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December 2025
Please reach out to mike.beauchene@ct.gov with any suggestions, comments, or questions related to CT's Fisheries.
2026 Fishing Licenses Available
Don't miss any days of fishing in 2026 - renew or get your fishing license today! The 2026 licenses are available starting on December 1.
2026 Inland Regulations Booklet Coming Soon
The 2026 inland (freshwater) regulation booklet should be available at many town clerks and DEEP field offices by the end of December. The guide is always available to view or download online 24/7. There are changes to the regulations, which take effect on January 1, 2026. These changes are noted in the guide, described in an article below, and on our webpage.
Lake Trout - Bonus!
300 Lake Trout, which are being retired from their spawning responsibilities, have been stocked in the following waters thanks to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
These bruisers, averaging 10 pounds, come from the Berkshire National Fish Hatchery in New Marlborough, MA where they are raised for restoration efforts in the lower Great Lakes as well as for recreational fishing opportunities. Now 12 years old, these retired broodstock have completed their hatchery duties of providing eggs for future years and are suitable to be stocked for anglers. There is no expectation that these fish will holdover for an extended period of time (years) or that they will reproduce. The intent in stocking them is strictly to provide Connecticut anglers with a specialty fishery, adding to the multitude of angling opportunities across the state.
The following waterbodies were stocked:
- Amos Lake, Preston
- Bigelow Pond, Union
- Coventry Lake, Coventry
- Howell’s Pond, Hartland
- Squantz Pond, Sherman/New Fairfield
- Tyler Lake, Goshen
Lake trout are the largest of the freshwater char and are native to northern North America, from Alaska to Nova Scotia and throughout the Great Lakes. Historically, lake trout were reared by the state of Connecticut and stocked into a handful of lakes around the state; stocking ceased in 1967 and was likely attributed to poor survival in the wild. The current harvest state record dates back to 1918, for a fish caught out of Lake Wononskopomuc that weighed a whopping 29 lbs. 13 oz.!
While these fish won’t break the CT state record in the harvest category (the largest fish by weight), they should provide the catch of a lifetime for many, and for the possibility of filling the state record in the “Catch & Release” (the largest fish by length) category. For more information on state record fish and the Trophy Fish Award program, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Fishing/General-Information/Trophy-Fish-Award-Program.
As lake trout are considered trout along with brooks, browns, rainbows, and tigers, there will be no special rules or regulations applied with this specialty stocking; therefore, the current regulations apply for trout at each waterbody.
Year 2 of the Atlantic Salmon Tagging Study
Atlantic salmon are being tagged for the second year as part of a study being conducted the the Fisheries Division. This year, they will be given a blue tag (last year the tags were orange). We would really like to hear if you catch a tagged fish from last year or this year. Please let us know via one of the 3 reporting methods below if you catch a tagged salmon. Do not remove the tag when releasing the fish. Harvest begins on December 16. Atlantic salmon regulations can be found on our webpage.
New Inland Regulations for 2026
The following NEW regulations take effect on January 1, 2026. A summary of the new regulations and the public process completed during 2024-2025 to develop these regulations can be found on our webpage.
Trout:
All trout must be 9 inches or larger to keep.
The sections of Kettletown Brook, Macedonia Brook, and Mashamoquet Brook within the respective state parks are now classified as Trout Parks and have a 2 trout daily limit.
22 waters become Class 1 Wild Trout Management Areas. Fishing is restricted to catch and release only. Gear is restricted to use of a single barbless hook on an artificial lure or a fly.
- Beaver Brook in Barkhamsted
- Belden Brook in Granby
- Bonemill Brook in Tolland & Ellington
- Cold Brook and tributaries in Glastonbury
- Green Falls River in North Stonington
- Gulf Stream and tributaries in Somers
- Hall Meadow Brook in Norfolk
- Thorne Brook and tributaries in Hartland
- Hurricane Brook in Hartland
- Indian Hole Brook in Shelton
- Jericho Brook in Thomaston
- Lowden Brook in Voluntown
- Mohawk Pond Outflow in Goshen
- Morgan Brook in Barkhamsted
- Pease Brook in Bozrah
- Railroad Brook in Vernon
- Sages Ravine Brook in Salisbury
- Spruce Brook and tributaries in Litchfield
- Stony Brook in Montville
- Stratton Brook in Simsbury
- West Branch Salmon Brook and tributaries in Hartland
- Willow Brook and tributaries in Hamden & Cheshire
Establishment of a "thermal refuge" on Highland Lake. Fishing is prohibited at the confluence of Taylor Brook from July 1 until October 15.
