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Latest Bites - December 2016
2017 Fishing Licenses:  Licenses for the 2017 season are now available through our on-line system (mobile friendly).  100% of your investment in the license goes to support Connecticut's fish and wildlife.  A great way for you to show your support for CT's natural resources.

Trout Stocking Maps:  The past couple of editions of CT Fishin' Tips inadvertently had the trout stocking map link (in the E-tackle box at bottom of this email) opening the hunting areas map.  We have fixed the link.  

Youth Fishing Passport Fishing Challenge:  Be sure to email photos of your catches along with your passport number (by December 31st) to deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov so you can be entered into "CT's Top Youth Passport Angler" and have the chance to be rewarded with a great fishing prize pack.  

FREE Ice Fishing Classes:  Visit the CARE  schedule of events to find FREE family ice fishing classes and events near you (new classes being added weekly)!
FREE Winter Fishing Events
GET ON THE "HARD" WATER WITH THE CARE PROGRAM!
 
The CARE program will be on hand at two free events to introduce and assist everyone who would like to learn to fish on the "hard water" (safe ice and weather permitting).  Please contact Tom or Justin at 860-663-1656 if you have questions.  All equipment and bait will be provided at no charge. Attending a free Family Ice Fishing class prior to events will surely better prepare you, and increase your knowledge and chance at success! Please dress for the weather (and add a little bit more).

Family Ice Fishing Derby:  Saturday, January 28, 2017 from 9 am to 12 pm at Patriot's Park on Coventry Lake: 124 Lake St, Coventry, CT 06238

No Child Left Inside Winter Festival:  Saturday, February 4, 2017 from 10 am to 3 pm at Burr Pond State Park: 384 Burr Mountain Rd, Torrington, CT 06790
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!



You are making a difference and we thank you for your support!
Atlantic Salmon Update
The final group of Atlantic Salmon broodstock, which are past their prime reproductive capacity, were stocked into the Naugatuck River Broodstock Area in Campville (Thomaston/Litchfield) on December 6.  This unique fishery allows anglers to fish for and harvest an Atlantic salmon!  This fall, a total of just over 2,000 salmon have been stocked.  Most of the fish are between 2 and 6 pounds, however, some were between 6-20 pounds each!  For specific details check out our fall stocking report.
Inspiration for the Next Generation
We are looking for you! That someone who wants to see the long-standing tradition of fishing passed on to the next generation.  If you enjoy working with youth and families, have a strong passion for the outdoors, and would like to be apart of sharing that passion and knowledge we would love to hear from you. Our next Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education State Certified Fishing Instructor class is forming now.  Call Tom at 860-663-1656 or email Thomas.Bourret@ct.gov for more info.
You've Got Mail
Let us know about you!  Everyone who obtained a fishing license between 2010 and 2016 and provided their email address has been sent a "Thank You" email with a custom link to a short survey (check your junk mailbox if you do not see it in your inbox).  Your feedback truly matters to us.  Please take a minute to let us know about your fishing habits and how we can do better.  

If you did not get an email, please check your Conservation Profile in the licensing system to see if you have provided an email, that the email is current, and that the address does not have any typos.  We welcome your input to our survey if you did not have an email in the licensing system until now.  
Prepare for Ice Fishing
Now is a great time to check your ice fishing gear (or add to your holiday wish list).  For the most part, last winter was a bust for those of us who enjoy being out "on the ice".  With long term weather forecast calling for COLD, now is a good time to go through your ice fishing gear to fix or repair any missing or broken items and tie on some new leaders. Let's hope for a great 2017 ICE FISHING SEASON!
Celebrate 150 Years of Natural Resource
Conservation  in Connecticut!

The DEEP's Bureau of Natural Resources is celebrating its 150th Anniversary in 2016.  Joining in the celebration are the Divisions of Wildlife, Inland Fisheries, Marine Fisheries, Forestry, and the Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police, as well as many partners.

Throughout 2016, we will look back at our history and also look ahead to the future of natural resources in our state. 
Follow along with the celebration and participate in special events to be held year-long. Learn more on our  Facebook Page and the  DEEP Website.
This Month's Mystery Fish
Mystery Fish Revealed
Last month's  Mystery Fish was t he Green Sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus. Introduced to Connecticut, Green Sunfish are native just to the central United States.  One tell tale characteristic is the pink or purple fringe on the black spot on the gill cover.  Green Sunfish also tend to have small turquoise dots along the body. These fish are fairly aggressive and will hit a variety of small lures and live bait. Anglers report catching Green Sunfish in the Quinebaug River, Shetucket River and a few lakes and ponds of Connecticut. Upper Bolton Lake is a great spot to catch your first Green Sunfish!  Typically, Greens are between 4-6 inches but can grow up to 12 inches in length. 
Green Sunfish, Lepomis cyanellus
Have you fished here?
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You'll find each issue packed with information about wildlife, hunting, and natural resource-related issues in Connecticut.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity Employer committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at 860-418-5910 or deep.accommodations@ct.gov if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint.