Your feedback is important to us! Send your comments or suggestions to deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov
Latest Bites - January 2018
Happy New Year!  We are looking forward to a fishy 2018.

FREE - Learn to Ice Fish:   A super fun activity to beat down the winter doldrums.  Free classes are starting in January!  The list of classes is updated weekly and is available online.

2018 Fishing Licenses are available now:  Fishing licenses, including the free YOUth Fishing Passport (ages 15 and under) for 2018 are now available at many town clerks, bait and tackle shops, and online.

2018 Regulations:  The proposed changes to INLAND regulations will not take effect on January 1, 2018.  The proposed changes must first be approved by the Legislative Regulations Review Committee (scheduled for the January Meeting).  Stay tuned - we will keep you informed.

Trout Stamp:  CT DEEP has proposed the establishment of a $5.00 Trout Stamp.  The formal adoption process is almost complete.  The final step is approval by the Legislative Regulations Review Committee (expected in January 2018).  We will keep you up to date.  In the meantime, if you have some questions, visit our FAQ page or download our Trout Stamp brochure.
Fishing On the Water - Literally
Ice fishing is a great way to beat those winter doldrums and enjoy winter in Connecticut. Get some exercise all the while spending quality time with family and friends in the great outdoors!  Here are some pointers to enjoy the ice while being SAFE.  Want to see more?  Check out our Ice Fishing video, then take a FREE Learn to Ice Fish class.

Be SAFE: 
  • Never assume any ice is safe, there is no 100% guarantee.  Check the thickness of the ice at the shoreline and every 10-20 feet as you head out.
  • Carry safety gear like hand held ice spikes, a whistle, a personal flotation device, a cell phone, and a throw-able rope.
  • Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be off the ice.

Be Prepared:
  • Dress in a series of layers (avoid cotton if possible) and have a windproof outer layer.
  • Wear warm socks, preferably wool, and waterproof boots.
  • A hat, mittens, and sunglasses are a must.
Have Fun:   
  • Make it an event -  pack food and drinks, some even bring a portable stove to make warm food and heat up water for hot chocolate!
  • Multi-task, if conditions permit, with ice skating, snow shoeing, or throwing a football or frisbe.
  • Bring the family and friends - ice fishing is a social activity and even more fun when "flag up" is shared with others.
Annual Winter Festival - February 3, 2018
We Want to Hear From You - About Opening Day 
(of Trout Season)
We would like to hear from you about your preferences and experience with the Opening Day of Trout Season.  Please take a few minutes to give us your feedback through a short survey, which will help us to provide you with the best possible fishing experience.  Please feel free to share this link with your friends and family.

Mianus Chapter of Trout Unlimited
The Veteran's Service Program 
Meets the FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH @ 7:00PM
 
The Mianus Chapter  of Trout Unlimited is seeking military veterans and family members from across the region to join a fun, new community that brings to life the esprit de corps from your years of service. Newcomers will receive one year of membership in Trout Unlimited.

You'll meet veterans like you who live in Fairfield County and enjoy the outdoors, and spend time in the company of mentors and expert instructors from the Mianus Chapter of Trout Unlimited, anglers who care about the health of our local rivers.

The program will include fishing trips, fly tying, volunteer river restoration projects and more. You may pick and choose those activities that are of the most interest to you. Participants may suggest other activities and the Chapter will attempt to accommodate them.

During the winter months we will be tying fishing flies. Tying flies is part of getting ready for the fishing season.

Details online at www.mianustu.org 
Doors open at 6:30PM
Email Byron Rall at trout-111@hotmail.com to RSVP
2018 Youth Fishing Passports Available NOW!
The Youth Fishing Passport program (FREE) is your ticket to great family memories.  Check out the two activities, the Fishing Challenge and Geo-Catching as well as the list of sponsors who graciously support our young anglers with discounts and/or free items.  Renew or join today using DEEP's sportsmen licensing system!
Youth Fishing Passport
This Month's Mystery Fish
Email your guess to DEEP.inland.fisheries@ct.gov 
All Things Fishing 
We have fishing covered in the new "Connecticut is Fishy" application. Within a 60 minute drive you can be fly fishing the famed Housatonic River or Farmington River, catching monster Northern Pike in Bantam Lake, jumbo Common Carp from the Connecticut River, or on Long Island Sound fishing for tasty favorites like fluke, porgy, sea bass, and bluefish.
The "Connecticut is Fishy" application is a cross between an atlas, our Angler's Guide, our fishing web pages, and interactive maps. We know you will be hooked.
Mystery Fish Revealed
Last month's  Mystery Fish  was a Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola).  A rare but regular visitor to Long Island Sound and adjacent waters, this very large fish is unmistakable.  It is not a particularly strong swimmer and is primarily at the mercy of the prevailing current.  Under calm conditions, the dorsal fin breaks the surface of the water, triggering "shark" from those who see it from a distance. 

Ocean sunfish feed on jelly fish as well as some types of crustaceans and bits of algae.  Consider yourself lucky if you happen across one of these gentle giants, they are a spectacular sight.
Join Us on FishBrain

We are pleased to be on FishBrain, the most popular social media app for anglers. FishBrain is a free download for iphone and android. Users take advantage of the free angling support features (or elect to subscribe for premium features).  Follow CTDEEPFish and we will follow you back!

 
License Fees Fund Hunting and Fishing Programs

100%  of the fees collected from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, tags, permits, and stamps goes to support fish and wildlife conservation, preservation, and recreation programs administered by the Bureau of Natural Resources (Connecticut General Statutes 26-15, 20-15(a), 26-15 (b)). 

Each time you purchase a license your contribution goes to support hunting, fishing, and open space right here in CT. 

So, the next time you see a bald eagle, harvest a white-tail, pheasant, or turkey, or catch a brown trout or striped bass, give yourself and your fellow sportsmen a pat on the back!



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