Bass:
The Housatonic River Bass Management Area is catch and release fishing only from the CT/MA state line downstream to the Bleachery Dam in New Milford. All bass must be immediately released without avoidable injury.
Chain Pickerel:
Three Chain Pickerel Management Lakes are created: East Twin Lake, West Twin Lake and Lake Wononskopomuc. Chain Pickerel have a 1 fish per daily creel limit and a 22 inch minimum length.
Channel Catfish:
Allen Pond (Wharton Brook State Park) now has a 3 catfish daily limit.
The following are REMOVED or CHANGED from the regulations for sportfishing in the inland district.
1 Trout Management Lake is removed: Crystal Lake in Ellington reverts to statewide regulations for trout, 5 fish per day with 9 inch minimum length. Atlantic salmon, when stocked, follow the Commissioner's Declaration.
3 Sea-Run Trout Streams are removed and revert to statewide trout regulations of 5 fish per day, 9-inch minimum length. The 3 sea-run sections removed are on the Eightmile River, Whitford Brook, and Mianus River.
6 Class 3 Wild Trout Management Areas are removed/reclassified
The sections of the East Branch Naugatuck River and the Shunock River revert to the statewide regulations of 5 trout per day, 9-inch minimum length.
Macedonia Brook within the state park now becomes a Trout Park.
Pease Brook and Stony Brook (Montville) become Class 1 Wild Trout Management Areas.
Nice Catch!
A beauty of a Tiger Trout caught by 11 year old Hamden resident Leo Simon. The fish was 14.5 inches and weighted 1 pound 2 ounces was caught on Wednesday 10/22/25 at Wharton Brook State Park using a worm.
State Record Fallfish - 4 Way Tie Breaker
Congratulations to Alexander Daignault who submitted this 17.5 inch Fallfish (top photo - black measuring tape), which broke the 4-way tie, including one 17 inch fish caught and submitted by Andrew Rondeau just a few weeks ago (bottom photo - yellow measuring board). The current 17.5 inch Connecticut Catch and Release State Record breaks the tie for fish caught by Andy Rondeau, Mike Nordman, William Hein, and Joe Skorupki. Visit our webpage to see all of the state record freshwater fish.
DEEP's Warmwater Fisheries Action Plan is Published
The Purpose of this action plan is to maintain and improve recreational fishing for the warm- and coolwater fish species found in Connecticut lakes, ponds, and rivers over the next five years. This plan is a living document and will be updated periodically as stakeholders’ needs, management needs, and environmental conditions change. Evaluation of the plan’s goals, objectives, and actions will occur in 5-year segments and be adjusted accordingly.
Largemouth and Smallmouth bass management is described separately in our Bass Action Plan.
The plan focuses on three major themes:
1. Provide Varied Fishing Opportunities
2. Provide Fishing Access and Information
3. Monitor Fish Communities, Angler Use, and Habitat
DEEP Requests Proposals for Grants for Aquatic Invasive Species Control on Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers by December 10th
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now accepting proposals for the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Grant Program for 2026. Applications will be accepted through December 10, 2025. Please visit the DEEP AIS Grant Program website for details on how to apply for 2026 grants.
In 2019, the Connecticut General Assembly created dedicated funding to address AIS via Public Act 19-190, which established an AIS Stamp and associated fee that applies to all registered boats using Connecticut inland waters. Funds derived from the AIS Stamp are distributed via a competitive AIS Grant Program, funding selected projects proposed by municipalities, state agencies, and non-profit organizations to address the impacts of AIS on inland waterbodies in Connecticut. DEEP has awarded approximately $1.9 million to 71 projects during the first five years of the AIS Grant Program.
