Lake guide · Connecticut
Candlewood Lake marinas, boat rentals, launches and rules
Candlewood Lake touches Danbury, Brookfield, New Fairfield, New Milford, Sherman. Below are 10 boating facts from official sources, each linked to the page it came from, and 18 nearby listings on Marina Radar.
Updated : official sources checked that day. Fee amounts are not listed; where a fee applies we say so. Check the source before you launch.
Candlewood Lake quick answers
Checked against owner websites and CT DEEP.
- Where can I rent a boat on Candlewood Lake?
- Echo Bay Marina in Brookfield (boat rentals and a boat club), Chatterton Marina in New Fairfield (Harris pontoon boat rentals) and Candlewood Kayak Rentals in New Fairfield (kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals at Squantz Pond State Park). Each is taken from the business's own website or the CT DEEP park page. Book directly with the business.
- Where can I rent a pontoon boat on Candlewood Lake?
- Chatterton Marina in New Fairfield lists pontoon rentals on its own website. Call ahead for boats, dates and prices.
- What marinas are on Candlewood Lake?
- Marina Radar lists 6 marinas on Candlewood Lake: Candlewood East Marina (Brookfield), Brookfield Bay Marina (Brookfield), Echo Bay Marina (Brookfield), Pocono Point Marina LLC (Danbury), Gerard's Waters Edge Marina (New Milford) and Chatterton Marina (New Fairfield).
- Where is the public boat launch on Candlewood Lake?
- CT DEEP runs two state launches on Candlewood Lake: the Lattins Cove state boat launch at 8 Forty Acres Mountain Road, Danbury (trailered, 50 parking spaces, open year round) and the Squantz Cove state boat launch at Old Bogus Road, New Fairfield (trailered, 75 parking spaces, open year round). Squantz Pond, which CT DEEP calls a natural lake off Candlewood Lake, has its own Squantz Pond state boat launch at Shortwoods Road, New Fairfield (trailered, 25 parking spaces, motors over 25 HP may not be used from this launch).
- Can I fish on Candlewood Lake?
- Yes. Anglers 16 or older need a Connecticut inland fishing license, which runs for the calendar year, and anglers under 16 need none. The Candlewood Lake Authority says the lake is best known for smallmouth bass. The full license answer is in the questions below.
- Where can I store my boat for the winter near Candlewood Lake?
- 5 businesses in the lake towns say on their own websites that they offer winter storage: Blue Water Marine Service (New Fairfield), Candlewood East Marina (Brookfield), Chatterton Marina (New Fairfield), Echo Bay Marina (Brookfield) and Gerard's Waters Edge Marina (New Milford).
- When is the Candlewood Lake drawdown?
- CT DEEP says FirstLight will start the Candlewood Lake deep drawdown, which includes Squantz Pond, after November 1, 2026, as weather allows. In recent years the drawdown has typically started between December and February, with the exact start date set by weather and planned maintenance, and exact dates and lake levels are not available. The deep drawdown will target 418 feet, with a winter range of 418 to 420 feet, and the lake returns to its summer range before Memorial Day 2027.
Candlewood Lake boat, pontoon and kayak rentals
- Echo Bay Marina Brookfield: boat rentals and a boat club. Source: echobaymarina.com
- Chatterton Marina New Fairfield: Harris pontoon boat rentals. Source: chattertonmarinanf.com
- Candlewood Kayak Rentals New Fairfield: kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals at Squantz Pond State Park. Source: portal.ct.gov
Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond boat launches
- Lattins Cove state boat launch 8 Forty Acres Mountain Road, Danbury: trailered, 50 parking spaces, open year round. Source: portal.ct.gov
- Squantz Pond state boat launch Shortwoods Road, New Fairfield: trailered, 25 parking spaces, motors over 25 HP may not be used from this launch. Source: portal.ct.gov
- Squantz Cove state boat launch Old Bogus Road, New Fairfield: trailered, 75 parking spaces, open year round. Source: portal.ct.gov
CT DEEP says FirstLight will start the Candlewood Lake deep drawdown, which includes Squantz Pond, after November 1, 2026, as weather allows. Source: portal.ct.gov
Winter storage, winterizing and shrink wrap near Candlewood Lake
What are the boating rules on Candlewood Lake?
