CT Fishin' Tips
   Your source for Connecticut fishing news, pointers and tips


E-Tackle Box
(links to fishing info)
Mystery Fish
Do you recognize this fish?

Email your guess to DEEP.inland.fisheries@ct.gov

The November mystery fish was the Atlantic Salmon ( Salmo salar).  

Restoration of the Atlantic Salmon began in 1866 with the formation of Connecticut's Fisheries Commission. Over the next 150 years, state and federal programs have focused significant resources in an attempt to restore this historic fish run in the Connecticut River. The large collaborative mult-state and federal effort ended in 2013.

This past November (2015), as returning adult Atlantic salmon are no longer captured and retained to support restoration efforts, a handful of adult fish migrated up the Farmington River and were able to successfully spawn. This was a milestone event, as in Connecticut, the Atlantic salmon had not migrated from the ocean to ancestral spawning grounds to complete its life cycle since before the establishment of many dams (early 1800's).
Have a Tip or Photo You Would Like to See in CT Fishin' Tips?
Email your tip to DEEP.Inland.Fisheries@ct.gov 
150 Years of Natural Resource Conservation in Connecticut


Visit our special web page frequently throughout 2016 for new features and information related to 150 years of natural resource conservation. 
Budding Angler in Your Family?
Youth Fishing Passport


Wondering what's new in fisheries?  
Get the latest in fisheries through our quarterly reports.

or 
Need a License?
Connecticut Wildlife Magazine
Every issue of this bi-monthly publication includes great wildlife photography, in-depth feature articles written by DEEP biologists, information about hunting and fishing, and natural history articles.

Connecticut Wildlife Magazine is published six times each year. 

Subscriptions are $8 for one year, $15 for two, or $20 for three years.

License Fees Fund Fishing and Hunting Programs
100% of the fees collected from the sale of fishing and hunting 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 fishing, hunting, and open space right here in CT.  

So the next time you catch a Walleye, Brown Trout, or Striped Bass, see a Bald Eagle, harvest a white-tail, pheasant, or turkey, give yourself and your fellow sportsmen a pat on the back!

You are making a difference and we t hank you for your support!
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Report a Violation
Help to protect our natural resources for future outdoor sports enthusiasts.  Report suspected violations by calling DEEP Environmental Conservation Police at 1-800-842-HELP
Are you 16-17 years old? 
Get 50% off fishing and hunting licenses
All 16 and 17 year old Connecticut residents can purchase 2015 fishing and hunting licenses, tags, permits, and/or stamps at 50% of the full resident cost. Get your license now!
Missed an Issue of CT Fishin' Tips?
Find every issue in our archives.
Latest Bites
Winter continues to be warm.  January 2016 will enter the record books as the second warmest on record.  This follows the warmest December ever (2015) recorded.  So, w hile we all may be craving some safe ice to set our tip-ups, it seems we will have to wait and see what February has in store.

Regardless, our trout management areas  (sections of river or stream with specific regulations) offer excellent fishing opportunities all winter long. Several Trout Management Areas are open to seasonal catch and release fishing, which creates year-round angling opportunities with plenty of trout to be caught!   Check out the Angler's Guide   for specific details and follow instructions on any posted signs (stream-side).
We received over 250 photos as part of our annual Angler's Guide photo contest during 2015.  Each of the high quality photos above represent the great fishing Connecticut has to offer.  Please join us for the unveiling of the winner at the Trophy Fish Awards Ceremony, Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 11:00 am in the upstairs rooms of the Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford.

The annual trophy fish awards ceremony recognizes the angling accomplishments of both our inland and marine anglers.  It is held each February in conjunction with the Northeast Fishing and Hunting Show.
EnCon joins Facebook.  
"Like" our newest Facebook page sponsored by our Environmental Conservation Police.  Our EnCon Officers are highly trained, dedicated, and are specialized police officers. They are charged with many tasks, including protecting our natural resources and ensuring public safety.  This page will give you a glimpse into the many important and diverse jobs they do for us.
Happy Anniversary - 150 Years




2016 marks the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Fisheries Commission.  Join us as we celebrate throughout 2016! Visit our special web page dedicated to our past, present, and future.  Including our 150th video .
Upcoming Fishing Events
2016 Save the Dates!
Fishing events you and your family will not want to miss. 

February 6, 2016:  No Child Left Inside - Winterfest and CARE Ice Fishing Event, 10 am to 3 pm, Burr Pond State Park, Torrington. (NOTE: this event will go on as planned however, ice fishing will not be possible)

February 13, 2016:   DEEP Angler Recognition and Trophy Fish Awards Ceremony, 11:00 am, CT Convention Center, Hartford (held during the Northeast Fishing and Hunting Show ).

February 23 & 25, 2016:  Migratory Fish in Your Back Yard. Details here

April 9, 2016:  Trout season opens at 6:00 am.

May 7, 2016:  Statewide Free Fishing Day (no license needed). No Child Left Inside Great Park Pursuit and CARE Family Fishing Day, Stratton Brook State Park, Simsbury.

June 19, 2016:  First Free Fishing License Day (free 1-day license is needed and are available starting 3 weeks prior to the event).

August 13, 2016:  Second Free Fishing License Day (free 1-day license is needed and are available starting 3 weeks prior to the event).  The CARE saltwater fishing event and No Child Left Inside Great Park Pursuit, Fort Trumbull State Park, New London.
Insects in Winter?
Many may be surprised to learn that aquatic insects, especially those living in our streams and rivers, are very active all winter long.  Mayflies, Stoneflies, and Caddisflies are three major groups of insects, which are very important as food for fish. These insects generally have a one year life cycle culminating each spring/summer with a massive "hatch" or a few days where most of the insects transform from a nymph/larva to an adult and leave the stream bottom to emerge and become winged adults.  During the "hatch" process, the insects are very vulnerable as fish lie in wait to grab an easy meal. 

So if you are looking for a good activity for a warm and sunny winter day, flip over a few rocks in your nearby river or stream and check out all of the hustle and bustle as these insects get ready for spring.

The entire community of stream-dwelling insects are also key indicators of water quality.  If you would like to learn more about stream insects and help DEEP collect water quality information on waters in your community, please visit the Riffle Bioassessment Program web page.
Behind the Regulation
The next several editions of CT Fishin' tips will spotlight a fishing regulation commonly used to manage our fisheries. 

A Slot Limit regulation is often used to improve fishing by making sure that fish of a specific size range (the slot) are protected (or in some cases harvested).  The slot limit method helps to ensure a balanced fish population by allowing harvest of the small fish, keeping a good number of large predators that also are responsible for most of the reproduction, and still  allowing for harvest of a trophy-size fish.

Slot limits are currently used in our Bass Management Lakes and some trout management lakes.  
The Winter Stonefly
Each winter we usually experience a stretch of mild weather to break us from the grips of icy cold.  During days of bright sun and cloudless blue skies, conditions trigger the emergence (hatch) of some of our stoneflies, an aquatic insect that lives in fast flowing sections of rivers and streams.  

Aptly named, the "winter stonefly", these small elongate insects, can be found scurrying along the snow, tree branches, and bridge abutments.  So as these conditions occur over the next few weeks, try putting a winter stonefly pattern on the end of your tippet (fly line).  The fish are waiting!
By purchasing a fishing license, you help to support conservation and improvement of Connecticut's fisheries.  Thank you!