About Us
Membership
Lake Data
news
CONTACT
Emergency Contacts
  • Lake Emergencies: 911
  • Report Boating Accidents: CT DEP 860-434-8638
  • Call for FirstLight Power’s water level recording 888-417-4837 Menu Item 2, then 2
Menu
  • Lake Emergencies: 911
  • Report Boating Accidents: CT DEP 860-434-8638
  • Call for FirstLight Power’s water level recording 888-417-4837 Menu Item 2, then 2

Help Preserve
Lake Lillinonah

Friends of the Lake is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and to improving majestic Lake Lillinonah so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Learn More
Live Lake Data
Memberships

about us

Currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, Friends of the Lake is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 to improve Lake Lillinonah for the recreational enjoyment for those who use it, to improve its water quality to the standards set forth in the Clean Water Act, and for the long-term environmental protection of this beautiful section of the Housatonic River and its watershed.

LEARN MORE
20

20

years of operation

293

293

active members

ANNUAL LAKE DRAWDOWN

FirstLight Power has announced the dates of their annual drawdown of Lake Lillinonah to perform their maintenance and inspection of the Shepaug Dam.

This year the drawdown will begin on October 30, ending November 8, 2023. The drawdown will be approximately 5’ below the normal low operating level of 195.5’.

Please be aware that any alterations to your waterfront must be approved in advance by FirstLight Power, and probably by your town’s Inland Wetlands Commission as well.

Please email info@friendsofthelake.org with any questions, and cheers to a beautiful Fall!

INVASIVE SPECIES: HYDRILLA

A new aquatic invasive species, hydrilla, has been found in Lake Lillinonah.

Please click the button below to learn more about hydrilla and what you can do to help prevent its spread.

LEARN MORE

LOOKING AHEAD

Thank you to all of our members and volunteers for helping make this year's slate of events such a success! We couldn't have done it without you.

Looking ahead to next year, there are volunteer opportunities for each of the upcoming 2024 events listed below; please email info@friendsofthelake.org to learn more and sign up. We really appreciate your continued support!

Save the Lake Day: May 18th
Dine Around: June 22nd
Anniversary Party: August 8th

LIVE LAKE DATA

NA

The Friends of the Lake buoy and weather station provide live updates on the health of Lake Lillinonah every 15 minutes.

view live data

EXTREME CAUTION

0.0
Safe for all users
Caution
Unsafe for boating

News & Announcements

Stay current with the latest news and happenings around the lake.

2021 Fall Drawdown

Friends of the lake is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 to improve Lake Lillinonah for the recreational enjoyment for those who use it, to improve its water quality to the standards set

READ MORE

Heartbreaking News

With heavy hearts and tears in our eyes we inform you of the passing of Jeff Tinley. A great friend, Friends of the Lake board member and tremendous human being, “JT” was a man of exceptional character and intellect.

READ MORE

Low Water Alert

This message about changing water levels on Lake Lillinonah is brought to you by Lake Lillinonah Authority, Friends of the Lake, and FirstLight Power. Due to forecasted high river flows, we are lowering Lake Lillinonah starting at 8pm, Friday July 16th.

READ MORE

HOW CAN YOU
SUPPORT US?

Help us preserve and protect Lake Lillinonah for generations to come. Every member adds a voice to our cause of protecting this great natural resource.

BECOME A FRIEND OF THE LAKE
Renew your membership today

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Lake Emergencies

911

Report Boating Accidents

CT DEP 860-434-8638

Call for FirstLight Power’s Water Level Recording

888-417-4837 Menu Item 2, then 2

Annual Newsletters

2022
2021
2020