2015 CONNECTICUT ANGLER’S GUIDE INLAND & MARINE FISHING YOUR SOURCE for CT Fishing Information

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Share the Experience—Take Someone Fishing • APRIL 11 Opening Day Trout Fishing 2015 CONNECTICUT ANGLER’S GUIDE INLAND & MARINE FISHING YOUR SOURCE For CT Fishing Information

» New Reduced » Opening Day of » New Inland »New Marine Fees for 16 and Trout Season Regulations Regulations 17 Year Olds! Moved to 2nd for 2015 for 2015 See pages 8 & 10 Saturday in April See page 20 See page 54 See page 20

Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection www.ct.gov/deep/fishing GREAT GEAR, RIGHT HERE!

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Visit our Connecticut stores! For the location nearest you, or to shop 24/7, go to westmarine.com 2015 CONNECTICUT ANGLER’S GUIDE INLAND REGULATIONS INLAND & MARINE FISHING Easy two-step process: 1. Check the REGULATION TABLE (page 21) for general Contents statewide regulations. General Fishing Information 2. Look up the waterbody in the LAKE AND PONDS Directory of Services Phone Numbers...... 2 (pages 28–37) or RIVERS AND STREAMS Licenses...... 10 (pages 40–48) listings to find any special regulations. Permits...... 11 Marine Angler Registry Program...... 11 Trophy Affidavit...... 12 Trophy Fish Awards...... 12–13 Law Enforcement...... 16 Responsible Angling...... 16 Are The Fish I Catch Safe To Eat?...... 17 Aquatic Invasive Species...... 18–19

Inland Fisheries Current Inland Regulations...... 21 Definitions...... 22–23 Disabled Access...... 23 Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Fishery...... 24 Alewives & Blueback Herring...... 24 New Programs...... 26 Record Freshwater Fish...... 27 Lakes & Ponds...... 28–37 A Guide to Catchable Freshwater Fish...... 38 Rivers & Streams...... 40–48

Marine Fisheries Line Between Marine & Inland Districts...... 50 Fishing in Coastal State Parks...... 51 LEARN TO FISH: Free Classes, Page 6 Enhanced Fishing Opportunities...... 52 The Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) Program Marine Angler Survey ...... 53 will introduce you and your family to the fun of fishing. Expert instruction, hands-on activities and a fishing trip will lead to Marine Volunteer Angler Survey Program...... 53 wonderful time spent outside with your family or friends. Marine Recreational Regulations...... 54 Rules Covering Crabs, Lobsters, Shellfish & Bait...... 56 Coastal Boat Launches...... 57 ON THE COVER State Record Marine Fish...... 58 After seeing what appeared to be a Tide Table...... 60 rolling Salmon downstream of the riffle — Immanuel, better known as Manny, focused and determined, made what seemed like a thousand Opening Day: April 11th, 2015 casts as he methodically swung a Mickey Finn through the run. At last he felt the solid pull at the end of his FREE FISHING DAY 2015 line. The fight was on! Like a seasoned veteran, Manny finessed the fish and brought his first Atlantic Salmon to hand, a 6 pound, 26 inch fish. His catch was released unharmed back into the Shetucket River. May 9th—no license required.

TO REPORT A WILDLIFE VIOLATION For updates to the 2015 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 Share the Experience— Take Someone Fishing • APRIL 11 Opening Day Trout Fishing 2015 CONNECTICUT 2015 CONNECTICUT ANGLER’S GUID INLAND & MARINE FISHING E

YOUR SOURCE NGLER’S GUID For CT Fishing A E Information INLAND & MARINE FISHING The Connecticut Angler’s Guide is published annually by the State of Connecticut

Dannel P. Malloy, Governor » New Reduced Fees for 16 and » Opening Day of » New Inland New Marine 17 Year Olds! Trout Season » Moved to 2nd Regulations Regulations See pages 8 & 10 for 2015 Saturday in April See page 20 for 2015 Department of Energy & Marine Fisheries Division See page 20 See page 54 Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Environmental Protection David G. Simpson, Director www.ct.gov/deep/ﬁ shing Robert Klee, Commissioner Susan Whalen, Deputy Commissioner Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Bureau of Natural Resources 79 Elm Street About this Guide William A. Hyatt, Chief Hartford, CT 06106-5127 www.ct.gov/deep This high-quality regulation guide is offered to Inland Fisheries Division you by the Connecticut Department of Energy Peter J. Aarrestad, Director & Environmental Protection through its unique partnership with J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC.

The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal J.F. Griffin is an award winning publishing house Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with that specializes in producing state fish & wildlife Disabilities Act. Please contact us at (860) 418-5910 or [email protected] if you: have a disability regulation books. J.F. Griffin supports CTDEEP’s and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information staff in the design, layout and editing of the in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint. guides. They also manage the marketing and This Guide is intended to provide a summary of the more important rules and regulations governing sales of advertising to appropriate businesses sport fishing in Connecticut and to assist in the enjoyment of the angling experience. For legal purposes, within the book. the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and the Connecticut General Statutes must be consulted. The revenue generated through ad sales significantly NOTICE: Some advertisements in this publication may state that “No sales tax” is due. This is because the retailer is lowers production costs and generates savings. located in a state that does not impose sales or use tax, and the retailer is not registered to collect Connecticut sales These savings translate into additional funds for and use taxes. While you may not have to pay sales tax in the state where you bought the goods or services, you must other important fisheries and habitat programs! pay Connecticut use tax on taxable goods or services purchased for use in Connecticut. For more information, see the Department of Revenue Services’ Informational Publication 2011(15), Q&A on the Connecticut Individual Use Tax: If you have any feedback or are interested in www.ct.gov/drs/lib/drs/publications/pubsip/2011/ip2011-15.pdf advertising, please contact us at 413.884.1001 or online at www.JFGriffin.com

Directory of Services Graphic Design: For additional information the following DEEP offices may be contacted from 8:30 a.m. to Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, Evelyn Haddad, 4:30 p.m. Please note that the DEEP – Licensing and Revenue Permit Sales Office is open Erin Murphy, Chris Sobolowski 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 Inland Fisheries Division Wildlife...... 860-424-3011 430 Main St. Suite 5 | Williamstown, MA 01267 (Central Office)...... 860-424-3474 Forestry...... 860-424-3630 Marine Fisheries Division General DEEP Information....860-424-3000 (Headquarters—Old Lyme)...... 860-434-6043 Licensing & Revenue...... 860-424-3105 J.F. Griffin Publishing, LLC is proud to print the official Connecticut Guide to Hunting, Fishing Environmental Conservation DEEP Store and Trapping on recycled content paper. Police...... 860-424-3012 (Maps & Publications)...... 860-424-3555 SAVE TODAY.THEGREAT OUTDOORS TOMORROW. Field Services Questions concerning hunting, trapping, fishing, boating, camping, recreational use of state See how much you could save on more than just car insurance. lands, forestry, and law enforcement may be directed to one of the following field offices (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.). available online Eastern Area Marine Law in a new Digital Edition! Headquarters...... 860-295-9523 Enforcement...... 860-434-9840 Western Area Boating Safety Headquarters...... 860-485-0226 and Education...... 860-434-8638 Fully searchable Email pages Marine Headquarters...... 860-434-6148 Live hyperlinks to One-click printing expanded content Other Useful Numbers for your boat Aquaculture Division (Dept. Of Agriculture) Oil And Chemical Spill Shellfish...... 203-874-0696 Response Division...... 860-424-3338 geico.com | 1-800-865-4846 | local ofﬁ ce

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

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies.Boat and PWC coverages are written through Seaworthy Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway afﬁliate, and through other non-afﬁliated insurance companies, and are secured through the GEICO Insurance 2 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Agency. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko Image © 1999-2015. © 2015 GEICO SAVE TODAY.THEGREAT OUTDOORS TOMORROW. See how much you could save on more than just car insurance.

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Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies.Boat and PWC coverages are written through Seaworthy Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway afﬁliate, and through other non-afﬁliated insurance companies, and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko Image © 1999-2015. © 2015 GEICO Message from the Bureau Chief

Reduced Fees for Young Anglers and Hunters In the 2013 Guide, I wrote about the huge contribution that hunters and anglers make in supporting conservation through the purchase of licenses and gear. We showed that all of this revenue comes back to our Agency and is used to fund fish and wildlife programs, and that revenue from sportsmen accounts for approximately 85% of the annual Bureau of Natural Resources budget. Most importantly, all Connecticut residents, particularly sportsmen, should be proud of what they have achieved in conserving fish and wildlife populations and habitat. In the 2014 Guide, we emphasized that it is not just about the money. Our collective ability to succeed in conserving critical habitat for fishing and hunting is a function of having the financial resources, public support, and political will to get the job done and done right. The funding provided by sportsmen is our foundation, but it is the large number of hunters and anglers found across all walks of life in Connecticut that is the engine that makes all of this possible. Following the publication of last year’s Guides, we received correspondence from many people who felt that the price of licenses and permits was a disincentive for young sportsmen to continue hunting and fishing after they reach age 16. Data collected by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the large number of anglers under the age of 16 compared with the much smaller number that goes on to buy a fishing license supports this point of view. That is why DEEP proposed legislation last year to reduce fees for anglers and hunters aged 16 and 17. The General Assembly subsequently supported this proposal and the Governor signed it into law as Public Act 14-201. There are many important components to this legislation; however, the key part of the bill is as follows: “The fee charged for any firearms hunting, archery hunting, trapping or sport fishing license that is issued to any Connecticut resident who is sixteen or seventeen years of age shall be equal to fifty per cent of the fee provided for such license in subsection (a) of this section, rounded to the next highest dollar.” In plain English that translates into a 50% reduction in all license fees for 16 and 17-year old hunters and anglers. Additionally, a companion section in the bill provides a 50% reduction in hunting and sport fishing permit, tag, and stamp fees for all 16 and 17-year old hunters and anglers. In addition, we continue to do everything within our capacity to maximize opportunities for youth to take our Conservation Education/Firearms Safety and Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education courses. Taking these courses establishes and strengthens family/mentor/mentee relationships centered around hunting and fishing and represents an important step to becoming a lifetime sportsman and conservationist. The heroes who make this possible are the 500+ volunteer instructors who donate countless hours of their time to teach these classes. The challenge to all of us is to jump on board and make 2015 the year we take advantage of every opportunity to get potential young sportsmen into the field and on the water. Together we can make a difference! Thank you and best wishes for a great year of hunting and fishing in Connecticut. William A. Hyatt Chief, Bureau of Natural Resources

The Connecticut River on a cloudy summer day. Ron Merly and a 25" Housatonic 2015 FISHING PHOTO River Rainbow Trout CONTEST

Cassie Ganio and her first WINNERS Largemouth Bass!

Grand2015 Prize

Raymond Lass & Kristina Akers with a “double” catch and release

Gabby Ferraiolo happily showing off her Blackfish

6 lbs., 26 in. Atlantic Salmon Caught and released in Scotland, CT. by Manny Smyrnow

Zakkary Wallace with a nice "keeper" Fluke Please check out other great photo submissions used throughout this Angler’s Guide and on our 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 2016 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/care. CARE Connecticut Aquatic Annual CARE Special Fishing Events Family Fishing & Family Ice Fishing Classes • January: Winter Ice Fishing Derby • Held at a location near you Resources • February: Winterfest with No Child Left Inside© • Classroom instruction (2 hours) Education • May: Family Fishing Day • Fishing trip to a local water • August: Saltwater Fishing Event • www.ct.gov/deep/care (schedule) • Equipment is provided for use Summer Camp Fishing Programs 860.663.1656 • Half-day classes for campers Forster Pond School Partnership www.ct.gov/deep/care • Partner with summer camps • Teachers are trained on CARE curriculum • Morning & afternoon classes • Students are taught in their own classroom • Up to 30 campers age 8–15 • Field trip to our fishing education center

Join Our Team. Share Your Passion. CARE new instructor training courses are offered each February and June. Call us 860-663-1656 to apply. Applicants must pass a State Police background check. THE SIMPLE ACT OF FISHING, PRESERVES FISHING. Thank You! CARE Instructors STAN GRABOWSKI and LINDA BIRELEY Every time you purchase a ﬁ shing license or register your boat, a portion of the proceeds go toward preserving have been teaching Family Fishing Courses for 15 years! our nation’s coastlines, lakes, rivers and streams. Protecting our memories on the water for generations to come. These heroes of conservation have combined to volunteer over 350 hours of their time while teaching over 1,300 new Learn more at TakeMeFishing.org/Conservation anglers about the sport of fishing. Care Instructor Stan Grabowski Thank you CARE Instructors! Care Instructor Linda Bireley

46831_TMF_PSA_Pg_Ad.indd 1 2/4/11 9:53 AM 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 NEW FREE LICENSE DAYS FOR 2015 In addition to Free Fishing Day (May 9, 2015) where anyone can fish inland or marine waters without having to possess a fishing license, the Commissioner has designated June 21 and August 15, 2015 as a Free Fishing License Day. To fish on these dates anyone can obtain a free one- REDUCED FEES FOR day fishing license (available approximately 3 weeks prior to each date). 16 AND 17 YEAR OLDS Fishing, hunting and trapping licenses for 16 and 17 year olds are ½ price (most hunting permits, stamps and tags will also be ½ price NEW LICENSE EXEMPTION for 16 and 17 year olds). See page 10. Secondary schools can now obtain a fishing license exemption for students when they participate in a fishing activity for a class that includes a fishing component as part of its curricula. Contact Inland NEW FISHING/HUNTING Fisheries (860-424-3474) for more information. GUIDE REGISTRATION Anyone providing fishing and hunting guide services in Connecticut needs to register annually with DEEP. Guides can NEW EZFILE register online using DEEP’s Online Sportsmen Licensing system PERMITTING SYSTEM www.ct.gov/deep/sportsmenlicensing or in person at DEEP offices and other vendors where hunting and fishing licenses and A new online system is now available to the public for the submittal permits are available. There is a $100.00 fee for this registration. of fisheries related permit applications. See page 11.

