YOUR SOURCE for CT Fishing Information

Share the Experience—Take Someone Fishing • APRIL 14 Opening Day Trout Fishing 2018 CONNECTICUT ANGLER’S GUIDE INLAND & MARINE FISHING

YOUR SOURCE For CT Fishing Information

»New Trout & »New Inland »New Marine Salmon Stamp Regulations Regulations See page 8 & 20 for 2018 for 2018 See page 20 See page 58

Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection www.ct.gov/deep/fishing FISHING REGULATIONS GUIDE - GA TRIM: ...... 8˝ X 10-1/2˝ (AND VARIOUS OTHER STATES) BLEED: ...... 8-1/4˝ X 10-3/4˝

SAFETY: ...... 7˝ X 10˝ TRIM TRIM SAFETY TRIM BLEED BLEED SAFETY

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SAFETY: ...... 7˝ X 10˝ TRIM TRIM SAFETY TRIM BLEED BLEED SAFETY

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2018 CONNECTICUT ANGLER’S GUIDE INLAND REGULATIONS INLAND & MARINE FISHING Easy two-step process: 1. Check the REGULATION TABLE (page 21) for general statewide Contents regulations. General Fishing Information 2. Look up the waterbody in the LAKE AND PONDS Directory of Services Phone Numbers...... 2 (pages 32–41) or RIVERS AND STREAMS (pages 44–52) Licenses...... 10 listings to find any special regulations. Permits...... 11 National Saltwater Registry Program...... 11 Trophy Fish Award Affidavit...... 12 Trophy Fish Awards...... 13 Bait and Tackle Shops...... 14 Law Enforcement...... 16 Are The Fish I Catch Safe To Eat?...... 17 Aquatic Invasive Species...... 18–19

Inland Fisheries Inland Recreational Fishing Regulations...... 21 Definitions...... 26–27 Disabled Access...... 27 Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Fishery...... 28 Alewives & Blueback Herring...... 28 Neighborhood Fishing Opportunities...... 30 Record Freshwater Fish...... 31 Lakes & Ponds...... 32–41 A Guide to Catchable Freshwater Fish...... 42–43 Rivers & Streams...... 44–52 LEARN TO FISH: Free Classes, Page 6 The Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) Program Marine Fisheries will introduce you and your family to the fun of fishing. Expert Line Between Marine & Inland Districts...... 54 instruction, hands-on activities and a fishing trip will lead to Fishing in Coastal State Parks...... 55 wonderful time spent outside with your family or friends. Enhanced Fishing Opportunities...... 56 Marine Angler Survey ...... 57 ON THE COVER Marine Volunteer Angler Survey Program...... 57 Jeanne Wadsworth with a nice Largemouth Marine Recreational Regulations...... 58 Bass she caught at Breakneck Pond (Nipmuck Rules Covering Crabs, Lobsters, Shellfish & Bait...... 60 State Forest, Union). Jeanne cast a top water Coastal Boat Launches...... 61 “Rebel Pop-R” lure to a small opening in the State Record Marine Fish...... 62 weeds in Breakneck Pond and popped it once Tide Table...... 64 before there was an explosion out of the water. “I set the hook and held on. My kayak was being towed around and with only 8 lb line on, I didn't think I had a prayer at landing it. Opening Day: April 14th, 2018 Fortunately, it wrapped itself around a stump that I could get to and as I approached it I saw the huge mouth. I was able to reach down and get it. Held it up for a couple of quick shots FAMILY FISHING DAY 2018 and released it back. Such an awesome experience especially from a kayak.” (photo by Sandra Vinton) May 12th—no license required. TO REPORT A WILDLIFE VIOLATION For updates to the 2018 CT Angler’s Guide and other Call 1-800-842-HELP fishing information see: 24 Hours Toll Free • All Calls Confidential www.ct.gov/deep/fishing CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

SAFETY SAFETY

TRIM TRIM BLEED BLEED TRIM TRIM TRIM BLEED BLEED SAFETY SAFETY

Client: Progressive Job No: 16D00890 Created by: Dalon Wolford Applications: InDesign CC, Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe Illustrator CC Job Description: Full Page, 4 Color Ad Document Name: Bass ad / Fishing Regulations Guide - GA and various other states Final Trim Size: 7-7/8˝ X 10-1/2˝ Final Bleed: 8-1/8˝ X 10-13/16˝ Safety: 7˝ X 10˝ Date Created: 11/7/16 2018 CONNECTICUT ANGLER’S GUIDE INLAND & MARINE FISHING The Connecticut Angler’s Guide is published annually by the State of Connecticut Dannel P. Malloy, Governor Department of Energy & Marine Fisheries Program Williamstown, MA | Birmingham, AL Environmental Protection Mark Alexander, Assistant Director Robert Klee, Commissioner Susan Whalen, Deputy Commissioner Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Bureau of Natural Resources 79 Elm Street William A. Hyatt, Chief Hartford, CT 06106-5127 www.ct.gov/deep About This Guide Fisheries Division Peter J. Aarrestad, Director This high-quality guide is offered to you by the Connecticut Department of Energy The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal & Environmental Protection through Opportunity Employer that is 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 its unique partnership with J.F. Griffin and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information Publishing, LLC. in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint. The revenue generated through ad sales This Guide is intended to provide a summary of the more important rules and regulations governing significantly lowers production costs and sport fishing in Connecticut and to assist in the enjoyment of the angling experience. For legal purposes, generates savings. These savings translate the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and the Connecticut General Statutes must be consulted. into additional funds for other important NOTICE: Some advertisements in this publication may state that “No sales tax” is due. This is because the retailer is agency programs. located in a state that does not impose sales or use tax, and the retailer is not registered to collect Connecticut sales and use taxes. While you may not have to pay sales tax in the state where you bought the goods or services, you must If you have any feedback or are inter- pay Connecticut use tax on taxable goods or services purchased for use in Connecticut. For more information, see ested in advertising, please contact us at the Department of Revenue Services’ Informational Publication 2011(15), Q&A on the Connecticut Individual Use Tax: 413.884.1001 or at www.JFGriffin.com www.ct.gov/drs/lib/drs/publications/pubsip/2011/ip2011-15.pdf Graphic Design: Directory of Services Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, John Corey, For additional information the following DEEP offices may be contacted from 8:30 a.m. to Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski 4:30 p.m. Please note that the DEEP – Licensing and Revenue Permit Sales Office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Note that the Sales Office closes at noon before major holidays and may close early during periods of severe weather.

DEEP website...... www.ct.gov/deep Parks & Recreation...... 860-424-3200 Fisheries Division Wildlife...... 860-424-3011 (Central Office)...... 860-424-3474 Forestry...... 860-424-3630 Inland Fisheries...... 860-424-3474 General DEEP Information....860-424-3000 Licensing & Revenue...... 860-424-3105 Marine Fisheries Program (Headquarters—Old Lyme)...... 860-434-6043 DEEP Store (Maps & Publications)...... 860-424-3555 Environmental Conservation Police...... 860-424-3012

Field Services Questions concerning hunting, trapping, fishing, boating, camping, recreational use of state lands, forestry, and law enforcement may be directed to one of the following field offices (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Eastern Area Marine Law Headquarters...... 860-295-9523 Enforcement...... 860-434-9840 Western Area Boating Safety Headquarters...... 860-485-0226 and Education...... 860-434-8638 Marine Headquarters...... 860-434-6148

Other Useful Numbers This guide is also Aquaculture Division (Dept. Of Agriculture) Oil And Chemical Spill Shellfish...... 203-874-0696 Response Division...... 860-424-3338 available online at

24 Hour Emergency Numbers Toll free report a violation.....1-800-842-4357 DEEP Emergency Dispatch.860-424-3333

2 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide GO FISH… JOG, HIKE, SKI AND BIKE!

The Regional Water Authority’s (RWA) Recreation Permit program is a perfect way for anglers to cast their lines along picturesque reservoirs and for outdoor enthusiasts to share in the splendor of more than 50 miles of marked, easily accessible trails nestled in scenic southern Connecticut. With a Recreation Permit, you can fish for trout, bass and walleye at Lake Saltonstall, trout, bass and catfish at the Maltby Lakes and bass and panfish at Lake Chamberlain, as well as along 7.5 miles of streams running through RWA watershed lands in Orange, Woodbridge, Hamden, North Haven, Northford, Madison and Killingworth. And, the fun doesn’t end when fishing season is over. You can jog, hike, watch birds, cross-country ski and bike, and you’ll have access to special family events such as nature walks, fishing derbies and a photo contest. Children under 21 enjoy four seasons of fun for free when accompanied by an adult permit holder. Getting your permit is easy and affordable. Visit www.rwater.com/ recreation or call 203-401-2654. Buying an RWA Recreation Permit is like contributing to a conservation organization. Your support helps us protect our watershed lands.

@RWARecreation

CT Fishing Guide Ad 2018-01 C.indd 1 1/8/18 11:22 AM Message from the Bureau Chief

R3—Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation of Hunters and Anglers R3, or recruitment, retention, through the purchase of licenses and gear. By trout parks, community fishing areas, free fishing and reactivation, is the newest now, I hope all of Connecticut’s hunters and days, and Connecticut Hunting and Fishing Day. buzz word being bantered anglers know that 100% of the money they pay for Let’s get back to R3 and the need to do about Fish and Wildlife licenses and permits comes back to our Agency even more. Going forward to help motivate and Agencies. At first glance, R3 and is used to fund natural resource programs. inspire, we will make hunting and fishing infor- seems like nothing new. After But, it’s not just about the money! Conservation mation more convenient as we deliver interactive all, it is just another way of of our fish, wildlife, and natural landscape is a maps, posts on social media, and live stream saying that our agencies need quality of life issue that affects not only us, but about fish and wildlife (check out our Facebook to pay close attention to the ever-changing inter- our children and all subsequent generations. Our page at www.Facebook.com/CTFishAndWildlife). ests and behavior of our customers if we are to collective ability to succeed in conserving critical We also will be emailing relevant news and remain a vital force for conservation, hunting, habitat, public access for fishing and hunting, or information through monthly newsletters and fishing through the 21st century. But, it just enjoying nature is a function of having both and exploring truly innovative methods for is something new, really new. While agencies the financial resources and political will to get contacting and encouraging lapsed sportsmen like ours have always understood the need to the job done and done right. Funding provided to get back outdoors. However, we cannot do recruit new sportsmen and women—witness our by sportsmen is our foundation and the large this alone. To be successful, we need to call on tremendously successful Conservation Educa- number of hunters and anglers, found across all each of you to be on the lookout for friends and tion/Firearms Safety and Aquatic Resource walks of life in Connecticut, are the engine that family members who used to hunt and fish but Education programs—we have not historically makes all of this possible. no longer do. We need you to reach out to these recognized the importance of retaining and reac- Sportsmen spend a huge amount of time in folks and help them return to the outdoors. Often tivating participants or understood the impact of the woods and on the waters learning what they all that is needed is an invitation; your excite- “churn” on our customer base. Most of us have need to know to be successful. In the process, ment and passion will carry the day. Please join grown up thinking that the majority of hunters they absorb a great deal of knowledge on how me in making a pledge for 2018 to re-introduce and anglers purchase a license each and every natural systems work and develop an instinctive someone to hunting, take a kid or a friend fishing, year. However, recent data have revealed this is feel for what is truly needed to conserve fish and buy someone a license, or invite a nonmember to simply not the case. In fact, participation rates of wildlife. Along with this comes a passion for wild your club. You will be doing them a favor and also two or three years out of five are more the norm places and, oftentimes, a lifelong commitment to helping future generations and all of Connecticut (this is “churn”) and many people stop buying a hunting and fishing traditions and environmental in the process. license at some point due to unrelated life events stewardship. In short, these sportsmen become Thank you and best wishes for a great year of and simply do not return to the sport. the public’s most knowledgeable, passionate, and hunting and fishing in Connecticut! Why is this so important? I’ve previously effective conservationists. This is why our Agency written about the amazing contributions hunters has invested so deeply in conservation educa- William A. Hyatt and anglers make in supporting conservation tion, youth hunting days, pheasant stocking, Chief, Bureau of Natural Resources

BE A RESPONSIBLE ANGLER DO YOUR PART FOR Protecting both the resource and your access to the resource requires WETLAND CONSERVATION — more than simply knowing and following the fishing regulations! BUY A CONNECTICUT Respect Private Property MIGRATORY BIRD • Do not cast onto docks or into permitted swim areas (when in CONSERVATION STAMP! doubt, cast elsewhere). • Ask permission before fishing from shore, or wading on private The Connecticut Migratory property. Bird Conservation Stamp Program provides the sole Don’t Litter, Don’t Pollute source of funding for many • Keep your boat and motor properly maintained. of the wetland projects that are conducted in the state. • Retrieve all lures and gear. These projects benefit the • Don’t release live bait. approximately 274 fish, • Leave your fishing area cleaner than you found it! birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles of the Be A Safe Boater state that rely upon clean, healthy wetlands. • Obey boating regulations, and check your safety gear frequently! All migratory bird hunters are required to purchase a Connecticut Call 1-800-842-4357 to report violations. Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp. However, anyone interested in Be A Good Neighbor supporting wetland conservation is encouraged to purchase a stamp • Treat fellow anglers, other recreational users and property for $17 online at www.ct.gov/deep/SportsmenLicensing (you owners with courtesy. will need to get a Conservation ID) or by sending a check to DEEP License and Revenue, 79 Elm St., Hartford, CT 06106 and requesting • Always be willing to share both the resource and your knowledge. a stamp or stamps (ordered stamps will be sent through the mail). And always use common sense and be courteous!

4 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Andrea Nivolo with her quality 4 plus pound 2018 FISHING PHOTO Smallmouth Bass from Candlewood Lake. CONTEST

Joe Diorio holds a nice 37" Northern INNER Pike caught using a live Bluegill at W S Bantam Lake.

Grand2018 Prize

Jack Dugay hooks into a 13.5" porgy on his last bit of clam while fishing off the rocks.

Gabby Ferraiolo holds her 19" 3 plus pound Black Sea Bass caught at south west reef in Clinton on squid.

Bass-tastic Memory Jeanne Wadsworth with a nice Largemouth Bass she caught at Breakneck Pond (Nipmuck State Forest, Union). Photo by Sandra Vinton.

Lea Trueblood would like to inspire other women to get out and fish. Please check out other great photo submissions She shows off her biggest CT River Smallmouth, a 5 plus pounder caught used throughout this Angler’s Guide and on our in early April. web page at www.ct.gov/deep/fishing

What better way to share the excitement of your catch than to have every angler carrying it around. We are now accepting high quality photos (please submit digital images to: [email protected]) of anglers with their catches from Connecticut waters for the 2019 CT Angler's Guide. w FREE FAMILY FISHING LESSONS!

Where Connecticut Learns to Fish! Since 1986, the CARE program has been training and partnering with volunteers in order to conduct FREE family fishing courses around the state! Let CARE introduce you and your family to the wonderful world of fishing and connect you to CT’s amazing natural resources. For more information about CARE, becoming an instructor, and our class schedule visit www.ct.gov/deep/fishingclasses. CARE Connecticut Annual CARE Special Fishing Events Family Fishing & Family Ice Fishing Classes Aquatic • February: Winterfest with No Child Left Inside© • Held at a location near you Resources • May: Family Fishing Day • Classroom instruction (2 hours) • August: Saltwater Fishing Event • Fishing trip to a local water Education • www.ct.gov/deep/fishingclasses Summer Camp Fishing Programs • Equipment is provided for use • Half-day classes for campers 860.663.1656 • Partner with summer camps Forster Pond School Partnership www.ct.gov/deep/care • Morning & afternoon classes • Teachers are trained on CARE curriculum • Up to 30 campers age 8–15 • Students are taught in their own classroom • Field trip to our fishing education center

Share your passion for fishing. Join our team. Become a CARE volunteer fishing Instructor! CARE new instructor training courses are offered each February and June. Call us at 860-663-1656 to apply. Applicants must pass a State Police background check.

Thank You Instructors! The CARE Program would like to thank all volunteer Instructors — especially JOHN BARR, KEVIN FULLER, PAUL GRAY, and BOB MANGIONE who have been teaching fishing classes for 15 years! Together, these environmental stewards have combined to volunteer over 2,100 hours while Care Instructor Care Instructor Care Instructor Care Instructor being involved in teaching fishing classes and events for Paul Gray over 45,000 new anglers. Thank you CARE Instructors! John Barr Kevin Fuller Bob Mangione THE SIMPLE ACT OF FISHING, PRESERVES FISHING. Every time you purchase a ﬁ shing license or register your boat, a portion of the proceeds go toward preserving our nation’s coastlines, lakes, rivers and streams. Protecting our memories on the water for generations to come.

Learn more at TakeMeFishing.org/Conservation

46831_TMF_PSA_Pg_Ad.indd 1 2/4/11 9:53 AM Trout & Salmon Stamp

CONNECTICUT’S NEW TROUT & SALMON STAMP Funding Trout and Salmon Fishing for Future Generations! FISHWAYS In order to maintain its trout and salmon programs, DEEP has established an additional revenue AND FISHING source in the form of a trout & salmon stamp. As with your fishing licenses, all (100%) of the money generated from your purchase of a trout & salmon stamp goes to support Connecticut’s Fishing is prohibited in the area immedi- fish and wildlife programs. ately downstream or upstream of a fishway, generally for a distance of 250 feet from WHO NEEDS A TROUT & WHAT’S THE FEE FOR A TROUT the fishway. Note that at some fishways, SALMON STAMP & SALMON STAMP this distance may vary from 250 feet. A trout & salmon stamp is now required for The fee for a trout & salmon stamp is $5.00 At locations where the distance from the anyone age 16 and older (including those age ($3.00 for CT residents ages 16 & 17). The stamp fishway does differ from 250 feet, the 65 and over) when: is issued for the calendar year and expires on boundaries of the “no-fishing” area will 1. Fishing in the designated Trout Management December 31st (just as most fishing licenses). be as posted by DEEP (look for signs and/ Areas (TMA), Wild Trout Management Areas or large rocks painted red marking the (WTMA), Trout Parks, and Atlantic Salmon OBTAINING THE STAMP IS EASY boundaries). Broodstock areas; or The trout & salmon stamp can be obtained just Anglers with questions about the “no- 2. Harvesting trout, Kokanee, or Atlantic as you obtained your fishing license: fishing” zones around any of the over 60 Salmon. • Online at www.ct.gov/deep/fishing or www.ct.gov/ fishways in the state should contact DEEP’s deep/getmyfishinglicense, or Diadromous Fisheries Restoration Program WHO DOES NOT NEED A • In person at one of our offices, a town hall that (Fisheries Division) at 860-434-6043. TROUT & SALMON STAMP has opted to sell licenses, or at a number of 1. Anyone younger than 16 years of age. other vendors. For a complete list of vendors, 2. Holders of lifetime fishing licenses issued to visit the DEEP website or call DEEP Licensing persons that are blind, have an intellectually and Revenue (860-424-3105). disability, or certain physical disabilities (see There is no physical stamp; when you purchase page 10). a Trout & Salmon stamp, a line noting that you INFORMACIÓN 3. Anyone fishing waters stocked at no expense have obtained a stamp is added to your license DISPONIBLE to the state (waters stocked with trout by document (if purchasing online, don’t forget to another entity, but not stocked by the state). print the updated license). EN ESPAÑOL RELACIONADA CON LA PESCA EN CONNECTICUT — WWW.CT.GOV/ DEEP/CARE Los folletos de la pesca en aguas dulces y aguas saladas fuerón traducidos al español para la distribución a la comunidad hispana residente en Connecticut. El objetivo de los folletos de pesca en español es para ayudar a fomentar, aumentar, y promover la participación hispana en esta actividad. Somos afortunados en Connecticut por el gran abastecimiento de peces. La población de Connecticut tiene la opor- tunidad a pescar a no más de 5 millas de su residencia. Las aguas dulces de Connecticut le ofrece pescar peces tales como la Trucha, la Lobina, el Lucio Norteamericano, y el Panfish. Si su pref- erancia es pez de agua salada, las aguas de Connecticut le ofrece pesca peces tales como la Lobina Rayada, Summer Flounder, Anjona, y Porgy. ¡Vamonos a Pescar!

8 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Marine Regulations

THE CHANGING FACE OF MARINE FISHERIES REGULATIONS: The goal of regulating marine fisheries is to prevent overfish- ing and maintain over time, abundant, self-sustaining fisheries, based on the best scientific information while remaining fair and equitable to recreational and commercial fishermen. As marine fishes more often than not cross state boundaries, stewardship of the resource is maintained by multi-state commissions and regional fishery management councils. In our case, fish are managed in state waters by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and in federal waters by the New England Fish- ery Management Council. Each individual state contributes to the process by submitting data, providing technical and advisory support, and compiling feedback from the public. Ultimately, states are responsible to implement a collective management decision made through a larger the implementation of a regulation at the state For more information about marine fisher- commission or council. level to support a plan to address an identi- ies management, please visit the Atlantic States To achieve this goal, an intensive process has fied issue for a particular species throughout Marine Fisheries Commission’s web page at http:// been standardized to ensure that all stakehold- its range. www.asmfc.org/fisheries-science/fisheries-science-101. ers have input on the interpretation of the best The graphic above summarizes key steps in Because of the process, marine regulations are available scientific data about a species. The the process for the development or change in often finalized after the start of the calendar year process is multi-tiered and involves input from the regulation for a species through the Atlantic (which is why the Connecticut Angler’s Guide is many people along the way. The final product is States Marine Fisheries Commission. not ready for distribution on January 1).

New Jersey’s Oldest Hatchery - Est. 1865 New 2018 C D FEE! All Species of Game Sit on top and Pan Fish 15.75

Fresh Brown Trout Eggs For Steelhead Fishing S • Fat Head Minnows • Trout • Pond Aeration Systems • Largemouth Bass • Bluegills • White Amur • Channel Catfish (Grass Eating Carp) • Crappies • Koi Feed We specialize in sportsmen’s clubs, private ponds and lake stockings • Recess foot braces • Rudder • Skeg LLC • Rear cooler well T , Fish Delivered or Picked-up at our Hatchery in Warren County • Front and rear hatches 279 Bloomsbury Road, Asbury, NJ 08802 • Pole holders • Drink holder Rawson Boat Inc., Redding, CT 203-664-1913 • www.rbikayak.com : Licenses

RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSES CT RESIDENT CT RESIDENT NON-RESIDENT Thank you for your support of fisheries programs and our fisheries. All LICENSE TYPE AGE 18–64 AGE 16 OR 17 16 OR OLDER (100%) of the money generated from your purchase of a license goes FEE FEE FEE to support Connecticut’s fish and wildlife. Your support is critical to help sustain your fisheries resources. SPORT FISHING LICENSES (FEE IS US DOLLARS) * An Inland fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or Inland waters only * $28 $14 $55 older fishing in the Inland District (see page 54 for demarcation between Inland and Marine Districts). A marine recreational fishing license is Marine waters only * $10 $5 $15 required for anyone age 16 of age or older fishing from shore or from a boat in the marine district. Most licenses are issued on a calendar year All waters * $32 $16 $63 st basis and expire on December 31 . 1 day — Marine waters only * $5 $3 n/a Licenses are available online at www.ct.gov/deep/fishing. Licenses are 3 consecutive days — also available at participating town halls, tackle retailers and DEEP field n/a n/a $22 offices. For a complete list of vendors, visit the DEEP website or call DEEP Inland waters only * Licensing and Revenue (860-424-3105). 3 consecutive days — n/a n/a $8 Marine waters only * Active Armed Forces Members Any active, full-time member of the armed forces may be issued fishing COMBINATION LICENSES (FEE IS US DOLLARS) * and/or small game firearms licenses for the resident fee. Proof of member- Inland Waters and $38 $19 $110 ship during the calendar year must be carried while using the license. Firearms hunting * These licenses are available only at town clerk and select DEEP offices. Marine Waters and $25 $13 $94 Other Recreational Marine Licenses Firearms hunting * Special “Personal Use” licenses are required for: a) persons taking All Waters and $40 $20 $120 lobsters for their own use by up to 10 pots or SCUBA, and B) persons Firearms hunting * taking menhaden with a single gill net not more than 60 feet in length, All Waters and bow and arrow for personal use from marine waters only. permit to hunt deer and $65 $33 n/a • Personal Use Lobster License: $60.00 small game * (purchase of pot tags also required if using pots) • Personal Use Gillnet License for Menhaden: $100 FREE LICENSES * Marine “Personal Use” licenses are issued on a calendar year basis, are CT Resident age 65 and older * n/a n/a n/a non-transferable, and are only issued by DEEP Licensing and Revenue at FREE SPECIAL LICENSES 79 Elm St., Hartford, CT 06106-5127. See www.ct.gov/deep/fishinglicense (AVAILABLE ONLY AT PARTICIPATING TOWN HALLS AND SELECTED DEEP OFFICES). for additional information and a license application. Blind Inland or Marine fishing Free Free n/a license (lifetime).1

FREE FISHING LICENSE DAYS Intellectual disability Inland or Free Free n/a Marine fishing license (lifetime).2

June 17th & August 11th. Free to qualified Physically handicapped (loss of Get a free one-day license to fish on these days. nonresidents one or more limbs, or perma- who reside in nent loss of the use of one or Free Free states which more limbs), Inland or Marine allow CT resi- waters fishing, hunting, or dents the same combination licenses (lifetime).3 GROUP FISHING LICENSES privilege. * TROUT & SALMON STAMP MAY BE NEEDED. $5.00 fee—SEE PAGE 8. Available to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations wishing to conduct group fishing programs and events for qualified: 1 Issuance of a free license to a person who is blind requires proof of blindness from the Department of Rehabilitation Services, or in the case of a veteran, by the United States • Veterans with a service-related or other disability. Veterans' Administration. • Persons receiving mental health or addiction services from the 2 Issuance of a free license to a person with intellectual disabilities requires proof of intel- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and lectual disability (as defined in Public Act 11-16) in the form of a certificate provided by a associated programs & facilities. licensed physician or a licensed advanced practice registered nurse. • Individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities receiving services 3 Any resident with the loss of a limb or the permanent loss of the use of a limb and a from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) or a facility certificate to that effect provided by a licensed physician or a licensed advanced practice licensed by DDS; or registered nurse may be issued a free license. Qualified nonresidents who are residents • Persons receiving care from the Department of Children and of states which allow CT residents the same privileges are also eligible. Families (DCF), DCF receiving homes, or certain DCF-licensed child care facilities or programs. Qualified organizations can apply for a Group Fishing License ($125.00) to COMMERCIAL LICENSES hold up to 50 events per year (both inland and marine water). Each event A commercial license is required to take, possess or land (regardless where is limited to 50 people and must be supervised by organization staff or taken) fish, lobsters, blue crabs, whelk, squid, sea scallops, horseshoe volunteers (who must have their fishing licenses). No fee can be charged to crabs and bait species intended for sale from both the inland and marine participate and the events may not be used as a fundraiser. districts. Contact the DEEP Marine Fisheries Program at 860-434-6043 Contact DEEP Inland Fisheries for more information and application forms. or write to the Marine Fisheries Program at [email protected] or P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371 for further information on commercial fishingwww.ct.gov/deep/CommercialFishing .

10 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Permits

Submit your permit applications online — Special Regulations on Association Controlled Waters A convenient on-line system is now available Any association owning or controlling the fishing rights in a stream or pond for the submittal of fisheries related permits. may request a temporary change in fishing regulations at their water body. The ezFile system offers a safe, secure, and convenient process to submit your permit applications. After DEEP Private Waters Registration review, you will receive the appropriate documentation via email, no Can be acquired by individuals or a corporation that meet the eligibility more paper to fax, scan or mail. criteria. There is a non-refundable $70.00 application fee. As each situ- Questions about ezFile or need help? Call us at 860-424-FISH (3474). ation is unique, please call 860-424-3474 to discuss options. 1. Get started with ezFile: Marine Fish Tournament/Derby Registration 2. Download Google Chrome (recommended browser) Required to conduct a marine fishing tournament or derby in Connecti- 3. Selecting the ezFile icon on http://www.ct.gov/deep/fishing cut that is open to persons 16 years of age and older as described under 4. Select “create an account” section 26-159a-26 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. 5. Follow the instructions (should take about 5 minutes). There is no charge for the registration. FISHERIES RELATED PERMITS AND REGISTRATIONS SERVED BY EZFILE: Inland Fishing Tournament/Derby Permit IMPORTATION AND/OR Required to conduct a fishing tournament or derby on inland waters open LIBERATION PERMIT FOR to public fishing involving anglers 16 years or older. Organized events, like fishing tournaments, are usually limited to 50% of the parking TRIPLOID GRASS CARP capacity at a state-owned launch. Open water catch-and-release-only Authorizes the importation, possession and liberation of triploid tournaments can be granted an exemption from Bass Management grass carp into inspected/approved ponds. Possession of diploid Area special regulations (exemptions available for all Bass Management grass carp is prohibited. Triploid grass carp represent one method lakes from September 1 through June 30, exemptions granted only for of controlling nuisance aquatic vegetation. The Fisheries Division Gardner Lake and Mansfield Hollow Reservoir from July 1 to August 31). inspects all ponds to determine regulatory compliance, particularly Additional guidelines and restrictions may apply for open-water trout to verify that the fish can not escape from the waters in which they tournaments/derbies conducted on waters managed by the state for trout. were stocked, thereby preventing off-site damage to aquatic habitats. Liberation (Stock) of Live Fish Grass carp information packets and application forms can be obtained Required each time any live fish or live fish eggs are released into any by contacting the Fisheries Division at 860-424-3474. pond, lake, or stream in Connecticut (it is illegal to introduce any aquarium fish into any waters of Connecticut). Importation of Live Fish or Fish Eggs Required each time live fish or live fish eggs are brought into Connecti- NATIONAL SALTWATER cut from outside the State (No permit is required to import common ANGLER REGISTRY aquarium species). Note: Possession or importation of a number of species including Congress, through the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation piranha, walking catfish, black, silver and bighead carp, gizzard shad, and Management Act, called on NOAA Fisheries to create a national and all species of snakehead (family Channidae) is prohibited. registry of saltwater anglers. Required by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the Marine Recreational Angler Program (MRIP) is a partnership working to improve saltwater recreational fishing data collection and Permits are required for these activities: provide more informed fisheries conservation. • Stock fish or import live fish into the state The angler registry will improve data collection by creating a universe of • Conduct a fishing tournament or derby saltwater anglers, essentially a phonebook of fishermen. This resource • Use grass carp to manage aquatic plants will help reduce bias and improve the efficiency of catch and effort surveys. Instead of asking a random sample of coastal U.S. residents if they’ve gone fishing (what is currently done), an angler registry through a phone or mail survey would allow surveyors to call upon NOTICE TO SPORTSMEN those who have already identified themselves as saltwater fishermen. Anglers please note: A judgement or a plea of guilty, forfeiture of a bond, or payment of New York, Rhode Island, Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire a fine for a fishing, hunting, or trapping violation may result in the also have marine license or registration requirements. Connecticut has suspension of your fishing, hunting, or trapping license. reciprocity (your CT marine waters fishing license will be accepted) with all these states except for New Hampshire where a CT resident will need to obtain a New Hampshire saltwater license. Note that BUY ONLINE residents of Connecticut are required to have a CT resident marine ENJOY THE CONVENIENCE waters sport fishing license to fish in Connecticut’s Marine District. of purchasing fishing, hunting Connecticut anglers holding valid marine waters fishing license are and trapping licenses and permits exempt from National Saltwater Angler Registry. directly over the internet. For more information, please see www.countmyfish.noaa.gov or MOBILE FRIENDLY! www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/management/recreational www.ct.gov/deep/fishing www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 11 Trophy Fish Award Program

TROPHY FISH AWARD AFFIDAVIT NOTE: POTENTIAL STATE RECORD FISH MUST BE WEIGHED ON A CERTIFIED SCALE. Kind of Fish Where Caught Town (port) PHOTOGRAPH (PICTURE) MUST ACCOMPANY AFFIDAVIT. DATE CAUGHT / / CATCH & RELEASE?  Yes  No YOUTH OR ADULT?  Youth (under 16 years of age)  Adult HOW CAUGHT  Fly Fishing  Bait Casting  Bottom Fishing  Spin Fishing  Live Bait  Trolling  Ice Fishing  Day  Night Kind of Lure or Bait Used CAUGHT BY Angler (print & sign name) Conservation ID# Mailing Address Phone Number Email MEASURING & WEIGHING (Harvested fish may be weighed at any CT bait and tackleshop.) Catch & Release Length (inches) Harvested Fish (caught & kept) Weight (lbs, ozs) Length (inches) Weigh In Location Witness Date Phone Number Email I, (signature & address of witness) witnessed the measuring and weighing (Catch-and-Release fish must include an image of the fish next to a measuring device and need not be weighed) of the above-described fish, and verified the weight and measurements. The fish was weighed on a scale inspected by the CT Department of Consumer Protection. Certification # or Vendor Name or Inspectors Name APPLICANT CERTIFICATION “I hereby attest that that the information submitted is true, accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief. Further, I understand that a false statement or false information submitted in support of this trophy fish award affidavit may result in my entry (affidavit) being disqualified, and it may also affect my eligibility for trophy fish awards in future years." Signature of Applicant Date AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE FOR USE OF PHOTOGRAPH (IMAGES) Please provide a photo or digital image for fish identification purposes. Digital images can be emailed to [email protected] Note: Each individual pictured must sign a release in order for the DEEP to use the picture. Parent/Guardian must sign for minor children. I, , DO HEREBY AUTHORIZE THE Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (“Department”) to use my photographic likeness in the Department’s Fisheries reports, publications and/or its Internet web site. I understand that such reports, publications and/or web site will be disseminated to the public and may be copied or otherwise reproduced. I hereby release the Department from any liability that may arise from using my photographic likeness in such reports, publications and/or web site. I also release the Department from any liability that may arise from dissemination of such reports, publications and/or web site or the use of the reports, publications and/or web site by the public. Signature(s) Date This form can be downloaded from www.ct.gov/deep/fishing FRESHWATER FISH mail to: DEEP Fisheries Division, 79 Elm Street, 6th floor, Hartford, CT 06106-5127 SALTWATER FISH mail to: DEEP Marine Fisheries Program, P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371 or Fax Number 1-860-434-6150 PLEASE EMAIL AFFIDAVIT & DIGITAL IMAGES (pictures) to: [email protected] (marine images only) [email protected] (freshwater images only)

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Bureau of Natural Resources appreciates all the help it receives from volunteers each year. Typically, volunteers are from organized groups, but there are also some opportunities for individuals. Among the programs in which you may be able to participate: Atlantic Salmon and Herring Restoration Programs For groups: Contact Steve Gephard or Bruce Williams (Fisheries Division) at 860-434-6043 Volunteer Angler Survey — Saltwater Anglers For individuals: See page 57 for details. Contact David R. Molnar (Marine Fisheries Program) at 860-434-6043 or [email protected].

12 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide TROPHY FISH AWARD MINIMUM WEIGHTS The Trophy Fish Award Program recognizes and Note: Minimum Lengths apply to the catch-and-release category only! The rewards angling skill. Successful anglers will receive a: minimum lengths listed below do not apply to the traditional weighed category.

Certificate of Merit CATEGORY SPECIES MINIMUM MINIMUM • Bronze pin for your first fish of merit. WEIGHT LENGTH • Silver pin for your fifth fish of merit. American Eel 3 lbs 35" • Gold pin for your tenth fish of merit or a new state record fish. American Shad 5 lbs 25" Atlantic Salmon1 15 lbs 31" Bluegill 12 oz 10" GENERAL RULES: SALTWATER/FRESHWATER FISH Bowfin 7 lbs 24" • Top Angler Awards are given to Marine and Inland anglers who Brook Trout 2 lbs 17" catch and keep (Harvest Fish), catch and release the largest fish of Brown Bullhead 2 lbs 15" each species categories. Angler of the Year is awarded to the angler Brown Trout 5 lbs 22" with the most species categories. Awards are provided at the annual Calico Bass (Black Crappie) 2 lbs 15" Trophy Fish Award Ceremony. Common Carp 20 lbs 34" • Youth Category is defined as anyone 15 years of age and under. Chain Pickerel 5 lbs 27" Channel Catfish 4 lbs 22" • Saltwater entries caught by boats leaving and returning to Connecticut Fallfish 1.5 lbs 14" ports. No overnight stays in another state prior to day(s) of fishing. Kokanee 1.75 lbs 16" • Entries must be filed on the Official Affidavit Form, page 12. Largemouth Bass 6 lbs 22" • Submission of false or misleading information may result in Northern Pike 10 lbs 35" disqualification. Pumpkinseed 8 oz 9" • Fish must be caught by legal methods, played by only one person. FRESHWATER Rainbow Trout 4 lbs 21" 3 • Fish must be entered within 30 days of capture. Redbreast Sunfish 8 oz 9" • All Trophy Fish Award Affidavits must be submitted by January 15, 2019 Rock Bass 12 oz 11" Smallmouth Bass 4 lbs 21" • Fish caught in hatchery ponds are not eligible. Sunfish Hybrids4 12 oz 10" • Fish must be caught (including catch and release) during Connecti- Tiger Trout 2 lbs 17" cut’s legal open season. Tench 4 lbs 18" • A clear photograph of the fish must accompany the Affidavit Form. Walleye 5 lbs 23" • Fish may be weighed at any local bait and tackle shop (see page 14). White Catfish 4 lbs 20" • Please note: all potential State Record Fish must be weighed on a White Perch 1.5 lbs 14" certified scale and a printout of the scale weight must accompany White Sucker 3 lbs 15" Yellow Bullhead2 2 lbs 15" the affidavit or an image of the scales certification number, date Yellow Perch 1.5 lbs 15" inspected, vendor name and inspectors name. Albacore 30 lbs 40" • The size of a potential trophy fish or state record fish can not exceed American Eel 3 lbs 35" the maximum length for any given species (e.g. red drum). Atlantic Bonito 4 lbs 20" • For species not listed: trophy fish award subject to Fisheries staff Atlantic Cod 20 lbs 40" identification and review. Atlantic Mackerel 4.25 lbs 14" Black Sea Bass 4.5 lbs 20" CATCH AND RELEASE CATEGORY RULES Blackfish (Tautog) 8 lbs 22" Blue Marlin 100 lbs BLE (99") • All of the General Rules apply except that the fish does not need to Blue Shark 175 lbs BLE (54") be weighed. A witness must be present. Bluefin Tuna 400 lbs 60" • A clear photo must accompany the affidavit. This photo must include Bluefish 12 lbs 32" the angler holding the fish and also include the fish next to a mea- Cunner 1.5 lbs 12" suring (yardstick, ruler, or tape measure) device to clearly show Dolphin Fish (Dorado) 20 lbs 36” the length of the fish. Gray Triggerfish 4 lbs 15" • The accompanying photo must be taken at the location where the Hickory Shad 1.75 lbs 18" fish was caught and released. Little Tunny (False Albacore) 5 lbs 24" Mako Shark 175 lbs BLE (54") • Fish can’t be taken from the site and then transported back. Northern Kingfish 1 lb 8 oz 16" • BLE = best length estimate for highly migratory species. Oyster Toadfish 1 lb 10" • Minimum Length (Total Length) = Tip of snout to end of tail. SALTWATER Pollock 15 lbs 34" • Marlin & swordfish—measure from lower jaw to fork in tail. Scup (Porgy) 2.5 lbs 16" • Shark species—minimum length is fork length. Squid — 10" Mantle Length; • Fish must be released alive! 18" Total Length Striped Bass 35 lbs 45" Striped Searobin 3 lbs 18" Summer Flounder (Fluke) 6 lbs 25" All fish are measured from tip of snout Swordfish 100 lbs BLE (47") to end of tail (total length). Thresher Shark 200 lbs BLE (54") Weakfish 5 lbs 24" White Marlin 80 lbs BLE (66") White Perch 1.5 lbs 14" Winter Flounder 2.5 lbs 17" Yellowfin Tuna 150 lbs 60" Blue Crab 8" 8" 1 Includes only hatchery-reared broodstock salmon released into the Broodstock Atlantic Salmon waters and supplemental lakes. Wild Atlantic salmon from the Connecticut River and Long Island Sound are illegal to possess and not covered under this Trophy Fish Award program. Total Length 2 A clear photo of the side of the fish required for identification. www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 13 Connecticut Bait & Tackle Shops

WWW.CT.GOV/DEEP/BAITANDTACKLE TOWN SHOP NAME ADDRESS PHONE TOWN SHOP NAME ADDRESS PHONE Ashford Ralph’s Bait Shop 14 Lakeview Drive 860-487-3544 J & B Tackle Co. Inc. 23/25 Smith Ave. 860-739-7419 Niantic Avon Orvis Avon 380 West Main St. 860-678-7900 Mackey’s Bait & Tackle Shop 158 West Main St. 860-739-2677 Barkhamsted Uncles Aaron’s Tackle Shack 4 Robertsville Rd. 860-307-7156 Noank Wild Bill’s Action Sports & Tackle 93 Marsh Rd. 860-536-6648 Bozrah Bob’s Bait 191 Fitchville Rd. 860-885-0292 North Stonington We-Tu Bait & Tackle 617 Lantern Hill Rd. 860-536-6551 Branford Branford Bait & Tackle 51 Goodsell Point Rd. 203-315-1313 Fisherman’s World Inc. 2 Fort Point St. 203-866-1075 Norwalk Jimmy O’s Bait & Tackle 3389 Fairfield Ave. 203-384-6359 Hiller Sports 4 New Canaan Ave. 203-857-3474 H&H Shellfish LLC 365 Seaview Ave. 203-612-4798 Norwich Thayer’s Marine & RV 14 Falls Ave. 860-887-8315 Bridgeport Marine Sport Center 2400 Fairfield Avenue 203-335-8646 Oakville Mike’s Gun’s & Tackle 141 Main St. 860-274-0371 Orbit Marine Sports Center Inc. 3273 Fairfield Ave. 203-333-3483 Old Lyme Black Hall Outfitters 132 Shore Rd. 860-434-9680 Brooklyn Brooklyn Trading Post & Academy 106 Tripp Hollow Rd. 860-774-SHOT Ted’s Bait & Tackle 35 Ferry Place 860-388-4882 Old Saybrook Byram Rudy’s Bait 'n' Tackle 242 South Water St. 203-531-3168 River’s End Tackle 440 Boston Post Rd. 860-388-2283 Clinton Early Bird Bait & Tackle 34 Riverside Drive 203-927-1052 Bucky’s Bait & Tackle 83 Palmer Neck Rd. 860-599-5972 Pawcatuck Columbia Center Sports of Columbia 3 Orlando Drive 860-228-1666 Tri-State Bait 88 Westbroad St. 860-495-5218 Cornwall Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop 13 Route 7 860-672-6064 Plainfield B & J’s Bait & Tackle Shop 29 Academy Lane 860-564-7742 Bridge Housatonic River Outfitters, Inc. 24 Kent Rd. 860-672-1010 The Hook and Arrow 135 West Main St. 860-479-5907 Plainville Cos Cob Sportsman’s Den of Greenwich 33 River Rd. 203-869-3234 Tag’s Tacklebox and Plainville Bait 94 Whiting Street 860-846-0943 Coventry Cheap Baits 3513 Main St. 860-461-2444 Pine Meadow Up Country Sport Fishing 352 Main St. 860-379-1952 Cromwell Big Little Bait & Tackle 1 School St. 860-997-0891 Portland Zah’s Water Sports 370 Route 17 860-324-9894 Candlewood Bait & Tackle 36 Tamarack Ave. 203-743-2221 Preston Fish Connection 127 Route 12 860-885-1739 Danbury The Valley Angler 56 Padanaram Rd. 203-792-8324 Rowayton The Bait Shop Inc. 99 Rowayton Ave. 203-853-3811 The Dock Shop 51 Tokeneke Rd. 203-557-0873 Salisbury O’Hara’s Landing Marina 254 Twin Lakes Rd. 860-824-7583 Darien Orvis Store 432 Boston Post Rd. 203-662-0844 Shelton TC Marine, Bait & Tackle 445 River Rd. 203-513-2786 Compleat Angler 541 Post Rd. 203-655-9400 1426 Meriden- Southington Fishin Factory 860-621-8145 Dayville Bob’s Place 132 Ballouville Rd. 860-774-2286 Waterbury Tpke. East Canaan Jim’s Bait & Tackle 391 Norfolk Rd. 860-824-5773 Stamford Pete’s Place 124 Jefferson St. 203-356-9383 Don’s Dock 228 North Water St. 860-535-0077 Eastford B & T Bait Shack 18 Sprague Hill Rd. 860-942-9638 Stonington East Haddam Lakeside Dan’s 18 Shore Rd. 203-623-5439 King Cove Marina & Kayak Center 926 Stonington Rd. (Rt. 1) 860-599-4730 1 475 East Hartford Stratford Bait & Tackle 1076 ⁄2 Stratford Ave. 203-377-8091 East Hartford Cabelas East Hartford 860-290-6200 Stratford Blvd. North The Surfcaster 360 Sniffens Lane 203-610-6965 East Haven Anglers Edge Pro Shop 439 Main St. 203-691-6513 Thomaston Sanzeri’s Bait & Tackle 288 South Main St. 860-283-8654 Ellington Lakeside Deli 99 Stafford Rd. 860-871-8588 Tolland Trapper's Den Taxidermy 152 Tolland Stage Rd. 860-872-1333 Yankee Bait & Tackle 88 Main St. 860-741-5994 Union JT’s Fly Shop 664 Buckley Hwy. 860-684-1575 Enfield Smola’s Flyfishing Guide & Service 483 Hazard Ave. 860-763-1856 Voluntown Mike’s Bait & Tackle 16 Church St. 860-376-4767 South Benson Marina Wallingford Uncle B’s Bait & Tackle 854 S. Colony Rd. (Rt. 5) 203-294-1180 Fairfield South Benson Outfitters 203-400-2838 555 Turney Road Warren Housatonic River Outfitters 24 Kent Rd. 860-672-1010 335 Salmon Brook St., Hillyer’s Tackle Shop 374 Rope Ferry Rd. 860-443-7615 Granby Rome’s Bait & Tackle 860-413-9445 Waterford Rte. 10 & 202 Riverside Grocery 150 Shore Rd. 860-444-0681 Greenwich Byram’s Bait & Tackle 35 North Water St. 203-531-5100 Wauregan Anglers & Adventures LLC 57 Wauregan Road 860-230-3215 Groton Ken’s Tackle Shop 213 Thames St. 860-445-6888 Atlantic Outboard 475 Boston Post Rd. 860-399-6773 Kent Backcountry Outfitters 8 Old Barn Rd. 860-927-3377 Beach Nut Sports Center 314 Boston Post Rd. 860-399-6534 Madison Captain Morgan’s Bait & Tackle Marine Center, Rt. 1 203-245-8665 Westbrook Jack’s Shoreline Bait & Tackle 174 Boston Post Rd. 860-664-9424 Manchester Farr’s Sporting Goods 2 Main St. 860-643-7111 Tidewater Bait & Tackle 362 Boston Post Rd. 860-399-2219 Marlborough Frank’s Live Bait 19 West Rd. 860-295-9659 Westport The Dock Shop 609 Riverside Ave. 203-956-5893 Meriden Lunker City Fishing Specialties 847 Hanover Rd. 203-237-3474 West Haven Some-Things Fishy 17 Kimberly Avenue #19 203-933-2002 Middletown Fishin Factory III 238 East Main St. 860-344-9139 Windsor Locks Joe’s Bass, Bait & Tackle 12 Dickerman Ave. 860-623-7980 Bobby J’s Bait & Tackle 354 New Haven Ave. 203-876-1495 Milford Outdoor Artistry Taxidermy & Bait 351 North Main St. 860-480-5765 Fisherman's Paradise 40 Bridgeport Avenue 203-283-1432 Winsted Northwest Sporting Goods 178 Rowley St. 860-738-8999 Moodus D & D Bait and Tackle 102 Clark Gates Rd. 860-334-3006 & Supply Mystic Shaffer’s Boat Livery 106 Mason Island Rd. 860-536-8713 Sportsmen’s Outpost 415 Wolcott Rd. (Rt. 69) 203-879-1139 Wolcott New Haven Dee’s Bait & Tackle 93 Clay St. 203-562-7025 Wolcott Bait & Tackle 690 Wolcott Rd. (Rt. 69) 203-707-6986 AW Marina Bait & Tackle 178 Pequot Ave. 860-443-6076 Woodbridge Baits Motel Fishing & Tackle 26 C Selden St. 203-553-9381 Located at Burrs Marina New London Diane’s Bait Tackle & Charters 860-857-2373 244 Pequot Avenue If we missed your shop or you have changes to your information on this list, Standard Field & Stream 216 Montauk Ave. 214-886-3220 please contact David R. Molnar, [email protected], or call 860-434-6043.

REMINDER TO ANGLERS! FISHERIES ADVISORY Fishing in or Casting into Permitted Swim Areas is Prohibited State regulations prohibit fishing in or into a swim area that’s been permitted by DEEP. Additionally, vessels COUNCIL cannot be operated within a permitted swim area, and there’s a 100 foot “no-wake” zone around the perimeter. The Fisheries Advisory Council (FAC) Swim areas that have been permitted by DEEP will be marked by white buoys with orange markings, and is a group of dedicated citizens from all there should be a permit number posted on the buoys. They may or may not have small orange barrier regions of the state working together floats to further demarcate the area. for fish and fishing in Connecticut. Should questions arise concerning the validity of the swim area (no permit numbers or the area appears to For more information about the FAC, have been changed / enlarged or keeps moving), please contact DEEP’s Boating Division at 860-434-8638. please call 860-424-3474.

14 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Evan Kamoen with his trophy Scup.

DISCARDED FISHING LINE AND OTHER TRASH

Anglers are reminded that any person who intentionally discards fishing line or other litter in the waters of the state, on public property of the state or on private property not owned by such person is subject to a fine under section 22a-250 of the general statutes. Each year, DEEP’s Wildlife Division receives numerous reports of birds and other animals that have been injured or killed after getting tangled in our trash. Discarded fishing line, hooks, lures and weights are often left behind by unthinking anglers at fishing sites, and have caused serious injury, illness or death to wildlife. Please dispose of these items and all other trash properly.

For line recycling locations, go to: http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/ wildlife/pdf_files/outreach/fishinglinerecycle.pdf

SWIFT. SILENT. SECURE. Power-Pole is the original shallow water anchor that delivers swift, silent and secure positioning at the push of a button. Now featuring heavy-duty hydraulic hose, new Dead osprey found hanging from its nest in Old Lyme, CT. C-Monster 2.0 hydraulic pump and remote Discarded fishing line, which controls. For more information or to find a is often picked up by ospreys dealer near you, go to power-pole.com. to place in their nests, was wrapped around the bird’s neck.

Photo courtesy of long-time DEEP Wildlife Division volunteer Hank Golet, who took the image prior to removing the dead bird. Environmental Conservation Police

MESSAGE FROM ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION POLICE One of the responsibilities of the EnCon Police We also highly encourage the wearing of per- when checking anglers. When approached by Division is search and rescue operations, espe- sonal flotation devices when fishing from a ves- an officer in a patrol boat you should: cially on the water. Each year, our officers along sel. It is mandatory to wear a PFD by anyone • Maintain your current speed and direction with the U.S. Coast Guard, local police and fire in a manually propelled vessel from October 1 unless signaled to do otherwise or if the departments respond to numerous reports of a through May 31 and for all children under 13 patrol boat is displaying flashing blue lights kayak or canoe found unoccupied either adrift years old on a vessel that is under way. There or using a siren, which are signals for you or washed up on shore. Often there is no con- are many options now that are comfortable and to stop. tact information on the vessel which results in a do not interfere with your fishing enjoyment so large search and rescue operation to determine if please put one on. It can save your life! It is a • Do not change direction or stop your vessel someone is actually missing. Often these vessels sobering statistic, but in Connecticut, 75 percent unless signaled to do so. This will help just float away from a dock or shore due to tide of boating fatalities are due to drowning and in avoid contact between the vessels that or wind. We recommend that owners of vessels 90% of those cases, the victim was not wearing could cause damage or injuries. that do not have registration number attach an a life jacket. It can save your life! • Reel in all fishing lines on the side of the “If Found” sticker, which has the owners name boat that is being approached by the offi- and contact information and is available free of What To Do When Approached cer. Use care to keep body parts and rod charge from our boating division. By an Environmental tips out of the space between the boats to Conservation Police Officer prevent injury or damage to equipment. EnCon Police Officers are concerned with We encourage the citizens of our State to assist enforcement of Connecticut laws and regulations us with our mission of protecting the State’s nat- that are intended to keep people safe, protect per- ural resources by taking an active role in report- sonal property, and conserve the State’s natural ing fish and game violations resources. There are a few actions that you can to our 24 hour toll free num- take to ensure your experience with an EnCon ber at 1-800-842-4357. Officer is positive for both you and the officer. Thank you and good luck! Officers Alex Johnston and Patrick Kiely, While Boating and Fishing: Colonel Kyle Overturf and K9 Baloo on patrol on Squantz Pond. EnCon Officers are concerned with boating Director, State Environmental safety and compliance with fishing regulations Conservation Police

Kids Get Your Youth Fishing Passport! The perfect way for you to introduce your aspiring angler to the many benefits of fishing. TheFREE Youth Fishing Passport program is a perfect way to spend quality time together. Getting your passport is easy, sign up online using the sportsmen licensing system www.ct.gov/deep/sportsmenlicensing and then start fishing! Visit www.ct.gov/deep/yfp for details about: • 2 great fishing activities • Sponsors offering discounts or free items • DEEP's FREE “Learn to Fish” classes

For more information, contact: Mike Beauchene at 860-424-4185 or [email protected] Fish Consumption Advisory

ARE THE FISH I CATCH SAFE TO EAT? 877-458-FISH For More Information The summary of advisories issued in the past by the Connecticut Depart- Including the fish consumption fact sheet, a special fact sheet for preg- ment of Public Health and Department of Energy & Environmental nant women, foreign language summaries, and for updates visit the Protection is updated annually and included as a reminder to anglers. Department of Public Health (CTDPH) website at: www.ct.gov/dph/fish These advisories apply to recreationally-caught fish from Connecticut or call CTDPH. waters. Individuals in the high risk group should be particularly careful • Have health questions: call CTDPH at 860-509-7740 or toll-free at in their fish consumption. 877-458-FISH (3474). Proper cleaning and cooking methods include: removing the skin, • Have fishing questions: call CTDEEP at 860-424-FISH (3474). “lateral line” area, belly flaps and dark meat, and broiling or grilling. These methods can reduce PCB levels by 50%.

ADVISORY WATERBODY FISH SPECIES HIGH RISK GROUP a LOW RISK GROUP b CONTAMINANT

All Fresh Waterbodies Trout c, Sunfish No Limits on Consumption No Limits on Consumption — Statewide (See more restrictive advice for Freshwater Fish specific waterbodies listed below) All other fish One meal per month One meal per week Mercury

Dodge Pond, Wyassup Lake, Largemouth Bass, Do not eat One meal per month Mercury Lake McDonough, Silver Lake (Berlin) Smallmouth Bass, Pickerel

Trout, Catfish, Eels, Carp, Do not eat Do not eat PCBs Northern Pike Largemouth Bass, Do not eat One meal per 2 months PCBs Smallmouth Bass Housatonic River above Derby Dam (except as listed below for lakes on White Perch Do not eat One meal per 2 months PCBs Housatonic River) Bluegill, Bullheads, Fallfish One meal per month One meal per month PCBs Panfish d except for White Perch, Bluegill and One meal per month One meal per week PCBs Bullheads Trout, Catfish, Eels, Carp, Do not eat Do not eat PCBs Northern Pike Smallmouth Bass, Do not eat One meal per 2 months PCBs Lakes on Housatonic River: Largemouth Bass (Lillinonah, Zoar, Housatonic) White Perch, Fallfish, One meal per month One meal per month PCBs Bullheads Specific Panfish d except for White Freshwater Fish One meal per month One meal per week PCBs Perch and Bullheads Quinnipiac River All species One meal per month One meal per month PCBs (Gorge to Hanover Pond in Meriden) Carp Do not eat One meal per 2 months PCBs Connecticut River Catfish Do not eat One meal per month PCBs

Versailles, Papermill Ponds & connecting All species Do not eat Do not eat Mercury, PCBs section of Little River (Sprague)

Furnace Brook (Cornwall) Trout One meal per month One meal per month PCBs

Blackberry River downstream of Smallmouth Bass One meal per month One meal per month PCBs “Blast Furnace” (North Canaan)

Konkapot River (North Canaan) White Sucker Do not eat One meal per month Mercury

Brewster Pond (Stratford) Catfish & Bullheads Do not eat Do not eat Chlordane

Union Pond (Manchester) Carp, Catfish, Bass Do not eat Do not eat Chlordane

Striped Bass over 25" Do not eat One meal per month PCBs

Bluefish over 25" Do not eat One meal per month PCBs Long Island Sound and connected rivers Specific e Saltwater Bluefish 13–25" One meal per month One meal per month PCBs Species Weakfish One meal per month One meal per month PCBs Mill River (Fairfield) (excluding Southport Blue Crab Do not eat Do not eat Lead Harbor) a High Risk Group includes pregnant women, women planning pregnancy within one year, nursing women and children under age 6. b Low Risk Group includes everyone not in the High Risk Group. c Most trout are not part of the advisory and are safe to eat. However, the High Risk Group to eat no more than one large trout (over 15") per month and should not eat trout from the Housatonic River. d Panfish include Yellow Perch, White Perch, Calico Bass (Crappie), Rock Bass, bullhead, and sunfish. e Bluefish (including snapper blues) under 13" are not on the advisory because they have very low contamination. 17 Header Help stop the spread! Aquatic A number of aquatic invasive species are established in Connecticut and more are threatening to invade. Although zebra mussels continues to expand its distribution along the Housatonic River Invasive and remain a great concern. We are focusing on hydrilla this year. Unlike zebra mussels, which are somewhat limited due to their water chemistry requirements (hardwater), hydrilla can likely Species grow in waters all throughout the state.

Hydrilla Hydrilla, which is not native to the United Based on the observed growth, it appeared that States, was likely first introduced to this coun- hydrilla had been in the river for a couple of Hydrilla, an emerging new threat to Connecti- try in the 1950’s. The source of these plants is years. cut’s aquatic resources. unknown. It has since become a major problem This past year (2017) DEEP fisheries staff con- Until recently, hydrilla was found at only a in southeastern states and is beginning to spread ducting fish surveys (night electrofishing) iden- few isolated locations in CT. This invasive into the northeast. It was recently found in two tified hydrilla in several new locations including aquatic plant can spread aggressively (it can publicly accessible waterbodies: Wethersfield Cove, Crow Point Cove, and in the grow up to a foot a day), form dense mats of Hydrilla is very difficult to control once estab- mainstem in Enfield where it was found scat- vegetation, easily outcompetes and displaces lished. It typically sprouts later in the growing tered along the west shore from the Massachu- native plants, alters aquatic habitats, and inter- season, making it difficult to identify until the setts border down to the Enfield Town launch feres with recreational activities. summer, can sprout in deeper water and/or from in Thompsonville. Additionally, volunteers fast growing runners, can sometimes fragment from organizations including the Connecticut easily, and will maintain robust growth through River Conservancy involved in the Connecticut the end of the growing season. River water chestnut monitoring and control Coventry Lake. In the fall of 2015, hydrilla activities also began looking for hydrilla during was first identified in Coventry Lake. Since then, their water chestnut surveys and also collected in collaboration with the Town of Coventry, hydrilla from the lower Mattabesset River. The DEEP has been supporting active management presence of hydrilla near the Massachusetts of this population of hydrilla, including funding border suggests a source population upstream plant surveys, herbicide treatments and benthic of Connecticut. barrier placements. Results have been mixed At this time it is unclear as to what control to date. is possible in a large river system such as the Connecticut River. In 2016 hydrilla was Connecticut River, so it is imperative that boat- found in a difficult to access portion of Keeney ers and other users practice “Clean, Drain & Cove in East Hartford. Later that year DEEP staff Dry” methods to help prevent its spread to other observed several patches of hydrilla mixed in waterbodies. See the next page to learn more on Hydrilla can form very dense stands that can limit among the aquatic plants growing in the river "CLEAN, DRAIN & DRY" procedures. foraging habitat for predatory species such as at Glastonbury’s Riverfront Park and Boathouse. Largemouth Bass.

found (1998) in CT only in East Twin Lake waters with moderate to high calcium concentra- Zebra Mussel and West Twin Lake (Salisbury). Since 2010, tions and pH. In Connecticut, suitable habitat adult mussels have also been found in Lake for zebra mussels is mostly limited to a number Zebra mussels are now found in a number of Housatonic and free floating juveniles (veli- of water bodies in western portions of the state. locations scattered throughout the Housatonic gers) have been sampled at several sites in the Under highly favorable conditions, this invasive River and its impoundments. river in Connecticut from the Massachusetts mussel can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and is Until late 2010 when adult zebra mussels line downstream to Lake Lillinonah. Surveys notorious for clogging water intakes and fouling (Dreissena polymorpha) were found in Lake Zoar completed in late 2012 confirm the continu- boat hulls and engine cooling water systems. and Lake Lillinonah, zebra mussels had been ing presence of zebra mussels adults and free- floating juveniles (veligers) in the Housatonic River and its three major impoundments in Connecticut, and in 2016, adults were found at the Rocky River power facility, which provides a connection between the Housatonic River and Candlewood Lake. The non-native zebra mussel was first found in North America in Lake St. Clair (Michigan/ Ontario) in 1988. Since then they have spread throughout the Great Lakes, the Mississippi River system and most of New York State including Lake Champlain and the Hudson River, and then into a number of western and southwest- ern states. Zebra mussels have fairly specific water chemistry requirements and are limited to

18 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide ≥≥Remove all aquatic organisms, ≥ mud & debris! livewell motor & propeller YOU CAN HELP! CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY. You can help prevent the spread of problem anchor species by following these simple suggestions. BEFORE LEAVING A BOAT LAUNCH CLEAN—Inspect your boat, trailer and equipment. Remove and discard all aquatic plants and animals, mud and debris you may have picked up while on the water. DRAIN—Completely drain all water from the boat, including bilge hitch hull axle trim tabs water, livewells and engine cooling systems. AT HOME DRY—Dry anything that came in contact with the water (boats, Some of the Invasives trailers, trailering vehicle) for at least one week. Found in Connecticut or WASH—Rinse boat, trailer and equipment with hot water (high Many boaters and anglers are familiar with freshwater invasive plants, pressure if possible). A bleach solution can be used to clean in Connecticut these include: livewells. Dispose of all rinse materials properly! EURASIAN WATER MILFOIL was first found in Connecticut in 1979 REMEMBER and has been documented in a number of locations in Connecticut as Do not dump your bait bucket or release live bait! Avoid intro- well as the Connecticut River. ducing unwanted plants and animals. Unless your bait was VARIABLE LEAF MILFOIL was first discovered in Connecticut in 1936 obtained on site, dispose of it in a suitable trash container. and can now be found in a number of locations throughout Connecticut. Do not transport fish, other animals or plants between water FANWORT was first observed in Connecticut in 1937 and is now widely bodies. Release caught fish, other animals and plants only into distributed throughout the state. the waters from which they came. WATER CHESTNUT was first discovered in Connecticut in 1999 and IT’S THE LAW! (CGS 15-180, CGS 22a-381d) can be found in a number of locations throughout the state including scat- Boaters must inspect their vessel for vegetation and listed invasive tered sites along the Connecticut River, several tributaries and connected. invertebrates (zebra mussel, quagga mussel, Chinese mitten crab, Water chestnut appears to be expanding its distribution in Connecticut. New Zealand mud snail, Asian clam, rusty crayfish) and properly Annual plant that spreads via sharp, spiny fruits. remove and dispose of any vegetation or invasives before trans- porting the vessel. You can be fined $95 per violation. New arrivals to Connecticut include: The importation, transportation, sale, purchase, possession, (2011) ROCK SNOT cultivation or distribution of a number of invasive plants including Didymo: As of 2017, Didymosphenia hullii and D. geminata have been the following aquatic plants is prohibited: observed within the West Branch Farmington River. Until now Didymo —— Curly leaved pondweed, Fanwort, Eurasian water-milfoil, had been only confirmed above the confluence with the Still River, Variable water milfoil, Water chestnut, Egeria, Hydrilla, Com- Barkhamsted. In June of 2017 both have been confirmed as far down- mon reed, Purple loosestrife, Pond water-starwort, Parrot- stream as the Barkhamsted/New Hartford town line. Didymo usually feather, Brittle water-nymph, American water lotus, Yellow “blooms” from December to May. floating heart, Giant salvinia, Yellow iris, Watercress, Onerow Cymbella janischii: During summer 2015, there was thick growth of yellowcress. Violators can be fined $50 per plant! C. janischii observed approximately 1.5 miles up and downstream of the Route 318 bridge in Barkhamsted. As of June 2017, the Cymbella bloom is prolific and widespread throughout the West Branch Farmington River Trout Management Area. bloom of C. janischii tends to occur from WEBSITES OF INTEREST mid-June through mid-August. While Didymo prefers very cold-nutrient poor waters, C. janischii can These websites can provide a good start to learning more about Aquatic tolerate warmer water temperatures and higher concentrations of nutrients nuisance species. (similar to those found in many popular trout streams across Connecticut). • National Invasive Species Council: We encourage anglers to be vigilant with “Check, Clean, Dry” practices www.invasivespecies.gov when they are finished fishing the West Branch Farmington River. • Invasive Plant Atlas of New England: www.eddmaps.org/ipane (2012) CHINESE MITTEN CRAB A juvenile Chinese mitten crab was collected from the Mianus River in Greenwich. This is the first confirmed • ANS Task Force: report of this invasive in CT. This crab reproduces in saltwater but spends http://www.anstaskforce.gov most of its life in freshwater. • Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species Panel: A Chinese mitten crab captured at http://www.northeastans.org Chesapeake Beach, MD in 2007 • Protect Your Waters: (image courtesy of the Smithsonian www.protectyourwaters.net Environmental Research Center). • Connecticut Sea Grant: www.seagrant.uconn.edu • Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group: More information on these and other invasive species in www.cipwg.uconn.edu Connecticut can be found online at: www.ct.gov/deep/invasivespecies. • USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species: Please prevent new introductions of invasive plants and animals; http://nas.er.usgs.gov CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY your boat and gear.

www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 19 INLAND FISHING

NEW INLAND REGULATIONS FOR 2018 A number of Inland district regulations have changed for 2018. Most notably: TROUT & SALMON STAMP FISHING SEASONS TROPHY CARP WATERS A trout & salmon stamp is required for any Alexander Lake is open to fishing year round. Batterson Park Pond, Connecticut River (includ- angler 16 years of age and older fishing in a Baldwins Pond and Green Falls Reservoir are ing the portions of tributaries open year-round), Trout Management Area (TMA), Wild Trout open to fishing from 6:00 am Opening Day Squantz Pond and West Thompson Reservoir are Management Area (WTMA), Trout Park, or through the last day of February. designated as Trophy Carp Waters with a one Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Area; or keeping carp per day creel limit and a 26 inch maximum trout, Kokanee Salmon or broodstock Atlantic CATFISH length for Common Carp. Salmon anywhere statewide. There is now a creel limit of 6 Channel Catfish and White Catfish in aggregate per day, except in METHODS FARMINGTON RIVER TMA Beaver Park Lagoon, Birge Pond, Bunnells Pond, Tenkara fishing (a traditional Japanese method A small portion of the West Branch Center Springs Park Pond, Freshwater Pond, of fly-fishing without a reel) is now allowed in Farmington River in the Riverton area from Keeney Park Pond, Lake Wintergreen, Lakewood fly fishing areas. the intersection of Hogback Road and Route Lake, Mirror Lake, Picketts Pond, Rowans Pond, 20 in Hartland downstream to the gas pipeline Mohegan Park Pond and Stanley Quarter Pond ATLANTIC SALMON crossing approximately four-tenths miles down- where the creel limit is 3 catfish per day. BROODSTOCK AREAS stream of the confluence with the Still River The period when broodstock salmon gear in Barkhamsted will now be closed to all COMMON CARP restriction applies to all species in broodstock fishing from April First to 6:00 am on the There is now a creel limit of 5 common carp per areas is now from September 1 to March 31 second Saturday in April. day, with no more than 1 fish greater than 30 (inclusive). inches in length, except in Trophy Carp Waters MILL RIVER WTMA & MILL (see below). TROUT PARKS RIVER TMA (Easton-Fairfield) Pasture Pond at the Quinebaug Valley State Trout The Mill River WTMA is extended downstream Hatchery, Plainfield, is now a designated Trout to the Merritt Parkway and the Mill River TMA Park with a 2 trout per day creel limit. is now catch-and-release year round.

