With over a hundred and eighty lakes and waterways, Connecticut's waters teem with trophy-sized trout and bass. Trout Park is a popular destination for tourists and fishing enthusiasts who hope to get a glimpse of these beauties first hand.
There are quite a few fishing licenses to choose from, which is why it is crucial to confirm your location first before purchasing one. The links in this section will give you all the information you need to accomplish this task. You may purchase one online or through authorized retailers such as tackle shop or your local athletic stores.
Before you leave for your trip, make it a point to research on Connecticut's rules and regulations on fishing. Also, you must keep an eye out for regular updates as some laws change from time to time, depending on the climate, month or the current population of fish in the area.
Reeling in trophy-sized catches is every angler's dream. However, Connecticut advocates the catch and release practice to protect and conserve marine life in the region. It is best to familiarize yourself with the local protocols regarding the size and length of fish you are allowed to bag for a hassle free vacation.
Connecticut is one of the most underrated places to go fishing. The state has over 180 public lakes and ponds, including thousands of rivers and streams. Many of these fishing spots are permeated with game fish and panfish such as trout, bass, large walleye, bluegills, and pike.
Connecticut is known best for its Farmington and Housatonic rivers, which are the favorite spots for local fishers for the best catch, especially when catching the coveted prized fish. The state’s fish hatcheries ensure that the Connecticut ponds and streams are filled up weekly with fresh trout.
If you're down to explore the rich waters of Connecticut for the first time, the first thing you need to secure is a fishing license. We've prepared a complete guide in procuring a Connecticut fishing license, including the rules and regulations that you MUST follow.
How to get a Connecticut Fishing License?
For those of you looking to fish, inland fishing licenses are required for any individual over the age of 16 in the Inland District. For Marine Waters Fishing Licenses, individuals are required to have these licenses if over the age of 26. These specific Marine Water Licenses are needed when fishing from shore or the boat in the marine district or landing marine fish or bait specific in Connecticut taken from offshore waters. The fishing licenses themselves are issued on a calendar year basis and expire on December 31st. To get a fishing license, you’ll have the option to the following places:
- Online Sportsmen Licensing System
- Participating Town Halls
- Designated vendor (tackle shop)
- DEEP Offices
- DEEP Store
Types of Licenses and Costs
|
License Type |
Fee (as of 1/1/15) |
|
|
Resident Inland Fishing
|
$28.00 $14.00 |
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Resident All Waters Fishing
|
$32.00 $16.00 |
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Resident Inland Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting
|
$38.00 $19.00 |
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Resident All Waters Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting
|
$40.00 $20.00 |
|
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Resident All Waters Fishing and Bow and Arrow Permit to Hunt Deer and Small Game
|
$65.00 $33.00 |
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Trout and Salmon Stamp - New for 2018
|
$5.00 $5.00 $3.00 |
|
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Resident Senior Citizen (65 and older) - Inland Fishing |
Free (Requires Annual Renewal) |
|
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Nonresident Season-Inland Fishing |
$55.00 |
|
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Nonresident Season-All Waters Fishing |
$63.00 |
|
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Nonresident Three Day Inland Fishing |
$22.00 |
|
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Nonresident Inland Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting |
$110.00 |
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Nonresident All Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting |
$120.00 |
|
|
Armed Forces Members* Inland Fishing |
$28.00 |
|
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Armed Forces Members* All Waters Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting |
$40.00 |
|
|
Armed Forces Members* Inland Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting |
$38.00 |
|
|
Intellectually Disabled or Blind** - Inland Fishing |
Free |
|
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Physically Disabled Persons*** - Inland Fishing |
Free |
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Physically Disabled Persons *** - Inland Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting |
Free |
Source: Ct.gov - State of Connecticut Department of Energy & Environment Protection
Marine Water Fishing Licenses
|
License Type |
Fee |
|
|
Resident Marine Waters Fishing
|
$10.00 $5.00 |
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Resident One Day Marine Waters Fishing
|
$5.00 $3.00 |
|
|
Resident All Waters Fishing
|
$32.00 $16.00 |
|
|
Resident Senior Citizen (65 or older) - Marine Waters Fishing |
Free (Requires Annual Renewal) |
|
|
Resident Marine Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting
|
$25.00 $13.00 |
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Resident All Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting
|
$40.00 $20.00 |
|
|
Nonresident Marine Waters Fishing |
$15.00 |
|
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Nonresident Season-All Waters Fishing |
$63.00 |
|
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Nonresident Marine Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting |
$94.00 |
|
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Nonresident All Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting |
$120.00 |
|
|
Nonresident Three Day Marine Waters Fishing |
$8.00 |
|
|
Armed Forces Members* Marine Waters Fishing |
$10.00 |
|
|
Intellectually Disabled or Blind** - Marine Waters Fishing |
Free |
|
|
Physically Disabled Persons*** - Marine Waters Fishing |
Free |
Source: Ct.gov - State of Connecticut Department of Energy & Environment Protection
Who needs a Connecticut Fishing License?
