Just a reminder that the Fisheries Division has extended the Catch and Release window two weeks, through December 15, as a result of public request and subsequent survey results.  Over 2,500 people responded to our survey with 75% indicating that the Catch and Release period should be extended within the Atlantic Salmon Management Areas on the Naugatuck River and Shetucket River.  

The Fisheries Division opted to balance this large majority input with the desire of many to harvest an Atlantic salmon.  Opening Day for harvest is December 16th.  The Fisheries Division has stocked about 800 2+ year old salmon this fall and will be stocking about 250 3+ year old fish in early December.  Some of the fish being stocked in the next couple of weeks, the 4+ year old, will be approaching 20 pounds!  Enjoy! 

Throughout October, six different public discussions were held at various locations around Connecticut and a Webinar on November 21st.  The purpose was to listen to people who enjoy fishing for trout and salmon.  We are wrapping up our efforts to get your opinions.  If you would like to participate, please take our preference survey as well as offer your feed back to our four key questions.  These surveys and your opportunity will close on December 16, 2019. 

This month's secret fishing spot is Birge Pond, Bristol.  Offering just about something for everyone, Birge Pond is a hidden gem located just north of Downtown Bristol.  Starting in 2014, the Fisheries Division began stocking trout in the spring and Channel Catfish in late May as an expansion of our Community Fishing Waters program.   These two species, stocked at a size ready for immediate harvest, augmented a diverse warmwater community of Largemouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow Perch, and Calico Bass.  The pond had ample parking in two different locations, with mobility-challenged access at each parking area.  

There is a small car-top launch located at the southwest corner of the pond.  We strongly encourage a family fishing trip to Birge Pond and be sure to carry out all that you have carried in (and a few fish as well).

1. Submit an application and pass a background check
2. Attend a 1-day training and begin teaching fishing courses
3. We provide YOU with equipment and teaching materials
4. YOU provide introductory level fishing classes and events to the public
5. YOU create life-long memories of FIRST FISH!!

The  Youth Fishing Passport  is perfect for your budding fisher-folk under the age of 16.  The passport opens doors for our annual  Fishing Challenge, which  is a scavenger hunt to see how many of the fish on the scorecard you can catch.  Email your successful catches along with the angler's conservation ID to get credit.  The Top 4 (most number of species on the  scorecard ) will be acknowledged at our annual angler recognition ceremony.

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 [email protected] 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.