DETERMINING REGULATIONS Lower River/Tidal Waters A summary of the Statewide Species Open Seasons, Unless otherwise indicated in the Lakes & Ponds Designated rivers & streams with no closed sea- Legal Methods and Length & Daily Creel Limits is and Rivers & Streams listings: son. These include the entire Connecticut and listed in the table on page 21. The regulations • Lakes and ponds are open year-round. Thames Rivers, and downstream portions of the on many water bodies differ from the statewide • Rivers & streams are open from 6:00 a.m. on Coginchaug, Farmington, Housatonic, Matta- regulations. the 2nd Saturday in April through the last day besset, Mystic, Naugatuck, Niantic, Quinnipiac, of February (Closed to all fishing from March Salmon and Yantic rivers. Check individual water- Use this two-step process to determine regulations 1st to 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd Saturday in April). body listing for boundaries. on a specific waterbody: For more information on Legal Methods & 1. Check the table on page 21 for the general state- The statewide open seasons listed in this table Gear, Length Limits, Creel & Possession Limits wide regulations. do not apply in areas closed to all fishing during and Species, refer to the definitions on pages 26–27. 2. Refer to the specific waterbody in the alphabetical a period of the year (If a waterbody has a closed listings of Lakes & Ponds (pages 32–41) or Rivers season, all fishing there is prohibited, regard- Note: Regulations for several marine species found & Streams (pages 44–52) for special site-specific less of the statewide season for a particular in the Inland District are subject to change. regulations. If no site-specific regulations are fish species). listed for a waterbody, statewide regulations apply for seasons, methods, and/or limits.

20 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Inland District Statewide Species Regulations

MINIMUM DAILY SPECIES NOTES LEGAL METHODS AREA OPEN SEASON* LENGTH CREEL LIMIT

Taking of anadromous alewife & blueback herring from all Connecticut waters is prohibited. Emergency closure is in effect. See page 28 for more information. Exception: Landlocked alewife only may be taken from specific lakes. See page 28 for list of lakes. Methods, seasons & Alewife/ Daily creel limit is for both creel limits for these lakes are as follows: Blueback Herring species in aggregate. Angling Lakes & Ponds (see page 32) Open year-round* No minimum length 25 Scoop Net Lakes & Ponds (see page 32) April 1 – June 15 No minimum length 25 Spearing and bow and arrow use prohibited in streams or stream sections stocked with Angling, Icefishing, Bobbing, trout. Spearing prohibited in all All areas Open year-round* 9" 25 American Eel Bow and Arrow, Spearing lakes & ponds. The taking of elver eel, glass eel and silver eel is prohibited. Harvest of American Connecticut River American Shad shad allowed only in the Angling (including tributaries open Open year-round No minimum length 6 Connecticut River system. year-round) Atlantic Salmon Taking of Atlantic Salmon is prohibited. Exception: Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Fisheries (see page 28) Lakes & Ponds Open year-round* 12" 6 Largemouth Bass Daily creel limit is for both Angling, Icefishing Rivers & Streams Open year-round* No minimum length 6 & Smallmouth Bass species in aggregate. Connecticut River Open year-round 12" 6 Daily creel limit is for both Catfish (Channel catfish (Channel Catfish & Catfish - 6 No minimum Catfish & White Catfish) White Catfish) species in Angling, Icefishing, Bobbing All areas Open year round length Bullheads - & bullheads aggregate. No creel limit for No limit bullheads. Spearing and bow and arrow use prohibited in streams or No minimum Angling, Icefishing, Bobbing, stream sections stocked with All areas Open year round 5 Common Carp Bow and Arrow, Spearing length, only 1 fish trout. Spearing prohibited in all >30” lakes & ponds. Spearing and bow and arrow use prohibited in streams or Bowfin, Tench, Angling, Icefishing, Bobbing, stream sections stocked with All areas Open year-round* No minimum length No limit Bow and Arrow, Spearing Suckers & Lampreys trout. Spearing prohibited in all lakes & ponds. Lakes & Ponds Open year-round* 15" 6 Chain Pickerel — Angling, Icefishing Rivers & Streams Open year-round* No minimum length No limit Daily creel limit is in aggregate Angling, Icefishing, All areas Open year-round* No minimum length 6 Hickory Shad with American shad. Scoop Net Trout & salmon stamp may be 2nd Saturday in April – Angling, Icefishing All areas No minimum length 5*** Kokanee needed. last day in February Northern Pike — Angling, Icefishing All areas Open year-round* 26" 2 Panfish** Except White Perch, see below. Angling, Icefishing, Bobbing All areas Open year-round* No minimum length No limit Taking of smelt in rivers & Angling & Icefishing Lakes & Ponds Open year-round* No minimum length 50 Smelt streams is prohibited. Striped Bass — Angling All areas Open year-round* 28" 1 Sturgeon, Burbot Taking of sturgeon and burbot prohibited. Lakes & Ponds, Rivers & 2nd Saturday in April – Trout No minimum length 5*** Trout & salmon stamp may be Streams last day in February (Brook, Brown, Lake, Angling, Icefishing Rainbow, Tiger & needed. Lower Rivers/ Open year-round* 15" 2*** other hybrids) Tidal Waters Connecticut River (including Coves & Tributaries) Open year-round* 7" 30 Tidally influenced Rivers & White Perch — Angling, Icefishing, Bobbing Streams Lakes & Ponds Open year-round* No minimum length No limit All other Rivers & Streams Walleye — Angling, Icefishing All areas Open year-round* 18" 2 * Except in areas closed to all fishing during a period of the year. ** Yellow Perch, White Perch, Calico Bass (Crappie), Rock Bass, and all species of sunfish. *** Trout & salmon stamp required to keep fish. www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 21 Trout Maps

Trout fishing has a long and storied history in TROUT MANAGEMENT AREAS Connecticut. As one of the most popular fish, the majority of trout fishing is supported through production at one of our three state fish hatcheries. Each year over 100 lakes and ponds and 150 rivers and streams are stocked with trout. Due to their popularity, DEEP has implemented several strategies to provide high quality trout fishing to the greatest number of anglers. TROUT MANAGEMENT AREAS In an effort to improve trout fishing, several sections of rivers and streams have special regulations on season, creel limits, and size limits that vary from the statewide regulations. These regulations vary and can be found in this guide. These waters are also stocked with more and/ or larger trout. Trout management regulations are designed to improve as they optimize fishing quality under heavy fishing pressure. Trout Management Areas (rivers/streams) are open to fishing year round.A Trout & salmon stamp is required to fish in a Trout Management Area. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT Wild trout (self-sustaining populations) are important renewable resource that add quality and diversity to Connecticut’s trout stream WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT fisheries. Wild trout are often more colorful, feisty, and flavorful than stocked trout and are conserved through special regulations identified by Wild Trout Management Class. A Trout & salmon stamp is required to fish in a wild Trout Management Area. Class 1 = Catch and release only, open year- round, use of a single-hook artificial lures or flies only. Class 2 = Two (2) trout per angler per day limit, trout must be 12” or larger to keep from opening day to last day of February. Class 3 = Five (5) fish per angler per day limit, trout must be 9” or larger to keep from opening day to last day of February.

22 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide TROUT PARKS TROUT PARKS Trout Parks are located in easily accessible areas to enhance trout fishing opportunities for young anglers and novice anglers as well as for those with mobility challenges. The fre- quent stockings, generally between Opening Day and Memorial Day, will greatly increase an angler’s chance of catching a fish, making it a more attractive "fishing hole", particularly to children and families. The daily creel limit in trout parks is two (2) fish per person per day. A Trout & salmon stamp is required to fish a Trout Park. TROPHY TROUT Places where a majority of the fish are stocked at a larger size, 12 inches or larger. Creel limits are also reduced from five (5) fish per day to two (2) fish per day.

ONLINE CONNECTICUT DEEP’S INTERACTIVE TROUT STOCKING MAP AT WWW.CT.GOV/DEEP/ TROUTSTOCKINGMAP The official bimonthly magazine of the Department of Energy & Environmental An interactive map with near real-time information on stocked waters Protection’s Bureau of Natural Resources (including locations and the number of days since the most recent stock- For $8.00 a year, you can receive our award-winning magazine! ing event) and improved locational information about Connecticut’s trout stocked waters using the latest in mapping technology. Fill out a subscription card today.

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www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 23 Warmwater Fisheries

BASS MANAGEMENT WATERS BASS MANAGEMENT WATERS Bass fishing is very popular in Connecticut and Largemouth or Smallmouth can be found in almost every lake or pond. In most waters, bass are managed through statewide regulations (a standard 12-inch minimum length limit, 6-fish possession limit). However, in some “Bass Management Lakes” special length and creel limits designed to improve fishing by restricting harvest and allowing more bass to reach a memorable size have been put into place. Slot limits are designed to protect larger, more desirable fish from harvest, while allowing anglers to harvest smaller fish that are often overabundant. Harvesting surplus small bass reduces competition for food and allows the remaining bass to grow faster and larger.

DAILY CATEGORY PROTECTED CREEL SIZE LIMIT 6 Bass; Only 1 Trophy Bass 12–18 Inches fish 18 inches (slot limit) or over Trophy Bass Less than 1 Bass (minimum) 18 inches 6 Bass; Only Big Bass 12–16 Inches 2 bass 16 (slot limit) inches or over WALLEYE AND NORTHERN PIKE Big Bass Less than 2 Bass (minimum length) 16 inches Riverine Bass Less than 6 Bass (Stanley Tract Area) 12 inches Riverine Bass (Bulls Bridge Area Catch and Release only and Tenmile River)

WALLEYE AND NORTHERN PIKE Walleye and Northern Pike Fisheries offer a unique opportunity to catch a very large predatory fish. Stocked as juveniles to help control over-abundant forage fish, Walleye and Pike take a few years to grow to impressive size. Over the years, anglers have enjoyed catching quality size fish, especially through the ice.

24 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide

Inland Regulations & Definitions

The following provisions are taken from the inland district sport fishing group that can be taken by an individual angler during the period from regulations, and do not apply to taking fish from licensed commercial 12:01 a.m. to midnight. hatcheries, private waters legally registered with DEEP, or to commercial DOWNRIGGER A device, supplemental to a fishing line, used to deploy, fishing in the inland district. Information on commercial fishing in the via an electric or handpowered winch, reel or spool that projects over inland and marine districts is available on request. the side or stern of a boat and is used as a hoist, main line and terminal ANGLING Fishing with hook and line, which must be personally attended. weight, one or more fishing lines to a desired depth in the water column. No more than three lines, with or without rods, may be used at one time, FISHHOOK or HOOK A curved, pointed device, with or without barb, used except in the designated Trout Management Areas, Wild Trout Management to catch fish. Hooks may be single, double or treble and each point shall Areas, Trout Parks, Sea-run Trout Streams and Trophy Trout Streams where be considered as a single hook. the maximum number of lines that can be used is two, with or without rods. FISHING OR SPORT FISHING Taking or attempting to take fish. In the Inland BAIT Any animal or vegetable, or their parts, living or dead, used with District, fishing is limited to angling, bow and arrow fishing, bobbing, a hook for the purpose of attracting and catching fish. Any fish legally ice fishing, snagging or snatching, spearing, scoop netting, and taking or acquired, except largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, north- attempting to take fish by hand. ern pike, trout, salmon, carp and goldfish may be used as bait. FLOAT (BOBBER) Any buoyant object attached to a fishing line. No floats BAIT SPECIES The following species of fish, amphibians, aquatic insects may be used unless personally attended. and crustaceans may be taken by sport fishermen for personal use (a recreational fishing license is required), but may only be sold if taken under FLY A single or double hook dressed with hair, feathers, tinsel, thread, an inland commercial bait license (Go to www.ct.gov/deep/fishinglicense and yarn or similar material to which no bait, spinner, spoon, plug or other use the “Open-Access License application” link). device is added. • Bait species: Common shiner, golden shiner, fallfish, creek chub, FLY FISHING Angling with the use of a fly reel, fly rod, fly line, leader and spottail shiner, blacknose dace, longnose dace, pearl dace, bluntnose a fly or flies. Extra weight may be built into the fly in its construction, as minnow, fathead minnow, cutlips minnow, chub sucker, white sucker, in a weighted nymph, and additional weight may be attached to the leader killifish, mummichog, Atlantic & tidewater silverside, sand lance, frogs or line. “Tenkara” fishing is considered to be fly-fishing (new regulation (except northern leopard frog), crayfish (except rusty crayfish), perch for 2018). The use of strike indicators is permitted. bugs, hellgrammites and mayfly nymphs. • The legal methods for taking the bait species listed above are as follows: GAFF A spear or hook, with or without a handle, used for holding or lift- —— Rivers & streams: Bait species may be taken at any time with seines ing fish. The use of a gaff to land or assist in landing a fish is prohibited not over 15 ft. long and 4 ft. deep, bait traps not over 20 inches long in the inland district. and 15 inches in diameter, and umbrella nets not over 4 ft. by 4 ft. HAND-HELD JIG A rod, jig stick or line held in the hand used for fishing —— Lakes & ponds: Bait species may be taken at any time with bait through the ice. traps not over 20 inches long and 15 inches in diameter and umbrella nets not over 4 ft. by 4 ft. Seines shall not be used in lakes and ponds ICE FISHING Not more than six tip-ups, floats (bobbers), similar devices, except those designated by the DEEP as open to commercial taking or hand-held jigs or any combination thereof not exceeding six in the of bait. Where posted, taking, use or possession of fish as bait is aggregate may be used at one time. Not more than three baited hooks, prohibited in lakes and ponds. with or without attractors, or three ice flies, or three artificial lures, or any —— All inland waters: During the open season for fishing, the species combination thereof not exceeding three in the aggregate may be used listed above may also be taken by hand, angling and scoop net. with each tip-up, float (bobber), or similar device or hand-held jig. Devices must be personally attended. The name and address of the user must be BARBLESS HOOK A curved, pointed device, without a barb, used to catch legibly stamped on or attached to all devices. fish. Barbless hooks may be single, double or treble, and each point must be without a barb. For the purposes of this regulation, hooks manufactured INLAND DISTRICT Is the area inland of the demarcation lines as listed with a barb are considered barbless if the barb has been bent down to the on page 54. hook, broken off or otherwise made ineffective. LEADCORE LINE A fishing line constructed with a metal core. BOBBING Fishing with a ball or mass of worms or other bait attached to a MAXIMUM LENGTH Measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the hookless line held in the hand or a line attached to a rod held in the hand. tail. No person shall possess any fish greater than the lengths specified BOW AND ARROW FISHING Common carp, bowfin, tench, white suckers, and any fish greater than the maximum length, shall, without avoidable American eels and sea lampreys may be taken with a bow and arrow. injury, be immediately returned to the water from which taken (new These species may be taken by archery in streams and stream sections regulation for 2018). not stocked with trout, and in lakes and ponds, and only taken during the MINIMUM LENGTH Measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the open season for fishing in those waters. Use of crossbows is prohibited. A tail. No person shall possess any fish less than the lengths specified and fishing license is required. any fish less than the minimum length, shall, without avoidable injury, BUBBLE FLOAT A type of float that is attached to a fishing line or leader and be immediately returned to the water from which taken. can be filled with water to adjust its buoyancy (new regulation for 2018). PANFISH Includes yellow perch, white perch, calico bass, rock bass, bull- CAST NET A net weighted at the edges which is cast out over bait to capture heads, all species of catfish, and all species of sunfish. it in shallow water. The use of cast nets is prohibited in inland waters. POSSESSION LIMIT The total number of fish of any species or species group CHILDREN’S FISHING AREA Angling in such areas is restricted to children that may be possessed by one person either on the person, on the waters under sixteen years of age when posted as such. of the state, the shores of these waters, or in any type of vehicle and may not exceed the creel limits for one day, as listed in this pamphlet. Fish CLOSED SEASON That period of time during which all fishing is prohibited so possessed shall be intact to the extent that neither the heads nor tails in the area specified. have been removed. Note that this does not restrict the number of legally DAILY CREEL LIMIT The quantity or number of fish of a species or species acquired fish that may be kept in storage at home.

26 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide SCOOP NET A manually operated, flexible mesh net attached to a hoop SPEARING The use of any pointed instrument, with or without barbs, pro- which is attached to a handle. The hoop may not be over 36 inches across pelled solely by hand. Common carp, bowfin, tench, American eels, white the widest point and the mesh bag may not be more than 36 inches in suckers and sea lampreys may be taken by spearing in streams or sections of depth at its deepest point. The use of any such net constructed of metal streams not stocked with trout during the open seasons for fishing in such mesh or stiff plastic mesh is prohibited. waters. Prohibited in lakes and ponds. Underwater spear fishing and the use of any type of spear gun is prohibited in all waters within the Inland District. SEINE NET A net weighted at the bottom, with top floats, that is used to encircle fish. STRIKE INDICATOR Means a brightly colored, highly visible tab, sleeve or bead or similar material used in fly fishing. Such devices may be attached SET LINE A line with one or both ends secured to the shore, or to a fixed or to the line or leader when used in areas restricted to fly fishing only. buoyant object in the water which is used for fishing and is not personally attended. Use of set lines in the inland district is prohibited. TAKE or TAKING Killing, capturing or otherwise rendering into possession, any fish or bait species, or attempting to kill, capture or rendering into pos- SLOT LENGTHS Length limits designated to reduce or increase the taking session, or assisting in taking or attempting to take any fish or bait species. of fish by anglers. • Protected slot lengths: Lengths between which fish may not be kept TENKARA FISHING Angling with the use of a tenkara rod, tenkara line and a by anglers. fly or flies, without the use of a reel of any type (new regulation for 2018). • Open slot lengths: Lengths between which fish may be kept by anglers. TROUT Include brook (charr), brown, lake, and rainbow trout and their SNAGGING or SNATCHING The taking of fish by foul hooking, that is hook- hybrids. ing fish in any part of the body other than the mouth. Snagging is prohibited in all waters in the Inland District except that, in streams open to fishing throughout the year, menhaden, alewives and blueback (glut) herring may be taken by these methods. Anglers are reminded that there currently is an emergency ban on the taking of anadromous alewife and blueback herring (see page 28).

DISABLED ACCESS These areas in the Inland District provide fishing access with primary use intended for persons with disabilities. Check the Coastal Launch and Coastal State Park Sections (pages 61–55) for areas in the Marine District.

• Angus Park Pond, Glastonbury: Off • Eagleville Lake, Coventry-Mansfield: On • Mashapaug Lake, Union: Off the dock at Manchester Road (Route 83) turn east dam off Route 275. boat launch in Bigelow Hollow SP. on Fisher Road: Located on upper dike in • Eight Mile River, East Haddam: Devil’s • Mill River, Hamden: At Clark’s Pond Dam. Town Park. Hopyard S P. • Pattaconk Lake (Russell Jennings • Beachdale Pond, Voluntown: Route 149 • Farmington River—West Branch, Pond), Chester: Located between dam next to boat access area. Barkhamsted: Off dirt road south of and beach in Pattaconk Recreation Area. • Beaver Brook Ponds, Windham: Off Route 318. • Salmon Brook (East Branch), Granby: Back Road at dam/access area. • Farmington River, Unionville: On East side of river just above Route 20. • Bigelow Pond, Union: At boat launch in Farmington Land Trust (www.farming- • Salmon River Fly Area, Colchester: 0.9 Bigelow Hollow SP. tonlandtrust.org) property upstream miles north of Route 16 on River Road. • Billings Lake, North Stonington: At dam from Route 177 (between River Road and Railroad Avenue, southerly side of river). • Salmon River, East Hampton: South end adjacent to boat access area. of picnic area off Gulf Road just south of • Black Pond, Meriden-Middlefield: • Gardner Lake, Salem-Montville-Bozrah: Route 16. On dam at Lake Road. Adjacent to boat ramp. • Saugatuck Reservoir, Easton-Redding- • Bladens Brook, Seymour: Access • Higganum Reservoir, Haddam: Off Weston: Parking area near dam. Route 81 on northeast shore. only by permission of Seymour Land • Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott: At town boat Conservation Trust. • Highland Lake, Winchester: At state boat launch. launch. • Connecticut River-Haddam Meadows • Southford Falls Pond, Oxford-Southbury: State Park, Haddam: Dock at the boat • Holbrook Pond, Hebron: On dam adja- In Southford Falls SP. launch in Haddam Meadows State Park. cent to access area. • Squantz Pond, New Fairfield: Near • Connecticut River-Salmon River Cove, • Hopeville Pond, Griswold: At end of State Squantz Pond SP boat launch: East Haddam: Dock at state boat launch. Park campground. • Stratton Brook Park Pond, Simsbury: In • Coventry Lake (Wangumbaug Lake), • Lake Saltonstall, Branford: At SCCRWA Stratton Brook SP. Coventry: At state boat launch. access area off Hosley Avenue. • Walkers Reservoir (East), Vernon: Turn • Day Pond, Colchester: Off Route 149 at • Mansfield Training Center Pond, south near Route 31 and I-84 junction on dam in Day Pond SP. Mansfield: Located just east of the junction Reservoir Road. of Routes 44 & 32.

Note that many trout parks and other areas identified in the guide as “family friendly” may be suitable for some individuals with mobility challenges that don’t need or want a formal structure such as those found at the sites listed above. www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 27 Broodstock Atlantic Salmon & River Herring

BROODSTOCK ATLANTIC SALMON: Seasons, Creel Limits & Methods for the period from December 1, 2017–March 31, 2019 OPEN SEASON DAILY CREEL LIMIT LEGAL METHODS (all seasons) December 1, 2017 through March 31, 2018 One (1) salmon per day* Fishing for Atlantic Salmon is limited to use of a April 1, 2017 to 6:00 a.m., April 14, 2018 Salmon fishing closed RIVERS single fly or artificial lure with a single free- 6:00 a.m., April 14, 2018 through August 31, 2018 One (1) salmon per day* swinging hook. Additional weight may not be added to the line. September 1, 2018 through November 30, 2018 Catch and release only Snagging is strictly prohibited. December 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019 One (1) salmon per day* Seasons and Methods in lakes stocked with broodstock Atlantic salmon are the same as for trout in that water body except that the Daily Creel Limit is LAKES One (1) salmon per day*. See specific water body listing in the Lakes & Ponds section. The regulations for broodstock Atlantic Salmon are different between lakes and rivers and also vary by date. If you have any questions about these regulations please contact DEEP Fisheries staff at 860-424-FISH (3474) (Hartford), 860-295-9523 (Marlborough), or 860-485-0226 (Harwinton). *A Trout & salmon stamp is required to keep a broodstock Atlantic Salmon.

ATLANTIC SALMON BROODSTOCK FISHING Important Note While the Federal Government and other New England states have Adult Atlantic Salmon returning from saltwater to freshwater in the discontinued the restoration program, Connecticut has transitioned to Connecticut River system are no longer being captured, removed, and a “Legacy Program” and will be maintaining enough Atlantic Salmon held at a hatchery. There is a possibility that an angler could catch one to preserve genetic integrity of the Connecticut River strain. As a result of these large returning fish. These salmon are protected and it is illegal DEEP will continue stocking, in reduced numbers, fry and surplus to fish for them and any fish accidently captured must be released to the broodstock each year. To support the unique broodstock Atlantic Salmon water immediately. Some of these fish may have a yellow tag present just fisheries that have been established on the Naugatuck and Shetucket behind the dorsal fin. We would appreciate the reporting of any such rivers, as well as selected lakes and ponds stocked at various times (Beach accidental captures to Steve Gephard at 860-447-4316. Pond, Crystal Lake, Mashapaug Lake and Mount Tom Pond), DEEP will also produce about 1,000–1,200 2–3 year old fish (average weight of 2–5 ALEWIFE & BLUEBACK HERRING pounds) annually. These fish are being grown and stocked specifically Emergency Fishery Closure is in effect: for this recreational fishery and are stocked before they produce eggs. Taking of anadromous alewife and blueback herring is prohibited from all Connecticut waters including Long Island Sound. Fishing for broodstock Atlantic salmon in rivers is allowed only in the Alewife and blueback herring (collectively termed “river herring”) following areas: runs have been declining. While the reasons for the decline are not • Naugatuck River: From the confluence of the East and West Branches fully understood, the DEEP believes it is mostly due to predation by (Torrington) downstream to the Housatonic River. increasingly abundant striped bass. Healthy river herring populations • Housatonic River: Entire river downstream of the Derby Dam. are needed to provide food for many species. • Shetucket River: Downstream from the Scotland Dam (Windham) To restore herring runs, the DEEP is taking a number of actions to the Water Street Bridge (Norwich). including removing dams, building fishways, reintroducing pre-spawn adults into streams that had previously supported runs, and eliminating Salmon are Stocked Into Three Designated Broodstock Areas: harvest. An immediate recovery is not expected. However, this closure • Naugatuck River: may reduce the threat of further declines and enable river herring —— From Route 118, Litchfield-Harwinton, downstream to the Thom- populations to recover more quickly in favorable years. aston Dam (Upper section). This emergency closure will be in place through at least March 2019 —— From Prospect Street, Naugatuck, downstream to Pines Bridge and will likely be extended. Check the DEEP website (www.ct.gov/deep) Road, Beacon Falls (Lower section). or contact DEEP Inland Fisheries (860-424-3474) or Marine Fisheries • Shetucket River: From the Scotland Dam, Scotland, downstream to (860-434-6043) for more information. the Occum Dam, Norwich. Landlocked Alewife Designated Broodstock Area Fishing Restriction Landlocked alewife populations are established in several Connecticut From September 1 to March 31, angling for all species in the designated lakes and ponds. Landlocked alewife may be taken by angling or scoop salmon broodstock areas on the Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers is net only from the following lakes: restricted to fishing methods that are legal for Atlantic salmon (a single • Amos Lake fly or a lure with a single free-swinging hook only). Additional weight • Ball Pond may not be added to the line. Anglers are reminded that the season is • Beach Pond Alewife closed from March 1st to the 2nd Saturday in April for all species other • Candlewood Lake than broodstock Atlantic salmon except in the upper Naugatuck River • Crystal Lake (Ellington) Broodstock Area. This area is within the Naugatuck River TMA, which • Highland Lake is open year-round for trout (catch-and-release only). A Trout & salmon • Mount Tom Pond stamp is required to fish the designated Broodstock Areas. • Quassapaug Lake © Joseph Tomelleri • Quonnipaug Lake Atlantic Salmon • Squantz Pond Blueback • Uncas Lake Herring • Waramaug Lake

28 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide CONNECTICUT’S STATE FISH HATCHERIES Growing Your Fish for 90 Years

BURLINGTON STATE FISH HATCHERY ADDRESS FISH 34 Belden Rd RAISED Burlington, CT 06013 Survivor Strain — brown trout HOURS Kokanee salmon fry 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Brook, Brown, Rainbow trout TOURS Self-guided or by reservation PHONE 860-673-2340

QUINEBAUG VALLEY STATE TROUT HATCHERY ADDRESS FISH 141 Trout Hatchery Rd RAISED Central Village, CT 06332 Brook, Brown, Rainbow trout HOURS 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Broodstock trout TOURS Self-guided PHONE 860-564-7542

KENSINGTON STATE FISH HATCHERY ADDRESS FISH 120 Old Hatchery Rd RAISED Kensington, CT 06037 Cortland strain — brown trout PHONE Atlantic salmon fry 860-829-8518 Atlantic salmon broodstock Trout and salmon eggs to support the Trout-in-the-Classroom Program and the Salmon-in-Schools Program.

>> Over 500,000 adult trout and 300,000 fry & fingerlings are produced for distribution in Connecticut’s three state fish hatcheries each year.

www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 29 Neighborhood Fishing Opportunities

Channel Catfish:

Channel Catfish Stocking

• Stocked as either yearlings (6"– 8") or adults (14" or more) • The purchase of channel catfish is provided through federal Sport Fish Restoration program funding • Excellent to eat, try blackened, Cajun, deep fried, or broiled) • Reach large size (CT record = 29 lbs. 6 oz.) • Are easy to catch year round • Statewide regulations for catfish: 6 fish per day creel limit, no length limit. In selected areas stocked with catfish, 3 fish per day creel limit. (New regulations for 2018).

Community Fishing Waters Program:

DEEP and local communities working together to promote natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities within urban neighborhoods. As part of the community fishing waters program DEEP stocks trout (spring), channel catfish (late spring/early summer), or both, into waters on or close to public transportation routes. Stocking these waters within close proximity to tens of thousands brings a high quality fishing experience to many CT residents. Be sure to cast a line into one of our Community Fishing Waters today!

Scan the code for more information about the Community Fishing Waters Program:

30 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Record Freshwater Fish

WEIGHT COMMON LOCATION CAUGHT ANGLER YEAR NAME lbs. oz. CAUGHT American Eel 10 3 Shetucket River, Norwich Charles J. Lobacz 1993 American Shad 9 4 Connecticut River, Windsor Edward Cypus 1981 7-Inch Bluegill 2 4 Private Pond, Madison Daniel Gesner 1996 Tapered Brook Trout 9 3 Blackwells Brook, Brooklyn David Andes 1998 FLEX Fillet Brown Bullhead 4 15 Prospect Pond, Southington Robert Richey 1990 High carbon steel with Brown Trout 19 0 West Hill Pond, Barkhamsted/New Hartford James M. Lucas II 2014 Brown Trout full tang construction 10 8 Saugatuck River, Westport Ronald J. Merly 2006 (Sea-run) Calico Bass 4 0 Pataganset Lake, East Lyme James M. Boos 1974 Razor sharp serrated blade Chain Pickerel 8 9 West Twin Lake, Salisbury Alden L. Foss 2005 with non-stick coating Channel Catfish 29 6 Mashapaug Lake, Union Appleton Barrows 2004 Big red no-slip-grip Common Carp 43 12 Connecticut River, Middletown Michael Hudak 2012 handle with safety Fallfish 2 4 Farmington River, Simsbury Chad Tessman 2012 guards and trigger grip Kokanee 2 14 East Twin Lake, Salisbury Tom Pasko 2011 Lake Trout 29 13 Wononscopomuc Lake, Salisbury Dr. Thompson 1918 “one cut and Largemouth Bass 12 14 Mashapaug Lake, Union Frank Domurat 1961 you’re Through™” Northern Pike 29 0 Lake Lillinonah, Brookfield Joseph Nett 1980 Pumpkinseed 1 3 Lake Marie, Windham Robyn Rogers 1973 SEE THE FULL LINE OF FISHING AND HUNTING Rainbow Trout 14 10 Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Mansfield Michael V. Ludlow 1998 KNIVES AT WWW.BUBBABLADE.COM Colebrook Reservoir, Colebrook Ernie Gonsalves 1989 OR ORDER BY PHONE AT 1-844-486-7265 Rock Bass (tie) 1 3 Shenipsit Lake, Tolland James Bonan 1995 Smallmouth Bass 7 12 Shenipsit Lake, Tolland Joseph Mankauskas, Jr. 1980 Tiger Trout 7 14 Quassapaug Lake Jerry Barth 2011 Walleye 15 4 Beach Pond, Voluntown Vincent Deledda 2015 White Catfish 12 12 Connecticut River, Middletown John L. Shatas 1999 White Perch 2 15 Candlewood Lake, New Fairfield Don Loftus, Jr. 1996 The most up-to-date Yellow Perch 2 13 Black Pond, Woodstock Miller B. Bassett 1973 regulations online.

LOOKING TO GET THE LEAD OUT? Lead is a metal which, in sufficient quantities, can negatively affect the nervous and reproductive systems of animals and humans. Most fishing jigs and sinkers have historically been made with lead. Wildlife such as eagles, loons, and other waterfowl can be poisoned by lead they’ve consumed. Hooked fish can ingest or retain attached lead fishing tackle such as hooks and jigs, and become a potential pathway of lead exposure for predatory birds consuming fish containing such lead fishing gear. In addition, lost or discarded lead fishing weights and other lead fishing tackle of smaller sizes can be ingested by wildlife, particularly dabbling and diving water birds such as swans, ducks, geese and loons. There are alternatives to lead, made from non-poisonous materials such as tin, bismuth, steel, tungsten and glass that are available at established sporting goods retailers and on the internet. These will be more expensive than lead, but will be more environmentally benign, and as demand continues to grow, prices are expected to drop. Consider asking for non-lead alternatives when purchasing new tackle or replacing old. Image courtesy of CT DEEP Wildlife — Paul Fusco Websites for more information on lead sinkers include: • Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: www.pca.state.mn.us/sinkers • US EPA: http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/fishshellfish/animals.cfm • NY DEC: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7908.html Lakes & Ponds

Statewide regulations for seasons, legal methods, and limits (page 21) apply unless a site-specific regulation is listed for a water body. The following lakes and ponds are available for public fishing through the courtesy of the owners or state ownership. Determining fishing regulations is a simple two-step process: Key to Fish Species Abbreviations 1. Check the regulation table (page 21) for general statewide Species, American eel...... AE rainbow smelt...... RA Legal Methods, and Limits regulations. brown bullhead...... BB smallmouth bass...... SMB 2. Look up the waterbody in the alphabetical list of lake and ponds to common carp...... CA sunfish...... S find any special regulations that apply. If no site-specific regulations calico bass...... CB trout...... T are listed for a waterbody, statewide regulations apply. chain pickerel...... CP walleye...... WA Lake and Pond Legend channel catfish...... CC white catfish...... WC kokanee salmon...... K white perch...... WP L Public boat launching area largemouth bass...... LMB yellow perch...... YP C Cartop boat launching area northern pike...... NP H Facilities for disabled G State campground BASS TROUT S Shore fishing access KOKANEE C Family friendly fishing location NORTHERN PIKE Special Management Lakes P State picnic area WALLEYE are color-coded for major CATFISH gamefish species Italics Access/stocking information COMMUNITY FISHING (T SMB) Most common species (those in bold type should provide the WATERS best fishing) — see key to fish species abbreviations at right TROPHY CARP WATERS

ALLEN BROOK POND, Wallingford, ANDERSON POND (Blue Lake), AVERY POND, Preston (36 acres) »»March 1–April 30: Closed to northern (see Wharton Pond) North Stonington (57 acres) pike fishing. L • All Other Species: Open year round, L • Species: (CP LMB YP BB S) statewide regulations apply. • Species: (LMB CP CB S BB YP) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Other: Motors prohibited 11 p.m. to ALEXANDER LAKE, Killingly (215 acres) 5 a.m. Use of internal combustion • Note: No public access. motors prohibited on the Bantam River • Species: (LMB SMB CP S BB WP YP) ANGUS PARK POND (Eastbury Pond), BABCOCK POND, Colchester (119 acres) between Bantam Lake and the inlet to • Season: Open year-round (new regula- Glastonbury (9.4 acres) Little Pond. tion for 2018). SC • Other: The possession and use of any HS • Species: (LMB YP S CP BB) live alewives, blueback (glut or river) • Species: (T CP LMB S BB YP) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. BARBER POND, Bloomfield (9.4 acres) herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday shad as bait is prohibited. Motor size April–October 31. • Species: (S) limit—12 cu in (Approx. 10 hp). • Other: Boats and canoes prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday BACKWATER POND, Thompson April–last day February. • Other: Boats and canoes prohibited S except between May 16 and October AMOS LAKE, Preston (113 acres) ASHLAND POND, Griswold (89 acres) • Season: Open year-round. 31. Use of all motors prohibited. L • Species: (LMB CP YP S) TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE / BALDWINS POND, Meriden (5.4 acres) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE BASHAN LAKE, East Haddam (273 acres) • Species: (T CP LMB BB AE YP S) ASPINOOK POND, Lisbon/Griswold/ S • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Canterbury (301 acres) L • Species: (T) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE April–March 31. Informal boat access off Butts Bridge • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Species: (T LMB SMB CP CB YP S) Road, no facilities. Commercial launch April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday 12" to 18" protected slot limit. Daily (fee charged) at private campground off creel limit—6 bass, only 1 may be 18" April–last day February. Ross Hill Road. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: or greater. • Species: (LMB WP YP S CA CB) BALL POND, New Fairfield (83 acres) 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily • Trout: From March 1–March 31, Daily • Other: Butts Bridge is the demarcation creel limit—1, 16" minimum length. creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" line between the pond and the Quine- L or greater. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. See 2018 baug River. Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. • Species: (T LMB BB S YP) • Other: 35 mph speed limit days, 6 mph • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday limit ½ hour after sunset to 8 a.m. April–last day February. • Other: Vessels with motors attached prohibited. BATTERSON PARK POND, Farmington (140 acres)

BANTAM LAKE, Morris-Litchfield (947 acres) SL WALLEYE LAKE / CATFISH LAKE / TROPHY NORTHERN PIKE LAKE CARP WATERS The boating laws and regulations provided in this guide are brief • Species: (NP SMB LMB WP CB YP Channel catfish first stocked in 2013. summaries of selected state boating safety statutes and regulations, S BB) • Species: (CB YP WP S LMB WA) • Northern Pike: and local ordinances. For complete boating regulations and additional • Season: Open year-round. »»May 1–Nov. 30: Daily creel limit—2, information, please refer to the 2018 Connecticut Boater’s Guide which • Carp: Daily creel limit-1, 26” maximum 26" minimum length. length (new regulation for 2018). can be obtained from the DEEP Boating Division (860-434-8638). »»Dec. 1–last day Feb.: Daily creel • Other: Use of internal combustion limit—1, 36" minimum length. engines prohibited.

32 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Lakes and Ponds open year-round (no closed season) unless otherwise stated.

BAUMMER POND, Naugatuck (2.7 acres) BESECK LAKE, Middlefield (116 acres) BLACK POND, Meriden-Middlefield (76 acres) BREAKNECK POND, S L HSL Union-Massachusetts (92 acres) • Species: (T BB S) • Species: (LMB YP CB S) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / CATFISH LAKE S • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Other: 8 mph speed limit. See 2018 Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. Walk-in access (approximately 1.2 miles April–last day February. Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. • Species: (T LMB CP BB CB S CC) from north end of Bigelow Pond). • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Note: Connecticut or Massachusetts April–last day February. license legal on entire pond. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 12" to • Species: (S YP CB CP LMB) BEACH POND, BESSE PARK POND, Torrington (4.5 acres) 16" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit— • Other: Use of internal combustion Voluntown – Rhode Island (372 acres) S 6 bass, only 2 may be 16" or greater. engines prohibited. Motor vehicle HSL • Species: (S) • Other: Use of internal combustion access prohibited. WALLEYE LAKE • Season: Open year-round. engines prohibited. • Species: (T LMB SMB CP S YP WA) • Note: Connecticut or Rhode Island BROAD BROOK MILLPOND, East Windsor fishing license legal on entire pond. BICENTENNIAL POND (Mansfield Town Pond), BLACK POND, Woodstock (74 acres) (19 acres) Rhode Island regulations apply for bass Mansfield (6 acres) and pickerel. SL S • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday S • Species: (T LMB SMB CP YP BB S CB) • Species: (T LMB YP S) April–last day February. • Species: (T S LMB BB) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. April–last day February. Daily creel limit—5 bass, 12" minimum April–October 31. • Other: Motors limited to 5 hp. • Other: Motors prohibited. length. • Chain Pickerel: Daily creel limit—5, 14" minimum length. BLACK ROCK LAKE (Branch Brook), BULL POND, Harwinton (20 acres) • Broodstock Atlantic salmon have BIGELOW POND, Union (25 acres) Watertown (21 acres) been stocked several times into PHSLC Informal cartop access. this lake, first in 2007 and most SC • Species: (BB LMB CB) • Species: (T YP LMB S) • Other: Motors prohibited. recently in December, 2015. Regu- • Species: (T) lations for salmon are the same as • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. • Season: Open 2nd Saturday April–last for trout except: Daily creel limit— day February. 1 Atlantic salmon. • Other: Use of internal combustion engines prohibited. BUNNELLS POND (Beardsley Park Pond), • All Other Species: CT Statewide regu- Bridgeport (33 acres) lations apply. • Other: No more than six tip-ups may BLACK ROCK POND, Watertown (9.5 acres) PS be used when ice-fishing. BILLINGS LAKE, North Stonington (97 acres) PGSC COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS / CATFISH LAKE Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. In Black Rock State Park. HSL • Species: (S CC T) TROUT PARK BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday BEACHDALE POND, Voluntown (46 acres) • Species: (T LMB) • Species: (T LMB YP CP S CB BB) April–November 30. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily HL April–last day February. April to last day February. creel limit — 3 catfish (new regulation • Species: (LMB T YP BB) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: for 2018). • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily • Other: Ice fishing prohibited. April–last day February. • Other: All vessels prohibited. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" or greater.

BURR POND, Torrington (85 acres) BLUE LAKE (see Anderson Pond) BEACHLAND POND, West Hartford (1.1 acres) BIRGE POND, Bristol (15.8 acres) PGSLC • Species: (S) • Season: Open year-round. SC CATFISH LAKE COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS BOLTON LAKES (Lower, Middle, Upper), Channel catfish first stocked in 2013. Trout and Channel Catfish first stocked Bolton-Coventry-Vernon (346 acres) • Species: (BB LMB S) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. BEAVER BROOK PONDS, in 2014. LCS • Species: (T, CC, S) • Season: Open year-round. (Bibbins Ponds), Windham (20 acres) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / CATFISH LAKE • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily Channel catfish first stocked into Lower creel limit- 3 catfish (new regulation for HSC Bolton Lake in 2007. • Species: (T) 2018). BUTTERNUT POND, East Windsor (1.4 acres) • Species: (YP BB CP LMB SMB S CC) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Trout: Season open 2nd Saturday in • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 12" to April–last day February. April-last day February. 16" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit— • Other: Boats and canoes prohibited • All Other Species: Season open year 6 bass, only 2 may be 16" or greater. except from May 16 to October 31. round. BUTTERNUT PARK POND, Middletown • Other: Motors limited to 6 hp. Motors prohibited. (2.9 acres). (see Rowan's Pond)

BISHOP SWAMP (Jurovaty Pond), BOLTON NOTCH POND, Bolton (17 acres) BEAVER PARK LAGOON, Andover (53 acres) CANDLEWOOD LAKE, Danbury-New Fairfield- New Haven (8.5 acres) Informal cartop launch. S Sherman-New Milford-Brookfield (5064 acres) • Species: (LMB CB S BB) Informal cartop launch. S • Other: Use of internal combustion • Species: (LMB S YP) L COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS engines prohibited. TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE Trout and Channel Catfish first stocked • Species: (T LMB SMB YP WC WP in 2014. CB BB S) • Species: (CC T AE LMB CA S BB) BRANFORD SUPPLY PONDS, • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Branford (26 acres) April–March 31. April–October 31. • Trout: From March 1–March 31; Daily • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily S creel limit—1, 16" minimum length. creel limit- 3 catfish (new regulation for • Species: (T LMB S CP) • Other: 45 mph daytime speed limit, 25 2018). • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday mph from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour April–last day February. before sunrise. www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 33 Lakes & Ponds

Statewide regulations for seasons, legal methods, and limits (page 21) apply unless a site-specific regulation is listed for a water body.

CEDAR LAKE, Chester (69 acres) • Other: Boats and canoes prohibited. • Other: Not more than two hooks may CRYSTAL LAKE, Middletown (32 acres) Pond is on South Central Connecticut be used during periods of open water SL Regional Water Authority property (203- fishing and not more than five hooks SL WALLEYE LAKE 562-4020) — ice fishing prohibited. may be used when ice fishing. Any • Species: (LMB YP BB S) Walleye first stocked in 2012. sinker or weight made from lead that • Other: Use of internal combustion • Species: (T YP LMB CP BB S) weighs less than 1 ounce, and any lead engines prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday jig (meaning any lead-weighted hook) COLEBROOK RIVER LAKE, April–last day February. that weighs less than 1 ounce, is prohib- Colebrook-Massachusetts (826 acres) • Other: 6 mph speed limit. ited for use in all inland waters of the DAY POND, Colchester (7.4 acres) L Commonwealth. The term lead sinker BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE shall not include any other sinkers, PHSC CENTER SPRINGS PARK POND, • Note: Connecticut or Massachusetts weights, fishing lures or fishing tackle TROUT PARK Manchester (11.8 acres) fishing license legal on entire pond from including, but not limited to, artificial • Species: (T S WC) demarcation posters downstream to lures, hooks, weighted flies, and lead- • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday S the dam. core or other weighted fishing lines. April–last day February. COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS • Species: (T RA LMB SMB WC) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. Trout and Channel Catfish first stocked • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Other: All vessels prohibited. in 2015. April–last day February. COVENTRY LAKE (Wangumbaug Lake), • Species: (CC, T, S) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: Coventry (373 acres) • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily 12" to 16" protected slot limit; Daily DODGE POND, East Lyme (34 acres) creel limit- 3 catfish (new regulation for creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" L 2018). or greater. BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / WALLEYE LAKE L • Trout: Season open 2nd Saturday in • Other: 20 mph speed limit. The posses- • Species: (T YP LMB SMB WA S CB) • Species: (T LMB CB YP) April-last day February. sion and use of any live alewives, • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • All Other Species: Season open year blueback (glut or river) herring, gizzard, April–last day February. April–last day February. round. hickory or threadfin shad as bait is • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Other: Use of all motors prohibited. prohibited. 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" CHATFIELD HOLLOW POND or greater. • Other: The possession and use of any DOG POND, Goshen (66 acres) (see Schreeder Pond) COLONY POND (Abe Stone Park Pond), live alewives, blueback (glut or river) Ansonia (3.6 acres) herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin L • Species: (LMB CP YP CB BB S) S C shad as bait is prohibited. 6 mph speed LAKE CHAMBERLAIN, Bethany (107 acres) COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS limit from sunset to 1 hour after sunrise all days, and on Sundays noon to 4:00 BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE Trout first stocked in 2015. p.m. from May 15 to September 15, and DOOLEY POND, Middletown (19 acres) • Species: (LMB CP S) • Species: (T, LMB, S) from noon to 2:00 p.m. on July 4. 40 • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Trout: Season open 2nd Saturday in April-last day February. mph limit all other times. SL April–November 30. • Species: (LMB YP S) • All Other Species: Season open year • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Other: 8 mph speed limit. 12" to 16" protected slot limit; Daily round. creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" CRESCENT LAKE, Southington (51.2 acres) or greater. EAGLEVILLE LAKE, Coventry-Mansfield • Note: Shore fishing only. Fishing by COMPENSATING RESERVOIR L • Species: (LMB S YP) (77 acres) permit from South Central Connecticut (see Lake McDonough) Regional Water Authority 203-562-4020. • Other: Use of internal combustion engines prohibited. HSC Brigham Road Bridge (Plains Road) is the demarcation line between the lake and CONGAMOND LAKES CHRISTENSEN’S POND, Granby (1.5 acres) the Willimantic River. (South Pond, Middle Pond, and North Pond), CRYSTAL LAKE, Ellington-Stafford (183 acres) • Species: (LMB SMB CP S YP BB) Suffield-Massachusetts (465 acres) S • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Species: (T S) SL • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday L TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE April–last day February. • Note: Connecticut or Massachusetts • Species: (T YP CP SMB LMB S) fishing license is legal on all three lakes. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday EASTBURY POND (see Angus Park Pond) • Species: (T LMB BB YP CP AE S) April–March 31. Massachusetts regulations apply as • Trout: Milford CITY HALL POND, follows: »»From 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April– • Species: (S) • Season: open year-round. last day February, 12" to 16" protected EAST TWIN LAKE (Washining Lake), • Season: Open year-round. • Trout: Daily creel limit—3 slot limit. Daily creel limit—5, only 1 Salisbury (569 acres) • Bass: Daily creel limit—5, 12" minimum may be 16" or greater. length. »»From March 1–March 31; Daily creel C • Chain pickerel: Daily creel limit—5, 15" limit—1, 16" minimum length. Commercial launching ramp, fee CLARKS POND (Mill River), Hamden minimum length. • Broodstock Atlantic salmon have charged. Boat livery. S been stocked multiple times into TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE / KOKANEE LAKE • Species: (T) this lake, first in 2007 and most • Species: (T LMB CP YP S BB CB K) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday recently in October, 2016. Regula- • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. tions for salmon are the same as April–March 31. for trout except: Daily creel limit—1 • Trout: Daily creel limit—5, except Atlantic salmon. from March 1–March 31, 16" minimum • Other: 6 mph speed limit from sunset length, Daily creel limit—1. to 9 a.m., and on Sundays from noon • Trout & Kokanee combined: Daily to 3:00 p.m. 45 mph speed limit at all creel limit—8 for both species in other times. aggregate, of which no more than 5 may be trout and no more than 5 may Remember, it’s illegal to fish in or cast be kokanee salmon. into a DEEP permitted swim area. (RSCA §15-121-B12(c))

34 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Lakes and Ponds open year-round (no closed season) unless otherwise stated.

• Other: 35 mph daytime speed limit, 6 mph from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour after sunrise. Also 6 mph within 200 CANDLEWOOD LAKE DEPTH MAP feet of vessel or dock. The possession and use of any live alewives, blueback (glut or river) herring, gizzard, hickory First produced in 2006, Connecticut DEEP’s Candlewood or threadfin shad as bait is prohibited. Lake depth map has become an angler favorite. • Produced using state-of-the-art GPS technology. EDGEWOOD PARK POND, New Haven (3 acres) • Field work and compilation ran from 1999 to 2005, and the final product is a • Season: Open year-round. color chart which measures 23 by 36 inches. • The best and most current information on Candlewood Lake depths available.

FACTORY POND (Norwalk River), • Maps are fully laminated, so the weather won’t damage it. Redding-Wilton (12 acres) • Species: (T) Available from the online DEEP Store $10.95 • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Order by phone: 860-424-3555 April–last day February. • Shop online: www.ct.gov/deep/store

FACTORY POND (Town Grove Pond), Salisbury (2 acres) FRESHWATER POND (Freshwater Brook), GOULD MANOR POND, Fairfield (2 acres) HALLS POND, Eastford-Ashford (82 acres) S Enfield (8 acres) • Children’s Pond: Fishing restricted to SC • Children’s Pond: Fishing restricted to children under age 16. S BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE children under age 16. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS • Species: (LMB S YP CB CP) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–November 30. April–November 30. Catfish first stocked in 2012. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Species: (T, CC) 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" April–last day February. GREAT HILL POND, Portland (76 acres) or greater. FARMILL (ISINGLASS) RESERVOIR, • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily • Other: 8 mph speed limit. Shelton (4 acres) Informal cartop/carry-in access only (30 creel limit—3 catfish (new regulation for yards). • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday 2018). • Species: (LMB CP YP CB S BB WC) April–December 31. • Other: Motors limited to 6 hp or less. HALLVILLE POND (Indiantown Brook), • Species: (LMB S) 12 mph speed limit. Preston (10 acres) • Note: Permit required to fish— GARDNER LAKE, Salem-Montville-Bozrah Informal cartop access. contact Aquarion Water company at (529 acres) 203-452-3511. • Species: (T) HSL GREAT HOLLOW POND, Monroe (15 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / WALLEYE LAKE PSC FERNRIDGE PARK POND, West Hartford • Species: (T SMB LMB YP CP CB S Within Wolfe Park. (0.7 acres) WA BB WC) TROUT PARK • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday HAMILTON RESERVOIR, Union-Massachusetts • Species: (S) • Species: (T) April–last day February. (412 acres) • Season: Open year-round. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: April–November 30. L Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum length. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 • Species: (T LMB SMB YP CB S BB) • Other: 6 mph speed limit from sunset • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. FISHER MEADOWS POND (Spring Lake), to 8:00 a.m. • Note: Connecticut or Massachusetts Avon (41 acres) fishing license legal on entire pond. Massachusetts regulations apply as S C GREEN FALLS RESERVOIR (Green Falls Pond), follows: Within Fisher Meadows Park. GAY CITY POND, Hebron (5.1 acres) Voluntown (48 acres) • Season: Open year-round. • Species: (LMB CA S) PSC • Trout: Daily creel limit—3 • Other: Ice fishing prohibited by town PGSCC • Large & smallmouth bass: Daily creel • Species: (T CP BB YP) ordinance. • Species: (T LMB BB S) limit—5 total, 12" minimum length. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Chain pickerel: Daily creel limit—5, 15" April–last day February. April–last day February (new regulation minimum length. • Other: All vessels prohibited. for 2018). • Northern pike: Daily creel limit—1, 28" FITCHVILLE POND, Bozrah (59 acres) • Other: Use of internal combustion minimum length. • Species: (T LMB CP S) engines prohibited. • Other: Not more than two hooks may • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday GLASGO POND, Griswold (168 acres) be used during periods of open water April–last day February. fishing and not more than five hooks SL GRIGGS POND, Woodstock (38 acres) may be used when ice fishing. Any • Species: (LMB YP BB CB S) sinker or weight made from lead that FOUNTAIN LAKE RESERVOIR, S weighs less than 1 ounce, and any lead Ansonia-Seymour (6 acres) Walk in access from Route 198 (200 yards). jig (meaning any lead-weighted hook) GORTON POND, East Lyme (52 acres) • Species: (LMB YP S BB) that weighs less than 1 ounce, is prohib- S • Other: Use of internal combustion ited for use in all inland waters of the • Species: (T LMB S) SL engines prohibited. Commonwealth. The term lead sinker • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (LMB CB YP BB S) shall not include any other sinkers, April–last day February. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. weights, fishing lures or fishing tackle including, but not limited to, artificial lures, hooks, weighted flies, and leadcore or other weighted fishing lines.

www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 35 Lakes & Ponds

Statewide regulations for seasons, legal methods, and limits (page 21) apply unless a site-specific regulation is listed for a water body.

HAMPTON RESERVOIR, Hampton-Eastford HEWITT POND (Lower Hewitt Pond), HOPE LAKE (see Nells Rock Reservoir) • Other: Use of internal combustion (88 acres) North Stonington (2 acres) engines prohibited. C • Species: (T S BB) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (LMB YP CP S BB) HOPEVILLE POND, Griswold (137 acres) April–last day February. HURLBURT POND, Putnam (3 acres) • Other: Use of internal combustion • Other: All vessels prohibited. engines prohibited. PGSL Operation of vessels with motors, except CATFISH LAKE S for electric motors, is prohibited. Channel catfish first stocked in 2012. • Season: Open year-round. Launch open from Opening Day to early HANCOCK BROOK LAKE, Plymouth (20 acres) October. S HIGGANUM RESERVOIR, Haddam (31 acres) • Species: (LMB NP CP S WP YP) HYDE POND, Ledyard (5.4 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset (but no later S April–last day February. S than 8:00 pm). Walk-in access only after Public right-of-way, passable for cars. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Species: (T) Labor Day weekend (September 3, 2018) • Species: (T S) until the weekend before Memorial Day • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday weekend (May 19, 2018). April–last day February. • Species: (T) HOPEWELL POND/LAKE HOPEWELL INDIAN LAKE (Indian Pond), Sharon- • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday (see Huntington Pond) New York (196 acres) April–last day February. • Note: Connecticut or New York fishing license legal on entire pond. New York HIGHLAND LAKE, Winchester (445 acres) regulations apply for large & small- HORSE POND, Salem (13 acres) HANOVER POND, Meriden (70 acres) mouth bass. HL • Species: (LMB YP) Town operated boat launch. TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE / HSC • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Species: (LMB S) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE • Species: (T S BB CP LMB) Season—Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Other: Steerage speed only. • Species: (T LMB YP SMB CB S) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–November 30. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. • All Other Species: Season—Open April–March 31. • Trout: Statewide daily creel limit (5) 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–March 31. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: now applies. HANOVER RESERVOIR, Canterbury-Sprague • Other: Not more than five tip-ups and Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum length. • Other: Use of internal combustion (21 acres) two hand-held jigs allowed for ice • Trout: engines prohibited. fishing. Walk-in access (approximately 600 yards »»From 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April– from Little River Road in Canterbury). last day February, 12" to 16" protected • Species: (T LMB S) slot limit. Daily creel limit—5, only 1 LAKE HOUSATONIC, Shelton-Derby- • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday may be 16" or greater. Monroe-Oxford-Seymour (328 acres) ISINGLASS RESERVOIR April–last day February. »»From March 1–March 31; Daily creel (see Farmill Reservoir) limit—1, 16" minimum length. PL • Other: 6 mph speed limit from ½ hour From the Stevenson Dam to the Derby HATCH POND, Kent (72 acres) after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise Dam. Boat launch at Indian Well State KAATZ POND, Trumbull (2 acres) (and from 5 p.m. on Sundays from Park, opens for daytime (8:00 a.m. to L Memorial Day weekend through Labor sunset) use on April 1st (no other ameni- • Children’s Pond: Fishing restricted to • Species: (YP BB CP LMB CB S) Day). 45 mph speed limit on weekends ties until mid-May). Park officially closes children under age 16. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. and holidays. September 30th. Note: boating/fishing • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday access may continue past this date. April–November 30. Contact Park Manager (203-735-4311) for information concerning status of fall LAKE HAYWARD (Shaw Lake), HODGE POND, Voluntown (10 acres) boating and fishing access. East Haddam (174 acres) Public right-of-way, carry-in access. KEACH POND • Species: (LMB CP YP S BB) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE (see Peck Pond) L • Species: (SMB LMB WC WP YP AE BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE S CA) • Species: (T LMB YP CP S CB BB AE) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday HOGBACK RESERVOIR Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum length. KENEY PARK POND, Hartford (3 acres) April–last day February. (see West Branch Reservoir) • Other: Minimum steerage speed within • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 12" 25 ft. of shore or dock. 45 mph speed S COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS / to 16" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit limit daytime, 25 mph from ½ hour after CATFISH LAKE —6 bass, only 2 may be 16" or greater. sunset to ½ hour before sunrise. • Other: Use of internal combustion HOLBROOK POND, Hebron (83 acres) Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. engines prohibited. • Species: (T S CC) HSL • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Handicapped access at dam. HOWELLS POND, Hartland (14 acres) April–last day February. • Species: (LMB YP CB S) • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily HELEN KELLER SCHOOL POND, Easton • Other: 8 mph speed limit. PHSL creel limit- 3 catfish (new regulation for Public right-of-way, passable for cars. 2018). S • Species: (T) • Children’s Pond: Fishing restricted to • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday HOP BROOK LAKE, Middlebury (26 acres) children under age 16. April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday PSC • Other: Use of internal combustion LAKE KENOSIA, Danbury (60 acres) April–November 30. Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset (but no later engines prohibited. L than 8:00 pm). Walk-in access only after BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / CATFISH LAKE Labor Day weekend (September 3, 2018) Channel catfish first stocked in 2012. HEWITT FLYFISHING POND (Gallup Pond), until the weekend before Memorial Day HUNTINGTON POND (Starret Pond, • Species: (LMB S BB YP) North Stonington (2 acres) weekend (May 19, 2018). Lake Hopewell, Huntington Park • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Species: (T) Note: Trout stocking Pond), Redding (15 acres) 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily S discontinued due to limited spring recre- creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" • Species: (T LMB YP S BB) ational access. S or greater. • Methods: Fly fishing only. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T LMB S) • Other: Operating a boat propelled • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday by an internal combustion engine April–October 31. • Other: Vessels with motors, except April–last day February. prohibited. • Other: All vessels prohibited. electric, prohibited. No ice fishing.

36 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Lakes and Ponds open year-round (no closed season) unless otherwise stated.

