Candlewood Lake Resources - Fishing | Diving | Boating | Marinas

How Much Does Your Fish Weigh?
Fish can be injured when weighed with portable scales. To estimate the weight of your fish, simply take a length and girth measurement (in inches), and use the following formulas. Remember, these are only estimates!

How Old is Your Fish?

Freshwater Records

Tips for Better Catch and Release

Artificial Lures (swimming plugs, surface poppers, jigs, etc.) are often rigged with multiple treble hooks. One disadvantage of these rules is that a fish struggling to escape capture will often hook itself with the remaining treble hooks, leading to additional injury. Anglers should try to use lures with a single hook if possible, or replace treble hooks with steel hooks (not stainless), or reduce the number of treble hooks on the lure.

Bait Fishing is a popular technique. However, the baited hook is often swallowed by the fish so that the hook is deeply imbedded in the stomach ("gut"). To reduce "gut hooking" a fish, anglers should set the hook immediately before the bait can be completely swallowed, or by using a single steel treble hook. When a fish is "gut hooked" the best solution is to cut the line as close to the hook eye as possible. This helps to prevent severe damage to the fish's internal organs, which can occur while trying to remove a hook. If the hook is not stainless steel, it will eventually corrode due to the fish's stomach acids.

Fishing tools used in hook removal can be extremely useful. Tools including needle nose pliers, hemostats, hook degorgers, and wire cutting pliers can be very helpful in reducing hook removal time.

Handling Methods depend on fishing technique used, how the fish is hooked, and size of the fish. Ideally, the fish should not be removed from the water. If fishing from a boat, try to prevent the fish from banging against the side or thrashing around the deck. Improper handling can cause internal injuries, skin abrasions, scale loss, or removal of the protective slime layer that prevents infection. When handling a fish make sure that your hands are wet to reduce slime loss.

To Release the Fish, grasp the tail firmly and place the fish back in the water and slowly move the fish back and forth. This motion will cause water to flow over the gills, restoring oxygen to the blood stream. Recovery time will vary according to size and health of the fish. As a general rule, the longer the fish fights and the higher the water and air temperature, the longer it will take the fish to recover.

Bait and Tackle Shops

Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop
13 Route 7
Cornwall Bridge, CT 06754
(860) 672-6064

Candlewood Bait & Tackle
2 Germantown Road
Danbury, CT 06810
(203) 743-2221
http://www.candlewoodbait.com

The Valley Angler
56 Padanaram Road (this is route 37)
Danbury, CT 06811
(203) 792-8324

Jim’s Bait and Tackle
391 Norfolk Road
East Canann CT 06024
(860) 824-5773
http://www.jimsbait-tackle.com

Backcountry Outfitters
8 Old Barn Road
Kent, CT 06757
(860) 927-3377

Bantam Bait & Tackle
587 Bantam Lake Road (this is route 202)
Litchfield, CT 06759
(860) 567-8857

Classic & Custom Fly Shop
190 Main Street
New Hartford, CT 06057
860) 738-3597

Dean's Sporting Goods
261 New Milford Turnpike, Rte. 202
Marble Dale, CT 06777
(860) 868-0713

Armoury Inc.
233 Litchfield Tpke Route 202
New Preston, CT 06777
(860) 868-0001

Newtown Bait & Tackle
78 South Main Streeet
Newtown, CT 06470
(203)-426-6629
http://www.newtownbaitandtackle.com/

Cannan Valley Shop
11 Railroad Street
North Canaan, CT 06018
(860) 824-7778

Mike's Gun's & Tackle
141 Main Street
Oakville, CT 06779
(860) 274-0371

Up Country Sport Fishing
352 Main Street, P.O. Box 70
Pine Meadow, CT 06061
(860) 379-1952

O'Hara's Landing Marina
254 Twin Lakes Road
Salisbury, CT 06068 (860) 824-7583

Trip’s Bait and Tackle
7 Willow Street
Torrington, CT 06790 (860) 489-8747

Fall Mountain Outfitters
1218 East Main Street #202
Torrington, CT 06790 (860) 496-1199

