Lake Zoar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Zoar |
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Partially frozen Lake Zoar viewed from the Pomperaug Trail just south of Oxford Connecticut's Jackson Cove Town Park.
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 Lake Zoar
Location in Connecticut
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| Location | Fairfield and New Haven counties, Connecticut |
| Coordinates | 41°23′18″N 73°10′39″W / 41.38833°N 73.17750°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Managing agency | Lake Zoar Authority, 'FirstLight Power Resources' |
| First flooded | 1919 |
| Max. length | 10 miles (16 km) |
| Surface area | 909 acres (368 ha) |
| Average depth | 29 feet (8.8 m) |
| Max. depth | 72 feet (22 m) |
Lake Zoar is a large reservoir located on the Housatonic River in the state of Connecticut, United States. It was created by the Stevenson Dam. The lake is bordered by four towns: Monroe, Newtown, Oxford, and Southbury.
Before the lake was formed, this area was known as "Pleasantvale." It was a part of the towns of Oxford and Stevenson.
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Lake Zoar Authority: Keeping the Lake Safe
The Lake Zoar Authority (LZA) is a group that helps manage Lake Zoar. Their main goals are to make sure everyone stays safe on the lake and to keep the water clean.
This authority includes members who represent the four towns around the lake. They meet every month to discuss lake matters. Their power to do this comes from specific laws in Connecticut.
Fun Activities on Lake Zoar
Lake Zoar is a popular spot for many outdoor activities. People enjoy spending time here, especially on the water.
Boating Rules and Fun
Boating is a big activity on Lake Zoar. There are rules to keep everyone safe.
- During the day, boats can go up to 45 mph (72 km/h).
- At night, from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise, the speed limit is 25 mph (40 km/h).
- Boats must stay far away from Stevenson Dam. You cannot go within 300 feet (91 m) upstream or 700 feet (210 m) downstream of the dam.
You can enjoy many water sports here, including fishing, water-skiing, and jet skiing.
Where to Launch Your Boat
Each of the four towns has a public place where you can launch your boat.
- In Monroe, you can use the Zoar Beach Boat Ramp.
- Newtown has Eichler's Cove.
- Oxford offers Jackson Cove Park.
- Southbury's launch is at the end of Scout Road. This one is open to people who don't live in Southbury, too.
- You can also get your canoe into the water from Kettletown State Park.
The Sand Bar: A Popular Hangout
The Sand Bar is a sandy area in the middle of Lake Zoar. It's a favorite meeting spot for boaters. The water depth over the Sand Bar changes. It depends on how much water is being released by "First Light Hydro Generation." The water can be as shallow as 6 inches or up to a foot deep. This sandy area stretches for about a quarter of a mile.
Fishing in Lake Zoar
Lake Zoar is a great place for fishing. The lake itself isn't stocked with fish every year by the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. However, the Pootatuck and Pomperaug rivers flow into the lake. These rivers are regularly stocked with trout, and many of these fish eventually swim into Lake Zoar.
Fish Species You Might Catch
You can find many different kinds of fish in Lake Zoar. Some popular ones include:
- Smallmouth Bass
- Largemouth Bass
- Northern Pike
- White Perch
- Yellow Perch
- Calico Bass (Black Crappie)
- White Catfish
- Brown Bullhead
- Rainbow Trout
- Common Carp
Eating Fish from Lake Zoar
Most fish caught in Lake Zoar are safe to eat in small amounts. However, it's best to be careful with Northern Pike. A study in 2008 found that Smallmouth Bass from the lake had certain chemical levels. It's generally okay to eat Smallmouth Bass about once a month. Overall, chemical levels in the lake's fish have gone down a lot since the 1980s.
Invasive Species in the Lake
Like many bodies of water, Lake Zoar has some invasive plant and animal species. These are species that are not native to the area and can sometimes harm the local environment. A study in 2007 found four invasive plant species:
- Eurasian watermilfoil
- Brittle waternymph
- Curly leaf pondweed
- European waterclover
Also, Zebra Mussels have moved into Lake Zoar. These tiny mussels can attach to surfaces and cause problems for native species and lake equipment.
Hiking the Zoar Trail
If you enjoy hiking, the Zoar Trail is a great option. It's a 6.5-mile (10.5 km) long trail in Newtown. This trail is part of the "Blue-Blazed Trails" system. The Connecticut Forest and Park Association helps maintain it for everyone to enjoy.