- Public launches
- CT DEEP Lattins Cove trailered launch, 8 Forty Acres Mountain Road, Danbury; 50 parking spaces.
- Source: portal.ct.gov · “Address: 8 Forty Acres Mountain Road, Danbury”
- Town launches
- Residents of Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford and Sherman can also launch at their own town launch, run by each town's Park and Recreation department. Nonresidents use the state launches at Lattins Cove and Squantz Cove.
- Source: candlewoodlakeauthority.org · “Residents of the five municipalities bordering the Lake (Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, Sherman) can launch boats on Candlewood Lake through their respective Town Launch”
- Speed limits
- 45 mph daytime, 25 mph at night, radar enforced.
- Source: candlewoodlakeauthority.org · “Candlewood Lake has a daytime speed limit of 45mph (1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset) and a nighttime speed limit of 25mph”
- Cove no wake zones
- Slow No Wake in Lattins Cove from the south end north 2,500 feet, and in Squantz Cove from the causeway south 2,500 feet.
- Source: portal.ct.gov · “Slow-No-Wake in Lattins Cove from the south end north 2,500 feet, and in Squantz Cove from the causeway south 2,500 feet”
- Wake limits
- Slow-No-Wake within 100 feet of shore, docks, swim areas, floats or moored vessels; 200 feet for PWC.
- Source: candlewoodlakeauthority.org · “boats must travel at slow/no wake speeds when within 100 feet of shore, PWC's must follow that within 200 feet of shore”
- Permit / sticker / registration
- Boats must be under 26 feet unless they carry a valid posted exemption sticker; CT AIS Stamp required (fee applies).
- Source: candlewoodlakeauthority.org · “Candlewood Lake is limited to boats UNDER 26 feet in length. Boats exceeding the limit must possess a valid, posted exemption sticker”
- Invasive species inspection / decon
- Inspect for vegetation and aquatic nuisance species and remove them before transporting the vessel; inspect before and after launching.
- Source: candlewoodlakeauthority.org · “you must inspect before and after launching in Candlewood Lake”
- Buoys in winter
- Hazard and speed buoys are removed from the lake each fall and returned in the spring. The Candlewood Lake Authority asks boaters to use extra caution when the buoys are not in the water.
- Source: candlewoodlakeauthority.org · “Hazard and speed buoys are removed from the lake each fall and returned in the spring. Please use extra caution if you are boating when the buoys are not in the water.”
Not found on an official source: quiet hours / time limits, horsepower limits. That means we could not find it on an official page, not that there is no rule.
Other rule: M.S.D. (toilet) on vessels shall not be capable of overboard discharge (CT DEEP Lattins Cove page).
Marinas, launches and boat services near Candlewood Lake
Listings on the lake or in its towns, grouped by type. In each group, places with a phone come first, and both sets are A to Z. Not ranked, and no business paid to appear.
Marina (7)
- Brookfield Bay Marina Brookfield
- Candlewood East Marina Brookfield
- Chatterton Marina New Fairfield
- Echo Bay Marina Brookfield
- Gerard's Waters Edge Marina New Milford
- Pocono Point Marina LLC Danbury
- Danbury Yacht Club Danbury
Boat launch (4)
- Lynn Deming Park Boat Ramp New Milford
- Candlewood Lake (Squantz Cove) Boat Launch New Fairfield
- Dikes Point Recreation Area New Milford
Dock services (2)
- D&D Power & Pleasure Danbury
- Tucker Docks Brookfield
Boat dealer (1)
- Danbury Powersports Danbury
Boat rental (1)
- Candlewood Kayak Rental New Fairfield
Boat repair (1)
- Blue Water Marine Service New Fairfield
Lake guide & referrals (1)
- Lakeside Watersports Brookfield
Boat storage (1)
- Prime Storage New Milford New Milford
Candlewood Lake questions
Where can I rent a boat on Candlewood Lake?