Adults & 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]

8 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide

Licenses

RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENSES Contact the DEEP Marine Fisheries Division at 860-434-6043 or write to An Inland fishing license is required for anyone 16 years of age or older the Marine Fisheries Division at [email protected] or P.O. Box fishing in the Inland District (see page 50 for demarcation between 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371 for further information on commercial fishing. Inland and Marine Districts). A marine recreational fishing license is required for anyone age 16 of age or older fishing from shore or from a AGES AGES LICENSE TYPE 16 & 17 FEE 18-64 FEE boat in the marine district. Most licenses are issued on a calendar year Resident Inland Waters Sport Fishing License $14.00 $28.00 basis and expire on December 31st. Licenses are available online at www.ct.gov/deep/fishing. Licenses are also Resident Marine Waters Sport Fishing License $5.00 $10.00 One Day Resident Marine Waters Sport Fishing available at participating town halls, tackle retailers and DEEP field offices, $3.00 $5.00 or in person from the DEEP Store. For a complete list of vendors, visit License Resident All Waters (Inland & Marine) Sport Fishing the DEEP website or call DEEP Licensing and Revenue (860-424-3105). $16.00 $32.00 License Resident Combination Inland Waters Fishing and Active Armed Forces Members $19.00 $38.00 Any active, full-time member of the armed forces may be issued fishing Firearms Hunting License Resident Combination Marine Waters Sport Fishing and/or small game firearms licenses for the resident fee. Proof of member- $13.00 $25.00 ship during the calendar year must be carried while using the license. and Firearms Hunting License Resident Combination All Waters Sport Fishing and $20.00 $40.00 Other Recreational Marine Licenses Firearms Hunting License Special “Personal Use” licenses are required for: a) persons taking Resident Combination All Waters Sport Fishing lobsters for their own use by up to 10 pots or SCUBA, and B) persons License and Bow and Arrow Permit to Hunt Deer $33.00 $65.00 taking menhaden with a single gill net not more than 60 feet in length, and Small Game for personal use from marine waters only. Resident Archery Super Sport License to Fish in All Waters, Bow and Arrow Permit to Hunt Deer • Personal Use Lobster License: $120.00 $41.00 $82.00 and Small Game, and Permit to Hunt Wild Turkey (purchase of pot tags also required if using pots) During Spring Season on Private Land • Personal Use Gillnet License for Menhaden: $100 Resident Firearms Super Sport License to Fish in Marine “Personal Use” licenses are issued on a calendar year basis, are All Waters and Firearms Hunt, Firearms Private non-transferable, and are only issued by DEEP Licensing and Revenue at Land Shotgun or Rifle Deer Permit, muzzleloader $42.00 $84.00 private land deer permit, and Permit to Hunt Wild 79 Elm St., Hartford, CT 06106-5127. See www.ct.gov/deep/fishinglicense Turkey During Spring Season on Private Land for additional information and a license application. Resident firearms super sport license to fish in all waters and firearms hunt, firearms private land $35.00 $70.00 COMMERCIAL LICENSES shotgun or rifle deer permit, and permit to hunt wild A commercial license is required to take, possess or land (regardless where turkey during the spring season on private land. taken) fish, lobsters, blue crabs, squid, sea scallops, horseshoe crabs and Resident Firearms Supersport License to Fish bait species intended for sale from both the inland and marine districts. in All Waters and Firearms Hunt, Migratory Bird $25.00 $50.00 Conservation Stamp, and Bird Harvest Permit (HIP) Age 65 and older (annual) fishing, hunting, - Free combination licenses FREE FISHING LICENSE DAYS Special resident licenses available only from participating town halls and selected DEEP offices. June 21st & August 15th. Blind Inland or Marine Waters fishing licenses Free Get a free one-day license to fish on these days. (lifetime)* Inland or Marine Waters fishing licenses (lifetime) Free for individuals with intellectual disabilities* Physically handicapped (loss of one or more limbs, or permanent loss of use of one or more Free GROUP FISHING LICENSES limbs) Inland or Marine Waters fishing, hunting, combination licenses (lifetime)** Available to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations wishing to conduct group * Issuance of a free license to the blind or individuals with intellectual disabilities fishing programs and events for qualified: (as defined in Public Act 11-16) requires proof of disability in the form of a • Veterans with a service-related or other disability. certificate provided by any person licensed to practice medicine in this state. • Persons receiving mental health or addiction services from the ** Any resident with the loss of a limb or the permanent loss of the use of a limb and a doctor’s certificate may be issued a free license. Qualified nonresidents who are Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and residents of states which allow CT residents the same privileges are also eligible. associated programs & facilities. NON-RESIDENT LICENSES FEE • Individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities receiving services Nonresident Inland Waters Fishing License $55.00 from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) or a facility Nonresident Inland Waters Fishing License for licensed by DDS; or $22.00 3 Consecutive Days • Persons receiving care from the Department of Children and Nonresident Marine Waters Fishing License $15.00 Families (DCF), DCF receiving homes, or certain DCF-licensed child Nonresident Marine Waters Fishing License for care facilities or programs. $8.00 3 Consecutive Days Qualified organizations can apply for a Group Fishing License ($125.00) to Nonresident All Waters Fishing License $63.00 hold up to 50 events per year (both inland and marine water). Each event Nonresident Combination License to Fish in Inland is limited to 50 people and must be supervised by organization staff or $110.00 volunteers (who must have their fishing licenses). No fee can be charged to Waters and Firearms Hunt Nonresident Combination License to Fish in Marine participate and the events may not be used as a fundraiser. $94.00 Waters and Firearms Hunt Contact DEEP Inland Fisheries for more information and application forms. Nonresident Combination License to Fish in All $120.00 Waters and Firearms Hunt

10 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Permits

New for 2015 — A convenient on-line system Special Regulations on Association Controlled Waters is now available for the submittal of fisheries Any association owning or controlling the fishing rights in a stream or pond related permits. The ezFile system offers a safe, may request a temporary change in fishing regulations at their water body. secure, and convenient process to submit your permit applications. After DEEP review, you will receive the appropriate Private Waters Registration documentation via email, no more paper to fax, scan or mail. Can be acquired by individuals or a corporation that meet the eligibil- Questions about ezFile or need help? Call us at 860-424-FISH (3474). ity criteria. There is a non-refundable $140.00 application fee. As each 1. Get started with ezFile: situation is unique, please call 860-424-3474 to discuss options. 2. Download Google Chrome (recommended browser) Marine Fish Tournament/Derby Registration 3. Selecting the ezFile icon on http://www.ct.gov/deep/fishing Required to conduct a marine fishing tournament or derby in Connecti- 4. Select “create an account” cut that is open to persons 16 years of age and older as described under 5. Follow the instructions (should take about 5 minutes). section 26-159a-26 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. FISHERIES RELATED PERMITS AND There is no charge for the registration. REGISTRATIONS SERVED BY EZFILE: Inland Fishing Tournament/Derby Permit IMPORTATION AND/OR Required to conduct a fishing tournament or derby on inland waters open to public fishing involving anglers 16 years or older. Organized events, LIBERATION PERMIT FOR 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 tournaments can be granted an exemption from Bass Management Authorizes the importation, possession and liberation of triploid grass Area special regulations (exemptions available for all Bass Management carp into inspected/approved ponds. Possession of diploid grass lakes from September 1 through June 30, exemptions granted only for carp is prohibited. Triploid grass carp represent one method of Gardner Lake and Mansfield Hollow Reservoir from July 1 to August 31). controlling nuisance aquatic vegetation. The Inland Fisheries Division Additional guidelines and restrictions may apply for open-water trout inspects all ponds to determine regulatory compliance, particularly to tournaments/derbies conducted on waters managed by the state for trout. verify that the fish can not escape from the waters in which they were stocked, thereby preventing off-site damage to aquatic habitats. Grass Liberation (Stock) of Live Fish carp information packets and application forms can be obtained by Required each time any live fish or live fish eggs are released into any pond, lake, or stream in Connecticut (It is illegal to introduce any contacting the Inland Fisheries Division at 860-424-3474. 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 aquarium species). ANGLER REGISTRY Note: Possession or importation of a number of species including piranha, walking catfish, black, sliver and bighead carp, gizzard shad, Congress, through the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and all species of snakehead (family Channidae) is prohibited. and Management Act, called on NOAA Fisheries to create a national registry of saltwater anglers. As required by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NOAA will deliver to congress a report on all the efforts underway to phase in the new Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) Permits are required for these activities: — a partnership working to improve saltwater recreational fishing • Stock fish or import fish into the state data collection and provide more informed fisheries conservation. • Conduct a fishing tournament or derby The registry will improve data collection by creating a universe • Use grass carp to manage aquatic plants of saltwater anglers, essentially a phonebook of fishermen. This resource 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 would allow surveyors to call upon those who have already NOTICE TO SPORTSMEN identified themselves as saltwater fishermen. The National Saltwater Angler Registry team is in charge of creating this “phonebook” of A judgement or a plea of guilty, forfeiture of a bond, or payment of anglers to ensure that marine anglers are accurately accounted for. a fine for a fishing, hunting, or trapping violation may result in the suspension of your fishing, hunting, or trapping license. Anglers please note: New York, Rhode Island, Maine and Massachusetts also have marine license requirements. Though Connecticut has reciprocity with these BUY ONLINE neighboring states, residents of Connecticut are required to have ENJOY THE CONVENIENCE a CT Resident Marine Waters Sport Fishing License to fish in the Marine District. of purchasing fishing, hunting and trapping licenses and permits Connecticut anglers holding valid marine waters fishing license are directly over the internet. exempt from National Saltwater Angler Registry. For more information, please see www.countmyfish.noaa.gov or www.ct.gov/deep/fishing www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/management/recreational 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 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) Mailing Address Phone Number Email YOUTH OR ADULT?  Youth (under 16 years of age)  Adult MEASURING & WEIGHING (Harvested fish may be weighed at any CT bait and tackle shop.) Catch & Release Length (inches) Harvested Fish (caught & kept) Weight (lbs, ozs) 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 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 Inland Fisheries Division, 79 Elm Street, 6th floor, Hartford, CT 06106-5127 SALTWATER FISH mail to: DEEP Marine Fisheries Division, P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371 or Fax Number 1-860-434-6150 PLEASE EMAIL AFFIDAVIT AND 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 CT Aquatic Resource Education Program (CARE) volunteers each year. Typically, volunteers are from organized groups, but For individuals: Volunteers are trained and certified to teach an intro- there are also some opportunities for individuals. Among the programs ductory course in fishing. Training/Certification is offered twice a year, in in which you may be able to participate: February and June. Certified instructors must participate in one CARE event Atlantic Salmon and Herring Restoration Programs per year. Participation may include teaching or assisting the teaching of a 6 hour class in your hometown or helping out at a special event. A desire to For groups: Contact Steve Gephard or Bruce Williams (Inland Fisheries pass on your angling knowledge and lots of enthusiasm for the sport are Division) at 860-434-6043 all we require to join the program. See page 6 for more! Contact Tom Volunteer Angler Survey — Saltwater Anglers Bourret or Justin Wiggins of the Inland Fisheries Division at 860-663-1656. For individuals: See page 53 for details. Contact David R. Molnar Thanks for your interest in the health (Marine Fisheries Division) at 860-434-6043 or [email protected]. of our fisheries resources!