Housatonic River Outfitters
24 Kent Road
Warren, CT 06754 (860) 672-1010

J & B Sales & Service Inc
380 Danbury Road
Wilton, CT 06897
(203) 762-3315

Sportsmen's Outpost
415 Wolcott Rd (Rt 69)
Wolcott, CT 06716
(203) 879-1139

Diving

Pan Aqua Diving Bell

Pan Aqua Diving is a full service dive shop and store with one location in Manhattan and another near Candlewood Lake in Brookfield Connecticut. Pan Aqua Diving provides scuba diving training within the PADI certification system (courses from: Open Water Diver through Dive Instructor). Pan Aqua Diving also provides a large selection of dive equipment and operates both tropical and local dive tours. In addition to being able to arrange Candlewood Lake dives Pan Aqua runs trips to places such as Scapa Flow, Grand Cayman, and the Yucatan Peninsula.

Pan Aqua Diving
461 Federal Road
Brookfield, CT 06804
(203) 775-3573
panaqua2@aol.com
www.panaqua.com

Located near Candlewood Lake in Brookfield, Connecticut, The Dive Shop is Connecticut's largest PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Center (IDC) and offers courses ranging from Open Water Diver to Instructor. The Dive Shop is a PADI National Geographic Dive Center and, as such, offers The National Geographic Diver certification. With their introduction of their new Aquatic Center The Dive Shop now offers on site classroom and pool on the same premises. In addition to being able to organize Candlewood Lake SCUBA diving, The Dive Shop operates dive tours further afield in locations such as Bonaire, Utila, and Fiji.

The Dive Shop
439 Federal Rd
Brookfield, CT 06804
www.thediveshoponline.com

Boating

The following information is from the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection Website, is provided as a courtesy by this site to freshwater boaters, and neither the site owner, administrator, nor the webmaster assume any responsibility for its updating or accuracy. Please check with the Connecticut DEP for the most current information.

Reporting Boating Accidents
All operators of vessels involved in an accident must remain at the scene and assist any other vessel or person involved in the accident if it is possible to do so without endangering their own vessel or the people aboard. The operator must also give his/her name, address and vessel identification number to the other boat operator(s) or owner of the damaged property.
The operator of a vessel involved in a boating accident which results in any of the circumstances noted below shall immediately notify the nearest law enforcement agency and, within 48 hours after the accident, report the matter in writing on a form provided by the Department of Environmental Protection, Boating Division:

The operator of the boat must make out the report. If for any reason the operator cannot make out the report, the owner or survivor of the accident should initiate the report. (Operators are required to report, even if a law enforcement officer has also filed a report.) For forms or answers to questions, please contact the Boating Division at (860) 434-8638, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m.

Boating Frequently Asked Questions

Boating Certification

The boating course is an eight-hour course. You must attend each day the course is held, and pass the exam given on the final day of class. You must score eighty percent (80%) or better in order to pass. The DEP boating course is combined with the personal watercraft course.

No. The grandfather clause expired as of October 1, 1997. Anyone applying for his or her Certificate after that date needs to take a boating course.

You will need to contact the Power Squadron at 888-367-8777. If your course completion diploma cannot be located, you will need to complete a boating course.

The State of Connecticut is obligated to keep records on file for seven years. If the diploma is not on file, a course would have to be repeated.

Yes. As long as you have the course completion diploma you can apply for you Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate. The completion diploma does not have an expiration date.

If the card is laminated, that was the boating course certificate (now called a completion diploma) issued by the State of Connecticut years ago. It is a valid card and can be used to obtain the boating certificate. A photocopy of the card would have to be returned with the application and a $25 fee.

No. Not only does a boating course have to be State of Connecticut and National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved, but it also has to have a minimum of eight hours of classroom instruction. The exam has to be a proctored exam.