Echo Bay Marina in Brookfield (boat rentals and a boat club), Chatterton Marina in New Fairfield (Harris pontoon boat rentals) and Candlewood Kayak Rentals in New Fairfield (kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals at Squantz Pond State Park). Each is taken from the business's own website or the CT DEEP park page. Book directly with the business.
Where can I rent a pontoon boat on Candlewood Lake?
Chatterton Marina in New Fairfield lists pontoon rentals on its own website. Call ahead for boats, dates and prices.
What marinas are on Candlewood Lake?
Marina Radar lists 6 marinas on Candlewood Lake: Candlewood East Marina (Brookfield), Brookfield Bay Marina (Brookfield), Echo Bay Marina (Brookfield), Pocono Point Marina LLC (Danbury), Gerard's Waters Edge Marina (New Milford) and Chatterton Marina (New Fairfield). See Brookfield, Danbury, New Milford and New Fairfield.
Where is the public boat launch on Candlewood Lake?
CT DEEP runs two state launches on Candlewood Lake: the Lattins Cove state boat launch at 8 Forty Acres Mountain Road, Danbury (trailered, 50 parking spaces, open year round) and the Squantz Cove state boat launch at Old Bogus Road, New Fairfield (trailered, 75 parking spaces, open year round). Squantz Pond, which CT DEEP calls a natural lake off Candlewood Lake, has its own Squantz Pond state boat launch at Shortwoods Road, New Fairfield (trailered, 25 parking spaces, motors over 25 HP may not be used from this launch). See boat ramps in Danbury and boat ramps in New Fairfield.
Where can I store my boat for the winter near Candlewood Lake?
5 businesses in the lake towns say on their own websites that they offer winter storage: Blue Water Marine Service (New Fairfield), Candlewood East Marina (Brookfield), Chatterton Marina (New Fairfield), Echo Bay Marina (Brookfield) and Gerard's Waters Edge Marina (New Milford). See winter boat storage in New Fairfield and winter boat storage in Brookfield.
When is the Candlewood Lake drawdown?
CT DEEP says FirstLight will start the Candlewood Lake deep drawdown, which includes Squantz Pond, after November 1, 2026, as weather allows. In recent years the drawdown has typically started between December and February, with the exact start date set by weather and planned maintenance, and exact dates and lake levels are not available. The deep drawdown will target 418 feet, with a winter range of 418 to 420 feet, and the lake returns to its summer range before Memorial Day 2027.
How big is Candlewood Lake?
5,064 acres
What is the speed limit on Candlewood Lake?
45 mph daytime, 25 mph at night, radar enforced.
What are the no wake rules on Candlewood Lake?
Slow-No-Wake within 100 feet of shore, docks, swim areas, floats or moored vessels; 200 feet for PWC.
Do I need a permit or sticker to boat on Candlewood Lake?
Boats must be under 26 feet unless they carry a valid posted exemption sticker; CT AIS Stamp required (fee applies).
When is the boating season on Candlewood Lake?
Lattins Cove launch is open year round.
Where can I get gas for my boat on Candlewood Lake?
Four marinas on Candlewood Lake list fuel on their own websites: Brookfield Bay Marina and Echo Bay Marina in Brookfield, Chatterton Marina in New Fairfield and Pocono Point Marina in Danbury. Call ahead for fuel dock hours. See fuel docks in Brookfield.
Where can I get my boat repaired near Candlewood Lake?
Brookfield Bay Marina, Echo Bay Marina and Candlewood East Marina in Brookfield and Chatterton Marina in New Fairfield confirm repair on their own websites. Blue Water Marine Service in New Fairfield is also listed as a boat repair shop. See boat repair in Brookfield and boat repair in New Fairfield.
Which Candlewood Lake marina does haul outs?
Brookfield Bay Marina in Brookfield confirms haul out service on its own website.
Who shrink wraps boats near Candlewood Lake?