12 2015 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" GENERAL RULES: SALTWATER/FRESHWATER FISH Bluegill 12 oz 10" Brook Trout 2 lbs 17" • Top Angler Awards are given to Marine and Inland anglers who Brown Bullhead 2 lbs 15" catch and keep, catch and release the largest fish of each species Brown Trout 5 lbs 22" categories. Angler of the Year is awarded to the angler with the most Calico Bass (Black Crappie) 2 lbs 15" species categories. Awards are provided at the annual Trophy Fish Common Carp 20 lbs 34" Award Ceremony. Chain Pickerel 5 lbs 27" • Youth Category is defined as anyone 15 years of age and under. Channel Catfish 4 lbs 22" • Saltwater entries must be caught by boats leaving and returning Fallfish 1.5 lbs 14" to Connecticut ports. No overnight stays in another state prior to Kokanee 1.75 lbs 16" day(s) of fishing. Largemouth Bass 6 lbs 22" • Entries must be filed on the Official Affidavit Form, page 12. Northern Pike 10 lbs 35" • Fish must be caught by legal methods, played by only one person. Pumpkinseed 8 oz 9" FRESHWATER • Fish must be entered within 30 days of capture. Rainbow Trout 4 lbs 21" Redbreast Sunfish3 8 oz 9" • All Trophy Fish Award Affidavits must be submitted by January 15, 2016 Rock Bass 12 oz 11" • Fish caught in hatchery ponds are not eligible. Smallmouth Bass 4 lbs 21" • Fish must be caught (including catch and release) during Connecti- Sunfish Hybrids4 12 oz 10" cut’s legal open season. Tiger Trout 2 lbs 17" • 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 2 lbs 15" certified scale and a printout of the scale weight must accompany White Sucker 3 lbs 15" the affidavit. Yellow Bullhead2 2 lbs 15" • For species not listed: trophy fish award subject to Fisheries staff Yellow Perch 1.5 lbs 15" identification and review. Albacore 30 lbs 40" American Eel 3 lbs 35" CATCH AND RELEASE CATEGORY RULES Atlantic Bonito 4 lbs 20" 20 lbs 40" • All of the General Rules apply except that the fish does not need to Atlantic Cod Atlantic Mackerel 2 lbs 14" be weighed. A witness must be present. Black Sea Bass 4 lbs 20" • A clear photo must accompany the affidavit. This photo must include Blackfish (Tautog) 8 lbs 22" the angler holding the fish and also include the fish next to a mea- Blue Marlin 100 lbs BLE (99") suring (yardstick, ruler, or tape measure) device to clearly show Blue Shark 175 lbs BLE (54") the length of the fish. Bluefin Tuna 400 lbs 60" • The accompanying photo must be taken at the location where the Bluefish 12 lbs 32" fish was caught and released. Cunner 1.5 lbs 12" • Fish can’t be taken from the site and then transported back. Dolphin Fish (Dorado) 45 lbs 48” • BLE = best length estimate for highly migratory species. Hickory Shad 1.75 lbs 18" • Minimum Length (Total Length) = Tip of snout to end of tail. Little Tunny (False Albacore) 5 lbs 24" • Marlin & swordfish—measure from lower jaw to fork in tail. Mako Shark 175 lbs BLE (54") • Shark species—minimum length is fork length. Oyster Toadfish 1 lb 10" Pollock 15 lbs 34" • Fish must be released alive! SALTWATER Scup (Porgy) 2.5 lbs 16" 10" Mantle Length; Squid — 18" Total Length Striped Bass 35 lbs 45" All fish are measured from tip of snout Striped Searobin 3 lbs 18" to end of tail (total length). Summer Flounder (Fluke) 6 lbs 25" Swordfish 100 lbs BLE (47") 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 Total Length under this Trophy Fish Award program. 2 Good photos (both lateral and ventral shots) will have to be required for identifications. 3 Redbreast Sunfish will require only a good lateral photo. 4 Most sunfish over 10" are probably hybrids. 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 Noank Wild Bill’s Action Sports & Tackle 93 Marsh Rd. 860-536-6648 Avon Orvis Avon 380 West Main St. 860-678-7900 North Canaan Cannan Valley Shop 11 Railroad St. 860-824-7778 Barkhamsted Uncles Aaron’s Tackle Shack 4 Robertsville Rd. 860-307-7156 North Stonington We-Tu Bait & Tackle 617 Lantern Hill Rd. 860-536-6551 Bozrah Bob’s Bait 191 Fitchville Rd. 860-885-0292 Fisherman’s World Inc. 2 Fort Point St. 203-866-1075 Branford Fisherman’s Paradise Bait & Tackle 195 S. Montowese St. 203-488-3474 Norwalk Hiller Sports 140 Water St. 203-857-3474 Jimmy O’s Bait & Tackle 3389 Fairfield Ave. 203-384-6359 Forest & Field Outdoor Specialties 4 New Canaan Ave. 203- 847-4008 Lou’s Boat Basin 365 Seaview Ave. 203-336-9809 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 Marina Bait & Tackle LLC 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 Tide Water 2 34 Riverside Drive 860-664-9622 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 Pine Meadow Up Country Sport Fishing 352 Main St. 860- 379-1952 Cos Cob Sportsman’s Den of Greenwich 33 River Rd. 203-869-3234 Pomfret Center Sue’s Bait Box 437 Killingly Rd. 860- 963-0212 Coventry Cheap Baits 3513 Main St. 860-461-2444 Preston Fish Connection 127 Route 12 860- 885-1739 Cromwell Big Little Bait & Tackle 1 School St. 860-997-0891 Rowayton The Bait Shop Inc. 99 Rowayton Ave. 203- 853-3811 Candlewood Bait & Tackle 36 Tamarack Ave. 203-743-2221 Salisbury O’Hara’s Landing Marina 254 Twin Lakes Rd. 860- 824-7583 Danbury The Valley Angler 56 Padanaram Rd. 203-792-8324 Shelton TC Marine, Bait & Tackle 445 River Rd. 203- 513-2786 Orvis Store 432 Boston Post Rd. 203-662-0844 Staffordville Staffordville Bait 371 East St. (Rt. 19) 413-544-5006 Darien Compleat Angler 555 Post Rd. 203-655-9400 Pete’s Place 124 Jefferson St. 203-356-9383 Stamford Dayville Bob’s Place 132 Ballouville Rd. 860-774-2286 Fish Tales Bait & Tackle 379 Shippan Ave. 203- 325-4775 East Canaan Jim’s Bait & Tackle 391 Norfolk Rd. 860-824-5773 Don’s Dock 228 North Water St. 860-535-0077 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 475 East Hartford Cortney's Bait & Tackle 576 East Broadway 203- 610-7569 East Hartford Cabelas East Hartford 860-290-6236 Blvd. North Harborview Bait & Tackle 185 Ferry Blvd. 203- 377-5544 Stratford 1 East Haven Anglers Edge Pro Shop 439 Main St. 203-467-2248 Stratford Bait & Tackle 1076 ⁄2 Stratford Ave. 203- 377-8091 Ellington Lakeside Deli 99 Stafford Rd. 860-871-8588 The Surfcaster 360 Sniffens Lane 203- 610-6965 Yankee Bait & Tackle 88 Main St. 860-741-5994 Enfield Thomaston Sanzeri’s Bait & Tackle 288 South Main St. 860-283-8654 Smola’s Flyfishing Guide & Service 483 Hazard Ave. 860-763-1856 Torrington Litchfield Hills Bait & Tackle, LLC 1469 Goshen Rd. 860-307-7726 Granby Rome’s Bait & Tackle 335 Salmon Brook St. 860-413-9445 Union JT’s Fly Shop 664 Buckley Hwy. 860-684-1575 Greenwich Byram’s Bait & Tackle 35 North Water St. 203-531-5100 Voluntown Mike’s Bait & Tackle 16 Church St. 860- 376-4767 Groton Ken’s Tackle Shop 213 Thames St. 860-445-6888 Wallingford Uncle B’s Bait & Tackle 854 S. Colony Rd. (Rt. 5) 203- 294-1180 Kent Backcountry Outfitters 8 Old Barn Rd. 860-927-3377 Warren Housatonic River Outfitters 24 Kent Rd. 860- 672-1010 Madison Captain Morgan’s Bait & Tackle Marine Center, Rt. 1 203-245-8665 Waterbury Mary’s Bait Box 405 Lakewood Rd. 203- 754-3991 Manchester Farr’s Sporting Goods 2 Main St. 860-643-7111 Hillyer’s Tackle Shop 374 Rope Ferry Rd. 860- 443-7615 Waterford Marlborough Frank’s Live Bait 19 West Rd. 860-295-9659 Riverside Grocery 150 Shore Rd. 860-444-0681 Meriden Lunker City Fishing Specialties 847 Hanover Rd. 203-237-3474 Wethersfield Connecticut Outfitters 512 Silas Deane Hwy. 860-571-8986 Middletown Fishin Factory III 238 East Main St. 860-344-9139 Atlantic Outboard 475 Boston Post Rd. 860-399-6773 1426 Meriden- Beach Nut Sports Center 314 Boston Post Rd. 860-399-6534 Milldale Fishin Factory 860-621-8145 Westbrook Waterbury Tpke. Jack’s Shoreline Bait & Tackle 174 Boston Post Rd. 860- 664-9424 Milford Bobby J’s Bait & Tackle 354 New Haven Ave. 203-876-1495 Tidewater Bait & Tackle 362 Boston Post Rd. 860- 399-2219 Moodus D & D Bait and Tackle 102 Clark Gates Rd. 860-334-3006 Westport Westport Outfitters 609 Riverside Ave. 203- 341-9490 Mystic Shaffer’s Boat Livery 106 Mason Island Rd. 860-536-8713 Windsor Locks Joe’s Bass, Bait & Tackle 12 Dickerman Ave. 860- 623-7980 New Haven Dee’s Bait & Tackle 93 Clay St. 203-562-7025 Outdoor Artistry Taxidermy & Bait 351 North Main St. 860-480-5765 AW Marina Bait & Tackle 178 Pequot Ave. 860-443-6076 Winsted New London Northwest Sporting Goods & Supply 178 Rowley St. 860-738-8999 Hannah Mac’s Bait, Tackle & Charters 260 Pequot Ave. 860-449-0129 Wolcott Sportsmen’s Outpost 415 Wolcott Rd. (Rt. 69) 203- 879-1139 Newtown Newtown Bait & Tackle 78 South Main St. 203-426-6629 J & B Tackle Co. Inc. 23/25 Smith Ave. 860-739-7419 Woodbridge Baits Motel 26 C Selden Street 203-553-9381 Niantic Mackey’s Bait & Tackle Shop 158 West Main St. 860-739-2677

If we missed your shop or you have changes to your information on this list, 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, is a group of dedicated citizens from all and there should be a permit number posted on the buoys. They may or may not have small orange regions of the state working together barrier 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 For more information about the FAC, appears to have been changed / enlarged or keeps moving), please contact DEEP’s Boating Division please call 860-424-3474. at 860-434-8638.

14 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide DISCARDED FISHING LINE AND OTHER TRASH

Anglers are reminded that any person who intentionally dis- cards 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 Dead osprey found hanging from its nest in Old Lyme, CT. Division receives numerous reports of birds and other ani- Discarded fishing line, which is often picked up by ospreys mals that have been injured or to place in their nests, was killed after getting tangled in wrapped around the bird’s neck. our trash. Discarded fishing line, hooks, lures and weights are often left behind by unthink-

ing anglers at fishing sites, and Photo courtesy of long-time DEEP Wildlife have caused serious injury, ill- Division volunteer Hank Golet, who took ness or death to wildlife. Please the image prior to removing the dead bird. dispose of these items and all other trash properly. For line recycling locations, go to: Levi with his trophy striped bass caught from shore http://www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/wildlife/pdf_files/outreach/fishinglinerecycle.pdf (Ferry Road State Park, Old Lyme).

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WHAT TO DO WHEN BE A RESPONSIBLE ANGLER APPROACHED BY Protecting both the resource and your access to the resource requires AN ENVIRONMENTAL more than simply knowing and following the fishing regulations! CONSERVATION Respect Private Property POLICE OFFICER • Do not cast onto docks or into permitted swim areas (when in doubt, Greetings, cast elsewhere). Each year, Connecticut Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police • Ask permission before fishing from Officers check thousands of hunters, anglers, boaters, and visitors at shore, or wading on private property. our state parks and forests. A compliance check by an EnCon Police Don’t Litter, Don’t Pollute Officer is an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to have positive interactions with officers while enjoying all the outdoor recreation • Keep your boat and motor properly maintained. opportunities Connecticut has to offer. EnCon Police Officers can help • Retrieve all lures and gear. explain laws and also provide information about outdoor opportunities • Don’t release live bait. and conditions in your area. • Leave your fishing area cleaner than you found it! EnCon Police Officers are concerned with enforcement of Connecticut laws and regulations that are intended to keep people safe, protect Be A Safe Boater personal property, and conserve the State’s natural resources. There • Obey boating regulations, and check your safety gear frequently! are a few actions that you can take to ensure your experience with an EnCon Officer is positive for both you and the officer. Be A Good Neighbor • Treat fellow anglers, other recreational users and property While Fishing and Boating: owners with courtesy. EnCon Officers are concerned with boating safety and compliance • Always be willing to share both the resource and your knowledge. with fishing regulations when checking anglers. When approached by an officer in a patrol boat you should: And always use common sense and be courteous! • Maintain your current speed and direction unless signaled to do otherwise or if the patrol boat is displaying flashing blue lights or using a siren, which are signals for you to stop. • Do not change direction or stop your vessel unless signaled to do so. This will help avoid contact between the vessels that could cause damage or injuries. • Reel in all fishing lines on the side of the boat that is being approached by the officer. Use care to keep body parts and rod tips out of the space between the boats to prevent injury or damage to equipment. The official bimonthly magazine of the • If you are operating downriggers, trolling, or operating a bow Department of Energy & Environmental mounted electric motor, maintain your current speed and Protection’s Bureau of Natural Resources direction unless signaled to do otherwise or if the patrol boat is For $8.00 a year, you can receive our award-winning magazine! displaying flashing blue lights indicating that you must stop. Fill out a subscription card today. Connecticut’s EnCon Police Officers prefer that each interaction with an outdoor enthusiast is a pleasant experience. Please be polite and courteous. By promptly complying with all requests as directed by the Subscribe today to Connecticut Wildlife, the Department officer, you can help ensure a safe, pleasant, and productive experi- of Energy & Environmental Protection’s official ence. Take advantage of the opportunity to ask the officer questions. bimonthly fish and wildlife publication. EnCon Officers are an excellent source of information about Connecticut SUBSCRIPTION CARD laws and regulations, and the surrounding area. They can assist in ❒ ❒ ❒ making your outdoor experience in Connecticut more enjoyable. $8 One Year $15 Two Years $20 Three Years ❒ Renewal ❒ New Subscription ❒ Gift Subscription Please make checks payable to: Connecticut Wildlife, P.O. Box 1550, Burlington, CT 06013-1550 Officer Vroman Name: ______checking an ice angler. Address: ______City: ______State: ______Zip: ______Gift card to read: ______

16 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide 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 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

Housatonic River above Derby Dam Bass, White Perch Do not eat One meal per 2 months PCBs (except as listed below for lakes on Housatonic River) Bullheads, Bluegill, 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 Bass, White Perch, Fallfish, Lakes on Housatonic River: One meal per month One meal per week PCBs Bullheads (Lillinonah, Zoar, Housatonic) Panfishd except for White Perch, Bluegill and Do not eat Do not eat PCBs Specific Bullheads Freshwater Fish 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 Aquatic Help stop the spread! A number of aquatic invasive species are established in Connecticut and more are threatening Invasive to invade. This year’s Angler’s Guide focuses on the zebra mussel, as it has notably expanded its Species distribution in Connecticut during the last several years.

Zebra Mussels in Connecticut Their current known distribution and the susceptibility of additional Connecticut water bodies to colonization by zebra mussels. ≥≥ZEBRA MUSSEL Zebra mussels are now found in a number of locations scattered throughout the Housatonic River and its impoundments. Until late 2010 when adult zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) were found in Lake Zoar and Lake Lillinonah, zebra mussels had been found (1998) in CT only in East Twin Lake and West Twin Lake (Salisbury). Since 2010, adult mussels have also been found in Lake Housatonic and free-floating juveniles (veligers) have been sampled at several sites in the river in Connecticut from the Massa- chusetts line downstream to Lake Lillinonah. Surveys completed in late 2012 confirm the continuing presence of zebra mussels adults and free-floating juveniles (veligers) in the Housatonic River and its major impoundments in Connecticut. One possible source of these mussels is downstream migration from Laurel Lake in Lee/Lenox, Massachusetts. Its short outlet stream drains directly into the Housatonic River. In 2009, an abundant population of zebra mussels was documented in Laurel Lake. Adult mussels were also found that year in the Housatonic River in Massachusetts downstream of the confluence with Laurel Lake’s outlet stream. Since then additional small populations have been found at sites in the river in Massachusetts. 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 southwestern states. Zebra mussels have fairly specific water chemistry requirements and are limited to waters with moderate to high calcium concentrations and pH. In Connecticut, suitable habitat for zebra In 2011 and 2012, Biodrawversity LLC. conducted zebra mussel surveys in northwest Con- mussels is mostly limited to a number of water necticut, including the upper Housatonic River, to determine the presence or absence of zebra bodies in western portions of the state. Under mussels. Selected physical, chemical, and biological attributes of the surveyed water bodies highly favorable conditions, this invasive mussel were also documented and combined with existing data to develop a risk assessment for those can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and is notorious water bodies. Additionally, a risk assessment was developed that included other water bodies for clogging water intakes and fouling boat hulls in the state for which relevant water chemistry data were available. Above is a map showing and engine cooling water systems. the susceptibility of these water bodies (plus some close by NY waters) to colonization by zebra Zebra mussels and other aquatic invasive spe- mussels. All areas assessed as being at being at medium to high risk of colonization by zebra cies can be inadvertently spread by boats, gear mussels are located in western Connecticut. (Figure adapted from Biodrawversity LLC. report). and bait buckets. Easy “Clean, Drain & Dry” methods to help prevent their spread can be The full report prepared for DEEP by Biodraversity LLC. can be found online at www.ct.gov/deep/fishing. found on the next page.