Invasive species, such as hydrilla and zebra mussels, are a serious threat to freshwater ecosystems and outdoor recreation. Invasive species can negatively affect native plants and animals, and the dense mats formed by invasive aquatic plants can seriously hamper boating, fishing, and swimming. These species often are costly and challenging to eliminate once established, necessitating intensive control and education efforts to prevent further spread.
“Boating and fishing are the largest contributors to Connecticut’s outdoor recreation economy, which continues to experience year-over-year growth and outpaces the national average,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “Aquatic invasive species pose a serious threat to that economy and to the health of our freshwater ecosystems. The funding provided by our AIS Grant Program will enable grant recipients to do the critical work of controlling and researching aquatic invasives, helping to protect the state’s waterways and preserve the many benefits they provide to residents, visitors, and local communities.”
Fishing Challenge DIY Videos
To help budding anglers fill their Youth Fishing Passport (YFP) fishing challenge score card the Fish With CARE program has made a special playlist on the DEEP Video YouTube channel. The playlist will give you tips on gear, bait, and techniques on targeting each of the 33 fish species found in the YFP fishing challenge!
The fishing challenge is free for young anglers ages 15 and younger. The challenge is a year-long fishing scavenger hunt to try and catch all 33 species on the score card. Catches are submitted online and results displayed on the dashboard. For more info, please reach out to mike.beauchene@ct.gov
This Month's Mystery Fish
Think you know this species 👀? Send your guess to mike.beauchene@ct.gov
Mystery Fish Revealed
Last month's mystery fish was Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar). The Atlantic salmon is an anadromous fish that, for thousands of years, flourished in large rivers of Connecticut and up the New England coast and Canada. Pollution, unregulated overfishing, and dams built during the Industrial Revolution of the 1800s blocked upstream migration to spawning habitat caused the Atlantic salmon to disappear from Connecticut waters. Leaders of the time realized action was needed to restore, manage, and conserve our natural resources. In 1866, the Connecticut State Legislature took action and created the Fisheries Commission (the origin of the current Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) who was tasked with restoring runs of Atlantic salmon, manage American shad, and restocking game fish to inland waters. Read more about the early Atlantic salmon history and management in this article in Connecticut Wildlife Magazine.
Although the federal effort has ended, Connecticut DEEP Fisheries Division maintains a “Legacy Program” which utilizes hatchery-supported population with the intent of maintaining enough Atlantic salmon at the Kensington State Fish Hatchery to preserve genetic integrity of the Connecticut River strain. As a result, the Fisheries Division will continue to stock, in reduced numbers, fry and adult Atlantic salmon each year into tributary streams of the Farmington River and Salmon River watersheds. Atlantic salmon eggs are also used to support the Connecticut River Salmon Association’s Salmon-In-Schools program which is a joint effort to promote education about Atlantic salmon and aquatic resources.
Need to find a place to fish? Check out our "Where to Fish For..." interactive map with the video tutorial below.
DIY Videos- our complete library can be found on the DEEP YouTube Channel
How to get your fishing license online
How to get the youth fishing passport online
Have a Tip or Photo You Would Like to See in CT Fishin' Tips?
Have a Tip or Photo You Would Like to See in CT Fishin' Tips? Email your tip to DEEP.Inland.Fisheries@ct.gov
E-Tackle Box
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are seeking a communication aid or service, have limited proficiency in English, wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint, or require some other accommodation, including equipment to facilitate virtual participation, please contact the DEEP Office of Diversity and Equity at 860-418-5910 or by email at deep.accommodations@ct.gov. Any person needing an accommodation for hearing impairment may call the State of Connecticut relay number - 711. In order to facilitate efforts to provide an accommodation, please request all accommodations as soon as possible following notice of any agency hearing, meeting, program or event.
This program receives Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you need more information, please write to:
Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights
U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20240
Report a Fishing or Hunting Violation
Call DEEP's Environmental Conservation Police 24/7
860-424-3333
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