Candlewood East Marina in Brookfield and The Original Shrink Wrappers in Brookfield confirm shrink wrap on their own website. See shrink wrap in Brookfield.
Where is the Squantz Cove boat launch?
CT DEEP lists the Candlewood Lake Squantz Cove launch on Old Bogus Road, New Fairfield, just east off Route 39 south of the Squantz Pond State Park main entrance. It is trailered, open year round, with 75 grass and gravel parking spaces, a concrete slab ramp and no dock. See boat ramps in New Fairfield.
Do the Candlewood Lake launches have docks and restrooms?
Lattins Cove has a fixed concrete dock and seasonal chemical toilets. Squantz Cove has no dock and seasonal chemical and flush toilets. Squantz Pond has no dock, a pit toilet open year round and is the only one of the three that CT DEEP lists as ADA accessible.
Is there a horsepower limit on Candlewood Lake?
The CT DEEP pages for the Lattins Cove and Squantz Cove launches list no horsepower limit. Boats launching from the Squantz Pond state launch may not use more than 25 HP; larger motors can stay attached with the propeller removed and the motor tilted up.
How long can a boat be on Candlewood Lake?
Boats must be under 26 feet unless they carry a valid posted exemption sticker. The Candlewood Lake Authority says violators face a $75 fine and termination of voyage.
Do I need a boating license for Candlewood Lake?
Connecticut requires a Safe Boating Certificate to run a motorboat or a sailboat 19 and a half feet or longer if you are a Connecticut resident, own property in Connecticut or use Connecticut waters more than 60 days a year. Every personal watercraft operator needs a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation, whatever state they live in.
Do I need an AIS stamp to boat on Candlewood Lake?
Yes. Since October 1, 2024 the Connecticut AIS Stamp is no longer included in a vessel registration, so it is bought separately through the state Online Sportsmen Licensing System.
Can I tie up to a buoy on Candlewood Lake?
No. The Candlewood Lake Authority says it is illegal to tie a boat to a regulatory buoy or marker. Hazard and speed buoys come out each fall and go back in each spring, and not every hazard is marked. The Candlewood Lake Authority asks boaters to use extra caution when the buoys are not in the water.
Can I dump my boat toilet on Candlewood Lake?
No. CT DEEP says marine toilets on vessels on Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond must not be capable of overboard discharge.
Is there a pumpout boat on Candlewood Lake?
Yes. The CT DEEP Boaters Guide lists B21 Candlewood Lake Pumpout Boat, which services all of Candlewood Lake. The guide lists weekend daytime hours in season from Memorial Day weekend through Columbus Day. A CT DAS seasonal posting says the boat operates out of Echo Bay Marina in Brookfield. The official guide line in the Boaters Guide is 860 985 9474. Call ahead because hours are seasonal. Marina Radar CT pump out station cards today are mostly shore or marina listings, so use the lake FAQ and DEEP sources for the boat.
What is the water level on Candlewood Lake?
The summer range is 427 to 429.5 feet above sea level, so the lake can move up to 2 and a half feet during the season. FirstLight says the winter deep drawdown targets 418 feet, with a winter range of 418 to 420 feet. The Candlewood Lake Authority says the level can change at any point during the drawdown period, November 1 to Memorial Day, including periods of high water. FirstLight runs an automated lake level line at 888 417 4837.
Who do I call for help or to report a problem on Candlewood Lake?
Call CT DEEP Dispatch at 860 424 3333 to reach the Candlewood Lake Authority Marine Patrol about a hazard, debris or a boating violation.
How do I get towed on Candlewood Lake?
The Candlewood Lake Authority suggests flagging down another boater first, then trying the commercial marinas on the lake. If neither can help, call CT DEEP Dispatch at 860 424 3333.
Is Blueberry Island open on Candlewood Lake?
No. The Candlewood Lake Authority says Blueberry Island is closed indefinitely, per a notice from the New Fairfield Resident Trooper's Office.
Are fishing tournaments on Candlewood Lake open to the public?