18 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide YOU CAN HELP! ≥≥Remove all aquatic organisms, ≥ CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY. You can help prevent the spread of problem mud & debris! livewell motor & species by following these simple suggestions. propeller BEFORE LEAVING A BOAT LAUNCH anchor 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 water, livewells and engine cooling systems. AT HOME hitch hull axle trim tabs DRY—Dry anything that came in contact with the water (boats, trailers, trailering vehicle) for at least one week. or Some of the Invasives WASH—Rinse boat, trailer and equipment with hot water (high pressure if possible). A bleach solution can be used to clean Found in Connecticut livewells. Dispose of all rinse materials properly! Many boaters and anglers are familiar with freshwater invasive plants, REMEMBER in Connecticut these include: Do not dump your bait bucket or release live bait! Avoid intro- EURASIAN WATER MILFOIL was first found in Connecticut in 1979 ducing unwanted plants and animals. Unless your bait was and has been documented in a number of locations in Connecticut as obtained on site, dispose of it in a suitable trash container. well as the Connecticut River. Do not transport fish, other animals or plants between water VARIABLE LEAF MILFOIL was first discovered in Connecticut in 1936 bodies. Release caught fish, other animals and plants only into and can now be found in a number of locations throughout Connecticut. the waters from which they came. HYDRILLA was first discovered in 1989 and can now be found in a IT’S THE LAW! (CGS 15-180, CGS 22a-381d) few locations scattered throughout the state. Very aggressive and can Boaters must inspect their vessel for vegetation and listed invasive outcompete native and invasive species. invertebrates (zebra mussel, quagga mussel, Chinese mitten crab, New Zealand mud snail, Asian clam, rusty crayfish) and properly FANWORT was first observed in Connecticut in 1937 and is now widely remove and dispose of any vegetation or invasives before trans- distributed throughout the state. porting the vessel. You can be fined $95 per violation. WATER CHESTNUT was first discovered in Connecticut in 1999 and The importation, transportation, sale, purchase, possession, can be found in a number of locations throughout the state including cultivation or distribution of a number of invasive plants including scattered sites along the Connecticut River, several tributaries and the following aquatic plants is prohibited: connected. Water chestnut appears to be expanding its distribution in Connecticut. Annual plant that spreads via sharp, spiny fruits. —— Curly leaved pondweed, Fanwort, Eurasian water-milfoil, Variable water milfoil, Water chestnut, Egeria, Hydrilla, Com- New arrivals to Connecticut include: mon reed, Purple loosestrife, Pond water-starwort, Parrot- feather, Brittle water-nymph, American water lotus, Yellow (2011) DIDYMO is a freshwater alga that under suitable conditions can floating heart, Giant salvinia, Yellow iris, Watercress, Onerow form extensive blooms. Prefers cold, low-nutrient streams. In Connecti- yellowcress. Violators can be fined $50 per plant! cut, didymo has only been found in one area, the upper West Branch Farmington River near Riverton. (2012) CHINESE MITTEN CRAB A juvenile Chinese mitten crab was WEBSITES OF INTEREST collected from the Mianus River in Greenwich. This is the first con- firmed report of this invasive in CT. This crab reproduces in saltwater These websites can provide a good start to learning more about Aquatic but spends most of its life in freshwater. nuisance species. • National Invasive Species Council: A Chinese mitten crab captured at www.invasivespecies.gov Chesapeake Beach, MD in 2007 • Invasive Plant Atlas of New England: (image courtesy of the Smithsonian www.eddmaps.org/ipane Environmental Research Center). • ANS Task Force: http://www.anstaskforce.gov More information on these • Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species Panel: and other invasive species in http://www.northeastans.org Connecticut can be found online at: • Protect Your Waters: www.ct.gov/deep/invasivespecies. www.protectyourwaters.net Please prevent new introductions • Connecticut Sea Grant: of invasive plants and animals; www.seagrant.uconn.edu CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY your boat and gear. • Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group: www.cipwg.uconn.edu • USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species: http://nas.er.usgs.gov www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 19 INLAND FISHING

NEW INLAND REGULATIONS FOR 2015 A number of Inland district regulations have changed for 2015. Most notably: Opening Day of trout season is now the 2nd Saturday in April. Opening Day in 2015 is April 11.

Other changes include: Allowable Number of Fishing Lines/Rods American Shad The number of lines (with or without rods) that may be used at one time by Harvest of American shad is limited to the Connecticut River system. an angler was increased from two lines to three, except for the designated There is no closed season for American shad. Trout Management Areas, Wild Trout Management Areas, Trout Parks, Sea-run Trout Streams and Trophy Trout Streams where the maximum Kokanee Salmon number of lines will continue to be two. The maximum daily harvest of kokanee has been reduced from eight to five fish per angler per day. Yantic River The lower Yantic River (from just below the falls at Indian leap in Norwich Wild Trout Management Areas (WTMA) to the confluence with the Thames River/Norwich Harbor) is now open The Belding WTMA on the Tankerhoosen River (Vernon) now includes those to fishing year-round. portions of the Tankerhoosen River (and its tributaries) in the Tankerhoosen Wildlife Management Area. This expanded WTMA is named the Belding- East Twin Lake Tankerhoosen WTMA. The fishing season at East Twin Lake has been extended through the month of March (last day of the season will be March 31). The special Thermal Refuges regulations (one brown trout per day with a 20 inch minimum length) for These are seasonal no-fishing zones created to protect thermally stressed brown trout are removed. The size and creel limits for trout during March trout seeking cool water refuge at tributaries to major rivers (Housatonic, are one trout per day with a 16 inch minimum length. Naugatuck, Shetucket). To better reflect cool waterflow patterns, the reference point has been changed from the outlet of the tributary to a Fishing Seasons point or points as posted by DEEP. Additionally, there is now a thermal Batterson Park Pond and Mansfield Hollow Reservoir are open to refuge along the Salmon River (East Haddam) within Sunrise Resort State fishing year-round and the open season for fishing at Scoville Reservoir Park. The closure for all thermal refuges will now end on September 15 is from 6:00am Opening Day through the last day in February. (instead of August 30). American Eel The minimum length for American eel is now 9 inches and the daily creel limit is 25 fish per day.

20 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Inland District Statewide Species Regulations

DETERMINING REGULATIONS regulations are listed for a waterbody, statewide Lower River/Tidal Waters A summary of the Statewide Species Open Seasons, regulations apply for seasons, methods, and/or Designated rivers & streams with no closed sea- Legal Methods and Length & Daily Creel Limits is limits. son. These include the entire Connecticut and listed in the table on page 21. The regulations Thames Rivers, and downstream portions of the on many water bodies differ from the statewide Unless otherwise indicated in the Lakes & Ponds Coginchaug, Farmington, Housatonic, Matta- regulations. and Rivers & Streams listings: besset, Mystic, Naugatuck, Niantic, Quinnipiac, • Lakes and ponds are open year-round. Salmon and Yantic rivers. Check individual water- Use this two-step process to determine regulations • Rivers & streams are open from 6:00 a.m. on body listing for boundaries. on a specific waterbody: the 2nd Saturday in April through the last day For more information on Legal Methods & 1. Check the table on page 21 for the general of February (Closed to all fishing from March Gear, Length Limits, Creel & Possession Lim- statewide regulations. 1st to 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd Saturday in April). its and Species, refer to the definitions on pages 2. Refer to the specific waterbody in the alphabetical 22–23. listings of Lakes & Ponds (pages 28–37) or The open seasons listed in this table do not Rivers & Streams (pages 40–48) for spe- apply in areas closed to all fishing during a Note: Regulations for several marine species found cial site-specific regulations. If no site-specific period of the year. in the Inland District are subject to change.

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 24 for more information. Exception: Landlocked alewife only may be taken from specific lakes. See page 24 for list of lakes. Methods, Daily creel limit is for both seasons & creel limits for these lakes are as follows: Alewife/Blueback Herring species in aggregate. Lakes & Ponds Angling Open year-round* None 25 (see page 28) Lakes & Ponds Scoop Net April 1 – June 15 None 25 (see page 28) Spearing and bow and arrow use prohibited in streams or stream sections stocked with 9" 25 Angling, Icefishing, Bobbing, trout. Spearing prohibited in all All areas Open year-round* New for 2015 New for 2015 American Eel Bow and Arrow, Spearing lakes & ponds. The taking of (see page 20) (see page 20) elver eel, glass eel and silver eel is prohibited. Connecticut River Harvest of American Open year-round (including shad allowed only in the Angling None 6 American Shad tributaries open New for 2015 Connecticut River system. year-round) (see page 20) Atlantic Salmon Taking of Atlantic Salmon is prohibited. Exception: Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Fisheries (see page 24) Lakes & Ponds Open year-round* 12" 6 Largemouth Bass Daily creel limit is for both Angling, Icefishing Rivers & Streams Open year-round* None 6 & Smallmouth Bass species in aggregate. Connecticut River Open year-round 12" 6 Spearing and bow and arrow use prohibited in streams or Carp, Bowfin, Tench, Angling, Icefishing, Bobbing, stream sections stocked with All areas Open year-round* None None 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* None None Daily creel limit is in aggregate Angling, Icefishing, All areas Open year-round* None 6 Hickory Shad with American shad. Scoop Net 5 2nd Saturday in April – — Angling, Icefishing All areas None New for 2015 Kokanee last day in February (see page 20) 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* None None Taking of smelt in rivers & Angling & Icefishing Lakes & Ponds Open year-round* None 50 Smelt streams is prohibited. Striped Bass — Angling All areas Open year-round* 28" 1 Sturgeon Taking of sturgeon is prohibited. Trout Lakes & Ponds, 2nd Saturday in April – None 5 Rivers & Streams last day in February (Brook, Brown, Lake, — Angling, Icefishing Lower Rivers/ Rainbow, Tiger & Open year-round* 15" 2 other hybrids) Tidal Waters Connecticut River (including Coves & Tributaries) Open year-round* 7" 30 Tidally influenced White Perch — Angling, Icefishing, Bobbing Rivers & Streams Lakes & Ponds All other Rivers & Open year-round* None None 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, bullheads, all species of catfish, and all species of sunfish. www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 21 Inland Regulations & Definitions

The following provisions are taken from the inland district sport fishing the side or stern of a boat and is used as a hoist, main line and terminal regulations, and do not apply to taking fish from licensed commercial weight, one or more fishing lines to a desired depth in the water column. hatcheries, private waters legally registered with DEEP, or to commercial FISHHOOK or HOOK A curved, pointed device, with or without barb, used fishing in the inland district. Information on commercial fishing in the to catch fish. Hooks may be single, double or treble and each point shall inland and marine districts is available on request. be considered as a single hook. ANGLING Fishing with hook and line, which must be personally attended. FISHING OR SPORT FISHING Taking or attempting to take fish. In the Inland No more than three lines, with or without rods, may be used at one time, District, fishing is limited to angling, bow and arrow fishing, bobbing, except in the designated Trout Management Areas, Wild Trout Management ice fishing, snagging or snatching, spearing, scoop netting, and taking or Areas, Trout Parks, Sea-run Trout Streams and Trophy Trout Streams where attempting to take fish by hand. the maximum number of lines that can be used is two, with or without rods. FLOAT (BOBBER) Any buoyant object attached to a fishing line. No floats BAIT Any animal or vegetable, or their parts, living or dead, used with may be used unless personally attended. a hook for the purpose of attracting and catching fish. Any fish legally acquired, except largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, north- FLY A single or double hook dressed with hair, feathers, tinsel, thread, ern pike, trout, salmon, carp and goldfish may be used as bait. yarn or similar material to which no bait, spinner, spoon, plug or other device is added. BAIT SPECIES The following species of fish, amphibians, aquatic insects and crustaceans may be taken by sport fishermen for personal use (a rec- FLY FISHING Angling with the use of a fly reel, fly rod, fly line, leader and reational fishing license is required), but may only be sold if taken under a fly or flies. Extra weight may be built into the fly in its construction, as an inland commercial bait license. in a weighted nymph, and additional weight may be attached to the leader • Bait species: Common shiner, golden shiner, fallfish, creek chub, spot- or line. The use of strike indicators is permitted. tail shiner, bridle shiner, blacknose dace, longnose dace, pearl dace, GAFF A spear or hook, with or without a handle, used for holding or lift- bluntnose minnow, fathead minnow, cutlips minnow, chub sucker, ing fish. The use of a gaff to land or assist in landing a fish is prohibited white sucker, killifish, mummichog, Atlantic & tidewater silverside, in the inland district. sand lance, frogs (except northern leopard frog), crayfish (except rusty crayfish), perch bugs, hellgrammites and mayfly nymphs. HAND-HELD JIG A rod, jig stick or line held in the hand used for fishing • The legal methods for taking the bait species listed above are as follows: through the ice. —— Rivers & streams: Bait species may be taken at any time with seines ICE FISHING Not more than six tip-ups, floats (bobbers), similar devices, not over 15 ft. long and 4 ft. deep, bait traps not over 20 inches long or hand-held jigs or any combination thereof not exceeding six in the and 15 inches in diameter, and umbrella nets not over 4 ft. by 4 ft. aggregate may be used at one time. Not more than three baited hooks, —— Lakes & ponds: Bait species may be taken at any time with bait traps with or without attractors, or three ice flies, or three artificial lures, or any not over 20 inches long and 15 inches in diameter and umbrella nets combination thereof not exceeding three in the aggregate may be used not over 4 ft. by 4 ft. Seines shall not be used in lakes and ponds with each tip-up, float (bobber), or similar device or hand-held jig. Devices except those designated by the DEEP as open to commercial taking must be personally attended. The name and address of the user must be of bait. Where posted, taking, use or possession of fish as bait is legibly stamped on or attached to all devices. prohibited in lakes and ponds. —— All inland waters: During the open season for fishing, the species INLAND DISTRICT Is the area inland of the demarcation lines as listed listed above may also be taken by hand, angling and scoop net. on page 50. BARBLESS HOOK A curved, pointed device, without a barb, used to catch LEADCORE LINE A fishing line constructed with a metal core. fish. Barbless hooks may be single, double or treble, and each point must be MINIMUM LENGTH Measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the without a barb. For the purposes of this regulation, hooks manufactured tail. No person shall possess any fish less than the lengths specified and with a barb are considered barbless if the barb has been bent down to the any fish less than the minimum length, shall, without avoidable injury, hook, broken off or otherwise made ineffective. be immediately returned to the water from which taken. BOBBING Fishing with a ball or mass of worms or other bait attached to a PANFISH Includes yellow perch, white perch, calico bass, rock bass, bull- hookless line held in the hand or a line attached to a rod held in the hand. heads, all species of catfish, and all species of sunfish. BOW AND ARROW FISHING Common carp, bowfin, tench, white suckers, POSSESSION LIMIT The total number of fish of any species or species group American eels and sea lampreys may be taken with a bow and arrow. that may be possessed by one person either on the person, on the waters These species may be taken by archery in streams and stream sections of the state, the shores of these waters, or in any type of vehicle and may not stocked with trout, and in lakes and ponds, and only taken during the not exceed the creel limits for one day, as listed in this pamphlet. Fish open season for fishing in those waters. Use of crossbows is prohibited. A so possessed shall be intact to the extent that neither the heads nor tails fishing license is required. have been removed. Note that this does not restrict the number of legally CAST NET A net weighted at the edges which is cast out over bait to capture acquired fish that may be kept in storage at home. it in shallow water. The use of cast nets is prohibited in inland waters. SCOOP NET A manually operated, flexible mesh net attached to a hoop CHILDREN’S FISHING AREA Angling in such areas is restricted to children which is attached to a handle. The hoop may not be over 36 inches across under sixteen years of age when posted as such. the widest point and the mesh bag may not be more than 36 inches in depth at its deepest point. The use of any such net constructed of metal CLOSED SEASON That period of time during which all fishing is prohibited mesh or stiff plastic mesh is prohibited. in the area specified. SEINE NET A net weighted at the bottom, with top floats, that is used to DAILY CREEL LIMIT The quantity or number of fish of a species or species encircle fish. group that can be taken by an individual angler during the period from 12:01 a.m. to midnight. SET LINE A line with one or both ends secured to the shore, or to a fixed or buoyant object in the water which is used for fishing and is not personally DOWNRIGGER A device, supplemental to a fishing line, used to deploy, attended. Use of set lines in the inland district is prohibited. via an electric or handpowered winch, reel or spool that projects over