KILLINGLY POND, Killingly-Rhode Island LITTLE POND (Little Bantam), MAMANASCO LAKE, Ridgefield (89 acres) LAKE McDONOUGH (Compensating Reservoir), (122 acres) Litchfield (15 acres) L New Hartford-Barkhamsted (391 acres) • Note: Connecticut or Rhode Island • Species: (NP LMB YP S BB) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE SL fishing license legal on entire pond. • Northern Pike: • Species: (LMB S YP BB CB) • Species: (T LMB SMB YP S) • Species: (LMB SMB S YP CP) »»May 1–Nov. 30: Daily creel limit—2, • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 26" minimum length. 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily April–November 30. Daily creel limit—5 bass, 12" minimum »»Dec. 1–last day Feb.: Daily creel limit—1, creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" • Note: 10 mph motorboat speed limit. length. 36" minimum length. or greater. Boat launch owned and operated • Chain Pickerel: Daily creel limit—5, »»March 1–April 30: Closed to northern • Other: Use of internal combustion by MDC ($6.00 parking fee, $6.00 14" minimum length. pike fishing. engines prohibited. launching fee). Launch area open from • All Other Species: CT Statewide regu- • All Other Species: Open year round, 2nd Saturday April through Labor Day. lations apply. statewide regulations apply. Boat launch hours: 10:00 a.m.–sunset • Other: No more than six tip-ups may weekdays, 8:00 a.m.–sunset week- be used when ice-fishing. Motors MANITOOK LAKE, Granby (57 acres) ends, except 6:00 a.m.–sunset on limited to 12 cu in (approx. 10 hp). LITTLE POND (Schoolhouse Pond), • Species: (LMB S) Opening Day. Boats must be off lake Thompson (65 acres) • Note: Ice fishing permitted on week- by 7:30 p.m. Reservoir shore fishing ends only. access from sunrise to 9:00 p.m. (except LAKE OF ISLES, North Stonington (89 acres) L • Other: 5 mph speed limit in restricted from 6:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. on Opening • Species: (T LMB YP CP CB S) areas. Use of motors in excess of 7-½ Day). Visit MDC at www.themdc.com L • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday hp prohibited on Saturdays. or call (860-379-3036, 860-379-0916) • Species: (LMB CP YP CB S BB) April–last day February. for updated fees, hours and other • Other: 8 mph speed limit. information. MANSFIELD HOLLOW RESERVOIR LONG POND, Ledyard-North (Naubesatuck Lake), Mansfield- LAKEVILLE LAKE (see Wononskopomuc Lake) Stonington (109 acres) Chaplin-Windham (460 acres) McGOVERN POND, West Hartford (1 acre) SL SLC • Species: (S, LMB) • Species: (T CP LMB CB YP S) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / • Season: Open year-round. LAKEWOOD LAKE (Great Brook Reservoir), • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday NORTHERN PIKE LAKE Waterbury (73 acres) April–last day February. • Species: (CP LMB NP T YP S CB) • Other: 5 mph speed limit. • Season: Open year-round. McGRATH PARK POND S • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 12" to (Prospect Park Pond), Prospect. (1 acre) COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS / 16" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit—6 CATFISH LAKE bass, only 2 may be 16" or greater. S LOWER FULTON PARK POND, Channel catfish first stocked in 2008. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. Swimming • Species: (T) Waterbury (2.8 acres) • Species: (LMB S CC) prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily PS April–October 31. creel limit- 3 catfish (new regulation for • Species: (S) 2018). • Season: Open year-round. MANSFIELD TOWN POND (see Bicentennial Pond) MESSERSCHMIDT POND, Deep River-Westbrook (73 acres) LANTERN HILL POND, LOWER STORRS PUMPING POND, Ledyard-North Stonington (23 acres) Mansfield (2 acre) SC MANSFIELD TRAINING SCHOOL PONDS, • Species: (LMB CP S BB YP AE) L S Mansfield (1.1 & 2.3 acres) • Other: Use of internal combustion • Species: (T LMB CP CB YP S) • Species: (T) engines prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday S • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. • Species: (T S BB) April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday MILL POND, Newington (2.7 acres) April–last day February. • Children’s Pond: Fishing restricted to LEONARD POND, Kent (20 acres) MAD RIVER FLOOD CONTROL IMPOUNDMENT, children under age 16. Winchester (7.9 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday C MASHAPAUG LAKE, Union (287 acres) April–November 30. • Species: (YP CB CP BB LMB) S PHSL • Species: (T) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / WALLEYE LAKE • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T LMB SMB CP YP S WA) LAKE LILLINONAH, Brookfield-Bridgewater- MILL WOODS PARK POND, April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Newtown-Southbury-New Milford (1547 acres) Wethersfield (7.3 acres) • Other: All vessels prohibited. April–last day February. • Season: Open year-round. L • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: From Bleachery Dam to the Shepaug Dam. 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily • Species: (LMB SMB WP CB WC NP MALTBY LAKES (1,2,3), creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" MILLERS POND, Durham (33 acres) S CA YP) Orange-West Haven (19, 23 & 25 acres) or greater. • Other: 45 mph speed limit daytime, 25 • Broodstock Atlantic salmon have S mph from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour S been stocked several times into Carry in boat access (300 yards). before sunrise. BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / CATFISH LAKE this lake, first in 2008 and most Channel catfish first stocked into recently in October, 2009. Regula- • Species: (LMB YP T S) Maltby Lakes 2 & 3 in 2007. tions for salmon are the same as • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T LMB S YP CC) for trout except: Daily creel limit—1 April–last day February. LILLY POND, Thompson (7.4 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Atlantic salmon. • Other: Use of internal combustion • Season: Open year-round. April–November 30. • Other: 10 mph speed limit. engines prohibited. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" or greater. • Note: Shore fishing only. Fishing by permit from South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority 203-562-4020. www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 37 Lakes & Ponds

Statewide regulations for seasons, legal methods, and limits (page 21) apply unless a site-specific regulation is listed for a water body.

MIRROR LAKE (Hubbard Park Pond), MOHEGAN PARK POND (Spaulding Pond), MOREY POND, Union-Ashford (45 acres) NORTH STREET POND, Milford Meriden (7.4 acres) Norwich (14 acres) SL • Season: Open year-round. S C S C • Species: (BB CP LMB YP S) COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / TROUT PARK / • Other: 8 mph speed limit. Trout and Channel Catfish first stocked COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS / NORTHFIELD BROOK LAKE, in 2014. CATFISH LAKE Litchfield (8 acres) • Species: (T, CC) Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. MOUNT TOM POND, • Season: Open year-round. • Species: (T S BB LMB CC) S Morris-Litchfield-Washington (56 acres) • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Walk-in access creel limit - 3 catfish (new regulation April–November 30. PSC only after Columbus Day until the 2nd Saturday in April. for 2018). • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily WALLEYE LAKE • Species: (T) • Trout: Season open 2nd Saturday in creel limit - 3 catfish (new regulation Walleye first stocked in 2012. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April-last day February. for 2018). • Species: (T S LMB WA CB CP YP) April–last day February. • All Other Species: Season open year • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday round. Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum length. April–last day February. • Other: Ice fishing prohibited by town • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. • Broodstock Atlantic salmon have ordinance. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. been stocked multiple times into this NORTHFIELD CUTLERY COMPANY POND, lake, first in 2009 and most recently Litchfield in October, 2016. Regulations for Public right-of-way, passable for cars. MITCHELL POND, East Haddam (4 acres) MONO POND, Columbia (113 acres) salmon are the same as for trout • Species: (LMB S) except: Daily creel limit—1 Atlantic S SL salmon. • Species: (LMB S) • Species: (LMB YP CP S) • Other: Use of internal combustion • Other: Boats and canoes prohibited. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. engines prohibited. NORWICH POND, Lyme (30 acres) SL • Species: (T LMB S CP) MOHAWK POND, Cornwall-Goshen (16 acres) MOODUS RESERVOIR (Upper, Lower), MUDDY POND, • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday L East Haddam (486 acres) Woodstock-Massachusetts (38 acres) April–last day February. • Note: No public access. Connecticut • Other: Operation of motorboats • Species: (T LMB) SL or Massachusetts fishing license legal prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE on entire pond. Connecticut regula- April–last day February. • Species: (LMB CP CB S YP) tions apply. • Other: Use of all motors prohibited. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Species: (LMB CP YP S BB) 12" to 18" protected slot limit. Daily PACHAUG POND, Griswold (841 acres) • Other: 5 hp limit. creel limit—6 bass, only 1 may be 18" or greater. HSL MOHEGAN LAKE, Fairfield (15 acres) • Other: 35 mph speed limit days, 6 mph NORTHERN PIKE LAKE S limit ½ hour after sunset to 8 a.m. MUDGE POND (Silver Lake), • Species: (LMB CP NP WP CB YP S BB) • Species: (T) Sharon (207 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday L April–October 31. PAGE PARK LAGOON, Bristol (1.5 acres) MOOSUP POND, Plainfield (96 acres) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE • Species: (T S LMB YP BB) • Species: (LMB CP YP S BB) S • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Season: Open year-round. April–last day February. 12" to 18" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit—6 bass, only 1 may be 18" or greater. PAINE POND, Ashford (2 acres) • Other: Motors limited to 7-½ hp. Speed limit 6 mph. Use of motors prohibited S from ½ hour after sunset to sunrise and • Species: (T) anytime within 200 feet of town beach. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Available from the April–last day February. online DEEP Store NAUBESATUCK LAKE (see Mansfield Hollow Reservoir) A FISHERIES NOW AVAILABLE PAPERMILL POND (see Southford Falls Pond), GUIDE to LAKES 1st Edition is back in stock. Oxford-Southbury (2.4 acres) NELLS ROCK RESERVOIR (Hope Lake), and PONDS OF Shelton (10.3 acres) CONNECTICUT PARK POND, Winchester (74.9 acres) S L Species: (T) • Species: (LMB S YP BB CP CB) This Guide includes maps of more than Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Other: 8 mph speed limit. 120 lakes, ponds, and selected Connecticut River sites; full-color April–last day February. photos, and informative sections on lake ecology, fisheries management and fish life histories. Also featured are color illustrations of PASTURE POND, Plainfield Connecticut fish by world-renowned artist Joseph Tomelleri. NORTH FARMS RESERVOIR, Wallingford (64 acres) S DEEP Store TROUT PARK SL At Quinebaug Valley State Hatchery 860-424-3555 • Species: (LMB BB S CP CB) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Softcover • Other: 8 mph speed limit. www.ct.gov/deep April-September 30. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. Price does not include 6.35% CT sales tax and $24.95 • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. mail/phone order shipping/handling charges.

38 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Lakes and Ponds open year-round (no closed season) unless otherwise stated.

PATTACONK LAKE (Russell Jennings Pond), PICKETT’S POND (Osborndale State Park), • Other: 6 mph speed limit, except 25 ROSELAND LAKE, Woodstock (96 acres) Chester (56 acres) Derby (9 acres) mph from Tuesday after Labor Day to 3rd Saturday in April. Use of motors SL PHSCC PSC prohibited 11 p.m.–6 a.m. Access courtesy of Roseland Park. Open Carry-in boat access only (75 yards). COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS sunrise to sunset (closed thanksgiving Channel Catfish first stocked in 2012. and Christmas), unimproved boat launch, CATFISH LAKE • Species: (T, CC) fishing dock. Visit www.roselandlake.org Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. QUILLINAN RESERVOIR, Ansonia • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday for additional information on the park. • Species: (T LMB YP S CC CB) (12.2 acres) April–last day February. • Species: (LMB CA CP YP CB S T BB) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily No facilities, walk in access only. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. creel limit- 3 catfish (new regulation for • Species: (LMB S YP) April–last day February. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. Use of 2018). internal combustion engines prohibited during July and August. QUINEBAUG LAKE (Wauregan Reservoir), ROSS POND, Killingly (31 acres) PIERREPONT POND (Lake Naraneka), Killingly (88 acres) Ridgefield (38 acres) SC PATTAGANSETT LAKE, East Lyme SL • Species: (LMB CP S) (128 acres) SC BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / CATFISH LAKE • Other: Use of internal combustion L • Species: (LMB S) Channel catfish first stocked in 2012. engines prohibited. • Other: Use of internal combustion • Species: (T LMB CP S CB YP) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE engines prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • ( CB YP ) Species: LMB S CP AE April–last day February. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: ROWAN'S POND • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 12" to 18" protected slot limit. Daily (Butternut Park Pond), Middletown (2.9 acres) Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum creel limit— bass, only may be 18" PINE ACRES LAKE, Hampton (190 acres) 6 1 length. or greater. S • Other: Use of internal combustion • 8 mph speed limit. See 2018 PSL COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS Other: engines prohibited. Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. • Species: (LMB S YP BB) Trout and channel catfish first stocked • Other: Use of internal combustion in 2014. engines prohibited. • Species: (T, CC, LMB, S) QUONNIPAUG LAKE, Guilford (99 acres) • Season: Open year-round. PECK POND (Keach Pond), • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily Thompson-Putnam-Rhode Island (14 acres) SL creel limit- 3 catfish (new regulation for PINE LAKE (Shelton Reservoir #2), Note: Icefishing prohibited. 2018). S Shelton (7.3 acres) • Trout: Season open 2nd Saturday in • Note: Connecticut or Rhode Island TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE • Species: (LMB S) April-last day February. fishing license legal on entire pond. • Species: (T LMB BB SMB CP S YP • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • All Other Species: Season open year Rhode Island regulations apply as AE CC) April–December 31. round. follows: • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T LMB SMB CP YP S BB CB) April–March 31. • Season: 2nd Saturday April–last day • Trout: From March 1–March 31, Daily February. LAKE POCOTOPAUG, East Hampton creel limit—1, 16" minimum length. SAINT MARTHA’S POND, Enfield • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: (502 acres) • Other: Motors limited to 6 hp. Opera- Daily creel limit—5 bass, 12" minimum • Note: No public access. tion of motorboats prohibited from 9:00 S length. • Species: (LMB SMB CP WA WP YP S) p.m. to 6:00 a.m. • Species: (T S BB) • Chain Pickerel: Daily creel limit—5, • Walleye: Daily creel limit—2, 20" • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday 14" minimum length. minimum length. April–last day February. • Trout: No minimum length. Daily RAINBOW RESERVOIR, Windsor (240 acres) creel limit—5 from 2nd Saturday in April to November 30th. Daily creel POWERS LAKE, East Lyme (144 acres) L SALMON BROOK POND, Glastonbury limit—2 from December 1st to last day • Species: (LMB SMB S CP YP WP CB February. L BB) S • Species: (LMB CP S YP CB) • Other: 35 mph speed limit. • Species: (T S YP) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday PERRY POND, Thompson-Massachusetts April–last day February. (4 acres) RED CEDAR LAKE, Lebanon (127 acres) • Note: Connecticut or Massachusetts QUADDICK RESERVOIR, Thompson fishing license legal on entire pond. (408 acres) S SALTERS POND, Manchester (3 acres) Connecticut regulations apply. No maintained/developed launch facili- • Species: (LMB CP YP S BB) PSLC ties, informal cartop access only. S Launch open 8 a.m. until sunset from • Species: (LMB YP S CB CP) • Species: (S LMB CP) April 13th through November 1st. PICKEREL LAKE, Colchester-East Haddam NORTHERN PIKE LAKE (82 acres) • Species: (LMB NP CP CB YP BB S) ROGERS LAKE, Lyme-Old Lyme (260 acres) LAKE SALTONSTALL, Branford-East Haven (422 acres) L L BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE S LAKE QUASSAPAUG, Woodbury-Middlebury • Species: (LMB CB S CP) • Species: (T LMB CP CB YP BB S) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / WALLEYE LAKE (297 acres) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T LMB S WA CB YP WP) 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily • Note: No public access, icefishing April–March 31. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" prohibited. • Trout: From March 1–March 31, Daily April–November 30. or greater. • Species: (T SMB S CB BB LMB YP creel limit—1, 16" minimum length. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Other: 8 mph speed limit. See 2018 CP) • Other: Motors limited to 135 hp. 6 Daily creel limit—1 bass, 18" minimum Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday mph speed limit sunset to 10:00 a.m. length. April–last day February. See 2018 Boater’s Guide for additional • Other: Use of live bait prohibited. • Trout: Daily creel limit—1, 18" minimum restrictions. • Note: Fishing by permit from South length. Central Connecticut Regional Water • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: Authority 203-401-2654. Boat rentals Daily creel limit—1 total, 18" minimum available (no other vessels allowed). length. www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 39 Lakes & Ponds

Statewide regulations for seasons, legal methods, and limits (page 21) apply unless a site-specific regulation is listed for a water body.

SAUGATUCK RESERVOIR, SHENIPSIT LAKE, Ellington-Tolland-Vernon SQUANTZ POND, New Fairfield, Sherman STRATTON BROOK PARK POND, Easton-Redding-Weston (827 acres) (532 acres) (270 acres) Simsbury (2.3 acres) HS S PHSL PSC WALLEYE LAKE • Species: (LMB CB SMB WP YP T CP) TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE / WALLEYE LAKE / TROUT PARK • Species: (T LMB SMB S WA) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday TROPHY CARP WATERS • Species: (T) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–October 31. • Species: (CA WA T LMB SMB YP S WP) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–December 31. • Note: Use of boats restricted to those • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. • Note: Permit required to fish— stored on site. Contact the Shenipsit April–March 31. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 contact Aquarion Water Company at Lake Boat Storage Facility (860- • Carp: Daily creel limit-1, 26” maximum • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. 203-452-3511. Fishing permitted from 875-1850) for additional information length (new regulation for 2018). west shore only. concerning fishing access and to check • Trout: From March 1–March 31, 16" minimum length, Daily creel limit—1. • Other: The possession and use of any boat storage space availability. STROH PARK POND, Windsor (1.4 acres) live alewives, blueback (glut or river) • Other: The possession and use of any • Other: Motors on boats launched at herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin live alewives, blueback (glut or river) Squantz Pond State Park launch ramp • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday shad as bait is prohibited. Boating, herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin limited to 25 hp. 45 mph daytime speed April–November 30. wading and flotation devices prohibited. shad as bait is prohibited. limit, 25 mph from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise. Fishing from shore prohibited behind fence along TAFTVILLE RESERVOIR, Norwich (25 acres) shore in State Park from Memorial Day SAVIN LAKE, Lebanon (49 acres) SILVER LAKE (Peat Works Pond), through Labor Day. Berlin-Meriden (146 acres) S S Access through Raymond Ouellet Park. Carry-in boat access (30 yards). L BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE • Species: (LMB YP WP S BB CP) CATFISH LAKE STANLEY QUARTER POND, New Britain • Species: (LMB T S) • Other: Use of internal combustion Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. (6.4 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday engines prohibited. • Species: (CB LMB S BB CP CC) April–last day February. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. See 2018 S • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum length. Trout and channel catfish first stocked SAWMILL PARK POND, Ledyard in 2014. • Species: (S, T, CC, LMB) S SIMSBURY TOWN PARK PONDS, Simsbury TAFTVILLE POND, Lisbon (117 acres) • Species: (T) • Season: Open year-round. • Species: (S) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday L April–last day February. creel limit- 3 catfish (new regulation for April–June 15. 2018). Small town boat launch (ramp open April • Trout: Season open 2nd Saturday in 1 to November 30). April-last day February. • Species: (LMB, SMB CB S YP CA) SCHREEDER POND (Chatfield Hollow Pond), SOCHRIN POND, Seymour • All Other Species: Season open year Killingworth (4 acres) round. • Children’s Pond: Fishing restricted to TANKERHOOSEN LAKES, Vernon (10 acres) PSC children under age 16. In Chatfield Hollow State Park. Walk-in • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T LMB CP S YP BB) access only during off-season. April–November 30. STARRET POND (see Huntington Pond) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. TROUT PARK • Species: (T S) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday SOMERSVILLE MILL POND (Scantic River), STATE LINE POND, Stafford (75 acres) April–last day February. Somers (41 acres) TETREAULT POND, Killingly (39 acres) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. S • Species: (CP S YP) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. S Next to Route 32. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Other: All vessels prohibited. Unimproved town launch. • Species: (YP S BB CP) • Species: (T LMB S CP CB YP BB) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. TOLLGATE POND, Greenwich (7 acres) SCOVILLE RESERVOIR, Wolcott (121 acres) LAKE STIBBS (Southbury Training School Pond), • Other: 6 mph speed limit. • Species: (LMB S BB) Southbury (5 acres) HSL • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday S April–October 31. CATFISH LAKE SOUTHFORD FALLS POND (Papermill Pond), • Species: (T) Channel catfish first stocked in 2013. Oxford-Southbury (2.4 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. TWIN BROOKS PARK POND, of April–last day February. PHSC Trumbull (4 acres) • Species: (T LMB S YP CP CB) In Southford Falls State Park. • Other: Operation of vessels prohibited • Species: (T) from sunset to sunrise. Use or posses- TROUT PARK STILLWATER POND, Torrington (94 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday sion of internal combustion engines • Species: (T S) April–last day February. prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday SL • Note: Ice fishing prohibited by town April–last day February. CATFISH LAKE ordinance. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. Channel catfish first stocked in 2012. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. SEYMOUR RESERVOIRS (1, 2, 3 & 4), • Species: (T LMB YP S) Oxford (4.4, 35, 11.5 & 37.4 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday TYLER POND, Goshen (187 acres) April–last day February. No facilities, walk-in access only. SOUTH SPECTACLE POND, Kent (85 acres) • Other: Use of internal combustion L • Species: (LMB S YP) • Species: (T YP LMB CB CP BB S) Public right-of-way, not passable for cars. engines prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (LMB YP S) April–last day February. SHAW LAKE (see Lake Hayward)

SPAULDING POND (see Mohegan Park Pond)

SHELTON RESERVOIR #2 (see Pine Lake)

40 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Lakes and Ponds open year-round (no closed season) unless otherwise stated.

UNCAS LAKE (Hog Pond), Lyme (69 acres) WASHINGTON PARK POND, Windsor WEST TWIN LAKE (Washinee Lake), WONONSKOPOMUC LAKE (Lakeville Lake), Salisbury (290 acres) Salisbury (348 acres) • Season: Open year-round. PSL • Species: (CP LMB S CB YP) • Species: (T LMB AE CP YP S) L • Other: 35 mph daytime speed limit, 6 • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE mph from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour April–last day February. WAUREGAN RESERVOIR • Species: (T LMB CP YP S BB) after sunrise. Also 6 mph within 200 • Other: Operation of motorboats (see Quinebaug Lake) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday feet of vessel or dock. The possession prohibited. April–October 31. and use of any live alewives, blueback • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: (glut or river) herring, gizzard, hickory 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily or threadfin shad as bait is prohibited. WEST BRANCH (Hogback) RESERVOIR, creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" UPPER FULTON PARK POND, Hartland-Colebrook (201 acres) or greater. Waterbury (2.1 acres) C • Other: The possession and use of any S WHARTON POND (Allen Brook live alewives, blueback (glut or river) • Species: (T YP S SMB RA) Pond), Wallingford (5 acres) COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday shad as bait is prohibited. Motors • Species: (T) April–last day February. PSC • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday restricted to 12 cu in. Town operated • Other: The possession and use of any In Wharton Brook State Park. boat launch-fee charged. Launch open April–last day February. live alewives, blueback (glut or river) TROUT PARK daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. from 2nd Saturday herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin in April to Labor Day. From Labor Day shad as bait is prohibited. • Species: (T) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday through October 31st launch open from 7 VALLEY FALLS POND, Vernon (4.1 acres) April–last day February. a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, and from 7 a.m. C • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. to 12 noon on weekends. Boat livery. S WEST HILL POND, New Hartford-Barkhamsted TROUT PARK • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. (261 acres) • Species: (T S) • Other: All vessels prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday L WOOD CREEK POND, Norfolk (148 acres) April–last day February. TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE / KOKANEE LAKE • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 WHITNEY FLOOD CONTROL POND (Patten Brook), L • Species: (T K SMB YP S LMB RA) • Species: (LMB BB YP CP) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Stafford (2 acres) April–March 31. • Trout: from March 1–March 31, 16" S • Species: (S BB CP) WALKERS RESERVOIR (East), Vernon minimum length, Daily creel limit—1. WYASSUP LAKE, North Stonington (99 acres) (5.1 acres) • Trout & Kokanee combined: Daily creel limit—8 for both species in aggre- L BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE HS gate, of which no more than 5 may WILLIAMS POND (Lake Williams), • Species: (CP YP T LMB BB AE) • Species: (T YP S BB) be trout and no more than 5 may be Lebanon (272 acres) • Other: All vessels prohibited. kokanee salmon. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Other: The possession and use of any S April–last day February. live alewives, blueback (glut or river) Informal cartop access from dam on • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin Route 207. Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum WANGUMBAUG LAKE shad as bait is prohibited. 15 mph speed • Species: (LMB CP YP S BB CB) length. (see Coventry Lake), Coventry limit except 6 mph between sunset and • Other: 8 mph speed limit. See 2018 sunrise. From Memorial Day through Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. September 15th motors limited to 8 hp. WINCHESTER LAKE, Winchester (246 acres) LAKE WARAMAUG, Kent-Warren-Washington (656 acres) L ZEINER POND (Lake Winfield), WEST PEQUONNOCK RESERVOIR, NORTHERN PIKE LAKE Plymouth (16 acres) PGC Monroe (1.4 acres) • Species: (LMB CP YP S NP CB BB) Carry-in boat access in Lake Waramaug • Other: 8 mph speed limit. S State Park (approximately 100 foot carry to • Species: (LMB S) No longer stocked with trout. water). Boating access is also available to • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open year-round. the general public at the town boat launch April–December 31. LAKE WINFIELD (see Zeiner Pond), Plymouth (annual launch permit fee and daily inspec- • Note: Permit required to fish— contact Aquarion Water Company at tion fee) in Washington. Required inspection ZEMKO POND, Salem (8 acres) of boat and trailer for invasive plants. Boats 203-452-3511. Walk-in access from Round Hill Road and trailers failing inspection will not be LAKE WINNEMAUG, Watertown (113 acres) allowed to use launch. Days and hours (300 yards). • Species: (LMB S) of operation vary seasonally, contact the WEST SIDE POND, Goshen (42 acres) • Species: (LMB S CB WP BB YP) Washington Park and Recreation Depart- • Other: 7 mph speed limit. Vessels with ment (860-868-1519) for more information. L internal combustion engines attached • Species: (LMB SMB CP YP BB S) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE are prohibited. LAKE ZOAR, Monroe-Oxford- • Species: (T LMB YP S BB) Newtown-Southbury (909 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. G L WARDS MILLPOND (Branford River), LAKE WINTERGREEN, Hamden (44 acres) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: WALLEYE LAKE Branford (7.3 acres) 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily SCC Walleye first stocked in 2011. S creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS / From the Shepaug Dam to the Steven- • Species: (T) or greater. CATFISH LAKE son Dam. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. • Species: (SMB WP LMB CB WC S April–last day February. West Rock Ridge State Park — Public YP WA) • Other: 45 mph speed limit daytime, 25 WEST THOMPSON LAKE, right-of-way not passable to cars. mph from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour Thompson (239 acres) • Species: (S LMB YP T CC) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday before sunrise. WARNER POND (Kazan’s Pond), C April–last day February. Newtown. (11.7 acres) GSL TROPHY CARP WATERS • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily No facilities, walk in access only. • Species: (LMB SMB CP CB WP S YP CA) creel limit- 3 catfish (new regulation for • Species: (LMB S YP) • Carp: Daily creel limit-1, 26” maximum 2018). length (new regulation for 2018). • Other: Use of internal combustion • Other: Speed limit 5 mph. engines prohibited. www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 41 A Guide to Catchable Freshwater Fish in Connecticut

Not sure about your catch? Subtle differences between fish include the shape of the body-long vs. round, whiskers, shape of the mouth, and if there is a small fleshy lobe-like fin on the back near the tail. Determine which of these traits match your fish, then look to the photos and specific details to make a positive identification. If you would like a professional opinion, email a clear photo of the entire fish [email protected] .

Trout Bass, Perch & Walleye

Adult 14"

6" Juvenile 11" 16" Brook Trout have a dark body with light spots and a Brown Trout have a light body with dark spots. The Largemouth Bass have a dark stripe along the side worm-like pattern on back, head, and sides. The lower lower fins are typically brown, tan, or nearly colorless of the body. The end of the jaw typically reaches past fins are typically red-orange with a white leading edge. and may have a white leading edge. Wild Brown Trout the eye. Stocked Brook Trout are typically less colorful than may have bright red and orange spots and an orange wild Brook Trout. adipose fin. The tail is more rounded than forked. Brown Trout and Atlantic Salmon look very similar.

16" Smallmouth Bass may have vertical stripes on the side of the body. The end of the jaw typically reaches to the center of the eye. 8" 14"

Tiger Trout (hybrid) have worm-like markings covering Rainbow Trout have a light body with dark spots the entire body. They usually do not have spots. Tiger on the head and the tail. There is usually a pink band Trout are a sterile cross between a male Brook Trout along each side. and a female Brown Trout.

32"

Striped Bass have a light body, somewhat silver in Salmon color with a series of horizontal black bands along the side. Male Kokanee Salmon are silver without spots until spawning season when they undergo significant changes in shape and color, turning red. Males often develop a large hooked jaw (kype). Kokanee Salmon 16" die after they spawn.

12" White Perch have a silver body and lack any spots or bands.

Adult, brown form Juvenile

6" 14" 30" Yellow Perch have a yellow body with dark vertical bands and orange lower fins. Atlantic Salmon have a light body with dark spots. The adipose fin is brown or dark brown. The lower fins are brown with no color on the leading edge. There may Adult, silver form be spots on the head and tail. Wild Atlantic Salmon recently entering freshwater typically are silver, turning brown after being in freshwater for a while. Small Atlantic Salmon will have a deeply-forked tail. Atlantic 18" Salmon are stocked as fry into many tributaries of 30" the Connecticut River. All Atlantic Salmon must be Walleye generally have a greenish or brownish back © Joseph Tomelleri immediately released, unless it is from one of the areas fading to a white belly. They may have irregular dark the Inland Fisheries Division stocks with surplus adult green blotches on the body. They have very large and Atlantic Salmon (see page 28). sharp teeth.

42 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide The number indicated near each fish represents the length of the individual fish shown in the photo. It is not a minimum size regulation or average fish length.

Sunfish & Bass Bullhead & Catfish

8" 8" 6" Yellow Bullhead have a rounded tail and the chin Brown Bullhead have a rounded tail and the chin whiskers are light colored. Both the belly and chin whiskers are dark colored. Both the belly and chin are Pumpkinseeds have turquoise markings on the face are usually yellow. light colored and usually white. and have a red dot on the gill cover.

18" 16" Channel Catfish have a forked tail (pointed tips), very White Catfish have a forked tail (rounded tips), very 8" long whiskers on the side of the mouth, and dark chin long whiskers on the side of the mouth, and light chin whiskers. Compared to the white catfish, the channel whiskers. Compared to the channel catfish the white Bluegills do not have turquoise markings on the face catfish has a narrow head. catfish has a broad head. The eyes may have a light and do not have a red spot on the gill cover. blue band around the iris.

Pike & Pickerel Carp & Sucker

6" 36" 16" Redbreast sunfish have some turquoise markings on the face. The gill cover has a long oval dark “ear”. Northern Pike have a dark colored body with light White Sucker has a streamlined body with a round The belly is usually a bright orange-red. spots. The entire cheek and only ½ of the gill cover is mouth. The body is usually dark brown on top and covered in scales. The mouth has large and sharp teeth. bronze color on the side.

26" 30" 10" Chain Pickerel have a yellow colored body with a Common Carp can be a very large fish (up to 40 Rock Bass have a very large red-colored eye. The dark “chain-like” pattern. Both the cheek and gill cover pounds) and have large scales. Carp have a small pattern on the side of the body resembles camou- are completely covered with scales. Typically there is whisker on each side of the mouth. flage print. a dark vertical band below the eye. The mouth has large and sharp teeth.

