The Complete Scoville Reservoir Recreation Guide: Fishing, Boating, Swimming, and More in Wolcott, CT

Scoville Reservoir is the jewel of Wolcott, CT, offering 226 acres of pristine water surrounded by beautiful woods and hills. This recreational paradise has drawn visitors since it first opened in 1926, and remains a favorite destination for fishing, boating, swimming, and enjoying the outdoors. Read on for an in-depth guide to everything Scoville has to offer.

History of Scoville Reservoir

Connecticut‘s Scoville Reservoir has a rich history. The lake was built in 1926 by impounding the Naugatuck River to supply hydroelectric power to the community. For decades, it served Wolcott residents, with a water treatment facility operating until 1967.

In the 1980s, Scoville was redeveloped as a recreation area by the Town of Wolcott and the State of Connecticut. After substantial upgrades, Scoville Reservoir Park opened to the public in 1989, quickly becoming a popular regional attraction.

Today, this 226-acre freshwater lake continues to provide recreation opportunities to thousands of visitors annually. Its scenic beauty, wealth of amenities, and variety of activities have secured Scoville Reservoir‘s status as one of Connecticut‘s finest recreation spots.

Fishing at Scoville Reservoir

Fishing is easily one of the most popular activities at Scoville Reservoir. The lake contains a variety of warmwater fish species, including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, pickerel, perch, bullhead, and several types of panfish. Trout are stocked seasonally by the CT DEEP.

The Exhibit Hall at the reservoir‘s Beach House displays photos of notable catches, including some lunker bass over 7 lbs!

Here are some tips to help you land your own memorable fish:

• Spring and fall are excellent times to fish as bass move into shallow areas to feed.

• Target submerged structure like points, dropoffs, submerged islands, and standing timber to find hungry bass.

• Live bait like nightcrawlers, minnows, and crayfish work well for many species. Lures mimicking wounded baitfish draw strikes.

• Early morning and late afternoon are productive as fish feed. Cloudy days are favorable too.

• Ask fellow anglers which areas are producing fish and what‘s working for them.

• Observe fishing regulations and obtain the required CT freshwater fishing license.

There‘s no closed season at Scoville, so you can fish year-round if you‘re willing to brave the cold! Check with the park office for up-to-date fishing reports.

Shore Fishing Spots

The easily accessible fishing pier on Route 69 draws shore fishermen, though it can get crowded at peak times. For more elbow room, try these shore fishing spots:

• The handicapped-accessible fishing platform just north of the pier.

• The stretch between the swimming area and the boat launch parking on the west shore.

• The rocky point and nearby grassy area on the southeast part of the lake.

Scoville Reservoir Fishing Tournaments

Numerous fishing tournaments and derbies take place annually at Scoville Reservoir, many to raise funds for local charities and causes. Some popular events include:

• The Bob Valente Memorial Fishing Tournament in May

• The Cyrille Bosio Fishing Derby in June

• The Wolcott Lions Club Fishing Tournament in September

Check the event calendar on the Wolcott town website for upcoming tournament dates. These events attract some outstanding catches!

Boating on Scoville Reservoir

With its calm protected waters, Scoville Reservoir is perfect for boating. Only electric trolling motors are permitted, keeping the lake quiet and serene.

Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, pedal boats and small fishing vessels are all commonly used on Scoville. There is a 10 mph speed limit.

The main concrete boat launch ramp can easily accommodate 20 vehicles with trailers. There is also a smaller launch in the northern arm of the reservoir, accessible from Old Route 8.

Boats must display a CT DEEP non-tidal boat registration sticker. Life jackets are mandatory for all passengers.

Visiting boaters should be aware of some current issues:

• Water levels have dropped in recent dry years. Use caution in shallow spots.

• Areas of the shoreline and some coves are marked with swim buoys during summer. Avoid these zones.

• Be alert for kayakers and canoeists, especially on weekends when boating traffic is higher.

Always boat responsibly by following safety guidelines, keeping speeds low, and avoiding wakes near shore.

Swimming and Beach Activities

When summer temperatures climb, the swimming area at Scoville Reservoir is the place to cool off. Lifeguards are on duty daily from 10 am to 6 pm in summer.

For a safe swimming experience, please observe the following rules:

• Swim only within designated areas marked by swim lines.

• Follow lifeguard instructions for your safety.

• Children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

• Alcohol, smoking, pets, and glass containers are prohibited on the beach.

Facilities include a large beach house with restrooms, changing areas, and showers. Vending machines provide snacks and drinks in season. Picnic tables and charcoal grills allow you to enjoy a beachside barbecue.

After swimming, kids can burn off more energy at the playground next to the parking lot. A volleyball court is also available.

Hiking, Cycling and Other Activities

Beyond the water, there‘s plenty more to do at Scoville Reservoir Park:

• Hiking: Trails circle the lake for scenic walks or jogs. The 5K route has marker posts. Leashed pets are permitted.

• Cycling: Bikers can ride on the trails or do loops on Old Route 8 and Reservoir Avenue.

• Picnicking: Several picnic areas with tables and grills dot the shoreline. Pack a lunch!

• Birdwatching: Over 100 bird species have been spotted around the reservoir. Bring binoculars.

• Viewing the Dam: See the impressive dam on the west shore with information boards about its operation.

• Geocaching: Containers are hidden around the park for modern-day treasure hunts using GPS.

With so many options, you‘ll want to stay at Scoville all day long!

Nearby Attractions

Make the most of your visit to Scoville Reservoir by exploring some of the great attractions located just a short drive away:

Quassy Amusement Park (10 minutes)

Ride rollercoasters, drive go-karts or take a spin on the carousel at this popular family amusement park.

Peck‘s Pond Trails (12 minutes)

Enjoy hiking and mountain biking on miles of wooded trails around a scenic pond.

Cheese Castle Farm Store (15 minutes)

Sample and purchase artisanal cheeses and other specialty foods at this country store.

Paintball & Ski Discovery Park (12 minutes)

Experience exciting paintball games and snow tubing in winter at this adventure park.

Waterbury Public Library (15 minutes)

Founded in 1877, this historic library has fascinating architecture and a large collection.

Don‘t miss these great attractions nearby!

Seasonal Events at Scoville Reservoir

Throughout the year, special events bring plenty of fun and activity to Scoville Reservoir Park.

Spring offers a great time to catch trophy trout during the trout derby.

Summer features action-packed fishing tournaments, food truck festivals, and movie nights under the stars.

The popular Wolcott Country Fair takes place here every fall.

In winter, the trails are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Some upcoming events at Scoville Reservoir Park include:

Event	Date
Bob Valente Memorial Fishing Tournament	May 20, 2023
Independence Day Fireworks	July 1, 2023
Hot Air Balloon Festival	August 19-20, 2023
Wolcott Country Fair	September 15-17, 2023

Contact Information for Scoville Reservoir

Get the latest updates on Scoville Reservoir Park operations, events, and advisories:

Scoville Reservoir Park Office
Phone: (203) 879-0485

Town of Wolcott
Website: www.wolcottct.org

CT DEEP Fishing Information
Phone: (860) 424-FISH

CT DEEP Boating Division
Phone: (860) 434-8638

Equipped with this detailed guide, you now have everything you need to plan an amazing visit to Scoville Reservoir in Wolcott, CT. Follow the tips to enjoy a day of boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, picnicking, or just relaxing by the water. Scoville is the perfect place to experience the natural beauty of Connecticut. We‘ll see you at the reservoir!