22 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide 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 SLOT LENGTHS Length limits designated to reduce or increase the taking State Park Sections (pages 57–51) for areas in the Marine District. of fish by anglers. • Protected slot lengths: Lengths between which fish may not be kept • Angus Park Pond, • Higganum Reservoir, by anglers. Glastonbury: Off Manchester Haddam: Off Route 81 on • Open slot lengths: Lengths between which fish may be kept by anglers. Road (Route 83) turn east on northeast shore. Fisher Road: Located on upper • Highland Lake, Winchester: SNAGGING or SNATCHING The taking of fish by foul hooking, that is hook- dike in Town Park. At state boat launch. ing fish in any part of the body other than the mouth. Snagging is pro- • Beachdale Pond, hibited in all waters in the Inland District except that, in streams open • Holbrook Pond, Hebron: On Voluntown: Route 149 next dam adjacent to access area. to fishing throughout the year, menhaden, alewives and blueback (glut) to boat access area. herring may be taken by these methods. Anglers are reminded that there • Hopeville Pond, Griswold: currently is an emergency ban on the taking of anadromous alewife and • Beaver Brook Ponds, At end of State Park blueback herring (see page 24). Windham: Off Back Road at campground. dam/access area. SPEARING • Lake Saltonstall, Branford: The use of any pointed instrument, with or without barbs, pro- • Bigelow Pond, Union: pelled solely by hand. Common carp, bowfin, tench, American eels, white At SCCRWA access area off At boat launch in Bigelow Hosley Avenue. suckers and sea lampreys may be taken by spearing in streams or sections of Hollow S P. streams not stocked with trout during the open seasons for fishing in such • Mansfield Training Center waters. Prohibited in lakes and ponds. Underwater spear fishing and the use • Billings Lake, North Pond, Mansfield: Located just of any type of spear gun is prohibited in all waters within the Inland District. Stonington: At dam adjacent to east of the junction of Routes boat access area. 44 & 32. STRIKE INDICATOR Means a brightly colored, highly visible tab, sleeve or • Black Pond, Meriden- • Mashapaug Lake, Union: bead or similar material used in fly fishing. Such devices may be attached Middlefield: Adjacent to to the line or leader when used in areas restricted to fly fishing only. Off the dock at boat launch in boat ramp. Bigelow Hollow SP. TAKE or TAKING Killing, capturing or otherwise rendering into possession, • Bladens Brook, Seymour: • Mill River, Hamden: At any fish or bait species, or attempting to kill, capture or rendering into pos- Access only by permission of Clark’s Pond Dam. session, or assisting in taking or attempting to take any fish or bait species. Seymour Land Conservation Trust. • Pattaconk Lake (Russell TROUT Include brook (charr), brown, lake, and rainbow trout and their Jennings Pond), Chester: hybrids. • Connecticut River-Haddam Located between dam Meadows State Park, and beach in Pattaconk Haddam: Dock at the boat Recreation Area. launch in Haddam Meadows FISHWAYS AND FISHING State Park. • Salmon Brook (East Branch), Granby: East side of • Connecticut River-Salmon Fishing is prohibited in the area immediately downstream or upstream river just above Route 20. River Cove, East Haddam: of a fishway, generally for a distance of 250 feet from the fishway. Dock at state boat launch. • Salmon River Fly Area, Note that at some fishways, this distance may vary from 250 feet. Colchester: 0.9 miles north of • Coventry Lake Route 16 on River Road. At locations where the distance from the fishway does differ from 250 (Wangumbaug Lake), feet, the boundaries of the “no-fishing” area will be as posted by DEEP Coventry: At state boat launch. • Salmon River, East Hampton: (look for signs and/or large rocks painted red marking the boundaries). South end of picnic area off • Day Pond, Colchester: Off Gulf Road just south of Route Anglers with questions about the “no-fishing” zones around any of the Route 149 at dam in Day 16. over 50 fishways in the state should contact DEEP’s Diadromous Fisheries Pond S P. Restoration Program (Inland Fisheries Division) at 860-434-6043. • Saugatuck Reservoir, • Eagleville Lake, Coventry- Easton-Redding-Weston: Mansfield: On dam off Route Parking area near dam. 275. • Scoville Reservoir, Wolcott: • Eight Mile River, East At town boat launch. Haddam: Devil’s Hopyard SP. DO YOUR PART FOR WETLAND • Southford Falls Pond, • Farmington River—West Oxford-Southbury: In CONSERVATION — BUY A Branch, Barkhamsted: Off Southford Falls SP. dirt road south of Route 318. CONNECTICUT DUCK STAMP! • Squantz Pond, New Fairfield: • Farmington River, Unionville: Near Squantz Pond SP boat The Connecticut Duck Stamp On Farmington Land Trust launch: Program provides the sole source (www.farmingtonlandtrust. of funding for many of the wetland org) property upstream from • Stratton Brook Park Pond, projects that are conducted in the Route 177 (between River Simsbury: In Stratton Brook S P. state. These projects benefit the Road and Railroad Avenue, approximately 274 fish, birds, mam- southerly side of river). • Walkers Reservoir (East), mals, amphibians, and reptiles of the • Gardner Lake, Salem- Vernon: Turn south near state that rely upon clean, healthy wetlands. All waterfowl hunters are Montville-Bozrah: On dam at Route 31 and I-84 junction on required to purchase a Duck Stamp, but those interested in wetland Lake Road. Reservoir Road. conservation also buy stamps. CT Duck Stamps may be purchased Note that many trout parks and other areas identified in the guide as “family for $13.00 wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold and at friendly” may be suitable for some individuals with mobility challenges that don’t www.ct.gov/deep/sportsmenslicensing. need or want a formal structure such as those found at the sites listed above.

www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 23 Broodstock Atlantic Salmon & River Herring

BROODSTOCK ATLANTIC SALMON: Seasons, Creel Limits & Methods for the period from December 1, 2014–March 31, 2016 OPEN SEASON DAILY CREEL LIMIT LEGAL METHODS (all seasons) December 1, 2014 through March 31, 2015 One (1) salmon per day Fishing for Atlantic Salmon is limited to use of a April 1, 2015 to 6:00 a.m., April 11, 2015 Salmon fishing closed RIVERS single fly or artificial lure with a single free- 6:00 a.m., April 11, 2015 through August 31, 2015 One (1) salmon per day swinging hook. Additional weight may not be added to the line. September 1, 2015 through November 30, 2015 Catch and release only Snagging is strictly prohibited. December 1, 2015 through March 31, 2016 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).

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 water immediately. Some of these fish may have a yellow tag present just Salmon fisheries that have been established on the Naugatuck and behind the dorsal fin. We would appreciate the reporting of any such Shetucket rivers, as well as selected lakes and ponds stocked at various accidental captures to Steve Gephard at 860-447-4316. times (Beach Pond, Crystal Lake, Mashapaug Lake and Mount Tom Pond), DEEP will also produce about 1,000–1,200 2–3 year old fish ALEWIFE & BLUEBACK HERRING Emergency Fishery Closure is in effect: (average weight of 2–5 pounds) annually. These fish are being grown prohibited and stocked specifically for this recreational fishery and are stocked Taking of anadromous alewife and blueback herring is from before they produce eggs. all Connecticut waters including Long Island Sound. Alewife and blueback herring (collectively termed “river herring”) Fishing for broodstock Atlantic salmon in rivers is allowed only in the runs have been declining. While the reasons for the decline are not following areas: fully understood, the DEEP believes it is mostly due to predation by • Naugatuck River: From the confluence of the East and West increasingly abundant striped bass. Healthy river herring populations Branches (Torrington) downstream to the Housatonic River. are needed to provide food for many species. • Housatonic River: Entire river downstream of the Derby Dam. To restore herring runs, the DEEP is taking a number of actions • Shetucket River: Downstream from the Scotland Dam (Windham) including removing dams, building fishways, reintroducing pre-spawn to the Water Street Bridge (Norwich). adults into streams that had previously supported runs, and eliminating harvest. An immediate recovery is not expected. However, this closure Salmon are Stocked Into Three Designated Broodstock Areas: may reduce the threat of further declines and enable river herring • Naugatuck River: populations to recover more quickly in favorable years. —— From Route 118, Litchfield-Harwinton, downstream to the This emergency closure will be in place through at least March 2016 Thomaston Dam (Upper section). and will likely be extended. Check the DEEP website (www.ct.gov/deep) —— From Prospect Street, Naugatuck, downstream to Pines Bridge or contact DEEP Inland Fisheries (860-424-3474) or Marine Fisheries Road, Beacon Falls (Lower section). (860-434-6043) for more information. • Shetucket River: From the Scotland Dam, Scotland, downstream to the Occum Dam, Norwich. Landlocked Alewife Landlocked alewife populations are established in several Connecticut Designated Broodstock Area Fishing Restriction lakes and ponds. Landlocked alewife may be taken by angling or scoop From October 1 to March 31, angling for all species in the designated net only from the following lakes: salmon broodstock areas on the Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers is • Amos Lake restricted to fishing methods that are legal for Atlantic salmon (a single • Ball Pond fly or a lure with a single free-swinging hook only). Additional weight • Beach Pond Alewife may not be added to the line. Anglers are reminded that the season is • Candlewood Lake closed from March 1st to the 2nd Saturday in April for all species other • Crystal Lake (Ellington) than broodstock Atlantic salmon except in the upper Naugatuck River • Highland Lake Broodstock Area. This area is within the Naugatuck River TMA, which • Mount Tom Pond is open year-round for trout (catch-and-release only). • Quassapaug Lake © Joseph Tomelleri • Quonnipaug Lake Atlantic Salmon • Squantz Pond Blueback • Uncas Lake Herring • Waramaug Lake

24 2015 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 3:30 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 3:30 pm Tiger trout (hybrid) TOURS Surplus broodstock trout Self-guided or by reservation PHONE 860-564-7542

KENSINGTON STATE FISH HATCHERY ADDRESS FISH 120 Old Hatchery Rd RAISED Kensington, CT 06037 Seeforellen strain — brown trout HOURS Cortland strain — brown trout Call for more information Atlantic salmon fry TOURS Atlantic salmon surplus broodstock Group tours can be arranged Trout and salmon eggs to support by calling the Trout-in-the-Classroom Program PHONE and the Salmon-in-Schools Program. 860-829-8518

>> Over 600,000 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 25 New Fishing Opportunities

Channel Catfish:

Channel Catfish Stocking Adult Fish Only

Yearling Fish Only

Yearling and Adult Fish

• Stocked as either yearlings (6"– 8") or adults (14" or more) • The purchase of channel catfish is provided through federal Sportfish 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 • No size limit or daily limit (as of 2014)

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:

26 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Record Freshwater Fish THE ORIGINAL BIOBRICKS® A New Look at Firewood™ Red type signifies a new state record for 2014. Locally-made, 100% wood BioBricks® WEIGHT COMMON LOCATION CAUGHT ANGLER YEAR NAME lbs. oz. CAUGHT American Eel 10 3 Shetucket River, Norwich Charles J. Lobacz 1993 Designed to American Shad 9 4 Connecticut River, Windsor Edward Cypus 1981 excel in wood stoves, Bluegill 2 4 Private Pond, Madison Daniel Gesner 1996 ﬁ r e p l a c e s Brook Trout 9 3 Blackwells Brook, Brooklyn David Andes 1998 & campﬁ res Brown Bullhead 4 15 Prospect Pond, Southington Robert Richey 1990 Brown Trout 19 0 West Hill Pond, Barkhamsted/New Hartford James M. Lucas II 2014 Brown Trout 10 8 Saugatuck River, Westport Ronald J. Merly 2006 (Sea-run) Your environmentally conscious, easy-to-use, Calico Bass 4 0 Pataganset Lake, East Lyme James M. Boos 1974 economical solution to winter heating. One pallet ® Chain Pickerel 8 9 West Twin Lake, Salisbury Alden L. Foss 2005 of our BioBricks brings as much heat into your house as a full cord of wood and is easily stored Channel Catfish 29 6 Mashapaug Lake, Union Appleton Barrows 2004 inside. BioBricks® are a clean-burning alternative, producing minimal smoke, creosote and ash — Common Carp 43 12 Connecticut River Michael Hudak 2012 overall 1/2 the amount produced by cordwood.

Fallfish 2 4 Farmington River, Simsbury Chad Tessman 2012 No Mess. | No Bugs. | No Chopping. Kokanee 2 14 East Twin Lake, Salisbury Tom Pasko 2011 Lake Trout 29 13 Wononscopomuc Lake, Salisbury Dr. Thompson 1918 Largemouth Bass 12 14 Mashapaug Lake, Union Frank Domurat 1961 Northern Pike 29 0 Lake Lillinonah, Brookfield Joseph Nett 1980 For a list of dealers near you go to Pumpkinseed 1 3 Lake Marie, Windham Robyn Rogers 1973 www.OriginalBioBricks.com Rainbow Trout 14 10 Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Mansfield Michael V. Ludlow 1998 or call 860.214.6912 Colebrook Reservoir, Colebrook Ernie Gonsalves 1989 Manufactured in Berlin, CT Rock Bass (tie) 1 3 Shenipsit Lake, Tolland James Bonan 1995 Register online to win a FREE pallet of BioBricks® Smallmouth Bass 7 12 Shenipsit Lake, Tolland Joseph Mankauskas, Jr. 1980 Tiger Trout 7 14 Quassapaug Lake Jerry Barth 2011 Walleye 14 8 Candlewood Lake, New Fairfield George Britto 1941 Share your White Catfish 12 12 Connecticut River, Middletown John L. Shatas 1999 White Perch 2 15 Candlewood Lake, New Fairfield Don Loftus, Jr. 1996 exciting product Yellow Perch 2 13 Black Pond, Woodstock Miller B. Bassett 1973 or service with the Connecticut LOOKING TO GET THE LEAD OUT? sporting community!