Yes. Any vessel with any size motor is required to be registered and numbered before entering Connecticut waters. Also, any sailboat over 19.5 feet powered by sail alone is required to be registered and numbered before entering Connecticut waters. In order to operate that vessel, you must possess a Safe Boating Certificate.

The Safe Boating Certificate was designed for people who own property in the State of Connecticut, residents of the State of Connecticut or people who have a vessel required to be registered or display a Certificate of Decal in the State of Connecticut. If you live in another state and operate your vessel on Connecticut waters for more than sixty days in a calendar year, you will need the boating certificate. You will also need a Certificate of Decal (which is handled through DMV.)

Yes, he needs the Safe Boating Certificate to operate the vessel. He must take a boating course in order to obtain the boating certificate. By law, any person under the age of twelve, who has been issued a Safe Boating Certificate, is not allowed to operate a boat with a motor of greater than ten horsepower without being accompanied by an adult who is at least eighteen years of age and has been issued a Safe Boating Certificate or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation.

Yes, there is another way to obtain your boating certificate. You can take the DEP Equivalency Exam. This exam is designed for the experienced boater who knows the rules and regulations for safe boating on Connecticut waters. Not only does the experienced boater need to know about boating, but he will also need to know about canoes, personal watercraft, yachts, and sailboats. The person you need to speak with is Sue at (860)434-8638.

You will need to go to your local DEP processing office with your original registration (in your name because the temporary certificate is issued to the person whose name is on the registration), the bill of sale to show the amount of sales tax, and a photo ID. The cost of the temporary certificate is $25 and is valid six months from the date that you registered the boat. Within the six month time period, you must take a boating course and get your Safe Boating Certificate. No person shall be issued more than one temporary certificate.

If you have a current master, mate, or pilot license issued through the Coast Guard, you do not need the Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate to operate your boat. You must keep the valid license with you at all times. You cannot use the valid Coast Guard License to obtain your Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate. You would have to take a boating course or provide us with proof that you have taken an approved boating course to obtain a safe boating certificate.

PERSONAL WATERCRAFT

A boating course and a personal watercraft course or a combination course need to be completed and then you must apply for the Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO). The DEP offers courses which satisfy CPWO requirements.

The Certificate of Personal Watercraft is a certificate that will allow you to operate both a boat and a personal watercraft.

Yes. In order to receive your temporary certificate, you must complete an approved two and one-half hour personal watercraft course and the personal watercraft must be registered in your name. Bring your registration, a bill of sale, and your course completion diploma to your local DEP office. The cost of the certificate is $25 and is valid six months from the date of vessel registration. Within the six month time period, you must complete a boating course and apply for your Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation.

Yes. One restriction is that any person under twelve years of age who has been issued the Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation shall not operate a vessel powered with a motor of greater than ten horsepower unless she/he is accompanied on board by someone eighteen years of age who has been issued their Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation.
Please Note: No person under 16 years of age, who has been issued a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) after March 9, 2004, may operate a personal watercraft without the onboard supervision of a person who is at least 18 years of age and in possession of a CPWO.

No. Every person operating a personal watercraft on Connecticut waters must possess their Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation. In order to receive that certificate an approved basic boating course and an approved personal watercraft handling course must be completed and the certificate must be on board while operating the vessel.

No. The State of Connecticut will not accept any personal watercraft course given by the USCGAux in another state because other states have not asked for our approval. The State of Connecticut feels that out of state personal watercraft courses are incomplete. Connecticut does recognize CPWO certificates from New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

No. The course is not approved by the State of Connecticut.

Hull Identification Numbers

No. The Department of Motor Vehicles will issue a Temporary Certificate of Number/Registration. Homemade boats, vessels built in another country, and boats constructed in the United States before 1972 do not have the required 12 character HIN. The DMV Branch Offices and the DEP Boating Division will provide a HIN application to the boater.

Yes. You must carry the green page of your completed Application for a Hull Identification Number and your Safe Boating Certificate or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation on board.
Application Forms

No. The DMV will assign a number to fill the HIN space in their computer database.