CT DEEP posts a schedule of marine events and fishing tournaments for the state launches and notes the tournaments are not open to the general public.
What is the difference between a fishing guide, a captained charter, and a self drive rental near Candlewood?
A fishing guide such as Candlewood Lake Guide Service runs guided fishing trips on Candlewood with the guide and vessel provided. A captained charter such as Connecticut Water Sports puts a captain on board for watersports or pontoon trips (its own site says captain included and no license needed). A self drive rental such as Wavy Water Sport's LLC rents pontoons on Candlewood for you to operate after an orientation. Confirm details on each business own site before booking. Marina Radar lists nearby boat charters and boat rentals on its Connecticut hubs.
Are there boat slips on Candlewood Lake?
Yes. Echo Bay Marina in Brookfield says on its own website that it has 300 slips for boats up to 26 feet. Candlewood East Marina in Brookfield lists a 240 slip marina at its private Marina Club. Pocono Point Marina in Danbury says it has 112 slips and takes a wait list for 2027. Echo Bay Marina and Pocono Point Marina post their 2026 seasonal slip prices on their own websites. Contact the marina to ask what is open. See boat slip prices in Connecticut.
Can you swim in Candlewood Lake?
The Candlewood Lake Authority has tested and monitored water quality since 1983, from May through October, at four sites on Candlewood and one on Squantz Pond. The Authority says algae exists naturally in Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond. Some species, called blue green algae, can produce harmful toxins and should be avoided when swimming, fishing or boating. Blooms typically occur in mid to late summer, and not all algae is harmful. The Authority says caution is the most prudent advice. Check the Authority pages before you swim.
Are there boat clubs on Candlewood Lake?
Yes. Echo Bay Marina in Brookfield runs a boat club, and its own website offers membership levels with discounts and access on boat rentals all season. Candlewood East Marina in Brookfield runs a private Marina Club with waterfront dining, a swim area and a 240 slip marina. Candlewood Yacht Club in New Fairfield is a private, family club focused on sailing, and its own website invites boaters to become members. Contact each club to confirm membership and access.
Can I hire a boat with a captain on Candlewood Lake?
For fishing, yes. Candlewood Lake Guide Service runs full day and half day guided bass and panfish trips on Candlewood Lake from its own 21 foot boat. For a captained pontoon or watersports day, Connecticut Water Sports says on its own website that no captained charter runs on Candlewood itself, and it runs its captained charters on Lake Lillinonah in New Milford, about 10 minutes north. Contact each business to book.
Is there a fee to launch on Candlewood Lake?
No fee at the two CT DEEP state launches, Lattins Cove and Squantz Cove. CT DEEP says state boat launches are free unless they sit inside a state park that charges entry. Registered boats still need a CT AIS Stamp. The Brookfield Town Beach launch is for Brookfield residents with a town launch pass.
What are the Candlewood Lake boat launch hours?
The Lattins Cove and Squantz Cove state launches are open 24 hours a day, every day. CT DEEP says state launches outside state parks never close; launches inside a state park follow park hours.
Can I park overnight at the Candlewood Lake boat launch?
Yes. CT DEEP allows overnight parking at state boat launches for up to two days, at your own risk.
Where are the Slow No Wake zones on Candlewood Lake?
CT DEEP lists Slow No Wake in Lattins Cove from the south end north for 2,500 feet, and in Squantz Cove from the causeway south for 2,500 feet.
Can I bring my dog to the boat launch?
Yes. At CT DEEP state boat launches dogs are welcome on a leash no longer than 7 feet and kept under your control.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Candlewood Lake?
Yes, if you are 16 or older. CT DEEP requires an inland fishing license for anyone 16 or older; it runs for the calendar year and ends December 31, and anglers under 16 need none. The Candlewood Lake Authority says the lake is best known for smallmouth bass, with largemouth bass, trout, perch, walleye and black crappie also common.
Do I need a permit to pull a tube or water skier on Candlewood Lake?
