CT Fishin' Tips
June 2016

Your source for Connecticut fishing news, pointers, and tips!
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.
Follow along with the celebration an participate in special events to be held year-long. Learn more on our  Facebook Page and the  DEEP Website.
Latest Bites

Striped Bass fishing is heating up in the lower Connecticut River and Long Island Sound.

Channel Catfish were stocked on May 23, 2016 and are eager to bite.  Visit our channel catfish page for details.

NEW! The Weekend Fishing Forecast is being posted on our CT Fish and Wildlife Facebook page.  

Common Carp, our largest freshwater fish, are a challenge to catch.  Visit our common carp page for some basic info to get you started.

Sunfish and Bass post spawning fish kills are occurring in many of our lakes and ponds.  This is a natural occurrence this time of year, as spawning can be stressful, causing mortality for some. Read more about post-spawning fish kill in our factsheet.

Check the DEEP weekly fishing report for detailed fishing info. 
WE NEED YOU!

We are looking for passionate outdoorsy people with a strong interest in fish and fishing.

REQUIRED: must enjoy seeing smiles on the faces of families after helping them catch their first fish together!

The Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education ( CARE) program is accepting applicants for our next FREE volunteer fishing instructor certification course, which will be held on June 18, 2016 in Killingworth .
We provide our state certified Instructors with the tools, equipment, and knowledge to teach public fishing classes in your hometown.

Please contact Tom or Justin at (860) 663-1656.
  


Free Fishing License Day

Cast it Forward this Sunday June 19!

Help introduce or reconnect someone to the many benefits of fishing.  On Sunday, June 19 share your passion and enthusiasm by inviting someone to fish with you.

"Thank you DEEP for this program.  I have been wanting to spend a day fishing with my Dad, this free 1-day license inspired me to say - DAD, let's go fishing!" - Amy S.

Anyone can fish inland or marine waters for free, provided they get the 1-day free fishing license  online  through our mobile-friendly site.

A second free fishing license day will be Saturday, August 13, 2016 (licenses available starting on July 27, 2016)



Something Fishy!
Upcoming Events Not to Miss

Here are a few great fishing related events:
 
Sunday, June 19:  Free Fishing License Day 

Saturday, June 25: Women Can Fish Too!
A FREE fishing class just for adult females who would like to learn the basics of fishing.  Call 860-663-1656 for more information or to register.

Saturday, August 13:  Free Fishing License Day

Saturday, September 10
CT Hunting and Fishing Day at Franklin Swamp Wildlife Management Area in North Franklin.

Saturday, September 24
CT Hunting and Fishing Day at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area in Burlington.


Save the Date (or 2)
Connecticut Hunting and Fishing Day

Connecticut Hunting & Fishing Day will be held at two great locations this year:

Saturday, September 10
Franklin Wildlife Swamp Wildlife Management Area in North Franklin.

Saturday, September 24
Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area in Burlington. 

Both events will be from 10:00 AM-4:00 PM with shuttle parking available.

These  FREE  events feature activities for all ages, including target shooting; hunting dog demonstrations; archery; children's crafts and activities; fishing demonstrations; and more! Equipment vendors, sporting clubs, fish & wildlife exhibits, and conservation organizations will also be present.

Visit the  Hunting and Fishing Day webpage often for updates on events, participants, parking info, and more!
Do you recognize this fish?


Mystery Fish!

The May Mystery Fish was the Sea Lamprey ( Petromyzon marinus ).  Sea lamprey are an anadromous fish, meaning they start their life cycle in freshwater and swim to saltwater to spend a few years maturing.  When ready to spawn, the sea lamprey swims back upstream to small streams and rivers where it will build a nest in the gravel.  Sea lamprey are native to Connecticut and if you were lucky, last month, you may have witnessed their upstream migration at one of the many fish passage structures around the state.
If you think you can correctly name the fish in this photo then, email DEEP.Inland.fisheries@ct.gov with your guess.  Good luck!


New!
 Youth Fishing Passport Scorecard

Make every catch count.

The fishing challenge scorecard will help your angler keep track of their catches! Just download the new youth fishing passport scorecard and each time a fish is caught, check off the box and email the photo to deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov and include fishing challenge in the subject.

We will keep a tally of all of the successful catches by passport holder and give a fishing prize pack to the top anglers.



The Youth Fishing Passport angler with the greatest number of fish will win a fishing prize pack.


Ultimate Fish Story!

You can be on our next cover!

We looking for that special photo to capture the essence of the great fishing here in Connecticut. Be sure to keep your cell phone, Go-Pro, or camera handy!  Get all of the contest details on our web page and email your submissions to: deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov (subject:  Angler's Guide Cover Contest).  

Good Luck!
Email your photo to DEEP.Inland.fisheries.gov
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. 

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!
Stay Connected!
Get more news, events, and photos-all about fish, forestry, and wildlife  in Connecticut.


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.