Lake with Pine Trees

Winchester Lake Vacation Rentals

Winchester Lake

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Winchester Lake
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Why Rent On Winchester Lake

Situated near Winsted, Winchester Lake is a 246-acre reservoir originally created to power local mills in the 1800s. Today, it serves as a peaceful destination for paddling, electric boating, and birdwatching. Managed in part by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the lake is part of the Winchester Lake Wildlife Management Area, and its undeveloped shoreline attracts osprey, herons, and kingfishers. A boat launch near the lake’s eastern edge provides access for anglers seeking northern pike, bass, and perch. It’s a quiet, slow-paced lake ideal for reflective mornings on the water or sunset fishing beneath whispering trees.

Best time to go
Visit Winchester Lake in late spring, from late May to early June, when lush greenery dances under golden sun. Experience tranquil fishing and kayaking, as the lake awakens with vibrant life, yet remains delightfully uncrowded, allowing for serene nature immersion.
Water Quality
Winchester Lake's waters exhibit a deep blue hue, reflecting its maximum depth of 63 feet. The lake's clarity is often murky, with sediment-rich conditions affecting its transparency.
Surface area (mi)
61.89
Max depth (ft)
62.99
Shoreline length (mi)
5.42

Popular activities

  • Boating
  • Jet Skiing
  • Hiking
  • Fishing
  • Waterskiing
  • Wakeboarding
  • Kayaking
  • Canoeing
  • Swimming
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Marinas on Winchester Lake

Nearby lakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to dive into what Winchester Lake has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!

  • Yes, swimming is allowed in Winchester Lake, but there are no developed or designated swimming beaches. The lake can experience algae growth, especially in summer months.

  • Winchester Lake is a popular destination because of its excellent fishing opportunities. The lake is home to various fish species like rainbow trout, catfish, and tiger muskie, and it can be fished from shore, in a boat, or through the ice. Additionally, the park offers campsites, hiking trails, and other recreational activities like paddleboating and cross-country skiing.

  • For trout fishing in Winchester Lake, Connecticut, the daily creel limit is 5 trout per angler per day for most of the year. From March 1 until 6:00 am on the second Saturday of April, it is catch and release only. There are no specific size restrictions mentioned for Winchester Lake, but general state regulations may apply.

  • There is no public beach at Winchester Lake. The lake has algae growth near the shore, and while some kids have been seen swimming, it is not recommended due to the algae. Motor boats are not allowed, but trolling boats are permitted.

  • Winchester Lake is located in the town of Winchester, Connecticut. The nearby towns include Torrington to the south and other communities within Litchfield County. Winsted, the downtown city area of Winchester, is also adjacent to the lake.