Rules and Regulations

Violation of any of the rules or committing any other act that degrades water quality may result in revocation of the privilege to use these facilities and could jeopardize the continuation of the recreation program permit. Violation of federal, state, and local laws may result in arrest and prosecution.

Fishing
Fishing is allowed along designated areas of the shoreline or by boats powered by oars or electric motors from sunrise to sunset each day during the permitted program period. All persons 16 years of age and older must possess a valid Connecticut fishing license. Those under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult with a valid fishing license. Wading into the lake is strictly prohibited.

Boats
Boats entering the water must first be quarantined in the designated storage area for a 48 hour period. This on-site storage is required to protect against zebra mussel contamination in accordance with the DPH permit. Upon completion of the quarantine period a sticker will be issued for the boat. The sticker must be prominently displayed anytime the boat is used on the lake. To maintain the sticker the boat must remain at the on-site storage facility. If the boat is removed to another lake the sticker will be marked void and the boat will need to be quarantined again if it is to be used on the lake. Boats may be only brought ashore at the boat storage facility launch site.
All boats registered to the State of Connecticut are required to be numbered and display current registration decals. Anyone boating shall have a valid fishing license, necessary personal floatation devices, and safe boating certificate as required by law.

Hiking
The hiking trail will be open from sunrise to sunset daily during the permitted period. A considerable portion of the trail along the old railroad grade and on the existing roadway in Tolland and the northwest shore of Ellington provides a lake view walk. The trail encompasses a minimum of hill climbing but is not suitable to qualify for handicap access. Entrances to the trail are accessible from auto accessible roads.
Hikers are to limit their activities to the designated areas on town or the Connecticut Water Company property as indicated by the signage along the trail. Trespassing beyond the trail or onto private property is prohibited.

General Information
Sanitary facilities and trash receptacles are provide in designated locations. Participants should use these facilities and report any problems or violations of the permit regulations to the SLA Lake Monitor.

Permit Conditions
The DPH permit allows for fishing and hiking in accordance with the terms of the approved permit.

The following activities are strictly prohibited at the Shenipsit Lake Reservoir at all times during the year.

• Kayaks/sculls
• Inflatable crafts
• Paddle boats
• Swimming
• Wading or bodily contact with the water
• Littering
• Fires
• Camping
• Disposal or discharging of wastes or other substances into the water
• Alcoholic beverages
• Cleaning of fish
• Hunting or trapping
• Motor bike, snowmobiles, motorized vessels or vehicles of any type except boats propelled by electric motors or oars
• Removal of trees, shrubs, flowers, or other vegetation
• Vendors
• Carrying or discharging of firearms or dangerous weapons
• Overnight parking
• Bicycles on Ct. Water Co. property
• Horses on Ct. Water Co. property
• Activities of any kind on the frozen reservoir and its tributaries including ice fishing
• Fishing within the buoyed areas around the aerators and the intake channel to the spillway and intake to the Ct. Water's treatment plant
• Pets, except on trail where they are permitted if restrained on a leash and controlled by the owner
• Smoking on the Connecticut Water Company trail