20 non-resident motorboats (13 from campers at the state park and 7 day boaters) will be allowed on the Lake at any one time. Thirteen non-resident motorboats operated by campers actually residing at the State Park Campground for at least two nights may be admitted through the Washington Launch with appropriate documentation from the State Park and upon payment of the required fees.
- The fee for the Washington Launch season pass is $25.00 plus a boat inspection fee of $5.00.
The agreement provides that car-top boats (12 HP engine maximum, which can be carried on top of a car or in an van or pickup truck and can be unloaded by not more than two people) can be launched from either the State Park or the Washington Boat Launch after they have been inspected for environmental fitness to enter the Lake. Such inspections are presently performed at the Washington Boat Launch during its scheduled hours (see below). Until alternate arrangements for inspections are in place for off-schedule hours, operators of car-top boats launching at such times should inspect their boats carefully for any plant or animal material from other lakes or rivers before launching, and dispose of any such material AWAY from the lake.
All other motorboats, including jet skis, must be launched from Washington Boat ramp, which incorporates an inspection for dangerous plants or other material with each launch. The ramp is located on Route 45 near the Washington town beach at the southeast corner of the Lake.
Boat Launch Hours for 2008 will be posted at the launch site and are subject to change:
April 19 - June 20
Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday* and Memorial Day: 6 to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to Sunset
June 21 - September 1 (Labor Day)
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 6 to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to Sunset
7 days a week during Beach Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
September 2 - October 26
Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Columbus day: 6 to 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to Sunset
* Wednesday hours will not begin until completion of the boat launch reconstruction in late May or early June, 2008. Call the Washington Selectmen's office at 860-868-2259 for the latest information.
A season pass is $25 with a boat inspection fee of $5.00; proof of residency in one of the 3 towns is required. Permits may be purchased at the boat launch during the above hours.
Do not launch boats from any other location! For further information about the Washington Boat Launch contact Washington Parks and Recreation at 860-868-1519 .
Safe Boating
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Connecticut law requires that all boats with motors -- regardless of size -- and sailboats powered by sail alone, 19 1/2 feet or longer, be registered and numbered before launching. If you purchase a boat that is currently registered, you are responsible for seeing that it is registered in your name. All vessels must be registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Evidence of ownership must be submitted at the time of registration. Upon receipt of the application and fee, an identification number will be assigned and a certificate of number/registration will be issued along with two validation decals. The registration will be valid until April 30 of the following year. Connecticut vessel numbers stay with the boat as long as it is registered in the state. Normally you will receive a registration renewal from DMV early in the calendar year. If you do not register the boat for a year, you will not receive another renewal notice and you must go to a DMV office to renew your registration.
Please practice safe and courteous boating. Connecticut boating regulations include:
- Operation of a vessel at a speed in excess of "slow-no-wake" speed is illegal within 100 feet of a boat, and 200 feet of personal watercraft, shore, docks, floats or moored or anchored vessels.
- Operate vessel only at minimum speed necessary to maintain steerage when within 100 feet of a marked swimming area.
- Ensure you have a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) of the appropriate size for every person on board; and every child under 12 is wearing a PFD.
- A spotter, who is at least 12 years old, is required when towing waterskiers, tubes, wakeboards, etc.
- To maximize enjoyment of the Lake for everyone please be aware of swimmers, kayakers, canoers and rowers and try to maintain distance and minimize your wake which may destabilize them.
- Be aware of swimmers far from shore who may be difficult to see.
- Minimize noise on the Lake in the early morning and at night.
- Violators may be fined.
Swimmers should remain close to shore and in marked swimming areas. IT CAN BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR MOTOR BOATS TO SPOT SWIMMERS. If you plan to swim further from shore, have a spotter boat accompany you to divert other watercraft.
Access to the Lake is available at the Lake Waramaug State Park at the northwest end of the Lake, and, for residents of Warren and Washington with the appropriate permits, at their respective Town Beaches. These locations provide opportunities for swimming, picnics, non-motorized boating.
Warren Town Beach
The beach is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to Warren residents, taxpayers, and their guests. Vehicles owned or leased by property owners or renters are eligible for beach stickers which must be affixed to the windshield side of the rearview mirror. Stickers will be checked by gate attendant. Cars without stickers will not be admitted! No Exceptions!
Warren Parks and Recreation posts a full set of rules about the use of the beach, and how to obtain a vehicle beach sticker.
Washington Town Beach
The beach is available to all residents and taxpayers of the Town of Washington. Permits allow use of the picnic and swim area, and are available at the beach. For more information contact Washington Parks and Recreation 860-868-1519.
 Illustrations by Joseph Tomelleri from the State Angler's Guide |
A license is needed for anglers over age 16, and can be purchased at all Town Halls and selected vendors. The CT DEP's website lists license type, fees and where to obtain them. The DEP also offers extensive information about fishing in Connecticut in their "2008 Connecticut Angler's Guide."
Species of fish found in Lake Waramaug include large mouth bass, small mouth bass, chain pickerel, yellow perch, brown bullhead and sunfish.
Follow DEP guidelines for being a responsible angler:
- Respect private property
- Do not cast onto docks or into swim areas (when in doubt cast elsewhere)
- Ask permission before fishing from shore or wading on private property
- Don't litter, don't pollute
- Keep your boat & motor properly maintianed
- Retrieve all lures & gear
- Don't release live bait
- Leave your fishing area cleaner than you found it!
- Be a safe boater
- Obey boating regulations and check your safety gear frequently
- Be a good neighbor
- Treat fellow anglers, other recreational users and property owners with courtesy
- Always be willing to share both the resource and your knowledge
- Completely drain all water from the boat.
- Inspect your boat trailer and equipment: remove and discard all aquatic plants and animals you may have picked up while on the water.
- Do not dump your bait bucket or release live bait. Avoid introducing unwanted plants and animals. Unless your bait was obtained on site, dispose of it in a suitable trash container.
- Do not transport fish, other animals or plants between water bodies. Release caught fish, other animals and plants only into the waters from which they came.
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- Canoe and kayak rentals are available. Follow canoe & kayak safety rules.
- Lake Waramaug is included in the Connecticut state bike map, shown at right. Roads around the lake are narrow, so when biking, remain in single file to maximize safety for all road users. Parking is available at the State Park or with appropriate permits, at the town beaches.
- In addition to walking along the Lake, one can hike to the Pinnacle and enjoy a breathtaking view of Lake Waramaug from the Macricostas Preserve, part of the Steep Rock Land Trust. Parking is on Christian Street, off Route 202. A map is posted at the trailhead, and maps can be purchased from the Steep Rock office; call 868-9131 for more information.
- For information about organized sports and recreation activities for adults and children, check out:
Warren Parks and Recreation
Washington Parks & Recreation
Kent Parks & Recreation - The Lake Waramaug Triathalon and other competitive events are held throughout the year around and on the lake.
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