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Latest Bites - August 2017
FREE Fishing License Day The second of the two FREE fishing license days of 2017 will be on Saturday, August 12.  Anyone can fish for FREE after getting the FREE 1-day fishing license from our mobile friendly licensing system, at many bait and tackle shops, or most town clerks.

SALTWATER FISHING DAY  Come join CARE (CT Aquatic Resources Education) and the No Child Left Inside program as we fish for saltwater fish off of the fishing pier at Fort Trumbull State Park.  The event coincides with FREE Fishing License Day on Saturday, August 12 from 10 am to 3 pm.  The event is FREE and no registration is required.  CARE will provide all of the bait, equipment, and mentoring to make your fishing trip fun and exciting.  Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day fishing.

Save the Date!  DEEP's annual celebration of Hunting and Fishing will be hosted at Cabela's in East Hartford on Saturday, September 23, 2017 from 10 am to 4 pm.  Lots of great activities and fun for experts and newbies alike.  See you there!

We Would Like to Hear from You. The proposed changes to the inland fishing regulations are open for public comment.  View and provide your input via the eRegulations system (Secretary of State) until August 25, 2017 at 4:30 pm.


Tautog (Blackfish) season closes on August 31.  Until then, the daily limit is two (2) fish per angler and each fish must be at least 16 inches in length. 

Thermal Refuges: Anglers are reminded that the thermal refuge areas on the Housatonic, Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers are now closed to fishing (as of June 15). These areas will reopen on September 15. There is no fishing within 100 feet of signs indicating such closure at or near the mouths of tributaries to these rivers. 

Know Where and When to Go by subscribing to the Weekly Fishing Report, which is delivered right to your fingertips each week.  Subscribe for electronic delivery through the DEEP e-newsletter subscription

2017 MARINE FISH: Regulations  for Black Sea Bass, as they apply to recreational anglers, WILL NOT change in 2017.   The regulation for recreational anglers of 5 fish per angler per day with a minimum size of 15 inches (Season of May 1 to December 31) will remain in effect. Good luck!

The regulation for Summer Flounder (Fluke) is now a daily limit of 3 fish and a minimum size of 19 inches (changed from 2016).  

2017 Fishing Licenses:   Licenses for the 2017 season are 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!
Annual Saltwater Fishing Day
Saltwater Fishing Day: Saturday, August 12 (10 am to 3 pm) is the annual Saltwater Fishing Day sponsored by the CARE and No Child Left Inside programs. We will have all of the bait, equipment, and instructors to introduce you to saltwater fishing. Pack a picnic and enjoy the incredible scenery offered at Fort Trumbull State Park. The event is FREE.  Anglers 16 or older will need to have a fishing license. A FREE 1-day license is available via DEEP's mobile friendly license system.
August Means Blue Crab
Blue Crabbing:  Crabbing is a great way to spend time together as a family while also catching a delicious meal.  Crabbing is simple as no fishing license is required; all you need is a net, some string, and some bait (chicken drumsticks or wings work great). Many tidal creeks have plenty of Blue Crab to catch. There is no limit to the number you can keep, but be sure that each crab is at least five (5) inches from tip of spike to tip of spike (if hardshell) and 3.5 inches for a softshell.  
ROCK SNOT!
Rock Snot is a generic term for several non-native stalk-forming nuisance freshwater diatoms (single cell microscopic algae).  Currently three species are found in the West Branch Farmington River from approximately Riverton to New Hartford.  Right now the stream bottom is covered with a thick gooey mass primarily made up of Cymbella janischii (photo).  This algae is native to the Pacific Northwest and was first observed in the West Branch Farmington River in 2013.  This algae is currently "blooming" meaning it is growing rapidly.  Thanks to Matt Scott of Fox 61 for helping to get the word out on how it is expanding. Watch his story here.  

To help prevent the spread to other rivers and streams, we recommend cleaning everything that comes into contact with the stream bottom, especially waders.
Are You Cover Material?

Have you got the next cover shot?  We are accepting high quality and high resolution photos for the 2018 Angler's Guide Cover Contest (details).  Email your entries to deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov and good luck!

This Month's Mystery Fish
Email your guess to DEEP.inland.fisheries@ct.gov 
Some Like it Hot But Not Trout
To help trout survive the sometimes lethal water temperatures that occur in summer, DEEP has posted areas around key coldwater tributaries as "No Fishing Zones".  When the water temperatures in the main channel become too warm (usually June - September) trout will seek out much cooler water entering from smaller tributaries.  During this time in these locations the trout are congregated in large numbers.  Please report any illegal activity within these areas to EnCon Police immediately at 860-424-3333.
Mystery Fish Revealed
Last month's  Mystery Fish was the Spotted Hake (Urophycis regia).  The spotted hake inhabits coastal waters from the Gulf of Maine to Florida.  Preferring to be on or in the bottom, the spotted hake feeds on small fish, squid, and invertebrates.  The name comes from the series of horizontal white "spots" along the side of the fish.  Typically spotted hake captured by anglers are in the 7-12 inch range.  They are edible, having a somewhat sweet and flaky white meat.
Learn to Fish for FREE

The Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) program has a schedule of our free learn to fish classes on our web site.  Classes are open to families and kids ages 9 and up who are interested in learning the basics of fishing.  Classes are continually being added to the schedule so check back often.

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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