2023 Fishing Licenses are Available Online

Come "Fish with CARE" at our annual event held at Fort Trumbull State Park, New London. We provide all of the gear, bait, and coaching. You can bring a lunch and the desire for a fun day of fishing. See you on August 12, 2023 9 am to 3 pm.

The Fisheries Division is seeking your input on trout fishing in Connecticut using the following survey: https://forms.office.com/g/VyiFrMkyxm. The survey will remain open until August 11, 2023. The survey contains 22 questions and is expected to take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

The past few years have seen several changes to trout management, including the implementation of a Catch and Release season for trout, the reintroduction of Tiger Trout, altered stocking allocations to protect wild trout, and changes to how we communicate stocking information.

With this survey, the Fisheries Division hopes to better understand public perception of these changes and identify opportunities for improved management.

Please complete the survey by August 11, 2023 at the following link: https://forms.office.com/g/VyiFrMkyxm. Thank you for supporting Connecticut's fisheries.

Reports of crayfish marching across driveways, lawns, and sidewalks have been coming into the Fisheries Division. Each year for unknown reasons, perhaps to find a nicer waterbody or a place with less competition, crayfish go on the march. The most common species reported to us are the White River Crayfish (Procambarus acutus) and the Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Learn more about the different crayfish of CT . You can report your sightings with a clear photo of the back (top) of the shell to mike.beauchene@ct.gov

The CT DEEP Fisheries Division is enlisting the help of anglers to remove Triploid Grass Carp from Candlewood Lake and Squantz Pond (which is connected to Candlewood Lake and stocked with Grass Carp in 2017). Tactics and Tips to Catch Grass Carp

Removal via angling represents a unique opportunity for anglers to target Grass Carp and directly support science-based fisheries management. Bow and Arrow fishing, while currently legal for Common Carp on the lake, is not currently an allowed method for Triploid Grass Carp. Alternative methods like bow and arrow fishing may be added to this project at a later date if target removal goals are not met. 

If you would like to participate, please use the following links to register as a volunteer angler, report your catch, or view the submitted catches to-date on our public dashboard.

Register as a Volunteer Angler

Report Your Catch

View the Dashboard

The Fisheries Division is offering FREE learn to "Fish with CARE" classes and events throughout the summer/fall! Our team of fishing coaches will be traveling to waterbodies around the state with bait, equipment, and instruction for you to get started fishing on the right path. Register for a Fish with CARE event today, but first prepare yourself for success by reviewing our CT Let's GO Fishing online course!

Blue crabbing is a summer staple here on the CT shoreline, and it couldn't be easier. You will need a long handle crab net, some bait (chicken leg pieces or cut bunker work great) tied to string, and a bucket to put your crabs in - that's it! Head to a shoreline river or stream and soak some bait and wait for the crabs to grab on, then pull the line in and scoop with net. The CT DEEP Saltwater Fishing Resource Map identifies many public crabbing access spots along our coast to get your hunt started! There is not much better than fresh steamed blue crabs and local corn on a summer night!

The CT Fisheries Division has partnered with FishBrain, the world's largest fishing APP to provide CT's fishing regulations right to your smart device. These regulations are available in the FREE version of the APP. As with any APP if you would like to have access to premium features there is a subscription fee.

Each month in 2023, CT Fishin' Tips will highlight one of Connecticut's many inspirational female anglers. The featured anglers have a deep passion for Connecticut's fisheries and serve as role models for all of us.

More from Beth.....

At what age did you start fishing? As soon as I was able to hold a rod when standing.

Who introduced you to fishing? I love to credit my grandfather, Julius Panilaitis, to to be perfectly honest, my entire family- extended out from my parents, siblings, to my distant Aunts, Uncles and Cousins has always fished.

What is your favorite fish to try and catch? I personally love going for trout in the smaller tributaries of our rivers in Connecticut, however I'm still chasing my illusive Atlantic Salmon- at least bringing it to net...... I've had them on the line several times, within feet, but they shook loose!

Why do you like to fish? There are SO many reasons that I love to fish, the connection with nature, connection with my past, the connection with the angling community, sharing my knowledge and passion with students and the fact that often, it brings me a deep sense of peace.

What were some barriers that you had to overcome? (and maybe still battle) Obviously, gender is huge as a female angler. I've gone to meetings and had people ask my husband (my favorite fishing bud) "why'd you bring HER?" I have grown used to people of a certain gender and age speaking over me in public fishing situations saying the EXACT same thing I was saying. I've also noticed this changing and moving forward, I have learned so much from these experiences, and being a Mom to four girls, I task myself with changing things one encounter at a time. There is SPACE for ALL in fishing, and we're allowed to use that space.

Much if not all of the clothing and gear is male focused and does not fit women. What advice could you give to a new female angler about this problem? Along with being a woman, I am also plus sized which presents another obstacle for me. First and foremost, gear and clothing are often priced based on the label, and there are some GREAT brands out there that are budget friendly. You can often find comparable gear from smaller companies at much more comfortable prices. As far as clothing, many "outdoor brands" have expanded their size range, and run excellent sales. I personally don't buy into the "made for women" gear when it comes to rods and reels, making something pink, purple or aqua and charging 20% more because it's "made for women" is absurd to me. In the case of waders and/or safety equipment, THIS is where I often encourage making an investment, as an ill fitting pair of waders can lead to some VERY dangerous situations.

What is your favorite fishing memory or memories? My most important and foremost memory is the yearly pilgrimage to a specific CT State Park for opening day annually with my big, loud, crazy extended family where every toddler was taught to fish using a beginners fly rod, rigged with braided line and live bait of choice "to give them some extra reach". Truly one of the most treasured memories for many of us Barber, Panilaitis and Budris kids! Independently, after meeting my husband and with his encouragement, learning how to properly fly fish in my 30s, and catching my first trout on the fly in another CT State Park in a very quiet corner, fishing all by myself.

What advice would give to a woman who says "I would like to fish, but it does not seem to be for me"? I do not accept BUT!!!! Until you try it, you'll never know if it's for you. In CT we are incredibly lucky to have the CARE fisheries education program, where we offer classes and even Women's Only classes for your comfort. We have some amazing staff and volunteers who truly love helping women find their way, and frankly, the tide is (slowly) turning and we're allowed to take up space in the fishing community. We want to help you find YOUR groove and make you an independent angler. Most importantly in my eyes, fishing has taught me that there's no such thing as perfection, even on the most ideal day, success isn't guaranteed, fish are fickle creatures, like humans.

Please share anything else that you think would be motivational or helpful and speak to female anglers There is space for us all in the fishing community and there are some pretty amazing opportunities and resources in CT that make this state VERY special!! It's a great feeling to connect with the outdoors, the fishing community and have that outlet. If it feels like something you want to try, do it!!! If you need or want help, try a CARE class or reach out to the CARE program for local information.

Calling all women who would like to learn to fish (or brush up on your skills). Join our all female fishing coaches as the CARE program offers Women only fishing June thru August.

The Fisheries Division – Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education Program (CARE) is seeking volunteers to join our team of certified Fishing Coaches! FISH with CARE program hosts classes and events all over the state where we teach basic fishing skills to adults, families, and youth. FISH with CARE coaches work with Fisheries staff to educate and engage the public in the outdoors through the sport of fishing. If you are interested in sharing your love and knowledge of fishing while creating the next generation of environmental stewards, consider joining our Fishing Coach team! Our next certification training is being offering in April, information to get involved can be found HERE!

Would you like to see your catch highlighted in upcoming issues of CT Fishin' Tips? If so, please email your photo to mike.beauchene@ct.gov 

The Burlington State Fish Hatchery turns 100 this year! Loading trout from the ponds to a truck so that the fish can be distributed to your favorite fishing hole is still one of the daily functions during trout stocking season. Over 450 runs are conducted each spring for all of the three hatcheries combined.

Summer is the perfect time to spend some time at the shoreline. While there, why not drop a line and catch a tasty dinner? This video highlights the fishing pier at Fort Trumbull State Park in New London. Come on down and join the DEEP on Saltwater Fishing Day, Saturday August 12, 2023 from 10 to 3.

NEW for 2023 - The list of species has been increased to include many popular fish, both freshwater and saltwater. The challenge is ON! Start catching and submitting, you can be CT's next "Top Angler"

If you have a guess as to the fish pictured below, email Mike.beauchene@ct.gov

Last month's mystery fish was the weakfish. Weakfish, also known as "squeteague" here in southern New England, inhabit the waters of Long Island Sound from spring through the fall months. Once abundant, weakfish populations had dwindled over the past several decades and catching one of these "unicorn" fish (as they are often referred to as) was a rare treat. Regulations for weakfish here in CT were reduced to one fish per day with 16 inch minimum size. Fortunately there seems to be a rebound in the population over the past few years as anglers are targeting weakfish and reporting great catches!

Weakfish can be targeted from shore or boat, but fishing the specific spots they inhabit - which include estuaries in major river systems from shore and reefs by boat - will greatly increase your odds of success. Also, planning your trips at dusk and into the night around the full and new moons in May and June will boost your chance of hooking into one of these "unicorn" fish! Weakfish have soft mouths so take your time getting them in and use a rod with a soft tip. Good baits include krocodile spoons, jigs tipped with "gulp", and both hard and soft swimbaits five inches or so in size.