West Hill Lake is a destination lake for both fishing by boat, and ice fishing. The complete anglers guide (CT DEEP) to fishing in CT is available from the CT DEEP Angler’s page. Be sure to understand the importance of not transporting aquatic species/vegetation on a boat or trailer or the release of any aquatic invasive species (AIS).
PLEASE, PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE…..Our lake management company installed submerged logging equipment (3 miniDot loggers) at the deepest point of the lake. These instruments will remain in place to give us a better understanding of how the lake is reacting to changes in the environment, so we can better protect it now and in the future.
West Hill Boat Regulations are: 8 hp limit from Memorial Day through Sep 15; 6 mph between sunset and sunrise; 15 mph maximum during daytime. No water skiing or jet skis.
An electric motor is recommended. When you arrive at the State Boat ramp with your trailer, you will likely be greeted by an Aquatic Invasive Monitor. Please be nice to these monitors. They are simply trying to keep West Hill Lake as one of the best lakes in the state. They will be thrilled if you can share information about what you have seen at other lakes. There are also State of CT DEEP employees who monitor anyone accessing the lake (including fisherman) for the proper safety equipment.
West Hill Lake, like other bodies of water without aquatic invasive plants, is making every effort to remain free of aquatic invasive plants. The boat launch is often staffed with an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) monitor who is providing safety checks and inspecting water vessels and trailers for aquatic plants.There is no provision for washing boats and trailers at West Hill Lake so be sure the trailer and equipment are decontaminated before arriving. Do not unwittingly bring any unwanted invasive hitch-hikers.
West Hill Lake is stocked by the State of Connecticut with both Trout and Kokanee. Kokanee Salmon are related to the Pacific Coast Sockeye Salmon which return to west coast rivers to spawn. Kokanee Salmon are just one of the reasons the use of live alewives, blueback herring, gizzard, hickory, or threadfin shad as bait is specifically prohibited in West Hill Lake! West Hill Lake also has populations of panfish – Bluegills, Sunfish, Pumpkinseed – which are close to the surface year-round. Small-Mouth Bass are also active in fall and spring when the water temperatures are colder and oxygen levels higher. West Hill Lake is one of Connecticut’s Trout Management Lakes.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE… be sure to review and adhere to all regulations including the restrictions on horsepower and speed. There are lots of long-distance swimmers that train in West Hill Lake, and swim from near the location of the boat ramp, down the middle of the lake towards the island, and then back. Sometimes they swim in groups, sometimes alone. Be careful and watch out for swimmers! The typical swim season is late May through October, but swimmers could be present any time there is open water and should be expected.
At nearly 1000 feet of elevation, West Hill Lake can get some of the coldest weather, and therefore seems intuitively to be one of the best opportunities for ice in Connecticut. However, deep waters and high winds conspire to make West Hill one of the last lakes to freeze over in the State.
What this means is that a potential ice-fisherman should exercise extreme caution when considering West Hill Lake as their ice-fishing destination. There is no responsible entity for measuring the ice and therefore no flags or other visual signals that the ice is safe for human transport. Exercise extreme caution and judgement when considering walking on West Hill Lake ice. And never, ever go alone!
For numerous reasons West Hill Lake has become an attractive destination for other types of recreational boaters. Perhaps because water skiing and personal watercraft are not allowed, West Hill Lake has become a great destination for kayaks, stand up paddleboards (SUPs), canoes, sailboats, and for boaters of all ages. In addition, West Hill Lake is a target destination for long distance swimmers. It is not uncommon to encounter as many as a dozen swimmers working their way down the middle of the lake. This is another reason for the daytime year-round speed limit of 15 mph.
The water is exceptionally clear and clean and the boat ramp allows easy access. Be aware that there are no shore or island destinations where you can legally exit your boat (besides the State owned boat ramp) unless at the invitation by a private property owner. Be sure to follow all safety regulations pertinent to the watercraft of your choice.
West Hill Lake has a State of Connecticut boat launch ramp and nearby parking for cars and trailers. Beyond creel limits, the primary restriction at West Hill Lake includes boat speed year round (15 mph day-time and 6 mph dusk to dawn) and an 8 horsepower maximum motor limit from Memorial Day through September 15th. There is a seasonal toilet (chemical) in the DEEP parking lot, but no provisions for bathroom facilities or shoreline access at any point except the boat launch. Curatole Island is private property and any use of this island is strictly prohibited.