Share the Experience—Take Someone Fishing • APRIL 11 Opening Day Trout Fishing Lead is a metal which, in sufficient quantities, can negatively affect the nervous and reproductive 2015 CONNECTICUT systems of animals and humans. Most fishing jigs and sinkers have historically been made with lead. ANGLER’S GUID Wildlife such as eagles, loons, and other waterfowl can be poisoned by lead they’ve consumed. INLAND & MARINE FISHING E 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 YOUR gear. In addition, lost or discarded lead fishing weights and other lead fishing tackle of smaller SOURCE sizes can be ingested by wildlife, particularly dabbling and For CT Fishing diving water birds such as swans, ducks, geese and loons. Information 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 » New Reduced » Opening Day of Fees for 16 and » New Inland » New Marine lead, but will be more environmentally benign, and as Trout Season Regulations 17 Year Olds! Moved to 2nd Regulations See pages 8 & 10 for 2015 for 2015 Saturday in April See page 20 See page 54 demand continues to grow, prices are expected to drop. See page 20

Connecticut Department of Consider asking for non-lead alternatives when purchasing Energy & Environmental Protection www.ct.gov/deep/ﬁ shing new tackle or replacing old. Image courtesy of CT DEEP Wildlife — Paul Fusco Websites for more information on lead sinkers include: For advertising inquiries, please call • Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: www.pca.state.mn.us/sinkers • US EPA: http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/fishshellfish/animals.cfm (413) 884-1001 • 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 S Shore fishing access TROUT KOKANEE Special Management Lakes C Family friendly fishing location NORTHERN PIKE are color-coded for major State picnic area WALLEYE P gamefish species Italics Access/stocking information CATFISH 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

ALLEN BROOK POND, Wallingford, ANDERSON POND (Blue Lake), North AVERY POND, Preston (36 acres) BANTAM LAKE, Morris-Litchfield (947 acres) (see Wharton Pond) Stonington (57 acres) L NORTHERN PIKE LAKE • Species: (NP SMB LMB WP CB YP L • Species: (CP LMB YP BB S) S BB) • Species: (LMB CP CB S BB YP) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Northern Pike: ALEXANDER LAKE, Killingly (215 acres) »»May 1–Nov. 30: Daily creel limit—2, • Note: No public access. 26" minimum length. • Species: (LMB SMB CP S BB WP YP) ANGUS PARK POND (Eastbury BABCOCK POND, Colchester (119 acres) »»Dec. 1–last day Feb.: Daily creel • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Pond), Glastonbury (9.4 acres) limit—1, 36" minimum length. April–last day February. SC »»March 1–April 30: Closed to northern • Other: The possession and use of any HS • Species: (LMB YP S CP BB) pike fishing. live alewives, blueback (glut or river) • Species: (T CP LMB S BB YP) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • All Other Species: Open year round, herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday statewide regulations apply. shad as bait is prohibited. Motor size April–October 31. • Other: Motors prohibited 11 p.m. to limit—12 cu in (Approx. 10 hp). • Other: Boats and canoes prohibited. 5 a.m. Use of internal combustion BACKWATER POND, Thompson motors prohibited on the Bantam River S between Bantam Lake and the inlet to Little Pond. AMOS LAKE, Preston (113 acres) ASHLAND POND, Griswold (89 acres) • Season: Open year-round (new regulation for 2015 — see page 20). L • Species: (LMB CP YP S) TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE / BARBER POND, Bloomfield (9.4 acres) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE • Species: (S) • Species: (T CP LMB BB AE YP S) BALD MOUNTAIN POND, Stafford (1 acre) ASPINOOK POND, Lisbon/Griswold/ • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Canterbury (301 acres) S April–last day February. April–March 31. Informal boat access off Butts Bridge • Species: (T BB S) • Other: Boats and canoes prohibited • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: Road, no facilities. Commercial launch • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday except between May 16 and October 12" to 18" protected slot limit. Daily (fee charged) at private campground off April–last day February. 31. Use of all motors prohibited. creel limit—6 bass, only 1 may be 18" Ross Hill Road. or greater. • Species: (LMB WP YP S CA CB) • Trout: From March 1–March 31, Daily • Other: Butts Bridge is the demarcation creel limit—1, 16" minimum length. line between the pond and the Quine- BALDWINS POND, Meriden (5.4 acres) BASHAN LAKE, East Haddam (273 acres) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. See 2015 baug River. Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. S L • Species: (T) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T LMB SMB CP CB YP S) April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily BALL POND, New Fairfield (83 acres) creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" L or greater. The boating laws and regulations provided in this guide are brief • Other: 35 mph speed limit days, 6 mph • Species: (T LMB BB S YP) summaries of selected state boating safety statutes and regulations, limit ½ hour after sunset to 8 a.m. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday and local ordinances. For complete boating regulations and additional April–last day February. information, please refer to the 2015 Connecticut Boater’s Guide which • Other: Vessels with motors attached can be obtained from the DEEP Boating Division (860-434-8638). prohibited.

28 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Lakes and Ponds open year-round (no closed season) unless otherwise stated.

BATTERSON PARK POND, BEAVER PARK LAGOON, BISHOP SWAMP (Jurovaty Pond), BRANFORD SUPPLY PONDS, Farmington (140 acres) New Haven (8.5 acres) Andover (53 acres) Branford (26 acres) SL S Informal cartop launch. S • Species: (LMB CB S BB) WALLEYE LAKE / CATFISH LAKE COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS • Species: (T LMB S CP) • Other: Use of internal combustion Channel catfish first stocked in 2013. Trout and Channel Catfish first stocked • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday engines prohibited. • Species: (CB YP WP S LMB WA) in 2014. April–last day February. • Season: Open year-round (new regula- • Species: (CC T AE LMB CA S BB) tion for 2015 — see page 20). • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Other: Use of internal combustion April–October 31. BLACK POND, Meriden-Middlefield (76 acres) engines prohibited. BREAKNECK POND, HSL Union-Massachusetts (92 acres) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / CATFISH LAKE S BESECK LAKE, Middlefield (116 acres) Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. Walk-in access (approximately 1.2 miles BAUMMER POND, Naugatuck (2.7 acres) • Species: (T LMB CP BB CB S CC) L from north end of Bigelow Pond). • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday S • Species: (LMB YP CB S) • Note: Connecticut or Massachusetts April–last day February. • Species: (T BB S) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. See 2015 license legal on entire pond. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 12" to • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. • Species: (S YP CB CP LMB) 16" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit— April–last day February. • Other: Use of internal combustion 6 bass, only 2 may be 16" or greater. engines prohibited. Motor vehicle • Other: Use of internal combustion access prohibited. BESSE PARK POND, Torrington (4.5 acres) engines prohibited. BEACH POND, Voluntown – Rhode Island (372 acres) S • Species: (S) BROAD BROOK MILLPOND, East Windsor BLACK POND, Woodstock (74 acres) HSL • Season: Open year-round (new regula- (19 acres) WALLEYE LAKE tion for 2015 — see page 20). SL • Species: (T LMB SMB CP S YP WA) S • Species: (T LMB SMB CP YP BB S CB) • Note: Connecticut or Rhode Island • Species: (T LMB YP S) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday fishing license legal on entire pond. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. Rhode Island regulations apply for bass BICENTENNIAL POND (Mansfield Town Pond), April–last day February. • Other: Motors limited to 5 hp. and pickerel. Mansfield (6 acres) • Other: Motors prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday S April–last day February. • Species: (T S LMB BB) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday BLACK ROCK LAKE (Branch Brook), Daily creel limit—5 bass, 12" minimum BULL POND, Harwinton (20 acres) April–October 31. Watertown (21 acres) length. Informal cartop access. • Chain Pickerel: Daily creel limit—5, SC • Species: (BB LMB BC) 14" minimum length. • Species: (T) • Other: Motors prohibited. • Broodstock Atlantic salmon have BIGELOW POND, Union (25 acres) • Season: Open 2nd Saturday April–last been stocked several times into day February. this lake, first in 2007 and most PHSLC recently in September 2014. Regu- • Species: (T YP LMB S) BUNNELLS POND (Beardsley Park Pond), lations for salmon are the same as • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Bridgeport (33 acres) for trout except: Daily creel limit—1 April–last day February. BLACK ROCK POND, Watertown (9.5 acres) PS Atlantic salmon. • Other: Use of internal combustion PGSC COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS / • All Other Species: CT Statewide regu- engines prohibited. In Black Rock State Park. CATFISH LAKE lations apply. TROUT PARK Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. • Other: No more than six tip-ups may • Species: (T LMB) • Species: (S CC T) be used when ice-fishing. BILLINGS LAKE, North Stonington (97 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. April–November 30. HSL • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. • Other: Ice fishing prohibited. BEACHDALE POND, Voluntown (46 acres) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE • Other: All vessels prohibited. • Species: (T LMB YP CP S CB BB) HL • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (LMB T YP BB) April to last day February. BURR POND, Torrington (85 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: BLUE LAKE (see Anderson Pond) PGSLC April–last day February. 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily • Other: 8 mph speed limit. creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" CATFISH LAKE or greater. Channel catfish first stocked in 2013. BOLTON LAKES (Lower, Middle, Upper), • Species: (BB LMB S) Bolton-Coventry-Vernon (346 acres) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. BEACHLAND POND, West Hartford (1.1 acres) LCS • Season: Open year-round (new regula- • Species: (S) BIRGE POND, Bristol (15.8 acres) tion for 2015 — see page 20). BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / CATFISH LAKE • Season: Open year-round (new regula- SC Channel catfish first stocked into Lower tion for 2015 — see page 20). COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS Bolton Lake in 2007. Trout and Channel Catfish first stocked • Species: (YP BB CP LMB SMB S CC) BUTTERNUT POND, East Windsor (1.4 acres) in 2014. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 12" to BEAVER BROOK PONDS, • Species: (T, CC, S) 16" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit— (Bibbins Ponds), Windham (20 acres) • Trout: Anglers are reminded that state- 6 bass, only 2 may be 16" or greater. wide regulations (page 21) for trout • Other: Motors limited to 6 hp. BUTTERNUT PARK POND, Middletown HSC including seasons apply at this water (2.9 acres). (see Rowan's Pond) • Species: (T) body. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. BOLTON NOTCH POND, Bolton (17 acres) • Other: Boats and canoes prohibited except from May 16 to October 31. SC Motors prohibited. • Species: (LMB S YP) www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 29 Lakes & Ponds

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

CANDLEWOOD LAKE, Danbury-New Fairfield- CLARKS POND (Mill River), Hamden • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday DOG POND, Goshen (66 acres) Sherman-New Milford-Brookfield (5064 acres) April–last day February. S • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: L L • Species: (T) 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily • Species: (LMB CP YP CB BB S) TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" • Species: (T LMB SMB YP WC WP April–last day February. or greater. CB BB S) • Other: Boats and canoes prohibited. • Other: The possession and use of any DOOLEY POND, Middletown (19 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday live alewives, blueback (glut or river) April–March 31. herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin SL • Trout: From March 1–March 31; Daily shad as bait is prohibited. 6 mph speed COLEBROOK RIVER LAKE, • Species: (LMB YP S) creel limit—1, 16" minimum length. limit from sunset to 1 hour after sunrise Colebrook-Massachusetts (826 acres) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Other: 45 mph daytime speed limit, 25 all days, and on Sundays noon to 4:00 mph from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour L p.m. from May 15 to September 15, and before sunrise. BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE from noon to 2:00 p.m. on July 4. 40 • Note: Connecticut or Massachusetts mph limit all other times. EAGLEVILLE LAKE, Coventry-Mansfield fishing license legal on entire pond from (77 acres) CEDAR LAKE, Chester (69 acres) demarcation posters downstream to the dam. HSC CRESCENT LAKE, Southington (51.2 acres) Brigham Road Bridge (Plains Road) is the SL • Species: (T RA LMB SMB WC) demarcation line between the lake and WALLEYE LAKE • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday L the Willimantic River. Walleye first stocked in 2012. April–last day February. • Species: (LMB S YP) • Species: (LMB SMB CP S YP BB) • Species: (T YP LMB CP BB S) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Other: Use of internal combustion • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday 12" to 16" protected slot limit; Daily engines prohibited. April–last day February. creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" • Other: 6 mph speed limit. or greater. • Other: 20 mph speed limit. The posses- EASTBURY POND (see Angus Park Pond) sion and use of any live alewives, CRYSTAL LAKE, Ellington-Stafford (183 acres) blueback (glut or river) herring, gizzard, CENTER SPRINGS PARK hickory or threadfin shad as bait is SL POND, Manchester (11.8 acres) TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE prohibited. EAST TWIN LAKE (Washining Lake), • Species: (T YP CP SMB LMB S) Salisbury (569 acres) S • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS April–March 31. Trout and Channel Catfish to be C COLONY POND (Abe Stone Park Pond), • Trout: Commercial launching ramp, fee stocked in 2015. Ansonia (3.6 acres) »»From 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April– charged. Boat livery. • Species: (CC, T, S) last day February, 12" to 16" protected • Trout: Anglers are reminded that state- S C slot limit. Daily creel limit—5, only 1 TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE / KOKANEE LAKE wide regulations (page 21) for trout COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS may be 16" or greater. • Species: (T LMB CP YP S BB CB K) including seasons apply at this water New for 2015, trout to be stocked. »»From March 1–March 31; Daily creel • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday body. • Species: (T, LMB, S) limit—1, 16" minimum length. April–March 31. • Trout: Anglers are reminded that state- • Broodstock Atlantic salmon have • Trout: Daily creel limit—5, except wide regulations (page 21) for trout been stocked several times into this from March 1–March 31, 16" minimum including seasons apply at this water lake, first in 2007 and most recently length, Daily creel limit—1. CHATFIELD HOLLOW POND body. in September, 2014. Regulations for • Trout & Kokanee combined: Daily (see Schreeder Pond) salmon are the same as for trout creel limit—8 for both species in except: Daily creel limit—1 Atlantic aggregate, of which no more than 5 salmon. may be trout and no more than 5 may COMPENSATING RESERVOIR • Other: 6 mph speed limit from sunset be kokanee salmon. LAKE CHAMBERLAIN, Bethany (107 acres) (see Lake McDonough) to 9 a.m., and on Sundays from noon • Other: 35 mph daytime speed limit, 6 BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE to 3:00 p.m. 45 mph speed limit at all mph from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour • Species: (LMB CP S) other times. after sunrise. Also 6 mph within 200 • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday feet of vessel or dock. The possession April–November 30. CONGAMOND LAKES and use of any live alewives, blueback • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: (South Pond, Middle Pond, and North Pond), (glut or river) herring, gizzard, hickory or 12" to 16" protected slot limit; Daily Suffield-Massachusetts (465 acres) CRYSTAL LAKE, Middletown (32 acres) threadfin shad as bait is prohibited. The creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" L use of radios by fishermen is prohibited or greater. SL from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. • Note: Connecticut or Massachusetts • Note: Shore fishing only. Fishing by • Species: (LMB YP BB S) fishing license is legal on all three lakes. permit from South Central Connecticut • Other: Use of internal combustion • Species: (T LMB BB YP CP AE S) Regional Water Authority 203-562-4020. engines prohibited. Massachusetts regulations apply as EDGEWOOD PARK POND, New Haven follows: (3 acres) • Season: open year-round. • Season: Open year-round (new regula- • Trout: Daily creel limit—3 DAY POND, Colchester (7.4 acres) CHRISTENSEN’S POND, Granby (1.5 acres) tion for 2015 — see page 20). • Bass: Daily creel limit—5, 12" minimum C S length. PHS • Species: (T S) • Chain pickerel: Daily creel limit—5, 15" TROUT PARK • Species: (T S WC) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday minimum length. FACTORY POND (Norwalk River), • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. • Other: Not more than two hooks may Redding-Wilton (12 acres) be used during periods of open water April–last day February. • Species: (T) fishing and not more than five hooks • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday may be used when ice fishing. • Other: All vessels prohibited. CITY HALL POND, Milford April–last day February. • Species: (S) • Season: Open year-round (new regula- DODGE POND, East Lyme (34 acres) tion for 2015 — see page 20). COVENTRY LAKE (Wangumbaug Lake), Coventry (373 acres) L L • Species: (T LMB CB YP) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / WALLEYE LAKE • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T YP LMB SMB WA S CB) April–last day February. • Other: Use of all motors prohibited.

30 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Lakes and Ponds open year-round (no closed season) unless otherwise stated.