No. Vessels constructed before 1972 are not required to possess Hull Identification Numbers. Homemade boats that are not required to be registered (not motorized or sailboats less than 19.5 feet long) are not required to have HIN.

Yes, with the following exceptions: if constructed before 1972 may have zero to 15 characters or if constructed after October 1972 it may have been issued 11 or 13 characters by manufacturer. Most foreign manufactured vessels must be issued a 12 character Connecticut HIN if registered or numbered in Connecticut.

No. You must submit your completed application to the Boating Division. Once your application is received, one of our Environmental Conservation Officers will contact you and schedule a date and time to visit your vessel. Application Forms

There is no cost for a HIN.

The Temporary Registration Number (CT-1234-XX) should be placed on both sides of the bow. (Block letters, at least 3 inches high and in a contrasting color to the hull) The Temporary Registration Numbers will become the actual Registration Numbers assigned to your vessel.

No. The boating certificate is only required to operate a Connecticut registered boat. There is a line on the Vessel Registration form for the certificate number. It does not have to be filled in.

Applying for Safe Boating Certificates (SBC), Certificates of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO), Temporary and Duplicate Certificates

Applying for a SBC or CPWO
To apply for a Safe Boating Certificate or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation, fill out the appropriate application (available at town clerks, through the DEP Boating Division or by submitting application request form) and have the application notarized, enclose a copy of your boating course diploma (and Personal Watercraft course diploma, if applicable) or equivalency exam diploma and a check for $25 made payable to DEP. Mail or deliver the application to the address listed on the application. A Safe Boating Certificate or Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation will be mailed to you in four to six weeks.
You may obtain a Limited Durational Certificate immediately at no extra charge by bringing the completed application, supporting documents and $25 fee in person to any DEP Processing Office. The Limited Duration Certificate will be valid until your permanent certificate arrives.

Temporary Certificates
If you purchase and register a new or used boat and do not have a Safe Boating Certificate, you may apply for a Temporary Safe Boating Certificate. It is valid for six months from the date of vessel registration. Within that time, you must qualify for and obtain a permanent Safe Boating Certificate in order to operate after the temporary certificate expires.
If you purchase a new or used personal watercraft and do not qualify for a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation, you may apply for a Temporary Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation after you have registered the vessel and have completed an approved Safe Personal Watercraft Handling Course. The temporary certificate is valid for six months from the date of vessel registration. Within that time, you must qualify for and obtain a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation, allowing you to operate your craft after the temporary certificate expires.
The fee for a Temporary SBC or Temporary CPWO is $25.00. No person shall be issued more than one temporary certificate.
An application for a Temporary Safe Boating Certificate must be obtained at a DEP Processing Office.

Duplicate Certificate
Any person who has been issued a Safe Boating Certificate or a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation may apply for a duplicate certificate if the original certificate was lost, stolen, destroyed, or the individual wishes to change his/her legal name or any other information on the Certificate. The duplicate certificate fee is $10.00 (payable when the application is sent or carried in).

If you need a certificate immediately, you must appear in person at one of the DEP Processing Offices.

DEP Processing Offices
Boating Certificates

DEP Licensing & Revenue
79 Elm St., Hartford, CT 06106-5127
(860) 424-3105
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

DEP Marine Headquarters
333 Ferry Rd., Old Lyme, CT 06371
(860) 434-8638
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

DEP Western District Headquarters
Plymouth Rd., Harwinton, CT 06791
(860) 485-0226
Monday, Thursday & Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

DEP Eastern District Headquarters
209 Hebron Rd., Marlborough, CT 06447
(860) 295-9523
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Westport Office - Sherwood Island State Park, Westport
(203) 226-3116
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm - 4:00pm.

Boat Registration
Connecticut law requires that all boats with motors, regardless of size, and sailboats powered by sail alone, 19 1/2 feet or longer in length, 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.

