It covers an area of approximately 0.66 square miles (1.7 km2) and is nestled in the center of the trap rock Saltonstall Mountain.

The lake and the area around it is owned by the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority, a company which also regulates fishing and rents boats.

A permit[3] may be purchased, which provides access to hiking trails, fishing and boat rentals at Lake Saltonstall and other properties owned and maintained by the RWA.

There are a variety of fish native to Lake Saltonstall in addition to those that are stocked by the RWA.

Fish in Lake Saltonstall include largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, trout, yellow perch and carp.