This guide intended to provide some general descriptive information and a photo typical of each species featured. These represent fish that are most often caught in freshwaters of CT. The approximate size of the pictured fish is listed. For more detailed information please refer to the “A Pictorial Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut” by Robert P. 14" Jacobs and Eileen B. O’Donnell. Available at the DEEP store www.ct.gov/DEEP/Store. Calico Bass (crappie) have a distinct curved profile For questions about fish or fishing in Connecticut, please contact the Inland Fisheries from the head to the dorsal fin. The body is silvery or Division at 860-424-Fish or email: [email protected] or visit our web page at . brass colored with dark spots, and very thin when www.ct.gov/deep/fishing viewed looking from head on. All photographs by Robert P. Jacobs, CT DEEP IFD www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 43 Rivers & Streams

Statewide regulations for seasons, legal methods, and limits (page 21) apply unless a site-specific regulation is listed for a water body. Rivers & streams open season is from 6:00 am on the 2nd Saturday in April to the last day of February unless otherwise stated. The following rivers and streams or sections thereof are available for public fishing through the courtesy of the landowner, or where indicated by posters, through cooperative agreement, lease, or state ownership. Determining fishing regulations is a simple two-step process: Public Access to Fishing Waters 1. Check the regulation table (page 21) for general statewide Species, Public access to fishing waters is restricted to rights-of-way designated by Legal Methods, and Limits regulations. poster or by permission of landowner. On state-leased streams, fishermen 2. Look up the waterbody in the alphabetical list of lake and ponds to must wade or stay near the stream bank as indicated by signs. find any special regulations that apply. If no site-specific regulations are listed for a waterbody, statewide regulations apply. Rivers and Streams Legend Special Management Areas For Trout (alternative regulations such as L Public boat launching area extended seasons, minimum lengths & reduced creel limits): Facilities for disabled • Trout Management Areas (TMA): High quality fisheries offering H year-round opportunities. G State campground • Trout Parks: Easy to fish, frequently stocked areas. C Family friendly fishing location • Trophy Trout Streams: Stocked with a higher proportion of larger fish. State picnic area • Sea-run Trout Streams: Areas where DEEP is working to establish P populations of anadromous brown trout. Italics Access/stocking location information • Wild Trout Management Areas (WTMA): There are three classes (T BN) Indicates degree of stocking and/or presence of of WTMAs: wild trout: —— Class 1: Catch and release only, open year-round, use of a single- T Light/moderately stocked hook artificial lures or flies only. Heavily stocked —— Class 2: Two (2) trout per angler per day limit, trout must be 12” T or larger to keep from opening day to last day of February. BK Wild brook trout —— Class 3: Five (5) fish per angler per day limit, trout must be 9” or BN Wild brown trout larger to keep from opening day to last day of February. Other fish species are listed for several rivers, see Key to Fish Species Abbreviations in Lakes and Ponds section (page 32). Lower River/Tidal Waters Designated rivers & streams with no closed season including the BASS entire Connecticut and Thames rivers, and downstream portions of the TROUT Special Management Areas are Coginchaug, Farmington, Housatonic, Mattabesset, Mystic, Naugatuck, BROODSTOCK SALMON color-coded for major gamefish Niantic, Quinnipiac, Salmon, and Yantic rivers. TROPHY CARP WATERS species

ALLYNS BROOK, Durham (T) BANTAM RIVER (inlet to Bantam Lake), BARTLETT BROOK, Lebanon (T) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Intermittent sections from Route 17 Litchfield (T) Intermittent sections from Brewster Pond • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- downstream to the Coginchaug River. Intermittent sections from Route 202 to downstream to Yantic River. cial lures and flies only. approximately one half mile upstream of • Trout: Catch and Release Only. confluence with Bantam Lake. ASPETUCK RIVER, Easton-Weston (T) BEACON HILL BROOK, BELCHER BROOK, Berlin (T) Intermittent sections from Route 58 along Bethany-Naugatuck-Beacon Falls (T BK BN) Route 136 to the Saugatuck River. BANTAM RIVER (outlet from Bantam Lake), From Route 63 crossing in Bethany to Intermittent sections from Four Rod Road Litchfield (T) confluence with Naugatuck River. to Lower Lane. Downstream of Bantam Lake from Ban- WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) tam to West Morris Road in West Morris. BANTAM RIVER (West Branch), Litchfield (T) From Route 63 crossing in Naugatuck • Methods: Fly fishing only where indi- BIBLE ROCK BROOK, Haddam-Middletown (T) downstream to confluence with Nau- Intermittent sections from the Goshen- cated by posters. Litchfield town line at Brooks Road gatuck River: P • Trout: 9" minimum length. through Route 63 to the confluence with Intermittent sections along Route 154. the Bantam River Inlet near Route 202. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

BIGELOW BROOK, Eastford-Union (T) BEAVER BROOK, Barkhamsted (T BK) Intermittent sections from Mashapaug Intermittent sections from along Park WHAT ARE “THERMAL REFUGES”? Lake to Natchaug River. Road (1/2 mile north of Day Road) to During the hot summer months, heat stressed fish in major rivers, par- Route 318. ticularly trout, often seek cool water refuge by congregating at the mouths BIRDSEYE BROOK, Cornwall (T) of tributary streams where cooler water is entering. A number of these BEAVER BROOK (includes Fire Ponds), Within the Mohawk Ski Area. cool water refuges on the Housatonic River, Naugatuck River, and Salmon Franklin-Sprague (T BN) River have been identified and under current regulations are closed to all Intermittent sections along Route 207 to fishing from June 15 through September 15, inclusive. These closures the Shetucket River. BLACKBERRY RIVER, Norfolk-Canaan (T BN) are intended to protect fish from any additional stress during periods of From ½ mile west of Route 272 along very warm water temperatures. In 2016 due to high water temperatures Route 44 and Lower River Road to con- and low river flows, DEEP issued emergency declarations temporarily BEAVER BROOK, Windham-Scotland (BK BN) fluence with Housatonic River. closing eight locations on the West Branch and mainstem Farmington MERRICK BROOK WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) Rivers and extending the closure at one location on the Housatonic River. AREA (Class 1) From Whiting River to confluence with The closed areas are delineated by signs posted by DEEP. In Talbot Wildlife Management Area from Housatonic River. Route 14 to Merrick Brook: • Trout: 9" minimum length. • Season: Open year-round. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

44 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Statewide regulations for seasons, legal methods, and limits (page 21) apply unless a site-specific regulation is listed for a water body. Rivers & streams open season is from 6:00 am on the 2nd Saturday in April to the last day of February unless otherwise stated.

BLACKLEDGE RIVER, BUTTONBALL BROOK, Chaplin (T) CONNECTICUT RIVER, Enfield to Old Lyme CORY BROOK, Canterbury (T) Bolton-Hebron-Marlborough (T) Intermittent sections from Route 6 down- PG HL Intermittent sections from Gooseneck Intermittent state-owned sections from stream to the Natchaug River. Hill Road downstream to Aspinook Pond. LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed Gay City State Park to the Salmon River. season • Trout: 9" minimum length — Down- Includes entire river in Connecticut stream of Route 94, Glastonbury, to BYRAM RIVER, Greenwich (T) TROPHY CARP WATERS CRYSTAL LAKE BROOK, Stafford (T) the Salmon River. Includes East Branch. From Merritt Park- • Species: (AE CA CB LMB NP SMB S Intermittent sections along Route 30. way to Glenville Road (Glen Ridge Road). WA WC WP YP) • Carp: Daily creel limit-1, 26” maximum BLACKWELL BROOK, Brooklyn-Canterbury (T) length (new regulation for 2018). DEEP BROOK, Newtown (BK BN) Intermittent sections from Woodward • Large & smallmouth bass: 12" CANDLEWOOD HILL BROOK, Haddam (T) Road to the Quinebaug River. minimum length. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) Intermittent sections along Candlewood • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum From Wasserman Way to confluence with Hill Road. length. Pootatuck River: • Northern pike: 24" minimum length. • Season: Open year-round. BLADENS RIVER, Woodbridge-Seymour (T BK) • Alewives/Blueback Herring: Special • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. From ¼ mile below Bethmour Road along closures may be in effect (see page 28). • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- CARR BROOK (Cox Brook), Portland (T) Route 67 to ¼ mile below Chatfield Street, • Note: Several of the boat launches may cial lures and flies only. includes tributary (Hopp Brook) along Intermittent sections from South Road flood during periods of high water. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. Miller Road. downstream to Penfield Hill Road. • Note: Wild Trout Management Area includes a portion of the Pootatuck COPPERMINE BROOK, River upstream and downstream of the confluence as posted by DEEP. BRANCH BROOK, Watertown (T) CARSE BROOK, Sharon (T) Burlington-Bristol (T BK BN) Smith Hill Road to Housatonic River. Intermittent sections from South Main PG Street to Stevens Street. TROUT PARK DEEP RIVER, Deep River (T) Within Black Rock State Park: PEQUABUCK RIVER TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA Intermittent sections from Hoopole • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. CEDAR SWAMP BROOK, Stafford (T BK) In Bristol from Artisan Street downstream Hill Road downstream to Pratt Read • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Nipmuck State Forest from Crooked Road to confluence with Pequabuck River. Reservoir. downstream to Roaring Brook. • Season: Open year-round. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. BRANFORD RIVER, Branford-North Branford (T) DELPHI BROOK, Stafford (BK BN) Intermittent sections from Route 22 to CEDAR SWAMP BROOK, Sterling (BK) Intermittent sections along Route 19. I-95. Intermittent sections from Portertown COPPS BROOK, Stonington (BK) Road to the Moosup River. Access from Route 184. BROAD BROOK, Ellington (T BK BN) Intermittent sections along Muddy Brook CHATFIELD HOLLOW BROOK, Road, and from Broad Brook Mill Pond Killingworth (T) to Scantic River. P C TROUT PARK In Chatfield Hollow State Park: BROAD BROOK, Preston (T) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. Intermittent sections from Swantown • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Road to Old Jewett City Road.

CHERRY BROOK, Canton (T BN BK) BUCK BROOK, Portland (T) From Routes 179 and 309, along Route In Meshomasic State Forest. 179 through Canton Center. • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream of Route 179.

BUCKHORN BROOK, Enfield (T) Intermittent sections from Town Farm CHOATE BROOK, Preston (T) Road downstream to the Scantic River. Intermittent sections from Route 165 to the Quinebaug River.

BUNGEE BROOK, Eastford-Woodstock (T) Intermittent sections from Route 171 COGINCHAUG RIVER, downstream to the Still River. Durham-Middlefield-Middletown (T) Intermittent sections from Route 17 in Durham through Wadsworth Falls State BUNNELL BROOK (Burlington Brook), Park. Burlington (T) LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed From Covey Road, then along Route 4 to season confluence with Farmington River: Downstream from Route 3 bridge to con- • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream fluence with Mattabesset River. of Covey Road. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length.

BUTTERNUT BROOK, Litchfield (T) Upstream of Route 202 to confluence with the Bantam River.

www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 45 Rivers & Streams

DENISON BROOK, Voluntown (BK) EIGHTMILE RIVER, Southington (BN) »»Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum FAWN BROOK, Hebron-Marlborough In Pachaug State Forest, south of Route 138. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) length from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday No longer stocked by DEEP. Entire river in Southington: in April to August 31. • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream • Season: Open year-round. From the intersection of Hogback Road of Slocum Road. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. DICKINSON CREEK, Marlborough (T) and Route 20 in Hartland, as indicated • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- by signs posted by DEEP downstream Salmon River State Forest. cial lures and flies only. to the gas pipeline crossing approxi- FAWN BROOK (West Branch), • Trout: 9" minimum length-Downstream • Trout: Catch and Release Only. mately four-tenths miles downstream Marlborough-Hebron of Route 66 to the Salmon River. of the confluence with the Still River in Barkhamsted, as indicated by signs No longer stocked by DEEP. posted by DEEP. THIS AREA IS CLOSED • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream EKONK BROOK, Plainfield (T) of Slocum Road. EAST ASPETUCK RIVER, TO ALL FISHING FROM THE FIRST DAY Intermittent sections from Route 14A New Milford-New Preston (T BN) OF APRIL TO 6:00 AM 2ND SATURDAY IN downstream to the Moosup River. APRIL (new regulation for 2018): Intermittent sections accessible from • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Routes 45 and 202 to Wells Road. FENTON RIVER, Mansfield-Willington (T BN) April–last day March. Intermittent sections from Moose WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) • Trout: EXETER BROOK, Lebanon (BK) Meadow Road to Mansfield Hollow From Lake Waramaug to confluence with »»Catch and Release Only from In Bartlett Brook Wildlife Management Reservoir. Housatonic River. September 1 to 6:00 a.m. last day Area. • Trout: 9" minimum length. March. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. »»Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum Entire stream in Mansfield and Willington: length from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Trout: 9" Minimum length. FALLS RIVER, Essex-Westbrook (T) in April to August 31. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. EAST RIVER, Guilford (T) Intermittent sections along Witchhazel From the gas pipeline crossing approxi- Road downstream to Mares Hill Road. Intermittent sections from Guilford Lakes mately four-tenths miles downstream downstream to Route 1. of the confluence with the Still River FIVEMILE RIVER, in Barkhamsted, as indicated by signs Thompson-Putnam-Killingly (T) FARM RIVER, Branford-East posted by DEEP, to the old footbridge Haven-North Branford (T BN) abutments approximately 1.4 miles down- P EAST SWAMP BROOK, Bethel (T) stream of the confluence with the Still Intermittent sections from New Road to Intermittent sections from Northford to Intermittent sections from Meckaur River (Barkhamsted): the Quinebaug River. I-95. Municipal Park through Plumtrees • Season: Open year-round. Road to Route 302 (includes unnamed WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. flow-through pond in Meckauer/Bennet From Mill Road (downstream of Pages • Trout: FLAT BROOK, East Hampton (T BK) Memorial Park). Millpond) in North Branford to I-95 bridge »»Catch and Release Only from Intermittent sections along Route 16 (East Haven): September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd downstream to the Salmon River. • Trout: 9" minimum length. Saturday in April. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. »»Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum EIGHT MILE BROOK, Middlebury-Oxford (T) length from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday SEA RUN TROUT STREAM in April to August 31. FRENCH RIVER, Thompson (T) P Downstream of I-95 bridge: Intermittent sections from Judd Hill, • Season: Open year-round. From the old footbridge abutments Intermittent sections from North Grosve- through Larkin Trail State Park and South- • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum (Barkhamsted) downstream to the Route nordale Pond to Blain Road. ford Falls State Park to Route 188, then length. 219 bridge (New Hartford). This area to Barry Road. includes all of the former West Branch Farmington River Trout Management TROUT PARK FRESHWATER BROOK, Enfield (T) Area: Within Southford Falls State Park: FARMILL RIVER, Monroe-Shelton-Stratford (T) Intermittent sections from Route 220 • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. • Season: Open year-round. Intermittent sections from Moose Hill downstream to the Connecticut River. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Methods: Barbless hooks only Road (Monroe) to Route 110 just above • Trout: Catch and Release Only. Housatonic River. From the Route 219 bridge (New Hart- FURNACE BROOK, Cornwall Bridge (BN) EIGHTMILE RIVER, East Haddam-Lyme (T) ford) downstream to the route 177 Bridge (Unionville): FARMINGTON RIVER (West Branch and • Season: Open year-round. P PGHC From the bridge on Route 4 upstream Mainstem), Hartland-Barkhamsted-New • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Devils Hopyard State Park and intermittent approximately 1½ miles, as posted. sections below the park to Hamburg Cove. Hartford-Canton-Burlington-Farmington-Avon- • Trout: • Trout: 9" Minimum length — From Simsbury-Bloomfield-East Granby-Windsor (T) »»Catch and Release Only from HEATHER REAVES WILD TROUT Foxtown Road to the dam at Mt. Archer GPHC September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 2) Road. Saturday in April. Upstream from Housatonic River as Intermittent sections from Goodwin »»Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum posted. SEA RUN TROUT STREAM Dam to RT 4 (Farmington Center). Then length from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum Downstream of dam at Mt. Archer Road: from Tariffville Memorial Park (Simsbury) in April to August 31. length. • Season: Open year-round. through the Tariffville Gorge (Bloomfield). • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" Minimum Then from mouth of tailrace canal below LOWER FARMINGTON RIVER length. Rainbow Dam to confluence with Con- Farmington to Windsor; From Route 177 necticut River. bridge in Unionville Center downstream FURNACE BROOK, Stafford (T) FARMINGTON RIVER TROUT to Rainbow Reservoir. • Trout: Daily creel limit—5, 9" Minimum EIGHTMILE RIVER (East Branch), MANAGEMENT AREA Intermittent sections from Staffordville length. Lake along Route 19 and Furnace Brook Salem-East Haddam-Lyme (T) From Goodwin dam (Hartland) down- Road to Glenville Pond. Intermittent sections along Darling Road stream tothe intersection of Hogback LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed and Salem Road. Road and Route 20 in Hartland, as indi- season • Trout: 9" Minimum length — Down- cated by signs posted by DEEP. Windsor; From mouth of tailrace canal stream of Witch Meadow Road, Salem • Season: Open year-round. below Rainbow Dam to confluence with GARDNER BROOK, Bozrah (T) Connecticut River. to the Eightmile River. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Intermittent sections from Gardner Lake • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum • Trout: to Fitchville Pond. »»Catch and Release Only from length. September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd • Note: All fishing prohibited in tail- Saturday in April. race canal and from mouth of tailrace upstream to Rainbow Dam.

46 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Statewide regulations for seasons, legal methods, and limits (page 21) apply unless a site-specific regulation is listed for a water body. Rivers & streams open season is from 6:00 am on the 2nd Saturday in April to the last day of February unless otherwise stated.

GIFFORD BROOK, Columbia (T) HAWLEYS BROOK, Easton-Weston (BK) • Thermal refuges: Areas within one HOWELLS POND BROOK, Hartland (T) At Route 87. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) hundred feet of signs indicating such From Howell’s Pond in Tunxis State For- Within the Trout Brook Valley Property closure posted by DEEP at or near the est to Mill Street, approximately 1½ miles (publicly owned): mouths of Kent Falls Brook and Mace- above West Branch Reservoir. • Season: Open year-round. donia Brook are closed to all fishing GILLETTE BROOK, Somers (BK) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. from June 15 to September 15. Intermittent sections from Battle Street • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- HOUSATONIC RIVER TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA HUNTS BROOK, Montville-Waterford (T) downstream to the Scantic River. cial lures and flies only. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. PGC Intermittent sections from Miller’s Pond From bridge crossing at Routes 112 and to Smith Cove. 7 (Salisbury/Canaan) to bridge at Routes GREAT BROOK, Chester (T) 4 and 7 (Cornwall/Sharon): Intermittent sections along Wig Hill Road. HOCKANUM RIVER, Vernon-Ellington- • Season: Open year-round except in INDIAN HOLE BROOK, Shelton (T) Manchester-East Hartford (T) areas within 100 feet of signs indi- Intermittent sections from Rockville to cating such closure posted by DEEP P GREAT MEADOW BROOK, Voluntown (T) the Connecticut River. at or near the mouths of tributaries that From falls in Indian Well State Park down- are closed to all fishing from June 15 to stream to railroad bridge: Access in Pachaug State Forest. TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA September 15. From I-84 in Vernon downstream to • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. crossing under I-84 at Laurel Marsh on • Trout: Catch and Release Only. the Manchester/East Hartford line: GREEN FALLS RIVER, • Methods: Fly fishing only in the 3 mile INDIAN RIVER, Killingworth-Clinton (T) • Season: Open year-round. North Stonington-Voluntown (T) section upstream from Route 4 bridge, Intermittent sections from Stevens Road • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. as posted. downstream to Upper Millpond. Intermittent sections from Green Falls • Trout: Catch and Release Only. Dam to Rhode Island. BASS MANAGEMENT AREA (STANLEY TRACT AREA) INDIANTOWN BROOK, Ledyard-Preston (T) HOP BROOK, Middlebury-Waterbury (T) C GULF STREAM, Somers (T BK) From Dawn Hill Road (Sharon) to Skiff Moun- Intermittent sections from Route 2 to From Route 64 to Hop Brook Flood Con- tain Road in Kent (approximately 6 miles): Poquetanuck Cove. Includes Shewville Intermittent sections from Gulf Road trol Impoundment. Marsh downstream to the Scantic River. • Area managed for smallmouth, Brook, Gates and Hallville Ponds, and statewide regulations apply. Poquetanuck Brook.

HOP RIVER (includes Johnsons Pond), BULL’S BRIDGE TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA / BASS MANAGEMENT AREA HALEYS BROOK, Groton (BK) Bolton-Coventry (T) From Bull’s Bridge Impoundment Dam (Kent) JEREMY RIVER, Hebron-Colchester (T) Intermittent sections along Route 184. Intermittent sections along Route 6 to the to Gaylordsville Bridge (Route 7) in New Mil- Intermittent Sections from Route 66 to Willimantic River. ford, includes Ten Mile River from NY border the Blackledge River. to confluence with Housatonic River: • Trout: 9" minimum length — Down- HALL MEADOW BROOK, • Season: Open year-round except in stream of Grayville Road to the Salmon Goshen-Torrington (T BK) HORSE BROOK, Plainfield (T) areas within 100 feet of tributaries that River. are closed to all fishing from June 15 to Along Route 272 from Hall Meadow Cem- Intermittent sections from Pickett Road September 15, as posted. etery to the Hall Meadow Brook Reservoir downstream to Packerville Road. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Dam (John Minetto State Park). • Trout: Catch and Release Only. JOE CLARK BROOK, Ledyard (BK) • Large & Smallmouth bass: Catch Intermittent sections from Church Hill HOUSATONIC RIVER (includes all and Release Only. Road downstream to Poquetanuck Cove. HAMMONASSET RIVER, impoundments from Bleachery Dam to LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS— Clinton-Killingworth-Madison (T) the Massachusetts line), Salisbury- no closed season Canaan-Sharon-Cornwall-Kent-Sherman- Intermittent sections from Route 80 to Derby, Orange, Shelton, Milford, Stratford JORDAN BROOK, Waterford (BK) New Milford ( NP CA) Route 1. T SMB Downstream from dam on Lake Housatonic Intermittent sections along entire length. For Housatonic River Flows at Falls Vil- TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Derby). Walk-in access at Derby Dam off lage: 1-888-417-4837. From Lake Hammonasset Dam to Chest- Route 34 (Derby) and Canal Street (Shelton). nut Hill Road: • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum • Season: Open year-round. length. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Trout: »»Catch and Release Only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd GOOD FISHING DEPENDS ON CLEAN WATER Saturday in April. »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length Many of our rivers, lakes, and coastal areas are experiencing algae blooms that cover our favorite from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April fishing spots with green slime and cause fish kills and “dead zones” where no aquatic life can to August 31. survive. The cause is usually nitrogen and phosphorus pollution that comes from farm and lawn SEA RUN TROUT STREAM fertilizers, septic systems, animal waste, and sewage treatment plants. Everyone can do their part • From Chestnut Hill Road to the breached dam located 300 feet for clean water by reducing fertilizer use, preserving plants along shorelines, and picking up pet upstream of River Road: waste. Supporting water quality protection supports great fishing! »»Season: Open from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April-last day February. Learn more at: www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution »»Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 9" Minimum length. • Downstream of the breached dam located 300 feet upstream of River Road: »»Season: Open year-round. HOW’S MY WATERWAY (accessible at www.epa.gov/mywaterway) helps users »»Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" Minimum quickly find information on the condition of their local waters using a smart phone, tablet, or length. desktop computer. This tool provides results within seconds using EPA’s water quality assess- ment data. Check out the condition of your local waterbody today!

www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 47 Rivers & Streams

JUDD BROOK, Colchester-Hebron LEADMINE BROOK, Harwinton-Thomaston (T) WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) MIANUS RIVER, Greenwich-Stamford (T) • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream Intermittent sections from Route 4 in From confluence with Bog Hollow Brook Intermittent sections accessible ¼ mile of Old Colchester Road to Jeremy River. Harwinton through Roraback Wildlife to Route 341: upstream of June Road to Palmer’s Hill Management Area to confluence with • Season: Open year-round. Road (just above Mianus Pond). Naugatuck River (Thomaston Flood • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. SEA RUN TROUT STREAM Control Area). • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- KENT FALLS BROOK, Kent (T BK BN) cial lures and flies only. • Entire river upstream of Mianus • Trout: Catch and Release Only. Pond Dam (just above Boston Post P C Road): Below base of falls. LITTLE RIVER, Canterbury-Hampton (T) »»Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 9" Minimum length. TROUT PARK Intermittent sections from Route 97 to MAD RIVER, Norfolk-Winchester (T) Within Kent Falls State Park: Paper Mill Pond. • Downstream of Mianus Pond Dam: • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 From Rugg Brook Road through Mad »»Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. River Flood Control Impoundment to Minimum length. Route 263 crossing. LITTLE RIVER, Putnam (T) • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream EXCEPT IN: Intermittent sections from Roseland Lake of Grantville Road. TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA KETTLETOWN BROOK, Southbury (T BK BN) downstream to the Quinebaug River. From Merrybrook Road upstream Through Kettletown State Park to Lake approximately 1 mile to dam as indicated Zoar. MARSHEPAUG RIVER, Litchfield (T) by signs: • Season: Open year-round. LITTLE RIVER, Oxford-Seymour (T BK BN) From Shearshop Road downstream • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Intermittent sections along Route 67 from through Milton to the East Branch of the • Trout: KITT BROOK, Canterbury (T) 1 mile above Hogback Road to Hoadley’s Shepaug River. »»Catch and Release Only from Intermittent sections from Route 14 to the Pond (Seymour). September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Quinebaug River. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) in April. Single hook flies and artifi- From Towner Lane downstream to Park MARY BROWN BROOK, Putnam (BK) cial lures only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April. Road: Intermittent sections from East Putnam »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length LAKE WARAMAUG BROOK, Warren (T) • Trout: 9" minimum length. Road downstream to the Five Mile River. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April At Town Hill Road, then along Route 45 to August 31. from Curtiss Road downstream to North Shore Road. MASHAMOQUET BROOK, Pomfret (T) LONG MEADOW POND BROOK, Middlebury-Naugatuck (T) PGC MIDDLE RIVER, Stafford (T) LATHROP BROOK, Plainfield (T) Intermittent sections from Long Meadow Intermittent sections from Taft Pond Intermittent sections from Edson Brook Pond through Guntown Road, along through Mashamoquet State Park to to Willimantic River. Intermittent sections from Dow Road Quinebaug River. downstream to Mill Brook. Rubber Avenue to ½ mile above the Naugatuck River. MILL BROOK, Cornwall (T BK BN) MATTABESSET RIVER, From the Housatonic River upstream LATIMER BROOK, Berlin-Middletown (NP CA LMB T) East Lyme-Waterford (T BK BN) LONG SWAMP BROOK, Middlebury (T) along Route 128 for approximately 1 mile. Within Bristol Park, along Route 64 Intermittent sections in Berlin from Brook Intermittent sections along Route 161 Street to Lower Lane. from Silver Falls to Niantic River. through Steinmann Park to Route 188. LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed MILL RIVER, Easton-Fairfield (T BN BK) SEA RUN TROUT STREAM season: Intermittent sections from confluence Downstream of I-95 bridge: Downstream from Route 372 bridge to • Season: Open year-round. LOWDEN BROOK, Voluntown (BK) with Canoe Brook, as posted by DEEP, to confluence with Connecticut River. Mohegan Lake, then from base of Samp • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" Minimum In Pachaug State Forest. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length. Mortar Reservoir dam to Sturges Road length. in Fairfield.

MACEDONIA BROOK, Kent (T BK BN) WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) LAUREL BROOK, Middletown (T) From confluence of Canoe Brook, as PGC MEADOW BROOK, Colchester posted by DEEP, to the Merritt Parkway From Anderson Road (Laurel Brook Road) • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream (new regulation for 2018): through Wadsworth Falls State Park. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) of Route 16. • Season: Open year-round. Within Macedonia Brook State Park: • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Trout: 9" minimum length. • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. cial lures and flies only. MENUNKETESUCK RIVER, Killingworth (T) • Trout: Catch and Release Only. Intermittent sections from Reservoir Road to Pleasant Valley Road. TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA From Merritt Parkway bridge downstream to Mohegan Park Pond. Catch and Release improves fishing • Season: Open year-round. for future generations. MERRICK BROOK, Scotland (BK BN) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Trout: Catch and release only (new MERRICK BROOK WILD TROUT regulation for 2018). MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) Within Talbot Wildlife Management Area (WMA), and also extending upstream of the WMA as posted. MILL RIVER (includes Axle Shop, Clark’s • Season: Open year-round. and Woodruff’s Ponds), Hamden (T) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- HPC cial lures and flies only. Intermittent sections from River Road • Trout: Catch and Release Only. through Sleeping Giant State Park to • Note: Wild Trout Management Area Skiff Street. Boats and canoes prohib- includes Beaver Brook within the Talbot ited, including Axle Shop, Clarks, and WMA. Woodruffs Ponds.

48 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Statewide regulations for seasons, legal methods, and limits (page 21) apply unless a site-specific regulation is listed for a water body. Rivers & streams open season is from 6:00 am on the 2nd Saturday in April to the last day of February unless otherwise stated.

TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA MYSTIC RIVER, Groton-Stonington NAUGATUCK RIVER TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA NEGRO HILL BROOK, Burlington (BK BN) Within Sleeping Giant State Park: Litchfield-Harwinton-Thomaston; From LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed SESSION WOODS WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT • Open year-round. Route 118 (Litchfield/Harwinton) to the Season: season AREA (Class 3) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Downstream of confluence of Haleys Thomaston Dam: Upstream of Route 69 (through Sessions • Trout: Brook and Whitford Brook. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Woods Wildlife Management Area): »»Catch and Release Only from • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum • Season: Open year-round except in • Trout: 9" minimum length. September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd length. areas within 100 feet of signs indi- • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Saturday in April. cating such closure posted by DEEP »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length at or near the mouths of tributaries that from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April are closed to all fishing from June 15 to to August 31. NATCHAUG RIVER, September 15. NEPAUG RIVER, New Hartford (T BK BN) Eastford-Chaplin-Mansfield-Windham (T) • Methods (all species): From October 1 Intermittent sections from Niles Road through March 31, single fly or lure with a to the Route 202 bridge immediately P C single free-swinging hook only. Additional MINE BROOK, Portland (BK) upstream from Nepaug Reservoir. Intermittent sections along Route 198 to weight may not be added to the line. Along Gadpouch Road in Meshomasic Shetucket River. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. State Forest. TROPHY TROUT STREAM LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed season NIANTIC RIVER, East Lyme-Waterford Entire River in Eastford-Chaplin-Mansfield From Kinneytown Dam (Seymour) to con- LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed -Windham: fluence with Housatonic River (Derby). season MOOSUP RIVER, Plainfield-Sterling (T) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum Downstream of confluence with Latimer length. Intermittent sections from the Rhode TROUT PARK Brook. Island line to the Quinebaug River. Within Natchaug State Forest (Eastford): • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA length. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. From Route 14 bridge to confluence with NAUGATUCK RIVER (West Branch), Quinebaug River: Torrington (T) • Season: Open year-round. Intermittent sections from Stillwater Pond NONEWAUG RIVER, Woodbury (T BK BN) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. NAUGATUCK RIVER (East Branch), to Route 4. • Methods: Fly fishing only in lower half Torrington (T BK BN) Intermittent sections from Old Town Farm Road to Route 47. of section, as posted. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) • Trout: Catch and Release Only. From Newfield Road downstream to NECK RIVER, Madison (T) the confluence with the West Branch Naugatuck: Intermittent sections from Bradley Cor- NORTHFIELD BROOK, Litchfield- ners Road downstream to I-95. MORGAN BROOK, Barkhamsted (T BN) • Trout: 9" minimum length. Thomaston (T) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Intermittent sections accessible from From Northfield Cutlery Pond to North- Route 44 (downstream of Route 44 in field Flood Control Dam. American Legion State Forest) to the West Branch-Farmington River. NAUGATUCK RIVER (Mainstem), Torrington- Litchfield-Harwinton-Thomaston- WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) TM Watertown-Waterbury-Naugatuck- Entire stream: Beacon Falls-Seymour-Derby (T) • Trout: 9" minimum length. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. From the confluence of the East and West The Branches in Torrington to the Thomaston Flood Control Dam. Intermittent sections from Thomaston to Waterbury. Platts Mill Trophy Striped Bass MORRISSEY BROOK Road and Route 8 overpass area in Water- (NAROMIYOCKNOWHUSUNKATANKSHUNK bury, through the Naugatuck State Forest BROOK), New Milford-Sherman (T BK BN) to the Route 42 bridge (Pines Bridge CHARTERS Your source for Intermittent sections from Route 39 to Road) in Beacon Falls. Cedar Hill Road, New Milford. TROPHY TROUT STREAM Captain Bruce’s proven deadly From the confluence of the East and West “Otter Tubes” & “Otter Tails” Branches to Route 118 (Harwinton-Litch- MOUNT HOPE RIVER, Ashford-Mansfield (T) field) & from the Thomaston Dam to the Intermittent sections from Route 44 to Kinneytown Dam (Seymour): Mansfield Hollow Reservoir. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 • Thermal refuges: Areas within 100 feet of signs indicating such closure posted by DEEP at or near the mouths MOUNT MISERY BROOK, Voluntown (T) of tributaries are closed to all fishing Intermittent sections from Hell Hollow from June 15 to September 15. Road to the Pachaug River. BROODSTOCK SALMON AREAS (SEE PAGE 28 FOR DETAILS) From Route 118 (Litchfield/Harwinton) to MUDDY RIVER, North Haven-Wallingford (T) the Thomaston Dam & from Prospect Street Intermittent sections from Northford (Naugatuck) downstream to Pines Bridge Road below McKenzie Reservoir (Wall- Road (Route 42 bridge, Beacon Falls): ingford), along Tyler Mill Road, Route 150, • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. to Spring Street, North Haven. • Methods (all species): From October 1 Wire Line, We through March 31, single fly or lure with No Make F un! a single free-swinging hook only. Addi- ishing More F tional weight may not be added to the line. MYRON KINNEY BROOK, Voluntown (T BK) Anglers are reminded that the season is Within Pachaug State Forest to Glasgo closed from March 1 to 6:00 a.m. on Pond. the 2nd Saturday in April for all species Call 860.235.6095 or visit our website except broodstock Atlantic salmon (see Trout Management Area below for year- CaptainBruceSportﬁ shing.com round catch-and-release fishing for trout).

www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 49 Rivers & Streams

NORWALK RIVER (includes Factory PEQUONNOCK RIVER (includes Tungsten QUANDUCK BROOK, Killingly-Sterling (T BN) ROARING BROOK, Stafford-Willington (T BN) and Millers Ponds), Ridgefield- Mine Park Pond), Bridgeport-Trumbull (T) Intermittent sections from Rhode Island Intermittent sections through Nipmuck Redding-Wilton-Norwalk (T BN) Intermittent sections from West Pequon- to Moosup River. State Forest to the Willimantic River. Intermittent sections from Haviland nock Reservoir (Monroe) along Route 25, WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) Road (Ridgefield) to Riverside Avenue then through Old Mine Municipal Park, From Route 190 (Stafford) to Willimantic (Norwalk). Pequonnock Valley Wildlife Area, Twin QUINEBAUG RIVER, River (Willington): Brooks Municipal Park, Unity Munici- WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) Thompson to Norwich (T SMB S CB WP) • Trout: 9" minimum length. pal Park, and Beardsley State Park in Entire stream in Wilton and Ridgefield • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Bridgeport. Intermittent sections from the Massachu- upstream of Wolf Pit Road: setts line to the Shetucket River. • Trout: 9" minimum length. TROPHY TROUT STREAM • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. In Trumbull, from the Whitney Avenue SAFSTROM BROOK, East Hampton bridge through Trumbull Basin State Park to the Daniels Farm Road bridge: QUINNIPIAC RIVER, Southington- No longer stocked by DEEP. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 Cheshire-Meriden-Wallingford (T BN) • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream OIL MILL BROOK, Waterford- of Tartia Road. East Lyme (BK BN) From ¼ mile below Cheshire Road, Cheshire to Route 150, Wallingford. SEA RUN TROUT STREAM Downstream of I-95 bridge: PINE BROOK, East Hampton-Haddam WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) SALMON BROOK, Glastonbury (BK BN) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum No longer stocked by DEEP. Entire river in Southington, and in length. • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream Cheshire upstream from Cheshire Street. Intermittent sections from headwaters to of Sexton Road. • Season: Open year-round. Keeney Cove. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 2) • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- Entire brook in Glastonbury downstream OXOBOXO BROOK, Montville (T) cial lures and flies only. of Addison Pond: Intermittent sections from Oxoboxo Lake PODUNK RIVER, South Windsor (T) • Trout: Catch and Release Only. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum downstream to Route 32. Intermittent sections from Ellington Road LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed length. to Route 5. season • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. North Haven-New Haven; Downstream PACHAUG RIVER, Griswold-Voluntown (T) from Route 5 bridge in North Haven to POMPERAUG RIVER, Southbury-Woodbury (T) junction with New Haven Harbor. Intermittent sections from Beach Pond SALMON BROOK (East Branch) and • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" Minimum to the Quinebaug River. The demarca- Intermittent sections from the junction of SALMON BROOK (Mainstem), length. tion line between the Pachaug River and the Nonewaug and Weekeepeemee Riv- Granby-East Granby (T BK BN) Beachdale Pond is the west side of the ers near Route 47 in Woodbury to ¼ mile bridge on Route 49. below Route 172 in Southbury. H From East Street below the gorge in TROPHY TROUT STREAM RACE BROOK, Woodbridge-Orange (T) North Granby, along Route 189, crossing Entire river in Woodbury and Southbury From Route 114 (Woodbridge) to Lambert Routes 202 and 20, and through Gran- PARMALEE BROOK, Durham (T) (from near Route 47 to the confluence Road (Orange). brook Town Park to the Farmington River. with Lake Zoar): Intermittent sections from Route 17 • Trout: 9" minimum length-entire river • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. downstream to the Coginchaug River. from Massachusetts border down- RAYMOND BROOK, Hebron (T) stream to the Farmington River. Intermittent sections from Route 207 to WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) POND BROOK, Newtown (T) PATTACONK BROOK, Chester (T) Jeremy River. From Route 20 (Granby) to confluence Intermittent sections along Route 148. Intermittent sections from Routes 6 and • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream with Farmington River (East Granby). 25 to Hanover Road just above Lake of Old Colchester Road. • Trout: 9" minimum length. Lillinonah. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. PEASE BROOK, Lebanon-Franklin (T BN BK) RESERVOIR BROOK, Portland (T) WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) PONSET BROOK, Haddam (T) SALMON BROOK (West Branch), In Pease Brook Wildlife Management Area: Intermittent sections from Portland Res- Hartland-Granby (T BK BN) • Trout: 9" minimum length. Intermittent sections from Route 9 down- ervoir to Connecticut River. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. stream to Higganum Reservoir. From the Granby-Hartland line, along Route 20 through Simsbury Road. Then RIPPOWAM RIVER, Stamford (T) Salmon Brook Municipal Park and Route 10, below McCleans Game Refuge. PENDLETON HILL BROOK, POOTATUCK RIVER, Newtown (T BK BN) Intermittent sections from ¼ mile • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream North Stonington (T) Intermittent sections from Route 25 to upstream of Route 137 to Cold Spring of Route 179 (Hartland) to confluence Intermittent sections along Route 49 Turkey Hill Road, and from Sandy Hook Road near downtown Stamford. with East Branch. downstream to the Green Falls River. through Rocky Glenn State Park to Wal- nut Tree Hill Road, just above Lake Zoar.

DEEP BROOK WILD TROUT ROARING BROOK, Glastonbury (T BK BN) SALMON RIVER, Colchester-East PEQUABUCK RIVER, MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) Intermittent sections from Route 94 to Haddam-East Hampton-Haddam (T) Plymouth-Bristol-Plainville (T BN) Approximately 1 mile (as posted) of Connecticut River. Pootatuck River, ½ mile upstream and C Through Rockwell Municipal Park in Bris- HP ½ mile downstream of confluence with ERIC C. SCHLUNTZ WILD TROUT Intermittent sections from the junction of tol downstream to Route 177 in Plainville. Deep Brook. MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) the Blackledge and Jeremy Rivers to the • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream • Season: Open year-round. From Route 94 to Connecticut River: Leesville Dam. of Canal Street in Plymouth. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Trout: 9" minimum length. • Trout: 9" Minimum length-entire river TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. downstream to the Route 151 Bridge. From King Street (Routes 229 and 72) in cial lures and flies only. TROPHY TROUT STREAM Bristol to Route 177 in Plainville. Includes • Trout: Catch and Release Only. Entire river in Colchester, East Haddam the section of Coppermine Brook from the ROARING BROOK, Haddam (BK) and East Hampton: confluence with the Pequabuck River to Intermittent sections along Ruth Hill Road. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. Artisan Street. POQUETANUCK BROOK, Preston (T) • Season: Open year-round. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Intermittent sections from Hallville Pond • Trout: Catch and Release Only. to Poquetanuck Cove. ROARING BROOK, Lyme (T) Along Route 82.

50 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Statewide regulations for seasons, legal methods, and limits (page 21) apply unless a site-specific regulation is listed for a water body. Rivers & streams open season is from 6:00 am on the 2nd Saturday in April to the last day of February unless otherwise stated.

EXCEPT IN: SAUGATUCK RIVER (West Branch), • Thermal refuges: Open year-round SNAKE MEADOW BROOK, Weston-Westport (T) except in areas within 100 feet of Plainfield-Sterling (T) TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA signs indicating such closure posted From confluence of Blackledge and Intermittent sections from intersection Intermittent sections from its source to by DEEP at or near the mouths of tribu- Jeremy Rivers downstream to Route 16 of Routes 53 and 57 (north of Weston the Moosup River. taries that are closed to all fishing from bridge: Center) to the Saugatuck River. June 15 to September 15. • Season: Open year-round. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. BROODSTOCK SALMON AREA SPRAIN BROOK, Woodbury (T BN) • Methods: Fly fishing only in midsection SAWMILL BROOK, Sherman (T BK BN) (SEE PAGE 28 FOR DETAILS) of area, as posted. From the Scotland Dam (Scotland) down- Intermittent sections from Painter Hill • Trout: From the intersection of Routes 39 and 37 stream to the Occum Dam (Norwich): Road, Route 47 to Paper Mill Road. »»Catch and Release Only from in Sherman Center to Candlewood Lake. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. September 1 to 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd • Methods (all species): From October 1 Saturday in April. through March 31, single fly or lure with a STILL RIVER, »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length SCANTIC RIVER, single free-swinging hook only. Additional Winsted-Colebrook-Barkhamsted (T) from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April weight may not be added to the line. East Windsor-Enfield-Somers (T) Intermittent sections in Winsted and from to August 31. Anglers are reminded that the season Intermittent sections from Massachusetts Sandy Brook to Farmington River. is closed from March 1 to 6:00 a.m. on LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS— state line to Connecticut River. • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream the 2nd Saturday in April for all species no closed season of confluence with the Mad River. except broodstock Atlantic salmon. Downstream of Route 151 Bridge to junction with Connecticut River. SETH WILLIAMS BROOK, Ledyard (BK) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum STILL RIVER, Eastford-Woodstock (T) length. Intermittent sections from headwaters to SHEWVILLE BROOK, Preston (T) Whitfords Brook. Intermittent sections from Route 171 to • Thermal refuge: Area within 100 feet Intermittent sections from Indiantown the Natchaug River. of signs indicating such closure posted Brook to Hallville Pond. by DEEP at or near the spring along at Sunrise Resort State Park is closed to SHEPAUG RIVER, Roxbury (T) all fishing from June 15 to September 15. STILL RIVER, Danbury (T) Intermittent sections along Route 67 from SHUNOCK RIVER, North Stonington (T BK BN) Hodge Park downstream to the Route From Eagle Street downstream through Intermittent sections from Hewitts Fly 67 bridge. the town linear park. SANDY BROOK, Pond to the Pawcatuck River. Barkhamsted-Colebrook-Norfolk (T) WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) Entire stream in North Stonington: Intermittent sections beginning ¼ mile SHETUCKET RIVER, STONY BROOK, Montville (T BK BN) from the Massachusetts line, along Route • Trout: 9" Minimum length. Windham to Norwich (T SMB NP S) WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) 183, through Algonquin State Forest to • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Entire stream in Montville: the confluence with the Still River above G • Trout: 9" Minimum length. Riverton. Intermittent sections from Willimantic to • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Trout: 9" minimum length- entire Greenville Dam. SILVERMINE RIVER (includes Blanchard and stream downstream from Massachu- Silvermine Ponds), New Canaan-Norwalk (T) setts state line. TROPHY TROUT STREAM From Route 106 in New Canaan to the Entire river in Windham, Scotland, STONY BROOK, Suffield (T) Sprague, and Norwich: Merritt Parkway. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. Intermittent sections from South Grand SAUGATUCK RIVER (includes Cobbs Mill Pond), Street to Guild Pond, includes the lower Danbury-Redding-Weston-Westport (T) 1/2 mile of Muddy Brook. SKUNGAMAUG RIVER, Coventry-Tolland (T) Intermittent sections from Route 7 in Intermittent sections from Route 74 to Danbury through West Redding along Hop River. Route 53 to the Mark Twain Library Dam (1 mile above Saugatuck Reservoir). Then intermittent sections from 100 feet below the Saugatuck Reservoir Dam tailrace (as posted) through Lyons Plain to Dorr’s Mill Available at the online DEEP Store Dam and ending at the Merritt Parkway. WILLIAM “DOC" SKERLICK TROUT A PICTORIAL GUIDE TO FRESHWATER MANAGEMENT AREA In Westport from Dorr’s Mill Dam to the FISHES OF CONNECTICUT Merritt Parkway: • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. This 242-page guide to the fishes of Connecticut is the first to present multiple, • Methods: Fly fishing only. high resolution, full-color photos of most New England and all Connecticut fresh- • Season: Open year-round. water fish species. With detailed information for each species on identification, • Trout: distribution, size, abundance, habits, how to observe and catch them, how to »»Catch and Release Only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd keep them in aquariums, and what’s unique about them, this easy to read book Saturday in April. will appeal not only to anglers, nature lovers and teachers, but also to scientists »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length and the general public alike. from 6:00 a.m. on 2nd Saturday in April to August 31. • Over 240 full-color photos SEA RUN TROUT STREAM • 82 fish species Softcover, Tidal area downstream of Wood Dam • Detailed fish distribution maps (Westport): 8x10 inches, • Season: Open year-round. • Taxonomic key to fish families and species • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum 242 pages length. • Sections on: observing fish, snorkeling, catching fish, keeping fish in aquariums $19.95 DEEP Store Price does not include 6.35% CT sales tax and mail/phone order 860-424-3555 shipping/handling charges. www.ct.gov/deep

www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 51 Rivers & Streams

Statewide regulations for seasons, legal methods, and limits (page 21) apply unless a site-specific regulation is listed for a water body.

STRATTON BROOK, Simsbury (T) TENMILE RIVER, Cheshire (T) WEEKEEPEEMEE RIVER, Woodbury (T BK BN) COLE WILDE TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA P C From Route 70 (Cheshire) to Route 322 Intermittent sections from Route 132, In Tolland and Willington from mouth of in Milldale. Peter Road to the confluence with the Roaring Brook downstream to Route 74 Stratton Brook State Park through Mas- Nonewaug River. bridge: sacoe State Forest. • Season: Open year-round. TROUT PARK • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. TENMILE RIVER, Lebanon-Columbia (T) Within Stratton Brook State Park: • Methods: Fly fishing only. WEPAWAUG RIVER (includes Clarktown Pond), • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. Intermittent sections from Route 87 to the • Trout: Catch and Release Only. Orange-Milford (T) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Willimantic River. Intermittent sections from Route 34, along Grassy Hill Road to ½ mile above I-95. WILLOW BROOK, Cheshire (T BK BN) SUGAR BROOK, Plainfield (BK) TENMILE RIVER, Sherman-Kent (T SMB) Along the bike path beginning at Lock Within Sugar Brook Wildlife Manage- BULL’S BRIDGE TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA / 12 at Route 42 downstream to Mount WEST RIVER, Guilford (T) ment Area. BASS MANAGEMENT AREA Sanford Road. From the New York line to confluence with Intermittent sections from Quonnipaug the Housatonic River: Lake to Route 1. • Season: Open year-round. WOOD RIVER, Voluntown (T) SUMNER BROOK, Middletown (T BK) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Intermittent sections from Millbrook Road • Trout: Catch and Release Only. Intermittent sections from Porter Pond WHETSTONE BROOK, Killingly (T) downstream to Route 155. • Large & smallmouth bass: Catch and to Hazard Pond. Release Only. Intermittent sections from East Killingly downstream to the Fivemile River.

SUSQUETONSCUT BROOK, WYASSUP BROOK, North Stonington (BK) Bozrah-Lebanon (T) THAMES RIVER, Norwich to New London (WP YP) Intermittent sections from Wyassup Lake WHITFORD BROOK, Intermittent sections from Route 207 to LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed season downstream to Spalding Pond. Groton-Ledyard-Stonington (T) the Yantic River. Downstream from Greenville Dam, includes coves. Intermittent sections from Long Pond to • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum the Mystic River. YANTIC RIVER, Bozrah-Norwich (T) length. TANKERHOOSEN RIVER, Vernon (T BK BN) SEA RUN TROUT STREAM Intermittent sections from Camp Moween Downstream of Route 184 bridge: Intermittent sections from Valley Falls Road to Thames River. • Season: Open year-round. Road to Hockanum River. TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA WACHOCASTINOOK (RIGA) BROOK, • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum From Barstow Road (Lebanon) down- BELDING -TANKERHOOSEN WILD TROUT Salisbury (BK BN) length. MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) stream to bridge crossing at intersection WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) The river and its tributaries (as posted) of Fitchville and Schwartz Roads: Downstream of South Pond within Mt. within Belding WMA and the Tanker- • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Riga Corporation property as posted: WHITING RIVER, North Canaan (T) hoosen WMA: • Methods: Fly fishing only in sections • Season: Open year-round. • Season: Open year-round. Intermittent sections from the Massa- at the upper and lower boundaries of • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. chusetts state line to confluence with TMA, as posted. • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- Blackberry River. • Season: Open year-round. cial lures and flies only. cial lures and flies only. • Trout: • Trout: Catch and Release Only. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. »»Catch and Release Only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd WILLIMANTIC RIVER, Stafford to Windham (T) Saturday in April. WAPPOQUIA BROOK (Quaker Meeting »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length TAYLOR BROOK, Woodstock (T) C House Brook), Pomfret (BK) Intermittent sections from Stafford Springs from 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd Saturday in Intermittent sections from County Road April–August 31. Intermittent sections from Route 97 to confluence with Natchaug River. downstream to Mill Brook. downstream to Mashomoquet Brook. LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed season Downstream from just below the falls at Indian leap in Norwich. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length.

Use your state income tax refund to help save Connecticut’s wildlife and plants. Their future is on the line — the “Endangered Species/Wildlife” Fund line on your tax return. Just check the box to make a donation and show your support. Your gift may be deductible from next year’s federal income tax. Please consult your tax advisor or the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about whether you qualify for such a deduction.

$AVE END ANGERED SPECIES AREAS

TURAL NA

ON YOUR WILDLIFE

TAX CHECK-OFF CT

STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TAXES! ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

52 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide MARINE FISHING

SALTWATER FISHING RESOURCE MAP

This online map shows the locations of points of interest related to saltwater fishing, including sporting licensing agents, bait and tackle shops, enhanced opportunity shore fishing sites, car top boat launches with Long Island Sound access, trailered boat launches with Long Island Sound access and party/charter boat locations. For information about these points of interest, go to www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishingresourcemap.

ANGLERS PLEASE NOTE New York, Rhode Island, Maine and Massachusetts also have marine license requirements. Though Connecticut has reciprocity with these neighboring states, residents of Connecticut are required to have a CT Resident Marine Waters Sport Fishing License to fish in the Marine District.

www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishing Please support Natural Resource Conservation 53 Marine/Inland Demarcation

DEMARCATION BETWEEN MARINE AND INLAND DISTRICT A marine sport fishing license is required downstream of locations listed below or in areas designated as being entirely in the Marine District. Unless indicated below, the demarcation line is the first bridge upstream from the river mouth or cove. • Alewife Cove: New London-Waterford. • Menunketesuck River: Westbrook. Rte. 1. • Quinnipiac River: New Haven. Rte. 17. Entirely in Marine District. • Mianus River: Greenwich. • Sasco Brook: Westport. • Beebe Cove: Groton. Dam north of Boston Post Road. Buckley’s Mill Dam, above Rte. 1. Entirely in Marine District. • Mill River: Fairfield. Dam at Harbor Road. • Saugatuck River: Westport. Kings • Blackhall River: Old Lyme. Rte. 156. • Mill River: New Haven. Highway. • Branford River: Branford. Tide gates at State Street. • Shaws Cove: New London. Montowese Street. • Mumford Cove: Groton. Entirely in Marine District. • Bride Brook: East Lyme. Entirely in Marine District. • Stonington Harbor, Lambert Cove and First railroad crossing. • Mystic River: Stonington-Groton. Quanaduck Cove: Stonington. • Byram River: Greenwich. 500 ft. north of Rte. 1. 500 ft. north of Rte. 1. First railroad crossing. • Niantic River: East Lyme-Waterford. • Thames River: Groton-New London. • Clinton River: (Indian River) Golden Spur Bridge, Rte. 1. 500 ft. North of Rte. 1, I-95 bridge. Clinton. Rte. 1. • Norwalk River: Norwalk. Wall Street. • Tokeneke Brook: Darien. Old Farm Road. • Connecticut River: I-95 bridge. • Oyster River: Milford. Rte. 122. • Wequetequock River: Stonington. Old Lyme-Old Saybrook. • Palmer’s Cove: Groton. 500 ft. north of Rte. 1. • Duck River: Old Lyme. Entirely in Marine District. • West River: Guilford. Rte. 146. Entirely in Marine District. • Patchogue River: Westbrook. Rte. 1. • West River: West Haven. • East Creek: Guilford. • Pawcatuck River: Stonington. Tide gates at Orange Ave. (Rte. 1). The tide gates at Guilford dock. 500 ft. north of Rte. 1. • Housatonic River: Milford-Stratford. • Pequonnock River: Bridgeport. For a complete listing, consult section 26-108-1 of Merritt Parkway. North Avenue (Rte. 1). the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, and • Indian Harbor: Greenwich. • Poquonnock River: Groton. section 26-109 of the Connecticut General Statutes. First railroad crossing. 500 ft. north of Rte. 1. These can be found at www.ct.gov/deep/laws-regs. • Indian River: Milford.Rte. 122. • Pequot-Sepos Cove: Stonington. • Jordan Cove: Waterford. 500 ft. north of Rte. 1. For more information, go to First railroad crossing. • Quiambaug Cove: Stonington. • Lieutenant River: Old Lyme. Rte. 156. 500 ft. north of Rte. 1. www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishing

HOW TO CATCH FISH Contact your local bait and tackle shop for updated fishing information. See page 18 for a list of bait and tackle shops or go to www.ct.gov/deep/baitandtackle.

STRIPED BASS BLACK SEA BASS FLUKE SCUP

Habitat • Large rivers in spring and fall Habitat Habitat Habitat • Estuaries and bays in summer • Estuaries and Sound • Estuaries and bays • Estuaries and bays • Rock piles/reefs • Lower sections of rivers • Rock piles/reefs Fishing Method • Oyster and mussel beds • Hard bottom and channels • Oyster and mussel beds • Drifting with live bait • Pilings and jetties preferred • Pilings and jetties • Jigging and trolling • Bottom fishing with bait Fishing Method Fishing Method Fishing Method • Casting to fish • Anchored over structure, reefs • Drifting with bait • Anchored over structure/reefs • Bottom fishing • Jigging up and down • Bottom fishing Baits & Lures • Fishing with bait • Casting and slowly moving jig • Live or dead bait • Live bait, menhaden, eels, with bait shad and sand worms Baits & Lures Baits & Lures • All types of swimming lures, • Sand worms, conch, shrimp, Baits & Lures • Squid or conch strips, plastic and rubber baits mummichogs, silversides, • Live/dead bait (bunker, mum- sand worms, shrimp, mussels/clams and baited jigs michogs, shiners & silver- and mussels/clams or jigs with plastic/rubber sides), cut squid strips, baited bodies or trailer jigs and plastic baits

Looking for a place to fish, launch a boat, a bait and tackle shop or a party/charter vessel to go fishing on? Check out the Saltwater Fishing Resource Map at www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishingresourcemap

54 [email protected] |860-434-6043 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Shoreline Fishing in Coastal State Parks

During regular hours, a vehicle parking fee is required for out-of-state • Parking Fees* vehicles to enter most of the state parks. There is no parking fee for CT —— Weekdays: non-resident—$10.00 registered vehicles. Parking fees are collected from 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. on —— Weekend/Holiday: non-resident—$15.00 weekends and holidays, and 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. during the week except —— After 4pm any day: non-resident— $7.00 at state parks marked with an asterisk. Late day fees (4 p.m.–6:30 p.m. any day) for Harkness, Hammonasset, Rocky Neck and Sherwood Island ROCKY NECK STATE PARK, EAST LYME are $7 for non-residents. For more information please see the coastal Fishing is allowed on the jetty year round. The entire beach and jetty state parks website: www.ct.gov/deep/stateparks. is open to fishing during the off-season. Jetty located on right side of beach. Please note: When no night rangers are on staff and on major * Parking Fees subject to change. Camping holiday weekends, no vehicles are permitted in park for night fishing. • Fish to be caught: Tautog, winter flounder, bluefish, striped bass, NIGHT FISHING RULES scup (porgy), blue crab, striped sea robin and black sea bass can be Anglers entering a park by vehicle must obtain a vehicle permit in order caught off the jetty. Crabbing is allowed at designated areas. to park and fish. No vehicle will be admitted into the day-use area of • Directions: I-95, Exit 72 to Route 156. Telephone: 860-739-5471. the park from 6:30 a.m.–8 a.m. Individuals entering the park without • Parking Fees* a vehicle do not require a permit, but must possess fishing tackle (rod —— Weekdays: non-resident—$15.00 & reel, bait, light, etc.) and engage in fishing. —— Weekend/Holiday: non-resident—$22.00 BLUFF POINT STATE PARK & COASTAL RESERVE, GROTON SHERWOOD ISLAND STATE PARK, WESTPORT Fishing is allowed 24 hrs. Fishing is allowed at Sherwood Point, East and West Jetty during the • Fish to be caught: Winter flounder and snapper bluefish can be caught open season (April 15–Sept. 30). The entire beach is open to fishing at Poquonnock Cove. Bluefish, striped bass, hickory shad, summer during the off-season from 8 a.m. to sunset only. flounder, little tunny, blue crab, striped sea robin and tautog can be • Fish to be caught: Tautog, bluefish, scup, summer flounder, winter caught from the beach. flounder, blue crab, striped sea robin and striped bass can be caught • Directions: I-95, Exit 88 to Route 117 south, right onto Route 1, left off Sherwood Point. onto Depot Road. Follow to end. • Directions: I-95, Exit 18. Telephone: 203-226-6983. • Parking Fees: None. • Parking Fees* —— Weekdays: non-resident—$15.00 FORT TRUMBULL STATE PARK, NEW LONDON —— Weekend/Holiday: non-resident—$22.00 Fishing access (handicapped accessible), 24 hour pedestrian access from Riverfront Walk to Fishing Pier on the Thames River. SILVER SANDS STATE PARK • Fish to be caught: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, hickory AFTER HOURS FISHING PARKING/CHARLES ISLAND, MILFORD shad, scup, tautog, winter flounder, weakfish, blue crab, striped sea Fishing is open throughout the area including the sand spit which extends robin and black sea bass. about a mile from the mainland to Charles Island. Caution is advised • Directions: I-95N, Exit 83 (Huntington Street). I-95S, Exit 84. when fishing or walking the Tombolo (sand bar). Swift tidal currents • Parking Fees: None. Telephone: 860-444-7591. during a flood tide can make passage dangerous and persons unfamiliar with the area may be stranded on Charles Island until low tide. FERRY LANDING STATE PARK, OLD LYME • Fish to be caught: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, hickory Fishing access (handicapped accessible) consists of a fenced bulkhead area shad, blue crab, striped sea robin and weakfish. and a fishing/crabbing boardwalk. Parking is available inside the park after • Directions: I-95, Exit 35. Follow Schoolhouse Road south to Route 1 hours for fishing/crabbing only. (Bridgeport Avenue). Turn left onto Route 1 then right at first light • Fish to be caught: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, catfish, (Silver Sands Park Way). Follow Park Way and turn left at next light American eel, hickory shad, blue crab, striped sea robin and white perch. (Meadowside Road). Follow Meadowside 0.7 mile and turn right at • Directions: I-95, Exit 70 to Route 156. After ¼ mile make a right onto Robert Treat Parkway which then becomes Surf Avenue. Follow Surf Ferry Road. Follow to end. Telephone: 860-434-6043. Avenue to end at East Broadway and turn right. The After Hours • Parking Fees: None. Fishing Parking Lot is at the end of East Broadway. • Hiking the Tombola (Sand Bar) while it is covered in water is prohibited. HAMMONASSET BEACH STATE PARK, MADISON • Parking Fees: None. Fishing is allowed only at the Meigs Point Jetty (south end) and at West Beach Jetty during the peak season from 8 a.m. to sunset. Night fishing is permitted along the entire beach (2 miles). The entire beach (2 miles) is not open to night fishing during the off-season (October–May). SHORELINE FISHING • Fish to be caught: Tautog, winter flounder, bluefish, summer flounder, scup, weakfish, striped bass, blue crab, striped sea robin and black sea bass. & PROPERTY RIGHTS • Directions: I-95, Exit 62. Telephone: 203-245-2785. • Parking Fees* CT Coastal Management Program —— Weekdays: non-resident—$15.00 Connecticut’s intertidal shore belongs to the people. Under the —— Weekend/Holiday: non-resident—$22.00 common law public trust doctrine, the public may freely use land and waters waterward of the mean high water line to fish. The public HARKNESS MEMORIAL STATE PARK, WATERFORD trust area includes beaches, rocky shores and open waters along Fishing is allowed along the beach. No swimming allowed. tidal and navigable waters. Fishing in the public trust area is not • Fish to be caught: Tautog, bluefish, striped bass and scup (porgy) trespassing; the DEEP encourages anglers to enjoy their rights to use can be caught off the rocky point, blue crab, striped sea robin and summer flounder off the beach. the public trust lands for fishing. However, anglers should also respect • Directions: I-95, Exit 75. Take Route 1 North to Avery Lane on the rights of adjacent landowners by not crossing private property right. Follow Avery Lane to Route 213. Follow Route 213 to the park. without permission and by leaving the shoreline clean and litter free. Telephone: 860-443-5725. www.ct.gov/deep/fishing Please support Natural Resource Conservation 55 Enhanced Fishing Opportunities