As mentioned above, all individuals over the age of 16 must have a fishing license. The type of fishing license that you’ll need primarily depends on many factors such as your age, residency, location, and type of fish you’re looking to fish.
How do I renew my Connecticut license?
To renew your fishing license, simply go to the locations available to get a new fishing license. The fee for a marine permit is $10 for residents aged 16-64. For seniors who are above the age of 65, the license is free. For non-residents ages 16 and older, the fee is $15. Anglers must possess a fishing license to fish in Connecticut waters.
Connecticut Fish Size and Limits
As an angler, it is essential to know specific fishing regulations in the state you are fishing. These Fishing laws aim to conserve and improve fishing populations and protect the species' ecosystem. Hence, fishing biologists study large bodies of water to check on the number and the health of various fish species.
In the state of Connecticut, there are different types of fishing regulations, including size and catch limitations. Check the complete guide below:
|
Species |
Notes |
Minimum Length |
Daily Creel Limit (fish per angler) |
Open Season |
|
Alewife/ Blueback Herring |
The taking of Alewife and Blueback Herring is prohibited. |
|||
|
American Eel |
Eel Pots limited to 2 pots per person, personal use only. Legal Methods: Angling, Snagging, Spearing, Eel Pot Silver eel harvest is prohibited. |
9″ |
25 |
Year-Round |
|
American Shad |
All state waters closed except the Connecticut River. |
None |
6 |
Year-Round |
|
Atlantic Cod |
Visit this link for updated federal regulations. |
23″ |
10 |
Year-Round |
|
Black Sea Bass |
Length excludes the tendril (tail filament). |
15″ |
5 |
May 19 – December 31 |
|
Bluefish |
None |
10 |
Year-Round |
|
|
Haddock |
Visit this link for updated federal regulations. |
18″ |
None |
Year-Round |
|
Hickory Shad |
None |
6 |
Year-Round |
|
|
Menhaden |
None |
50 fish or 5 gallons |
Year-Round |
|
|
Pollock |
Visit this link for updated federal regulations. |
19″ |
None |
Year-Round |
|
Red Drum |
No person shall possess any red drum greater than 27 inches measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. Any red drum greater than 27″ shall, without avoidable injury, be returned immediately to the water from which taken. |
None |
None |
None |
|
Scup (Porgy) |
See www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishing for Party/Charter fishing regulations. |
9″ |
30 |
Year-Round |
|
At Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Access Sites (see Appendix A on Enhanced Fishing Opportunities) |
8″ |
30 |
||
|
Sea-Run Trout (Brown, Brook, Rainbow) |
15″ |
2 |
Year-Round |
|
|
Striped Bass |
No spearing or gaffing |
28″ |
1 |
Year-Round |
|
Summer Flounder (Fluke) |
On the water, fillets must meet the minimum length or be accompanied by a legal-sized rack (carcass) See www.ct.gov/deep/saltwater fishing for updated regulations |
19″ |
4 |
May 4 – September 30 |
|
At Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Access Sites (see Appendix A on Enhanced Fishing Opportunities) |
17″ |
4 |
May 4 – September 30 |
|
|
Tautog (Blackfish) |
16″ |
2 |
April 1 – April 30 and July 1 – August 31 |
|
|
16″ |
3 |
October 10 – November 28 |
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|
Weakfish |
16″ |
1 |
Year-Round |
|
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White Perch |
7″ |
30 |
Year-Round |
|
|
Winter Flounder |
12″ |
2 |
April 1 – December 31 |
|
|
Sharks/Tuna* |
Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permit is required to take, possess, or land any shark species, other than smooth or spiny dogfish. To obtain an HMS permit see this link or call NMFS Customer Service at 888-872-8862 |
Source: Connecticut Angler’s Guide Inland & Marine Fishing
What are the Top Fishing Spots in Connecticut?
Crescent Lake in Southington is a beautiful lake with a hilltop location that is stocked filled with freshwater trout and catfish. Another spot great among the Angler community is the Farmington Rivers in Windsor, which is known for lures to work well in this body of water. Other notable spots that anglers love are Cockaponset State Forest in Haddam, Fort Trumbull State Park in New London, Quinnipiac River in South Meriden, Connecticut River from Middletown to Hartford, Lake McDonough in Barkhamsted, Squantz Pond State Park in New Fairfield, Satan’s Kingdom in New Hartford and Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury.