2023 Fishing Licenses are Available Online | | |
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Fishing Fuels Conservation!
100% of your investment funds fish and fishing
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Latest Updates from the Fisheries Division
To advance the conservation, enhancement, restoration, use, and appreciation of Connecticut’s fish, fisheries and fish habitats.
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EMERGENCY
Size Change for Striped Bass
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Effective May 26, 2023 the legal size for a striped bass has been changed to be 28 to 31 inches. This is a decrease from prior slot of 28 to 35 inches. This change is the result of emergency action taken by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Please be advised that the 2023 CT Fishing Guide Books were printed and distributed prior to this unforeseen emergency action. | |
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On May 2, 2023, the Striped Bass Management Board of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) took emergency action to implement a coastwide 31-inch maximum size limit on recreational striped bass harvest. The emergency action was taken because coastwide recreational harvest of striped bass in 2022 increased substantially from 2021 (2021 estimated harvest = 1.87 million fish or 15.84 million pounds; 2022 estimated harvest = 3.48 million fish or 35.88 million pounds). The steep increase in striped bass harvest in 2022 jeopardizes the success of the ongoing ASMFC striped bass stock rebuilding plan which mandates that ASMFC must rebuild striped bass Spawning Stock Biomass (SSB) to target levels by 2029.
The 2022 ASMFC Striped Bass Stock Assessment Update completed in November 2022 estimated that striped bass SSB was 143 million pounds in 2021; the target SSB for 2029 is 235 million pounds (64% greater than estimated 2021 SSB). The 2022 stock assessment concluded that if the striped bass fishing mortality rate remained constant at the estimated 2021 rate for the remainder of the rebuilding period, the probability of SSB reaching the target by 2029 was approximately 78%. However, the 2022 assessment only considered data available through 2021, and therefore did not consider the substantially elevated striped bass harvest observed in 2022.
In March 2023, at the request of the Striped Bass Management Board due to concerns about the impact of elevated 2022 harvest upon stock rebuilding, the ASMFC Striped Bass Technical Committee completed updated stock assessment projections that incorporated estimated 2022 striped bass harvest. The updated projections indicated striped bass fishing mortality rose substantially in 2022, and therefore the probability of successful stock rebuilding by 2029 had declined to approximately 15%. The substantial increase in striped bass harvest in 2022 was driven by the new availability of the very abundant 2015 striped bass year class (age-7 fish) in the prevailing coastwide harvest slot of 28-35”. Approximately half of the 2015 year class was 28-inches or greater in length in 2022; in 2023, almost all striped bass in the 2015 year class will be 28-inches or greater, meaning that availability of striped bass in the 28-35” harvest slot, and therefore striped harvest, would likely continue to increase substantially in 2023 without changes in prevailing regulations. The emergency action taken by the Striped Bass Management Board, which will narrow the coastwide harvest slot limit to 28-31”, was intended as a precautionary action to reduce potential striped bass harvest in 2023, mitigate further declines in rebuilding probability, and hopefully avoid the need for even more restrictive regulations in 2024-2025.
To come into compliance with the ASMFC emergency action, CT DEEP will implement a new 28-31” harvest slot limit for striped bass effective May 26, 2023. The new 28-31” harvest slot limit that will become effective on May 26th means that any striped bass that is less than 28 inches or greater than or equal to 31 inches must be released immediately without avoidable injury. This regulation will apply to all waters of the state (marine and inland district). Unfortunately, CT DEEP produced printed 2023 Fishing Guides and distributed them to various outlets statewide prior to the ASMFC emergency action. These printed Fishing Guides therefore display a striped bass length limit (28-35” harvest slot limit) that will no longer be in effect as of May 26th. CT DEEP is working to correct the printed fishing guides that have not yet been distributed to the public and apologizes for any inconvenience to individuals who have already obtained a printed guide. A
corrected version of the printed guide is available for download.
Questions on the new striped bass harvest slot regulation can be sent via e-mail to
deep.marine.fisheries@ct.gov, or call 860-434-6043 and leave a voicemail and someone from DEEP Marine Fisheries will return your call as soon as possible.
For more information about the ASMFC emergency action, please read the ASMFC news release as well as the informative FAQ page compiled by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries.
The 2022 ASMFC Striped Bass Stock Assessment Update can be found here.
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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. | |
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NEW! Marine Regulations for Black Sea Bass and Scup (Porgy) | |
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View the 2023 Marine Recreational Fishing Regulations here.
Black Sea Bass
Min Length
Season
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From private boat or shore: May 19 – June 23, July 8 – Dec.1, season closed June 24 – July 7.
- For-hire boats: May 19 – Dec. 31
Bag Limit
- Boat, shore: 5 fish
- For-hire boats:
- May 19 – Aug. 31: 5 fish
- Sept. 1 – Dec. 31: 7 fish
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Scup
Minimum Length
- Boat anglers: 10.5” (increase from 10” in 2022)
- Shore anglers: 9.5” (decrease from 10” in 2022)
- Enhanced Opportunity Shore Locations: 9.5” (increase from 9” in 2022)
Season
- All anglers: May 1 – Dec. 31 (decrease from year-round in 2022).
Bag Limit
- From private boat or shore: 30 fish.
- For-hire boats:
- May 1 – Aug. 31, Nov. 1 – Dec. 31: 30 fish
- Sept. 1 – Oct. 31: 40 fish (decrease from 50 fish in 2022).
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FREE Fishing License Day
Sunday June 18, 2023
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Sunday June 18, 2023 is the first of two "Free Fishing License Days". Anyone may get a 1`day fishing license for FREE. All rules and regulations must still be followed. | |
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Partners on the Water
A Year-Long Focus on Women Anglers
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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. | |
Andrea started saltwater fishing with her parents at three years old (maybe even younger). Her family had a saltwater boat that was docked in Westerly, Rhode Island. She would tag along with her parents while they competitively fished for tuna and sharks. Being exposed to the ocean and being on a boat at such a young age inspired her to keep up her passion for fishing into adulthood. Now, she shares her passion with her two young children. She also volunteers her time with the Fish with CARE program, encouraging families and children of all ages to become involved with outdoor and fishing-related activities such as state wide trout stocking. She also plans on implementing "MOM and ME" and "WOMEN ONLY" fishing classes and seminars in the upcoming months. |  |  | |
More From Andrea....
At what age did you start fishing?
My passion for fishing started when I was just a toddler, saltwater fishing with my family in Rhode Island. Fresh water fishing has since taken priority.
Who introduced you to fishing?
My Dad. He took part in competitive salt water fishing tournaments for sharks and tuna. He always took my brother and I along.
What is your favorite fish to try and catch?
Smallmouth. They’re so much fun to catch.
Why do you like to fish?
Fishing for me is a thrill but also, It’s an outlet for me from the every day grind. I enjoy learning new techniques and applying what I learn on the water.
What were some barriers that you had to overcome? (and maybe still battle)
Initially, the “oh, another girl trying to make a name for herself if the fishing industry’” type comments but my dedication and commitment to the sport and community has proven my passion for the sport.
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? Luckily for us women, there’s a “women’s only” fishing and hunting apparel line that’s designed and created for women by women. I have been an ambassador for DSG Outerwear since the beginning. They offer over 9 sizes to include all body shapes and sizes. I stand behind and trust their apparel during the harshest of conditions during ice fishing and on the water. They also sell an entire line of heated apparel like socks and gloves.
What is your favorite fishing memory or memories?
In addition to the many fond memories of us fishing as a family in Rhode Island, I’d have to say catching the northern pike with my brother that landed me on the cover of the 2014 CT Angler’s guide. Priceless outing.
What advice would give to a woman who says "I would like to fish, but it does not seem to be for me"?
Don’t let the intimidation of the fishing community or your lack of knowledge hold you back. Link up with other women like myself who can guide you in the right direction. My inbox is always open on my social media channels. I’m always happy to give advice.
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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. | |
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CARE to Teach Fishing? We do!
We Need You!
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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!
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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! The photo below show some of the original fish growing ponds and spring house. These ponds are still in operation today! | |
The "improved clinch knot" is a standard go to for connecting your hook or swivel to your fishing line. A quick and easy knot, this video walks you through the steps. Practice a few times with a paper clip and you will be a pro! | |
Fishing Challenge - For YOUth | |
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" | |
The Youth Fishing Passport Fishing Challenge is a year long fishing scavenger hunt. To have your catch count, simply snap a photo of your fish (from our scorecard) and use our online submission form. The top four anglers (who catch the most different types on our list) receive a prize pack full of fishing swag.
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CT's FREE Youth Fishing Passport is your child's ticket to all of the amazing outdoor discoveries fishing has to offer. Fishing involves knowing about habitat, environmental quality, food webs, life history of species, and so much more. You can get a Youth Fishing Passport, for those 15 or younger, using our online licensing system. Register your child as a new user. If you have questions please contact us.
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How to get the Youth Fishing Passport | |
This Month's Mystery Fish | |
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Last month's mystery fish was a Brown Trout (Salmo trutta). Native to Europe and Asia. Widely introduced throughout North America. In Connecticut, brown trout are stocked as adults in many lakes and most fishable streams. Naturally reproduced wild brown trout are present in many Connecticut streams and are common in some. Some brown trout will descend into saltwater estuaries where they grow quickly, and upon returning to fresh water, are called “sea-run” trout.
Brown trout prefer coldwater streams with gravel to cobble bottoms and adequate cover (boulders, dead trees, undercut banks). They can survive over summer only in lakes and streams that retain some amount of cold, well-oxygenated water.
The “Seeforellen” strain brown trout: this trout is a lake-based strain of brown trout, originally from Europe, that sexually matures later in life and as such, typically grows faster than other strains of brown trout. In fact, the majority of the biggest trout ever sampled by Fisheries Division staff or caught by anglers in our TMLs and important coldwater lakes have been Seeforellens. The last two state record brown trout have been 20 plus pound Seeforellens! The current plan will be to stock and assess this strain of trout in select coldwater lakes (Lake Wononskopomuc, Lakeville and Saugatuck Reservoir, Redding) beginning in 2021. The hope is that these two lakes will, over time, only be stocked with fingerling size Seeforellens in addition to adult rainbows and/or brooks, which may reduce hatchery costs of raising these trout to adults. The Seeforellens will also be stocked as adult size fish in other TMLs and important coldwater lakes.
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How to get your License Online | |
Información disponible en español
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you are seeking a communication aid or service, have limited proficiency in English, wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint, or require some other accommodation, including equipment to facilitate virtual participation, please contact the DEEP Office of Diversity and Equity at 860-418-5910 or by email at deep.accommodations@ct.gov. Any person needing an accommodation for hearing impairment may call the State of Connecticut relay number - 711. In order to facilitate efforts to provide an accommodation, please request all accommodations as soon as possible following notice of any agency hearing, meeting, program or event.
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This program receives Federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, or disability.
If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you need more information, please write to:
Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights
U.S. Department of the Interior 1849 C Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20240
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