APPENDIX A: Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Scan the code for more information or Program Access Sites visit www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishing Learn more by selecting any site below from the drop-down list on www.lisrc.uconn.edu/coastalaccess. Also see Marine Regula- tions on page 58. ENHANCED OPPORTUNITY LOOK FOR THIS SIGN! SITE CITY SHORE FISHING PROGRAM FAIRFIELD COUNTY This Marine Fisheries program is part of a broader Pleasure Beach Family Fishing Pier Bridgeport Department effort to improve the quality of access and Saint Mary's by the Sea Bridgeport fishing to our Public Trust marine fisheries resources in CT, especially in urban areas. This unique program Seaside Park Bridgeport relies on reduced size limit regulations to allow anglers Ash Creek Open Space Fairfield young and old alike the opportunity to experience Jennings Beach Fairfield the joy and relaxation of outdoor recreation and the Penfield Beach Fairfield satisfaction of catching their own dinner. At the same Penfield Reef Fairfield time, the design of this program assures that marine fish conservation objectives continue to be met. Calf Pasture Beach Norwalk Appendix A. Public Shore Fishing Access Sites Maritime Aquarium Park Norwalk where Summer Flounder/Fluke (17 inch min. length) and Scup (8 inch min. length) may Bond's Dock Stratford be taken at a smaller length limit. Please see page 58 for a complete list of marine recreational Long Beach Stratford fishing regulations including creel limit and open seasons. Point-No-Point Stratford BONUS STRIPER FISHING PROGRAM Russian Beach Stratford www.ct.gov/deep/BonusStripedBass Short Beach Park Stratford From May 1st to December 31st 2018 inclusive, striped bass at least 22 inches but less Sherwood Island State Park Westport than 28 inches total length may be possessed provided the angler: MIDDLESEX COUNTY 1. Immediately upon retention of such fish, permanently secures a tag (see image below) through the mouth of the striped bass. Bonus striped bass tags can be obtained at South Cove Causeway Old Saybrook CT DEEP offices or through CT DEEP Marine Fisheries Angler Survey staff and Saybrook Point Old Saybrook other designated locations. See www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishing for updated information. NEW HAVEN COUNTY 2. Ensures that the bonus striped bass tag remains on the fish until such fish is taken Branford Point Branford home or to another location where the fish is to be consumed. Chaffinch Island Park Guilford 3. Uses the Bonus Striped Bass Reporting Card that was provided with your fish tag to record the date of capture, length of the fish and your Conservation ID. Hammonasset Beach State Park Madison 4. Returns the reporting card within 48 hours of harvesting the bonus striped bass. Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center Milford 5. Harvests only ONE bonus striped bass per day regardless of the number of tags the Gulf Beach Milford angler possess. Silver Sands State Park Milford 6. Understands that the tags are valid only in Connecticut State Waters. Criscuolo Park New Haven FOR 2018… 1 Tag per Angler available at DEEP Offices Fort Nathan Hale Park New Haven Your cooperation is critical in the success of this program and its continuation. Please Tomlinson Bridge Fishing Pier New Haven participate in marine fisheries management and return the reporting cards. Thank you. Bradley Point Park West Haven Sandy Point West Haven Sandy Point Bird Sanctuary West Haven NEW LONDON COUNTY Cini Memorial Park East Lyme Hole-in-the-Wall Beach East Lyme McCook Park East Lyme Rocky Neck State Park East Lyme Bluff Point State Park and Reserve Groton Eastern Point Beach Groton UCONN-Avery Point Groton City Pier and Waterfront Park New London Fort Trumbull State Park New London DEEP Marine Headquarters—Ferry Landing Park Old Lyme SAMPLE Mystic River Park Stonington Stonington Point Stonington not a valid card Stonington Town Dock Fishing Pier Stonington Harkness Memorial State Park Waterford Mago Point Park Waterford Waterford Beach Park Waterford

56 [email protected] |860-434-6043 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Marine Angler Surveys

CONNECTICUT MARINE ANGLER SURVEY MARINE VOLUNTEER ANGLER SURVEY PROGRAM The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection The Marine Fisheries Program is seeking marine recre- (DEEP), Marine Fisheries Program is conducting a survey ational anglers who will volunteer to participate in the of marine recreational anglers in order to collect fishing Connecticut Volunteer Angler Survey (VAS) Program. trip information and length measurements on kept and The VAS Program is designed to collect fishing trip and released fish. Anglers will be recruited by DEEP Marine catch information from marine recreational (hook and line) anglers who Fisheries staff to volunteer their fishing trip information and take length volunteer to record their angling activities via a logbook. VAS anglers measurements on fish caught for that particular fishing day. Post marked contribute valuable fisheries-specific information concerning striped daily catch cards will be distributed to anglers fishing from both shore, bass, fluke, bluefish, scup, tautog and other important finfish species used including Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Program Access Sites in monitoring and assessing fish populations inhabiting marine waters. (EOS) and boat launch sites along the Connecticut coastline. EOS locations Participants will have the choice of either filling out the traditional paper are areas that have less restrictive fishing regulations for summer flounder logbooks and mailing them back or by entering their data electronically and scup enabling anglers a better chance of bringing a fish home for by a computer web based application. In either case, paper logbooks will dinner. This fishing information will provide us with important individual still be sent out to each angler. angler trip and species catch data needed to effectively monitor and Both the VAS paper logbook and the computer electronic version are easy assess the marine recreational fishery and ultimately provide the most to enter. Each participating angler is assigned a personal code number for fishing opportunity possible. Participating anglers will be provided a confidentiality. The paper logbook instructions are located on the inside waterproof daily catch card, pencil, and measuring tape for recording cover and the electronic version will have a specified menu with assisted this important fisheries data. Anglers will be encouraged to drop post help information. Upon completion of the paper logbook, tape the pre-postage marked catch cards in the mail, or paid logbook and drop it in the mail. All paper logbooks are returned to at designated drop-off boxes (see each angler for their own personal records upon data entry. Anglers that www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishing) and participate are also provided with updated program results and public hear- CTDEEP Marine Fisheries Survey ing notices concerning recreational fishery management regulations. staff upon trip completion. Supporting Conservation by participating is critical in managing your Marine Fishery Resources Please contact: Fishing is Family Fun... David R. Molnar Give it a Try! [email protected] • 860-434-6043 CT Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Marine Fisheries Program P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371

MARINE DEFINITIONS CLOSED SEASON (SALTWATER) The period of time during which no person shall take, possess or land a particular species taken by sportfishing methods, regardless of where taken. Any species taken to the contrary must be returned immediately, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which it was taken. • Anglers cannot be in possession of fish legally taken in another state when on the waters or shores of Connecticut during a closed season for that species in Connecticut. DAILY CREEL LIMIT The number of fish of a species or species group that can be retained by an individual angler during the period from 12:01 a.m. to midnight. Any species taken to the contrary must be returned immediately, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which it was taken. “CULLING” OR “HIGH-GRADING” means discarding or returning a previously retained fish to the water in order to retain a more desirable fish. Any fish placed on a stringer, in a container, cooler, live well or similar device, or otherwise not immediately released to the water shall count against the daily creel limit. “Culling” or “High-Grading” is prohibited in the Marine District! Marine Recreational Fishing Regulations Scan the code for more information or visit SPECIES, MINIMUM SIZES, DAILY LIMITS, & FISHING SEASONS www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishing Effective 2018: Species regulations are subject to change. For legal purposes, the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies must be consulted. Visit www.ct.gov/deep/laws-regs or contact Marine Fisheries (860-434-6043) for current regulations. Minimum length is measured from the tip of the snout Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Program: This Marine Fisheries Program is part of a broader Department effort to improve the quality of access and fishing to our Public Trust marine fisheries (head) to the end of the tail. resources in CT, especially in urban areas. This unique program relies on reduced size limit regulations to allow angler’s young and old alike the opportunity to experience the joy and relaxation of outdoor recreation and the satisfaction of catching their own dinner. At the same time, the design Spearfishing is an allowed of this program assures that marine fish conservation objectives continue to be met. recreational activity, subject to all sport fishing regulations. Red type signifies new regulations for 2018.

DAILY SPECIES NOTES MINIMUM CREEL LIMIT OPEN SEASON LENGTH (fish per angler) Alewife/ The taking of Alewife and Blueback Herring is prohibited. Blueback Herring Eel Pots limited to 2 pots per person, personal use only. American Eel Legal Methods: Angling, Snagging, Spearing, Eel Pot 9" 25 Year Round Silver eel harvest is prohibited. 6 American Shad All state waters closed except the Connecticut River. None (American and Hickory Year Round Shad in aggregate) Visit www.nero.noaa.gov/sustainable/recfishing/regs for updated federal Atlantic Cod 22" 10 Year Round regulations. Please see www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishing for updated fishing regulations. Black Sea Bass Length excludes the tendril (tail filament). Split bag; seewww.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishing for Party/Charter fishing regulations. 10 Bluefish None Year Round (including snapper bluefish) Visit www.nero.noaa.gov/sustainable/recfishing/regs for updated federal Haddock 18" None Year Round regulations. 6 Hickory Shad None (American and Hickory Year Round Shad in aggregate) 50 fish or 5 gallons (which- Menhaden None Year Round ever is the greater amount) Visit www.nero.noaa.gov/sustainable/recfishing/regs for updated federal Pollock 19" None Year Round regulations. No person shall possess any red drum greater than 27 inches measured from Red Drum the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. Any red drum greater than 27" shall, None None None without avoidable injury, be returned immediately to the water from which taken. See www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishing for Party/Charter fishing regulations. 9" 30 May 1 – December 31 Scup (Porgy) At Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Access Sites (see Appendix A on page 56) 8" 30 May 1 – December 31 Sea-Run Trout 2 15" Year Round (Brown, Brook, Rainbow) (all species in aggregate) Striped Bass No spearing or gaffing 28" 1 Year Round On the water, fillets must meet minimum length or be accompanied by a legal 19" 4 May 4 – September 30 Summer Flounder sized rack (carcass) (Fluke) At Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Access Sites (see Appendix A on page 56) 17" 4 May 4 – September 30 April 1 – April 30 16" 2 Tautog (Blackfish) and July 1 – August 31 16" 3 October 10 – November 28 Weakfish 16" 1 Year Round White Perch 7" 30 Year Round Winter Flounder 12" 2 April 1 – December 31 Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permit is required to take, possess, or land any shark species, other than smooth or spiny dogfish. To obtain an HMS Sharks/Tuna* permit see www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/aps/permits or call NMFS Customer Service at 888-872-8862 * Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Compliance Guide: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/Compliance_Guide/index.htm Striped bass may only be taken by angling (spearing is prohibited) and the use of a gaff in the taking of striped bass is prohibited. However, striped bass legally taken by spearing in another state may be landed in Connecticut. No person shall land or possess on the waters of this state or on any parcel of land, structure, or portion of a roadway abutting tidal waters of this state any striped bass from which the head or tail has been removed or which has otherwise been rendered unidentifiable as a striped bass or unable to be measured. Summer flounder filleting. If summer flounder are filleted onboard either: (1) each fillet is required to meet the minimum fish length, or (2) the carcass (rack) of the fish from which the fillet was removed has to be retained and the carcass has to meet the minimum length. This rule shall not be construed to prevent filleting of fish on shore or dockside.

58 [email protected] |860-434-6043 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Connecticut Saltwater Fish

Striped Summer Flounder Bass (Fluke)

Est. 1954 Hunt prime land in Barbour & Bullock Counties. Bluefish Winter Flounder • Highest deer density in Alabama. HOGS, Coyotes and bobcats no charge, no limit (with paid deer hunt). • 6,000 acre family-owned plantation. NO LEASED LAND. • 50 Food Plots with elevated shooting houses surrounded by pines and oak bottoms. • New cottages with private bedrooms and baths. First class lodge. All meals included.

Tautog Scup (Blackfish) (Porgy)

Black Weakfish Sea Bass Visit us at www.pa-ko.com To plan your hunt, call J. Paul Taylor at 877.539.5699

Atlantic Inshore Menhaden Lizardfish

176 B&C 5-Day, Fully Guided, Fair Chase Hunts with Lodging Atlantic Bonito American Eel start at only $1,700.00! Thousands of private acres. No trophy fees or hidden charges. YES YOU CAN! Little Tunny Striped (False Albacore) Sea Robin CALL TODAY: (305) 606-1611

www.randjoutﬁ tters.com Recreational Fishing—Bait Species, Blue Crab & Lobster

TAKING OF BAIT SPECIES GILLNETTING MENHADEN For personal use/not for sale: Recreational Personal Use Gillnet License Required ($100.00) License required in marine district. Legal Menhaden Capture Methods Net and traps which may be used to catch bait Use of a single gillnet, not more than 60 feet in species only (see species list below) length and 3 inch minimum mesh size. • Cast Nets. • Minnow Traps: no larger than 20" long by Prohibited 15" in diameter. The taking of any species other than menhaden. • Umbrella Nets: not more than 4 ft. in length Required by 4 ft. in width. • Annual Report of Catch • Scoop or Scap Nets: no larger than 36" in • See Personal Use Gillnet License Guidelines CT is a blue diameter. for a complete list of requirements. crab fishing • Seines: no longer than 30 feet in length. destination. • Up to two eel pots. Info • Hook & Line. • Call 860-434-6043, ask for the Personal Use • By hand. BLUE CRAB Menhaden Gillnet License Guidelines. • Or go to www.ct.gov/deep/fishing and search For personal use/not for sale: No license required. Species that may be taken using the gears listed for Personal Use License. Blue crab fact sheet: www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/ above • Or go to www.ct.gov/deep/MarineFishInfoCirc fishing/saltwater/blue_crab_fact_sheet.pdf. • Menhaden (see possession limit on page 58: Also see Gillnetting Menhaden SHELLFISH Legal Blue Crab Capture Methods: • Striped Killifish and Banded Killifish • Scoop Net, Hand Line, Dip Net, Trot Line For personal use/not for sale: Town Shellfishing • Atlantic Silverside • Star Crab Trap (or similar device) • Tidewater Silverside License required. • Circular Topless Trap (not exceeding 26" in • Mummichogs Species Include diameter) • Sea Herring (Atlantic Herring) • Mussels • Clams • Semi-Circular Cylindrical Trap (12" or less • Sand Lances (Sand Eels) • Oysters • Scallops in diameter) • American Eel (see possession limit on page 58) • Sea Lamprey Contact the town where you plan to harvest Open Season • Bay Anchovy shellfish for permit information, or the Depart- May 1–November 30. • Mullet Species ment of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture at Minimum Shell Width: (Spike Tip to Spike Tip) • Sheepshead Minnow 203-874-0696. email: [email protected]. • 5" hard shell crabs • Shrimp Species • 3½" soft shell crabs • Green, Fiddler, Asian Shore and Hermit Crabs LOBSTER Personal Use Lobster License Required ($60.00) Prohibited Legal Lobster Capture Methods: • Possession of uncooked blue crab meat with- SHARK SPECIES • Ten pots or less (pot tags required) out the body shell attached. • Skin Diving • Possession of more than 2 claws per body. YOU MAY • SCUBA Diving • Possession of egg bearing females. ENCOUNTER IN • Hand Capturing • Chesapeake-style crabs traps. Required COASTAL WATERS Required All devices must be attended at all times. • Annual Report of Catch OF CONNECTICUT • See Guidelines for Personal Use Lobster Fish- JONAH CRAB ing for a list of requirements. For personal use/not for sale: No license required. 50 crabs per day. Info • Call 860-434-6043, ask for the Guidelines for SQUID Personal Use Lobster Fishing in Connecticut. For personal use/not for sale: No license Sand Tiger Shark • Lobster Gauges can be purchased ($4) at required if taken using a squid jig. the Marine Fisheries office in Old Lyme or from DEEP Licensing at: 79 Elm Street, 1st Floor, Hartford, CT 06106-5127 Resources For Fishermen: 860-424-3105 Sandbar (Brown) Shark www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/management/ • Or go to www.ct.gov/deep/fishing and search recreational/resources_for_fishermen.html Protected and prohibited species must be for Personal Use License. released unharmed. For more information, • Or go to www.ct.gov/deep/MarineFishInfoCirc go to www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/ sharks/2008/Rec_shark_ID_placard.pdf For additional information, refer to the Marine IF YOU DON'T KNOW, Fisheries Information Circular by visiting the Reduce Catch and Release mortality www.ct.gov/deep/fishing or call the Marine LET IT GO! — please use circle hooks. Fisheries Division at: 860-434-6043.

60 [email protected] |860-434-6043 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Coastal Boat Launches

For other boat launches, see the 2018 CT Boaters DOCK ROAD, WATERFORD GREAT ISLAND, OLD LYME Guide (www.ct.gov/deep/boating) and the CT • Parking: 45 cars with trailers. • Parking: 35 cars with trailers. Coastal Access Guide (www.lisrc.uconn.edu/ • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. coastalaccess/index.asp). Call 860-424-3034 or • Conditions: Ramp is steep and narrow; • Conditions: Shallow at low tide. e-mail [email protected] for questions or Launching may be difficult during strong • Use: Heavy use on weekends. additional information. southwesterly winds. • Access: I-95, Exit 70. Rte.156 east, south to end of • Use: Moderate use on weekends. Smith Neck Road and Great Island Wildlife Area. • Access: I-95, Exit 74. Rte. 213, south on Gos- Scan the code hen Road, launch straight ahead. HOUSATONIC RIVER, MILFORD/DEVON to view the >> Closed due to bridge construction. << CT Boaters Guide: THAMES RIVER (KENNETH E. May re-open in the fall/winter of 2018. STREETER BOAT LAUNCH), GROTON • Parking: 25 cars with trailers. NIANTIC RIVER, WATERFORD • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Parking: 100 cars with trailers. BARN ISLAND, STONINGTON • Conditions: Launching may be difficult dur- • Toilets: Chemical, year round. • Parking: 60 cars with trailers. ing strong northwesterly winds. • Conditions: Large ramp with floating dock. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Use: Moderate use on weekends. • Use: Heavy use on weekends. • Conditions: Large ramp with floating dock. • Access: I-95 North, Exit 85, bear right onto • Access: I-95, Exit 74. ¼ mile northeast of • Use: Heavy use on weekends. Bridge Street, next right onto Fairview Ave- Rte. 156 bridge across Niantic River. • Access: I-95, Exit 91. South to N. Main Street nue, launch on left. to Rte. 1. Greenhaven Road to Palmer Neck SAUGATUCK RIVER, WESTPORT Road, follow to end. THAMES RIVER, NEW LONDON • Parking: 25 cars with trailers. • Parking: 50 cars with trailers. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. BAYBERRY LANE, GROTON • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Conditions: Shallow launching conditions • Parking: 30 cars with trailers. • Conditions: Good launching conditions. at low tide. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Use: Moderate use on weekends. • Use: Heavy use on weekends. • Conditions: Steep ramp, shallow at low tide. • Access: I-95 North, Exit 84, left onto Williams • Access: I-95, Exit 17 east side of river. Rte. 136 • Use: Heavy use on weekends. Street. Turn east onto State Pier Road, launch to Compo Road, first right to launch. • Access: I-95, Exit 87. Rte. 349 becomes at end, under I-95, Goldstar Bridge. Shennecossett Road, left onto Bayberry Lane. EAST RIVER, GUILFORD/MADISON BRANFORD RIVER, BRANFORD • Parking: 25 cars with trailers. • Parking: 50 cars with trailers. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Conditions: Concrete planks. • Conditions: Steep ramp, shallow at low tide. • Use: Moderate use on weekends. • Use: Low use. • Access: I-95, Exit 59. Located on east side of • Access: I-95, Exit 53. Rte. 142 left onto Stannard East River. Take Rte. 1 onto Neck Road and Avenue to Goodsell Point Road. follow to end. CONNECTICUT RIVER, OLD SAYBROOK FOUR MILE RIVER, SOUTH LYME • Parking: 75 cars with trailers. • Parking: 55 cars with trailers. • Toilets: Chemical, year round. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Conditions: Large ramp with floating dock. • Conditions: Shallow launching area; low • Use: Heavy use on weekends. railroad bridge clearance. • Access: Exit 1 off Rte. 9 North. End of ramp • Use: Low use. turn right. Located under Baldwin Bridge, • Access: I-95, Exit 71. Rte. 156, east on Oakridge Frank Barata with his trophy Little Tunny (I-95) off Ferry Road. Drive, first right to launch area. fishing from shore.

CONNECTICUT STATE WATERS BOUNDARY

Fishing Across State Boundary Lines Anglers are reminded that several states have areas of jurisdiction in Long Island Sound and fishing regulations can vary between these states. When on the waters or shores of each state, anglers must comply with all regulations of that state, regardless of the port they intend to return to. To be legal when crossing state boundary lines, anglers must abide by the most restrictive of the states’ regulations for each species. Latitude/Longitude coordinates depicting the Connecticut boundary line in Long Island Sound and Fishers Island Sound are available in the Marine Fisheries Information Circular which can be found on the DEEP web site: www.ct.gov/deep/fishing. The Information Circular can also be obtained by calling 860-434-6043 or email: [email protected]. Long Island Sound map is for general reference only. For detailed information, please refer to Navigational Charts. www.ct.gov/deep/statewatersboundary Select a link below to view a map for a specific section of the Sound. Section 1: Greenwich to Norton Heights (2.4 MB) www.ct.gov/deep/fishing Please support Natural ResourceSection 2:Conservation Norton Heights to Fairfield (2.4 MB) 61 Section 3: Fairfield to New Haven (2.3 MB) Section 4: New Haven to Falkner Island (2.3 MB) Section 5: Falkner Island to Connecticut River (2.2 MB) Section 6: Connecticut River to Thames River (2.5 MB) Section 7: Thames River to Mystic River (2.0 MB) Section 8: Mystic River to Pawcatuck River (2.4 MB) [Link to the coordinates posted in the Information Circular. ] State Record Marine Fish

Red type signifies a new record set in 2017. WEIGHT CATEGORY COMMON NAME LENGTH LOCATION CAUGHT ANGLER YEAR lbs. oz. CAUGHT Albacore 68 14 46.5" Atlantis Canyon John Dagon 2012 American Eel 5 3 39.5" West Haven Alyssa Zuppe 2017 Atlantic Bonito 11 8 29.5" Ocean Beach Mark Drummey 2017 Atlantic Cod 45 0 South of Block Island John Chomen 2004 Black Sea Bass 7 8 25" Six Mile Reef, Clinton Mike Lane 2005 Blackfish (Tautog) 26 9.6 34" Two Tree Islands Thien Nguyen 2015 Bluefin Tuna 770 0 Block Island Sound Lester Debetta 1990 Bluefish 24 13 Norwalk Islands Charles J. Toth 1979 Blue Marlin 449 6 Atlantis Canyon Jeffrey K. Eckert 2001 Blue Shark 361 0 Ranger Wreck Robert H. Oslen 1993 Clearnose Skate 9 8 37" Fort Nathan Hale Anthony Carpentino 2017 Conger Eel 7 4 Noank Maria Annunziata 1987 Cunner 3 4 Block Island Sound Wesley E. Sargent 1998 Hickory Shad 3 4 Niantic River, Niantic Richard Kozlowski 2003 Hogchoker 0 9 10.25" West Haven Albert Zuppe 2016 Little Tunny 16 13 37" Butterfish Hole Vincent Deledda 2011 Mako Shark 650 0 Block Island Sound Gregory J. Erisoty 1987 Oyster Toadfish 2 8 Millstone Discharge, Waterford Zach Naoumides 2007 Pollock 34 2 Block Island Sound Joe DeCosta 2000 Sandbar (Brown) Shark 118 7 Connecticut River, Old Saybrook Bruce Kelly 1995

STATE RECORDSTATE MARINE FISH Scup (Porgy) 4 2 19" Block Island Sound Marcelo Moutinho 2012 Sheepshead Porgy 10 11 Branford Reef Clyde Turner 1998 Smooth Dogfish 18 11 57" New Haven Breakwall Jennifer Zuppe 2017 Squid 14.25" mantle Stonington Christopher Sottile 2016 WORLD RECORD Striped Bass 81 15 54" Outer Southwest Reef Greg Myerson 2011 Striped Searobin 4 3 20" Housatonic River Howard Wolowitz 2012 Summer Flounder (Fluke) 14 11 31" Black Point, Niantic Tobey Sweet 2013 Thresher Shark 467 0 Montauk Point Mark Hiller 2006 White Perch 1 15 14" CT River Ferry Landing Rufino Vargas Jr. 2015 Winter Flounder 6 1 Millstone Point, Waterford Tom Kobas 1999 Weakfish 17 14 Fayerweather Island June Andrejko 1986 Winter Skate 17 6 Watch Hill, R.I. William F. Zanks 1995 Yellowfin Tuna 210 7 Block Canyon Charles J. Lobacz 1991 Atlantic Chub Mackerel 2 1 14" Montauk Shoal Brandon Collins 2016 Banded Rudderfish 1 1 12.6" Pleasure Beach, Jordan Cove Valinn Ranelli 2011 Black Drum 15 3 New Haven Breakwater Howard D. LaFrance 2001 Black Grouper 1 4 13.5" Millstone Outflow, Waterford Hugh Durham 2012 Cobia 18 0 East Haven Nicholas Carafeno 2008 Grey Snapper 5 15 25" Milestone Outflow Nelson Carey 2016 Gray Triggerfish 6 1.5 19" Pine Island, Groton Keith Mehmet 2016 Jack Crevalle 3 7.5 18.8" Millstone Outflow, Waterford Hugh Durham 2014 Ladyfish 3 8 23" Millstone Point, Waterford Nelson Carey 2014 Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish) 47 2 60" Fish Tales Canyon John Dagon 2016 Monkfish 42 0 40" Southside of Fisher's Island Craig Weagle 2016 Northern Kingfish 2 10 19.5" Silver Sands State Park Christopher Shea 2016

(Rare Species) (Rare Porbeagle Shark 191 0 75" Ryans' Horn Austin Urban 2013 Roughtail Stingray 86 15 88" Millstone Outflow, Waterford Kevin McCaffery 2014 EXOTIC MARINE SPECIES Scalloped Hammerhead Shark 235 0 Block Island Sound Richard Bonaccorsi 1992 Smooth Puffer 9 6 25.25" Sara's Ledge Wayne Schneider 2016 Spanish Mackerel 6 5 Branford Beacon Michael Audet 2003 Swordfish 359 0 Fish Tales Fred J. Malcarne 2004 Torpedo Ray 89 8 Misquamicut, R.I. Chuck Adams 2008 Wahoo 88 0 Fish Tales Mike Matrishon 2005 White Marlin 108 8 Block Canyon Frederick Iasiello 1988 BLUE CRAB Blue Crab 8.81" Oyster River Thomas Buonanni 2016

62 [email protected] |860-434-6043 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Angler’s Marketplace

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The most up-to-date regulations online. 2018 Tide Table—Saybrook Point

HIGH TIDE PREDICTIONS BETWEEN 6:00 a.m. AND 7:00 p.m. Anthony Carpentino (Adjusted for daylight savings time) — 41.2833 N, 72.3500 W holding his state record clearnose skate. m FULL MOON l NEW MOON JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC

1 9:17 a m 10:47 a 9:41 a m 11:56 a 12:19 p 1:30 p 1:51 p 2:44 p 3:28 p 3:57 p 5:59 p 5:43 p

2 10:09 a 11:39 a 10:30 a 12:43 p 1:06 p 2:17 p 2:36 p 3:25 p 4:22 p 5:06 p 6:35 a 6:16 a

3 11:03 a 12:31 p 11:18 a 1:30 p 1:53 p 3:06 p 3:22 p 4:09 p 5:27 p 6:16 p 7:33 a 7:08 a

4 11:58 a 1:22 p 12:07 p 2:18 p 2:42 p 3:57 p 4:08 p 5:00 p 6:33 p 6:49 a 7:24 a 7:55 a

5 12:53 p 2:14 p 12:55 p 3:08 p 3:33 p 4:50 p 4:57 p 5:57 p 7:02 a 7:46 a 8:11 a 8:38 a

6 1:48 p 3:10 p 1:45 p 4:02 p 4:29 p 5:43 p 5:47 p 6:22 a 7:59 a 8:38 a 8:55 a 9:21 a l

7 2:45 p 4:12 p 2:37 p 5:02 p 5:28 p 6:34 p 6:37 p 7:21 a 8:52 a 9:26 a 9:39 a l 10:04 a

8 3:46 p 5:17 p 3:35 p 6:06 p 6:26 p 6:46 a 6:55 a 8:16 a 9:42 a 10:13 a l 10:24 a 10:48 a

9 4:51 p 6:18 p 4:38 p 6:29 a 6:42 a 7:36 a 7:48 a 9:08 a 10:32 a l 11:00 a 11:10 a 11:33 a

10 5:54 p 6:44 a 5:43 p 7:26 a 7:33 a 8:22 a 8:38 a 9:59 a 11:23 a 11:48 a 11:57 a 12:20 p

11 6:23 a 7:33 a 7:10 a 8:15 a 8:19 a 9:07 a 9:28 a 10:51 a l 12:14 p 12:36 p 12:46 p 1:08 p

12 7:12 a 8:18 a 8:04 a 8:58 a 9:01 a 9:53 a 10:19 a l 11:45 a 1:05 p 1:25 p 1:37 p 1:57 p

13 7:57 a 8:59 a 8:50 a 9:38 a 9:42 a 10:42a l 11:12 a 12:40 p 1:57 p 2:16 p 2:31 p 2:47 p

14 8:39 a 9:39 a 9:33 a 10:17 a 10:24 a 11:33 a 12:07 p 1:34 p 2:50 p 3:10 p 3:29 p 3:42 p

15 9:20 a 10:19a l 10:12 a 10:56 a l 11:08 a l 12:27 p 1:03 p 2:28 p 3:45 p 4:08 p 4:29 p 4:38 p

16 10:01a l 10:57 a 10:50 a 11:37 a 11:56 a 1:23 p 2:00 p 3:23 p 4:45 p 5:10 p 5:27 p 5:33 p

17 10:42 a 11:35 a 11:28a l 12:20 p 12:47 p 2:20 p 2:56 p 4:21 p 5:48 p 6:13 p 6:05 a 6:10 a

18 11:22 a 12:13 p 12:06 p 1:06 p 1:40 p 3:19 p 3:54 p 5:22 p 6:25 a 6:50 a 6:51 a 6:53 a

19 12:02 p 12:51 p 12:46 p 1:56 p 2:36 p 4:20 p 4:54 p 6:23 p 7:23 a 7:41 a 7:31 a 7:34 a

20 12:41 p 1:32 p 1:27 p 2:49 p 3:36 p 5:23 p 5:56 p 6:55 a 8:12 a 8:26 a 8:09 a 8:13 a

21 1:20 p 2:19 p 2:12 p 3:48 p 4:39 p 6:25 p 6:22 a 7:51 a 8:56 a 9:06 a 8:45 a 8:54 a

22 2:01 p 3:15 p 3:01 p 4:53 p 5:46 p 6:50 a 7:23 a 8:39 a 9:36 a 9:43 a 9:21 a m 9:38 a m

23 2:47 p 4:20 p 3:58 p 6:02 p 6:12 a 7:48 a 8:16 a 9:22 a 10:15 a 10:19 a 10:01 a 10:27 a

24 3:43 p 5:29 p 5:04 p 6:33 a 7:15 a 8:38 a 9:02 a 10:03 a 10:53a m 10:54 a m 10:45 a 11:18 a

25 4:47 p 6:05 a 6:15 p 7:36 a 8:11 a 9:24 a 9:45 a 10:44 a 11:30 a 11:31 a 11:34 a 12:12 p

26 5:51 p 7:06 a 6:50 a 8:30 a 8:59 a 10:07 a 10:28 a 11:25 a m 12:07 p 12:10 p 12:27 p 1:08 p

27 6:25 a 8:00 a 7:52 a 9:19 a 9:44 a 10:50a m 11:10a m 12:06 p 12:44 p 12:54 p 1:24 p 2:06 p

28 7:20 a 8:51 a 8:47 a 10:05 a 10:28 a 11:34 a 11:54 a 12:45 p 1:24 p 1:43 p 2:24 p 3:07 p

29 8:12 a — 9:37 a 10:49 a m 11:12 a m 12:19 p 12:38 p 1:24 p 2:07 p 2:38 p 3:29 p 4:12 p

30 9:04 a — 10:24 a 11:34 a 11:57 a 1:05 p 1:21 p 2:02 p 2:58 p 3:40 p 4:37 p 5:19 p

31 9:56 a m — 11:10a m — 12:43 p — 2:03 p 2:42 p — 4:49 p — 6:21 p

TIDAL DIFFERENCES — Remember that weather conditions affect tidal range & current speeds, sometimes very strongly. Stonington Less 1 Hour, 43 Min. Duck Island Plus 7 Min. Bridgeport Plus 33 Min. Noank Less 1 Hour, 33 Min. Madison Plus 12 Min. Greenwich Plus 34 Min. Norwich Less 1 Hour, 25 Min. Falkner Island Plus 19 Min. Stamford Plus 38 Min. New London Less 1 Hour, 11 Min. Branford Harbor Plus 24 Min. Cos Cob Harbor Plus 38 Min. Millstone Pt. Less 1 Hour, 2 Min. New Haven Harbor Plus 25 Min. South Norwalk Plus 45 Min. Niantic Less 10 Min. Milford Harbor Plus 26 Min. Housatonic River, Stratford Plus 1 Hour. Old Saybrook See tide chart Saugatuck River Plus 31 Min.

CONNECTICUT RIVER Essex Plus 28 Min. Portland Plus 2 Hours,40 Min. East Haddam Plus 1 Hour, 31 Min. Hartford Plus 4 Hours, 19 Min.

64 [email protected] |860-434-6043 2018 Connecticut Angler’s Guide for your boat

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