Lake Zoar Authority

06/05/2026

These paddlecraft "If Found" stickers are now required by CT law. You can request them for free at this link:

https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/Safety/If-Found-Sticker?fbclid=IwdGRjcASPvdVjbGNrBI-9x2V4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHiNXaYS8DvhwP2tbazayPZOi9D8qEYBnOgc6orFYPqtf67e1Heq1G7UWvLyS_aem_mqueBHumQvAzufFR0wb9Yg

Under Public Act 26-60 all unregistered vessels in CT are now required to be identified, including paddlecraft! Current and valid contact information can be printed on or attached to the vessel.

This will greatly help search and rescue operations.

06/05/2026

We're looking forward to our joint skiing and paddling event with the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition on Saturday, 6/13!! We still have a few spots open for skiers with disabilities to try out kayaking. Reach out now if you're interested to see if you qualify for this exciting day!!🛶☀️

05/27/2026

Notice: W**d Treatment 5/28

https://lakezoarauthority.org/2026/05/27/notice-weed-treatment-morning-of-5-28-2026/

05/19/2026

After a very active first weekend of patrols, a couple reminders:

1) Through May 31st, all paddlers are still required to WEAR their PFD (life jacket). This includes kayaks, canoes, and SUP boards. After June 1st, you aren't required to wear it, but must have one with you.

2) Please check your vessel registration and make sure it is up to date before launching. If your sticker says "26", it expired at the end of April. Also, please verify that you meet all state safety requirements. For your reference, the link to the CT Boater's Guide: Connecticut Boaters Guide: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/Connecticut-Boaters-Guide

Stay safe out there!

The Connecticut Boater's Guide is a handbook of boating laws and regulations, registration information and guidelines for safe operation.

04/29/2026

Cold water can make unexpected situations more dangerous.
A simple but lifesaving tip is to avoid boating or paddling alone. If something goes wrong, you'll have someone there to help or get help.
If you do go alone, always leave a float plan with someone you trust.

04/28/2026

LZA is seeking a part-time bookkeeper. For more details:

https://lakezoarauthority.org/2026/04/28/lza-seeking-part-time-bookkeeper/

04/07/2026

BREAKING NEWS: The dock at the Southbury boat launch is back in place for the season.

03/31/2026

Happy Spring!!! Lake weather is coming!

This is also the time of year to remind everyone: Through May 31, all paddlers (kayak, canoe, SUP) are required to WEAR life jackets. Stay safe out there!

03/03/2026

Welcome to March! Trout fishing in CT is now catch and release (with a few exceptions listed below) until 6:00 am on Saturday, April 11. Please do your part to minimize the potential for post release mortality by practicing solid C and R techniques.

Tips to reduce post release mortality-

- Keep you hands to yourself: Handle fish as little as possible, keeping the fish in the water when removing the hook, not letting the fish flop around on the ground. When taking a photo, prep the camera first then take the fish out of the water.

- Go Single and Barbless: A single barbless hook is the best way to have a quick release. It is easy to swap a treble hook for a single hook.

- Be attentive when using bait: A deep hook set is more likely when using bait and not paying attention to subtle bites on your line.

- Don't go digging for your hook: Should the fish have a deep hook set, simply cut the line as close to the hook as possible and release. The time spent trying to remove the hook is more likely to cause delayed mortality then the hook dissolving on its own.

The following are exceptions to the catch and release regulation. Please be sure to check the specific regulations for the waterbody in our 2026 Fishing Guide https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/General-Information/Fishing-Guide

Trout Management Lakes https://portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/fisheries-management/trout-management-lakes

Sea Run Trout Streams https://portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/fisheries-management/sea-run-trout-management

Waters with the designation "Tidal Waters and Tributaries.

03/03/2026

The March LZA meeting originally scheduled for tonight at the Newtown Community Center has been canceled. The Community Center is closing early today, due to the potentially icy weather conditions.