Position of Vessel Number and Decals
The numbers, which must be at least three inches high, contrasting in color to the background and of block form, must be painted on or attached to both the port and starboard bow so positioned as to be distinctly visible and legible from at least 100 feet away. The two validation decals must be placed two inches to the right of and in line with the assigned boat number. No other numbers and only current decals shall be displayed.

Certificate to Be On Board
A certificate of number/registration or certificate of decal/registration must be on board the vessel whenever the owner or any person authorized by the owner is aboard, except that rented boats may carry a rental agreement in lieu of a certificate.

Hull Identification Number
The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique 12-14 digit number (numbers and letters) assigned by the manufacturer to boats built after 1972. (Like the Vehicle Identification Number / VIN on a car.) It is engraved in the fiberglass or on a metal plate attached to the upper right hand corner of the transom.

Owners of vessels manufactured after October 1, 1972 (including home built boats) that do not have a HIN can get a temporary registration from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) but they will be given a HIN Application form which must be processed through the DEP before receiving their permanent registration. There is no charge for this service.

Marinas

Echo Bay Marina
227 Candlewood Lake Road
Brookfield, CT 06804
Tel: 203.775.7077
Fax: 203.775.8809
sales@echobaymarina.com
www.echobaymarina.com

Candlewood East Marina Club
204 Candlewood Lake Road
Brookfield, CT 06804
ph. 203.775.2253
fax. 203.740.9521
ceastweb@aol.com
www.candlewoodeast.com

Pocono Point Marina
16 Forty Acre Mountain Rd
Danbury, CT 06811
(203) 778-6000

Nina Marina
10 Hayestown Rd
Danbury, CT 06811
(203) 798-7527

Chatterton Marina
5 North Shore Dr.
New Fairfield, CT
203-746-9138

Blue Water Marine
108 Route 39
New Fairfield, CT
203-312-0712

Gerard's Waters Edge Marina
120 Old Town Rd.
New Milford, CT
860-350-BOAT
www.gerardswatersedgemarina.com

Marine Max at Brookfield Bay Marina
476 Candlewood Lake Rd.
Brookfield, CT
203-740-2628
www.brookfieldbay.com

West Cove Marina
143 West St.
New Milford, CT
860-354-6357
www.WestCoveMarina.com

Xtreme Marine of CT
419 Federal Rd.
Brookfield, CT
203-740-8383
www.xtrememarineofct.com

Marine Services Packaging
Marine Services, Mobile Shrinkwrap, & Winterizing
P.O. Box 774
Brookfield, CT 06804
203-740-0175
www.MarineServicesPackaging.com

Towns

Brookfield , CT

Brookfield has it all: a historic town center, vast shoreline on two of the regions great lakes, proximity to shopping and amenities, and incredible ease of access to I-84 and Armonk, White Plains, and Manhattan.

Town Hall
100 Pocono Road
P.O. Box 5106
Brookfield, CT 06804
Phone: 203-775-7300
www.brookfield.org

New Fairfield, CT

New Fairfield offer residents proximity to New York, convenient shopping, Candlewood Lake and Ball Pond!

New Fairfield Town Hall
4 Brush Hill Road
New Fairfield, CT 06812
(203) 312-5600
www.newfairfield.org

New Milford, CT

New Milford is in Litchfield county, has a gorgeous historic town center, shopping in close proximity, considerable shoreline on Lake Lillinonah and incredible western exposure on Candlewood Lake.

Town Hall
10 Main Street
New Milford, CT 06776
Tel: 860-355-6010
Fax: 860-355-6002
www.newmilford.org

Sherman, CT

Sherman is a charming country town at the Northern end of Candlewood Lake that offers its residents and visitors rolling hill views, scenic drives, and photogenic farms.

Mallory Town Hall Sherman
9 Rt 39 North
P.O. Box 39
Sherman, CT 06784
www.townofshermanct.org

Danbury, CT

Danbury is a historic city, almost had the lake named after it, and boast some dramatic lake frontage on Candlewood Lake's Southern shores!

City Hall
155 Deer Hill Avenue
Danbury, CT 06810
203.797.4500
www.ci.danbury.ct.us