FACTORY POND (Town Grove Pond), Salisbury (2 acres) S CANDLEWOOD LAKE DEPTH MAP • Children’s Pond: Fishing restricted to children under age 16. First produced in 2006, Connecticut DEEP’s Candlewood • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–November 30. Lake depth map has become an angler favorite. • Produced using state-of-the-art GPS technology. • Field work and compilation ran from 1999 to 2005, and the final product is a FARMILL (ISINGLASS) RESERVOIR, color chart which measures 23 by 36 inches. Shelton (4 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • The best and most current information on Candlewood Lake depths available. April–December 31. • Maps are fully laminated, so the weather won’t damage it. • Species: (LMB S) • Note: Permit required to fish- Available from the DEEP Store $10.95 contact Aquarion Water company at 203-452-3511. • Order by phone: 860-424-3555 • Shop online: www.ct.gov/deep/store • Visit our Hartford store or order by mail FERNRIDGE PARK POND, West Hartford (0.7 acres) • Species: (S) • Season: Open year-round (new regulation for 2015 — see page 20). Remember, it’s illegal to fish in or into a DEEP permitted swim area. (RSCA §15-121-B12(c)) FISHER MEADOWS POND (Spring Lake), Avon (41 acres)

S C • Other: 6 mph speed limit from sunset GREAT HOLLOW POND, Monroe (15 acres) HALLVILLE POND (Indiantown Brook), Within Fisher Meadows Park. to 8:00 a.m. Preston (10 acres) • Species: (LMB CA S) PSC Informal cartop access. • Other: Ice fishing prohibited by town Within Wolfe Park. • Species: (T) ordinance. TROUT PARK • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday GAY CITY POND, Hebron (5.1 acres) • Species: (T) April–last day February. C • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday PS April–November 30. FITCHVILLE POND, Bozrah (59 acres) • Species: (T CP BB YP) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T LMB CP S) HAMILTON RESERVOIR, Union-Massachusetts April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday (412 acres) • Other: All vessels prohibited. April–last day February. GREEN FALLS RESERVOIR (Green Falls Pond), L Voluntown (48 acres) • Species: (T LMB SMB YP CB S BB) GLASGO POND, Griswold (168 acres) PGSCC • Note: Connecticut or Massachusetts FOUNTAIN LAKE RESERVOIR, fishing license legal on entire pond. • Species: (T LMB BB S) Ansonia-Seymour (6 acres) Massachusetts regulations apply as SL • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday follows: • Species: (LMB YP BB CB S) April–October 31. S • Season: Open year-round. • Species: (T LMB S) • Other: Use of internal combustion • Trout: Daily creel limit—3 • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday engines prohibited. • Large & smallmouth bass: Daily creel April–last day February. GORTON POND, East Lyme (52 acres) limit—5 total, 12" minimum length. SL • Chain pickerel: Daily creel limit—5, 15" GRIGGS POND, Woodstock (38 acres) minimum length. • Species: (LMB CB YP BB S) FRESHWATER POND (Freshwater Brook), • Northern pike: Daily creel limit—1, 28" • Other: 8 mph speed limit. Enfield (8 acres) S minimum length. Walk in access from Route 198 (200 • Other: Not more than two hooks may S yards). be used during periods of open water COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS GOULD MANOR POND, Fairfield (2 acres) • Species: (LMB YP S BB) fishing and not more than five hooks New for 2015, Catfish first stocked in 2012. • Other: Use of internal combustion may be used when ice fishing. • Children’s Pond: Fishing restricted to • Species: (T, CC) engines prohibited. children under age 16. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. April–November 30. HAMPTON RESERVOIR, Hampton-Eastford HALLS POND, Eastford-Ashford (82 acres) (88 acres)

GARDNER LAKE, Salem-Montville-Bozrah SC C GREAT HILL POND, Portland (76 acres) (529 acres) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE • Species: (LMB YP CP S BB) Informal cartop/carry-in access only (30 • Species: (LMB S YP CB CP) • Other: Use of internal combustion HSL yards). • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: engines prohibited. BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / WALLEYE LAKE • Species: (LMB CP YP CB S BB WC) 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily • Species: (T SMB LMB YP CP CB S • Other: Motors limited to 6 hp or less. creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" WA BB WC) 12 mph speed limit. or greater. HANCOCK BROOK LAKE, Plymouth (20 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Other: 8 mph speed limit. April–last day February. S • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset (but no later Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum length. than 8:00 pm). Walk-in access only after www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 31 Lakes & Ponds

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

Labor Day weekend (September 7, 2015) HIGGANUM RESERVOIR, Haddam (31 acres) HOPEVILLE POND, Griswold (137 acres) HURLBURT POND, Putnam (3 acres) until the weekend before Memorial Day weekend (May 16, 2015). S PGSL S • Species: (T) Public right-of-way, passable for cars. CATFISH LAKE • Season: Open year-round (new regula- • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T S) Channel catfish first stocked in 2012. tion for 2015 — see page 20). April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Launch open from Opening Day to early April–last day February. October. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Species: (LMB NP CP S WP YP) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday HYDE POND, Ledyard (5.4 acres) HANOVER POND, Meriden (70 acres) April–last day February. S Town operated boat launch. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. HIGHLAND LAKE, Winchester (445 acres) • Species: (T) • Species: (LMB S) • Other: Steerage speed only. HL TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE / HOPEWELL POND/LAKE HOPEWELL INDIAN LAKE (Indian Pond), Sharon- BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE (see Huntington Pond) New York (196 acres) HANOVER RESERVOIR, Canterbury-Sprague • Species: (T LMB YP SMB CB S) (21 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Note: Connecticut or New York fishing April–March 31. license legal on entire pond. New York Walk-in access (approximately 600 yards • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: HORSE POND, Salem (13 acres) regulations apply for large & small- from Little River Road in Canterbury). Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum length. mouth bass. • Species: (T LMB S) • Trout: HSC • Species: (LMB YP) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday »»From 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April– • Species: (T S BB CP LMB) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: April–last day February. last day February, 12" to 16" protected • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Season—Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday slot limit. Daily creel limit—5, only 1 April–last day February. April–November 30. may be 16" or greater. • Trout: Statewide daily creel limit (5) • All Other Species: Season—Open HATCH POND, Kent (72 acres) »»From March 1–March 31; Daily creel now applies. 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–March 31. limit—1, 16" minimum length. • Other: Use of internal combustion • Other: Not more than five tip-ups and L • Other: 6 mph speed limit from ½ hour engines prohibited. two hand-held jigs allowed for ice • Species: (YP BB CP LMB CB S) after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise fishing. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. (and from 5 p.m. on Sundays from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day). 45 mph speed limit on weekends LAKE HOUSATONIC, Shelton-Derby- and holidays. Monroe-Oxford-Seymour (328 acres) ISINGLASS RESERVOIR LAKE HAYWARD (Shaw Lake), (see Farmill Reservoir) East Haddam (174 acres) PL From the Stevenson Dam to the Derby L HODGE POND, Voluntown (10 acres) Dam. Boat launch at Indian Well State Park, opens for daytime (8:00 a.m. to BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE Public right-of-way, carry-in access. KAATZ POND, Trumbull (2 acres) sunset) use on April 1st (no other ameni- • Species: (T LMB YP CP S CB BB AE) • Species: (LMB CP YP S BB) • Children’s Pond: Fishing restricted to ties until mid-May). Park officially closes • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday children under age 16. September 30th. Note: boating/fishing April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday access may continue past this date. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 12" April–November 30. to 16" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit HOGBACK RESERVOIR Contact Park Manager (203-735-4311) —6 bass, only 2 may be 16" or greater. (see West Branch Reservoir) for information concerning status of fall • Other: Use of internal combustion boating and fishing access. engines prohibited. BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE KEACH POND • Species: (SMB LMB WC WP YP AE (see Peck Pond) HOLBROOK POND, Hebron (83 acres) S CA) HELEN KELLER SCHOOL POND, Easton HSL • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum length. Handicapped access at dam. • Other: Minimum steerage speed within KENEY PARK POND, Hartford (3 acres) S • Species: (LMB YP CB S) 25 ft. of shore or dock. 45 mph speed • Children’s Pond: Fishing restricted to • Other: 8 mph speed limit. S limit daytime, 25 mph from ½ hour after children under age 16. COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS / sunset to ½ hour before sunrise. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday CATFISH LAKE April–November 30. Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. HOP BROOK LAKE, Middlebury (26 acres) • Species: (T S CC) PSC HOWELLS POND, Hartland (14 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. HEWITT FLYFISHING POND (Gallup Pond), Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset (but no later PHSL North Stonington (2 acres) than 8:00 pm). Walk-in access only after Public right-of-way, passable for cars. Labor Day weekend (September 7, 2015) • Species: (T) S until the weekend before Memorial Day • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday LAKE KENOSIA, Danbury (60 acres) • Species: (T LMB YP S BB) weekend (May 16, 2015). April–last day February. • Methods: Fly fishing only. • Species: (T) Note: Trout stocking L • Other: Use of internal combustion • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday discontinued due to limited spring recre- BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / CATFISH LAKE engines prohibited. April–October 31. ational access. Channel catfish first stocked in 2012. • Other: All vessels prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (LMB S BB YP) April–last day February. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Other: Vessels with motors, except HUNTINGTON POND (Starret Pond, 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily HEWITT POND (Lower Hewitt Pond), electric, prohibited. No ice fishing. Lake Hopewell, Huntington Park creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" North Stonington (2 acres) Pond), Redding (15 acres) or greater. • Other: Operating a boat propelled • Species: (T S BB) S by an internal combustion engine • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday HOPE LAKE (see Nells Rock Reservoir) • Species: (T LMB S) prohibited. April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Other: All vessels prohibited. April–last day February. Operation of vessels with motors, except • Other: Use of internal combustion for electric motors, is prohibited (new engines prohibited. regulation for 2015 — see page 20).

32 2015 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), • Note: Shore fishing only. Fishing by LAKE McDONOUGH (Compensating Reservoir), (122 acres) Litchfield (15 acres) permit from South Central Connecticut New Hartford-Barkhamsted (391 acres) • Note: Connecticut or Rhode Island • Species: (NP LMB YP S BB) Regional Water Authority 203-562-4020. SL fishing license legal on entire pond. • Northern Pike: • Species: (T LMB SMB YP S) • Species: (LMB SMB S YP CP) »»May 1–Nov. 30: Daily creel limit—2, • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 26" minimum length. MAMANASCO LAKE, Ridgefield (89 acres) April–November 30. Daily creel limit—5 bass, 12" minimum »»Dec. 1–last day Feb.: Daily creel limit—1, • Note: 10 mph motorboat speed limit. length. 36" minimum length. L Boat launch owned and operated • Chain Pickerel: Daily creel limit—5, »March 1–April 30: Closed to northern » BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE by MDC ($6.00 parking fee, $6.00 14" minimum length. pike fishing. • Species: (LMB S YP BB CB) launching fee). Launch area open from • All Other Species: CT Statewide regu- • All Other Species: Open year round, • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 3rd Saturday April through Labor Day. lations apply. statewide regulations apply. 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily Boat launch hours: 10:00 a.m.–sunset • Other: No more than six tip-ups may creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" weekdays, 8:00 a.m.–sunset week- be used when ice-fishing. Motors or greater. ends, except 6:00 a.m.–sunset on limited to 12 cu in (approx. 10 hp). • Other: Use of internal combustion LITTLE POND (Schoolhouse Pond), Opening Day. Boats must be off lake engines prohibited. Thompson (65 acres) by 7:30 p.m. Reservoir shore fishing access from sunrise to 9:00 p.m. (except LAKE OF ISLES, North Stonington (89 acres) L from 6:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. on Opening • Species: (T LMB YP CP CB S) MANITOOK LAKE, Granby (57 acres) Day). Visit MDC at www.themdc.com L • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday or call (860-379-3036, 860-379-0916) • Species: (LMB CP YP CB S BB) April–last day February. • Species: (LMB S) for updated fees, hours and other • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Note: Ice fishing permitted on week- information. ends only. • Other: 5 mph speed limit in restricted LONG POND, Ledyard-North areas. Use of motors in excess of 7-½ LAKEVILLE LAKE (see Wononskopomuc Lake) Stonington (109 acres) hp prohibited on Saturdays. McGOVERN POND, West Hartford (1 acre) • Species: (S, LMB) SL • Season: Open year-round (new regula- • Species: (T CP LMB CB YP S) tion for 2015 — see page 20). LAKEWOOD LAKE (Great Brook Reservoir), • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday MANSFIELD HOLLOW RESERVOIR Waterbury (73 acres) April–last day February. (Naubesatuck Lake), Mansfield- • Other: 5 mph speed limit. Chaplin-Windham (460 acres) S C McGRATH PARK POND COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS / SL (Prospect Park Pond), Prospect. (1 acre) CATFISH LAKE BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / Channel catfish first stocked in 2008. LOWER FULTON PARK POND, NORTHERN PIKE LAKE S • Species: (LMB S CC) Waterbury (2.8 acres) • Species: (CP LMB NP T YP S CB) • Species: (T) • Season: Open year-round (new regula- • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday PS tion for 2015 — see page 20). April–October 31. • Species: (S) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 12" to LANTERN HILL POND, • Season: Open year-round (new regula- 16" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit—6 Ledyard-North Stonington (23 acres) tion for 2015 — see page 20). bass, only 2 may be 16" or greater. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. Swimming MESSERSCHMIDT POND, L prohibited. Deep River-Westbrook (73 acres) • Species: (T LMB CP CB YP S) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday LOWER STORRS PUMPING POND, SC April–last day February. Mansfield (2 acre) • Species: (LMB CP S BB YP AE) MANSFIELD TOWN POND • Other: Use of internal combustion S (see Bicentennial Pond) engines prohibited. • Species: (T) LEONARD POND, Kent (20 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. C MANSFIELD TRAINING SCHOOL PONDS, MILL POND, Newington (2.7 acres) • Species: (YP CB CP BB LMB) Mansfield (1.1 & 2.3 acres) • Children’s Pond: Fishing restricted to MAD RIVER FLOOD CONTROL IMPOUNDMENT, S children under age 16. Winchester (7.9 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T S BB) LAKE LILLINONAH, Brookfield-Bridgewater- April–November 30. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Newtown-Southbury-New Milford (1547 acres) S April–last day February. L • Species: (T) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday MILL WOODS PARK POND, From Bleachery Dam to the Shepaug Dam. April–last day February. Wethersfield (7.3 acres) • Species: (LMB SMB WP CB WC NP • Other: All vessels prohibited. MASHAPAUG LAKE, Union (287 acres) S CA YP) • Season: Open year-round (new regula- • Other: 45 mph speed limit daytime, 25 PHSL tion for 2015 — see page 20). mph from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / WALLEYE LAKE before sunrise. MALTBY LAKES (1,2,3), • Species: (T LMB SMB CP YP S WA) Orange-West Haven (19, 23 & 25 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday MILLERS POND, Durham (33 acres) April–last day February. S • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: LILLY POND, Thompson (7.4 acres) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / CATFISH LAKE S 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily Carry in boat access (300 yards). • Season: Open year-round (new regula- Channel catfish first stocked into creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" • Species: (LMB YP T S) tion for 2015 — see page 20). Maltby Lakes 2 & 3 in 2007. or greater. • Species: (T LMB S YP CC) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Broodstock Atlantic salmon have April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday been stocked several times into April–November 30. • Other: Use of internal combustion this lake, first in 2008 and most engines prohibited. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: recently in October, 2009. Regula- 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily tions for salmon are the same as creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" for trout except: Daily creel limit—1 or greater. Atlantic salmon. • Other: 10 mph speed limit. 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.

