Get your Bonus Striped Bass Tag now at DEEP offices.   One tag will be issued per conservation ID. The  season began on May 1, 2015. Visit our web page for details . 

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COME TAKE A TOUR OF THE RAINBOW FISHWAY- See migrating fish in the underground viewing window.

The open house is Saturday, May 30, from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm.

The public is invited to visit the fishway and learn about both it and the fish it passes. During this day, the public can tour the facility and are encouraged to go downstairs and check out the underground viewing window. Migratory fish species like shad, lamprey, and an occasional Atlantic salmon may be seen passing upstream. Staff will be on hand to answer questions. This is a GREAT ACTIVITY FOR FAMILIES, and there is no fee.

Free Fishing License Days: New this year are two free fishing license days, June 21 and August 15, 2015.  On each of these days, anyone can fish provided they have obtained a 1-day free fishing license.  

The free 1-day license for June 21, 2015 will be available starting May 31, 2015 and for the August 15 date starting on July 24, 2015 through our convenient online sportsmen licensing system (now mobile friendly!).  

Kokanee Salmon

These beautiful fish were caught in West Hill Pond. Fishing for Kokanee can be a challenge- a great fish to try for if you are looking to expand your fishing techniques.  

Jonathan S. with a golden-rainbow trout (DEEP does not stock golden-rainbows) however, some golden-rainbow trout have been stocked by private clubs or individuals who obtain the appropriate stocking (liberation) permit from the Inland Fisheries Division. 

Over 1,200 people came out to Gay City State Park on May 9th to kick off the Great Park Pursuit and to take advantage of free fishing day.  The bite was on with sunfish, Black Crappie, and a jumbo Largemouth Bass captured. Congratulations to everyone who caught their first fish ever and with their new found love of fishing registered for the Youth Fishing Passport. 

We appreciate the Hammonasset and Thames Chapters of Trout Unlimited who pitched in to educate attendees on fly casting, fly tying, and aquatic ecology.  And the CARE certified fishing instructors who kept over 300 lines in the water- tangle free!

A huge thank you to our satellite events held in Wilton by the Mianus Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Barkhamsted by Farmington Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited, and in Meriden by the Meriden Rod and Gun Club.

Trout in the Classroom Programs Liberate Their Fish

Statewide schools participating in Trout Unlimited's Trout in the Classroom program are releasing the trout they have raised in their classroom since the eggs hatched.  The Brown Trout (eggs provided by the Kensington State Fish Hatchery) are being released to local rivers and streams. Students have spent many hours caring for and learning about the needs of Brown Trout.  Good luck to all of the fry raised and released by these students.  Contact Ed Albrecht for more information about the Trout in the Classroom program.

This fish was caught last week in Norwich.  It is an Oscar, which can be purchased at almost every store that sells aquarium fish.  The Oscar is usually purchased at a small size, about 2 inches or so and within a few years can outgrow many home aquariums.  With warmer temperatures it may be tempting to release your pet into the environment.  We would like to remind everyone that this is illegal. If you have a fish you no longer wish to keep, please give it to someone willing to care for it.   Get more information.

By purchasing a fishing license, you help to support conservation and improvement of Connecticut's fisheries.  Thank you!