Lake guide · Connecticut
Squantz Pond boating rules, launches and marinas
Squantz Pond covers 270 acres. Speed limits: 45 mph daytime, 25 mph from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise. Horsepower: Motors over 25 HP may not be used by boats launching from the state launch. Public launch: CT DEEP trailered launch on Shortwoods Road, New Fairfield, inside Squantz Pond State Park. Marina Radar lists 1 nearby marina, launch or boat service. It touches New Fairfield. Each rule below links to its official source.
Updated : official sources checked that day. Fee amounts are given only where an official page prints them. Check the source before you launch.
Squantz Pond kayak and paddleboard rentals
Kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals on site in the state park for the 2026 season, run by Candlewood Kayak Rentals.
Source: portal.ct.gov · “Rental services are provided on site by Candlewood Kayak Rentals”
For the 2026 season CT DEEP lists walk up rentals daily from 10am to 6pm from Memorial Day to Labor Day, weather permitting, with the last launch by 4pm and weekday reservations also taken. After Labor Day rentals are open weekends and holidays only, with hours posted in advance. Source: portal.ct.gov
- Candlewood Kayak Rental New Fairfield
What are the boating rules on Squantz Pond?
- Public launches
- CT DEEP trailered launch on Shortwoods Road, New Fairfield, inside Squantz Pond State Park; 25 parking spaces; ADA accessible.
- Source: portal.ct.gov · “Address: Shortwoods Road, New Fairfield”
- Speed limits
- 45 mph daytime, 25 mph from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise.
- Source: portal.ct.gov · “45 mph daytime limit, 25 mph limit from 0.5 hour after sunset to 0.5 hour before sunrise.”
- Horsepower limits
- Motors over 25 HP may not be used by boats launching from the state launch; a larger motor may stay attached with the propeller removed and the motor raised.
- Source: portal.ct.gov · “Vessels launching from State boat launch are prohibited from using a motor or combination of motors in excess of 25 HP.”
- Permit / sticker / registration
- CT AIS Stamp required for registered vessels on CT inland waters (fee applies).
- Source: portal.ct.gov · “Any person who operates a vessel required to display a registration decal on Connecticut's inland waters must have a CT AIS Stamp.”
- Invasive species inspection / decon
- CT law requires inspecting and removing vegetation and aquatic invasive species before transporting a vessel (CGS Sec. 15-180).
- Source: portal.ct.gov · “by inspecting and cleaning their boats before moving them to or from the water as required by law (CGS Sec. 15-180)”
Not found on an official source: quiet hours / time limits, wake limits. That means we could not find it on an official page, not that there is no rule.
CT DEEP says the Candlewood Lake deep drawdown, which includes Squantz Pond, starts after November 1, 2026, as weather allows.
Marinas, launches and boat services near Squantz Pond
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.
Squantz Pond questions
How big is Squantz Pond?
270 acres
Where is the public boat launch on Squantz Pond?
CT DEEP trailered launch on Shortwoods Road, New Fairfield, inside Squantz Pond State Park; 25 parking spaces; ADA accessible.
What is the speed limit on Squantz Pond?
45 mph daytime, 25 mph from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise.
Is there a horsepower limit on Squantz Pond?
Motors over 25 HP may not be used by boats launching from the state launch; a larger motor may stay attached with the propeller removed and the motor raised.
Do I need a permit or sticker to boat on Squantz Pond?
CT AIS Stamp required for registered vessels on CT inland waters (fee applies).
Can I rent a kayak or boat on Squantz Pond?
Kayak and stand up paddleboard rentals on site in the state park for the 2026 season, run by Candlewood Kayak Rentals.
When is the boating season on Squantz Pond?
The state launch is open year round.
Can I launch a boat with a big motor at Squantz Pond?
Yes, but boats launching at the state ramp may not use more than 25 HP. A larger motor can stay on if the propeller is removed and the motor is tilted up out of the water. Motorized boats may not land passengers or gear on state land outside the launch area.
How much does it cost to launch at Squantz Pond?
The launch is inside Squantz Pond State Park, so the park parking fee applies. Connecticut has dropped parking fees for cars with CT plates. Out of state cars pay $22 on weekends and holidays and $15 on weekdays from April 1 through October 31.
Does Squantz Pond State Park fill up?
Yes. Parking is capped at 250 vehicles, and once it is full the park closes for the rest of the day with no walk ins. Weekend and holiday parking passes from Memorial Day to Labor Day can be reserved up to 14 days ahead.
What are the Squantz Pond launch hours?
The launch is open year round, but because it is in a state park it is open only during park hours.
Does Squantz Pond get drawn down with Candlewood?
Yes. CT DEEP says FirstLight will start the Candlewood Lake deep drawdown, which includes Squantz Pond, after November 1, 2026, as weather allows. It will target 418 feet, and levels return to the normal summer range before Memorial Day 2027.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Squantz Pond?
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. CT DEEP stocks the pond with trout and walleye, and lists walleye, largemouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, white and yellow perch, chain pickerel and common carp. The state park posts no fishing behind the fence from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Do I need a boating certificate on Squantz Pond?
Yes, if you live in Connecticut, own property in Connecticut or your boat is registered in Connecticut, to run any boat with a motor or a sailboat 19 and a half feet or longer. CT DEEP accepts a Safe Boating Certificate, a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation or a valid US Coast Guard vessel operator license, kept on board. Every personal watercraft driver needs a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation from Connecticut, NY, MA, NH or RI.
Do I need a permit to pull a tube or water skier on Squantz Pond?
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.
When does the Squantz Pond drawdown usually start?
CT DEEP says the Candlewood Lake deep drawdown, which includes Squantz Pond, has in recent years typically started between December and February, with the exact start date set by weather and planned maintenance. Exact dates and lake levels are not available.
Do I need to take my dock out of Squantz Pond for the winter?
FirstLight says the Candlewood Lake deep drawdown includes Squantz Pond, and it 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.
Do I have to wear a life jacket paddling Squantz Pond 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."
What are the Squantz Pond State Park hours?
CT DEEP lists Squantz Pond State Park as open daily from 8:00 a.m. to sunset. In the off peak season in the fall, winter and spring the park is closed to vehicles, so visitors park at the boat launch and walk in. Bathrooms are closed after Labor Day.
Can you swim at Squantz Pond?
Yes, Squantz Pond State Park has a swimming area. CT DEEP tests the state park swimming areas, Squantz Pond included, for bacteria weekly from Memorial Day to Labor Day and posts each status on its State Swimming Water Quality Report, so check that report before you swim. Accessible beach surf chairs are free, first come, first served.
Can you ice fish on Squantz Pond?
CT DEEP lists Squantz Pond in New Fairfield among its popular state owned public access spots for ice fishing. Marina Radar does not post ice conditions. CT DEEP says ice is never 100 percent safe and to stay off clear ice under 4 inches thick, and it is illegal to drive a car or truck on the ice in Connecticut.
Answers checked on CT DEEP Squantz Pond launch page, CT DEEP state park fees page, CT DEEP boat launch FAQs.
Answers checked on CT DEEP fishing licenses page, CT DEEP Squantz Pond State Park page, CT DEEP boating certificate page.
Winter answers checked on CT DEEP Squantz Pond launch page, FirstLight drawdown notice, CT DEEP life jacket page.
Answers checked on CT DEEP Squantz Pond State Park page, CT DEEP State Swimming Water Quality Report, CT DEEP ice fishing page, CT DEEP ice safety page.