Yes. CT DEEP says the driver must be at least 16, hold a boating certificate from CT, MA, NH, NY or RI or a US Coast Guard vessel operator license, and have a Connecticut Safe Water Skiing Endorsement. Drivers who held that certificate or license before October 1, 2015 do not need the endorsement.
Can I launch a boat with zebra mussels on Candlewood Lake?
No. The Candlewood Lake Authority says Connecticut law makes it illegal to bring in, keep or release zebra mussels and other listed invasive species, and police will stop a boat carrying them from launching.
Answers checked on Marinas near Candlewood Lake, Candlewood Lake boat services guide, CT DEEP Squantz Cove launch page, CT DEEP Squantz Pond launch page, Candlewood Lake Authority boater page, CT DEEP Lattins Cove launch page, CT DEEP Boaters Guide Part 9 PDF, Candlewood Lake Guide Service, CT DAS seasonal pumpout boat posting.
Slips, swim, boat club and captain answers checked on Echo Bay Marina docking page, Candlewood East Marina Club page, Pocono Point Marina home page, Pocono Point Marina about page, Pocono Point Marina slips page, Candlewood Lake Authority water quality page, Candlewood Lake Authority blue green algae page, Echo Bay Marina home page, Candlewood Yacht Club, Candlewood Lake Guide Service, Connecticut Water Sports Candlewood page.
Answers checked on CT DEEP boat launch FAQs, CT DEEP AIS Stamp FAQ, Brookfield Parks and Recreation launch page, CT DEEP Lattins Cove launch page.
Answers checked on CT DEEP fishing licenses page, Candlewood Lake Authority fishing page, CT DEEP boating certificate page.
Winter on Candlewood Lake
Do I need to take my dock or boat lift out of Candlewood Lake for the winter?
FirstLight strongly encourages homeowners to remove structures, boat lifts and docks from Candlewood Lake before the winter season to prevent ice damage along the shoreline. All work along the shoreline needs a FirstLight permit first. FirstLight says it can be contacted at www.firstlightpermits.com.
Is the ice on Candlewood Lake safe?
There is no official Candlewood Lake ice report, and we do not report current ice conditions. This is statewide CT DEEP guidance for Connecticut lakes and ponds. CT DEEP says: "Ice is never 100 percent safe." For new, clear (blue) ice on lakes and ponds, CT DEEP says under 4 inches, stay off; 4 inches, ice fishing or other activities on foot; 5 to 7 inches, snowmobile or ATV. It is illegal to drive a car or truck on the ice in Connecticut. In a January 31, 2026 notice about that winter's drawdown, FirstLight cautioned that ice shelves, ice drifts and other hazards regularly occur on the lake and could be life threatening, so proceed with extreme caution. Check the CT DEEP Ice Safety page before you go out.
Do I have to wear a life jacket paddling Candlewood Lake from October through May?
Yes. This is a statewide Connecticut rule. CT DEEP says: "During the period from October 1st through May 31st, all persons on board a manually propelled vessel must wear a Type I, II, III or V, U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device."
How do I check if a Candlewood Lake boat launch is closed?
CT DEEP lists the Lattins Cove and Squantz Cove state launches as open year round. For long term closures CT DEEP points to its state boat launch interactive website, and for temporary closures to the DEEP Boating Division (@CTBoatinginfo) on Twitter.
Why is Candlewood Lake lowered every winter?
The Candlewood Lake Authority says the drawdown was long done mainly to control invasive plants by exposing them to freezing air. With very little plant life in the lake in recent years, that is no longer the goal. The drawdown also lets the power company maintain its dam and pumps, gives homeowners access to their waterfront for maintenance and kills exposed zebra mussels.
Winter answers checked on FirstLight drawdown notice, CT DEEP Ice Safety page, FirstLight January 2026 cold snap notice, CT DEEP life jacket page, CT DEEP boat launch FAQs, Candlewood Lake Authority drawdown page.
Towns on Candlewood Lake
Nearby towns and services
Winter boat storage around Candlewood Lake
Towns on the Candlewood Lake town list with winter boat storage on record.