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 (new regulation for 2015 — see page 20). 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 / in 2014. CATFISH LAKE NORTHFIELD BROOK LAKE, • Species: (T, CC) Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. Litchfield (8 acres) • Season: Open year-round (new regula- • Species: (T S BB LMB CC) MOUNT TOM POND, tion for 2015 — see page 20). • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Morris-Litchfield-Washington (56 acres) S • Trout: Anglers are reminded that state- April–November 30. PSC Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Walk-in access wide regulations (page 21) for trout • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: only after Columbus Day until the 3rd Sat- WALLEYE LAKE including seasons apply at this water Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum length. urday in April. Walleye first stocked in 2012. body. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. • Species: (T) • Species: (T S LMB CB CP YP) • Other: Ice fishing prohibited by town • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday ordinance. April–last day February. April–last day February. MONO POND, Columbia (113 acres) • Broodstock Atlantic salmon were stocked into this lake in September, MITCHELL POND, East Haddam (4 acres) SL 2014. Regulations for salmon are NORTHFIELD CUTLERY COMPANY POND, • Species: (LMB YP CP S) the same as for trout except: Daily Litchfield S • Other: 8 mph speed limit. creel limit—1 Atlantic salmon. Public right-of-way, passable for cars. • Species: (LMB S) • Other: Use of internal combustion • Species: (LMB S) • Other: Boats and canoes prohibited. engines prohibited.

MOODUS RESERVOIR (Upper, Lower), East Haddam (486 acres) NORWICH POND, Lyme (30 acres) MOHAWK POND, Cornwall-Goshen (16 acres) MUDDY POND, SL Woodstock-Massachusetts (38 acres) SL L BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE • Note: No public access. Connecticut • Species: (T LMB S CP) • Species: (T LMB) • Species: (LMB CP CB S YP) or Massachusetts fishing license legal • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: on entire pond. Connecticut regula- April–last day February. April–last day February. 12" to 18" protected slot limit. Daily tions apply. • Other: Operation of motorboats • Other: Use of all motors prohibited. creel limit—6 bass, only 1 may be 18" • Species: (LMB CP YP S BB) prohibited. or greater. • Other: 5 hp limit. • Other: 35 mph speed limit days, 6 mph limit ½ hour after sunset to 8 a.m. MOHEGAN LAKE, Fairfield (15 acres) PACHAUG POND, Griswold (841 acres) S MUDGE POND (Silver Lake), Sharon (207 acres) HSL • Species: (T) Plainfield (96 acres) MOOSUP POND, NORTHERN PIKE LAKE • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T S LMB YP BB) L • Species: (LMB CP NP WP CB YP S April–October 31. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE BB) April–last day February. • Species: (LMB CP YP S BB) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 12" to 18" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit—6 bass, only 1 may be 18" PAGE PARK LAGOON, Bristol (1.5 acres) or greater. • Other: Motors limited to 7-½ hp. Speed S • Season: Open year-round (new regula- limit 6 mph. Use of motors prohibited tion for 2015 — see page 20). from ½ hour after sunset to sunrise and anytime within 200 feet of town beach.

PAINE POND, Ashford (2 acres) Available from the NAUBESATUCK LAKE DEEP Store S (see Mansfield Hollow Reservoir) • Species: (T) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday A FISHERIES NOW AVAILABLE April–last day February. 1st Edition is back in stock. GUIDE to LAKES NELLS ROCK RESERVOIR (Hope Lake), Shelton (10.3 acres) and PONDS OF PAPERMILL POND (see Southford Falls Pond), S Oxford-Southbury (2.4 acres) CONNECTICUT Species: (T) Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday This Guide includes maps of more than April–last day February. 120 lakes, ponds, and selected Connecticut River sites; full-color PARK POND, Winchester (74.9 acres) photos, and informative sections on lake ecology, fisheries manage- L ment and fish life histories. Also featured are color illustrations of NORTH FARMS RESERVOIR, • Species: (LMB S YP BB CP CB) Connecticut fish by world-renowned artist Joseph Tomelleri. Wallingford (64 acres) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. SL DEEP Store • Species: (LMB BB S CP CB) 860-424-3555 Softcover • Other: 8 mph speed limit. PASTURE POND, Plainfield www.ct.gov/deep S $24.95 At Quinebaug Valley State Hatchery Price does not include 6.35% CT sales tax and • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday mail/phone order shipping/handling charges. April-September 30.

34 2015 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 — fee Carry-in boat access only (75 yards). COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS charged — weekends. Hours 7:00 a.m. New for 2015, catfish first stocked in to sunset, unimproved boat launch, boat CATFISH LAKE 2012. livery. Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. • Species: (T, CC) QUILLINAN RESERVOIR, Ansonia • Species: (LMB CA CP YP CB S T BB) • Species: (T LMB YP S CC CB) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday (12.2 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. April–last day February. April–last day February. No facilities, walk in access only. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. Use of • Species: (LMB S YP) internal combustion engines prohibited during July and August. PIERREPONT POND (Lake Naraneka), ROSS POND, Killingly (31 acres) Ridgefield (38 acres) QUINEBAUG LAKE (Wauregan Reservoir), Killingly (88 acres) SC SC • Species: (LMB CP S) PATTAGANSETT LAKE, East Lyme • Species: (LMB S) SL • Other: Use of internal combustion (128 acres) • Other: Use of internal combustion BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / CATFISH LAKE engines prohibited. L engines prohibited. Channel catfish first stocked in 2012. BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE • Species: (T LMB CP S CB YP) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (LMB CB S CP YP AE) ROWAN'S POND April–last day February. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: PINE ACRES LAKE, Hampton (190 acres) (Butternut Park Pond), Middletown (2.9 acres) 12" to 18" protected slot limit. Daily • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: creel limit—6 bass, only 1 may be 18" PSL Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum S or greater. • Species: (LMB S YP BB) length. COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS • Other: 8 mph speed limit. See 2015 • Other: Use of internal combustion • Other: Use of internal combustion Trout and channel catfish first stocked Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. engines prohibited. engines prohibited. in 2014. • Species: (T, CC, LMB, S) • Season: Open year-round (new regula- QUONNIPAUG LAKE, Guilford (99 acres) tion for 2015 — see page 20). PECK POND (Keach Pond), PINE LAKE (Shelton Reservoir #2), • Trout: Anglers are reminded that state- Thompson-Putnam-Rhode Island (14 acres) Shelton (7.3 acres) SL wide regulations (page 21) for trout S • Species: (LMB S) Note: Icefishing prohibited. including seasons apply at this water • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday body. • Note: Connecticut or Rhode Island April–December 31. TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE fishing license legal on entire pond. • Species: (T LMB BB SMB CP S YP Rhode Island regulations apply as AE CC) follows: • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday SAINT MARTHA’S POND, Enfield • Species: (T LMB SMB CP YP S BB CB) LAKE POCOTOPAUG, East Hampton April–March 31. • Season: 2nd Saturday April–last day (502 acres) • Trout: From March 1–March 31, Daily S February. • Species: (T S BB) • Note: No public access. creel limit—1, 16" minimum length. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (LMB SMB CP WA WP YP S) • Other: Motors limited to 6 hp. Opera- Daily creel limit—5 bass, 12" minimum April–last day February. • Walleye: Daily creel limit—2, 20" tion of motorboats prohibited from 9:00 length. minimum length. p.m. to 6:00 a.m. • Chain Pickerel: Daily creel limit—5, 14" minimum length. • Trout: No minimum length. Daily SALMON BROOK POND, Glastonbury Windsor (240 acres) creel limit—5 from 2nd Saturday in POWERS LAKE, East Lyme (144 acres) RAINBOW RESERVOIR, S April to November 30th. Daily creel • Species: (T S YP) limit—2 from December 1st to last day L L • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday February. • Species: (LMB CP S YP CB) • Species: (LMB SMB S CP YP WP CB April–last day February. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. BB) • Other: 35 mph speed limit.

PERRY POND, Thompson-Massachusetts SALTERS POND, Manchester (3 acres) (4 acres) QUADDICK RESERVOIR, Thompson RED CEDAR LAKE, Lebanon (127 acres) • Note: Connecticut or Massachusetts (408 acres) S fishing license legal on entire pond. PSLC S • Species: (S LMB CP) Connecticut regulations apply. Launch open 8 a.m. until sunset from No maintained/developed launch facili- • Species: (LMB CP YP S BB) April 19th through December 1st. ties, informal cartop access only. • Species: (LMB YP S CB CP) NORTHERN PIKE LAKE LAKE SALTONSTALL, Branford-East Haven • Species: (LMB NP CP CB YP BB S) (422 acres) PICKEREL LAKE, Colchester-East Haddam (82 acres) ROGERS LAKE, Lyme-Old Lyme (260 acres) S BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / WALLEYE LAKE L LAKE QUASSAPAUG, Woodbury-Middlebury L • Species: (T LMB S WA CB YP WP) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE (297 acres) TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (LMB CB S CP) April–November 30. • Note: No public access, icefishing • Species: (T LMB CP CB YP BB S) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily Daily creel limit—1 bass, 18" minimum • Species: (T SMB S CB BB LMB YP April–March 31. creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" length. CP) • Trout: From March 1–March 31, Daily or greater. • Other: Use of live bait prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday creel limit—1, 16" minimum length. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. See 2015 • Note: Fishing by permit from South April–last day February. • Other: Motors limited to 135 hp. 6 Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. Central Connecticut Regional Water • Trout: Daily creel limit—1, 18" minimum mph speed limit sunset to 10:00 a.m. Authority 203-401-2654. Boat rentals length. See 2015 Boater’s Guide for additional available (no other vessels allowed). • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: restrictions. Daily creel limit—1 total, 18" minimum length. 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.

SAUGATUCK RESERVOIR, SHENIPSIT LAKE, Ellington-Tolland-Vernon SQUANTZ POND, New Fairfield, Sherman STROH PARK POND, Windsor (1.4 acres) Easton-Redding-Weston (827 acres) (532 acres) (270 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday HS S PHSL April–November 30. WALLEYE LAKE • Species: (LMB CB SMB WP YP T CP) TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE / WALLEYE LAKE • Species: (T LMB SMB S WA) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (CA WA T LMB SMB YP S WP) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–October 31. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday TAFTVILLE RESERVOIR, Norwich (25 acres) April–December 31. • Note: Use of boats restricted to those April–March 31. • Note: Permit required to fish— stored on site. Contact the Shenipsit • Trout: From March 1–March 31, 16" S contact Aquarion Water Company at Lake Boat Storage Facility (860- minimum length, Daily creel limit—1. Access through Raymond Ouellet Park. 203-452-3511. Fishing permitted from 875-1850) for additional information • Other: Motors on boats launched at BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE west shore only. concerning fishing access and to check Squantz Pond State Park launch ramp • Species: (LMB T S) • Other: The possession and use of any boat storage space availability. limited to 25 hp. 45 mph daytime speed • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday live alewives, blueback (glut or river) • Other: The possession and use of any limit, 25 mph from ½ hour after sunset April–last day February. herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin live alewives, blueback (glut or river) to ½ hour before sunrise. Fishing from • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: shad as bait is prohibited. Boating, herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin shore prohibited behind fence along Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum length. wading and flotation devices prohibited. shad as bait is prohibited. shore in State Park from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

TAFTVILLE POND, Lisbon (117 acres) SAVIN LAKE, Lebanon (49 acres) SILVER LAKE (Peat Works Pond), Berlin-Meriden (146 acres) STANLEY QUARTER POND, New Britain L S (6.4 acres) Small town boat launch (ramp open April Carry-in boat access (30 yards). L 1 to November 30). • Species: (LMB YP WP S BB CP) CATFISH LAKE S • Species: (LMB, SMB CB S YP CA) • Other: Use of internal combustion Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS engines prohibited. • Species: (CB LMB S BB CP CC) Trout and channel catfish first stocked • Other: 8 mph speed limit. See 2015 in 2014. Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. • Species: (S, T, CC, LMB) TANKERHOOSEN LAKES, Vernon (10 acres) • Season: Open year-round (new regula- • Species: (T LMB CP S YP BB) SAWMILL PARK POND, Ledyard tion for 2015 — see page 20). • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Trout: Anglers are reminded that state- S April–last day February. SIMSBURY TOWN PARK PONDS, Simsbury wide regulations (page 21) for trout • Species: (T) • Species: (S) including seasons apply at this water • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday body. April–last day February. April–June 15. TETREAULT POND, Killingly (39 acres) • Species: (CP S YP) STARRET POND (see Huntington Pond) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. SCHREEDER POND (Chatfield Hollow Pond), SOCHRIN POND, Seymour Killingworth (4 acres) • Children’s Pond: Fishing restricted to PSC children under age 16. TOLLGATE POND, Greenwich (7 acres) In Chatfield Hollow State Park. Walk-in • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday STATE LINE POND, Stafford (75 acres) • Species: (LMB S BB) access only during off-season. April–November 30. S • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday TROUT PARK Next to Route 32. April–October 31. • Species: (T S) • Species: (YP S BB CP) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday SOMERSVILLE MILL POND (Scantic River), April–last day February. Somers (41 acres) TWIN BROOKS PARK POND, • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. Trumbull (4 acres) • Other: All vessels prohibited. S LAKE STIBBS (Southbury Training School Pond), Unimproved town launch. Southbury (5 acres) • Species: (T) • Species: (T LMB S CP CB YP BB) S • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. • Species: (T) SCOVILLE RESERVOIR, Wolcott (121 acres) April–last day February. • Note: Ice fishing prohibited by town • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Other: 6 mph speed limit. ordinance. HSL April–last day February. CATFISH LAKE Channel catfish first stocked in 2013. SOUTHFORD FALLS POND (Papermill Pond), TYLER POND, Goshen (187 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday STILLWATER POND, Torrington (94 acres) of April–last day February (new regula- Oxford-Southbury (2.4 acres) L tion for 2015 — see page 20). SC PHSC • Species: (T YP LMB CB CP BB S) • Species: (T LMB S YP CP CB) In Southford Falls State Park. CATFISH LAKE • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Other: Operation of vessels prohibited Channel catfish first stocked in 2012. April–last day February. from sunset to sunrise. Use or posses- TROUT PARK • Species: (T LMB YP S) sion of internal combustion engines • Species: (T S) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. April–last day February. UNCAS LAKE (Hog Pond), Lyme (69 acres) • Other: Use of internal combustion • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. engines prohibited. PSL SEYMOUR RESERVOIRS (1, 2, 3 & 4), • Species: (T LMB AE CP YP S) Oxford (4.4, 35, 11.5 & 37.4 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday SOUTH SPECTACLE POND, Kent (85 acres) No facilities, walk-in access only. STRATTON BROOK PARK POND, April–last day February. • Species: (LMB S YP) Public right-of-way, not passable for cars. Simsbury (2.3 acres) • Other: Operation of motorboats prohibited. • Species: (LMB YP S) PSC TROUT PARK SHAW LAKE (see Lake Hayward) • Species: (T) SPAULDING POND (see Mohegan Park Pond) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 SHELTON RESERVOIR #2 (see Pine Lake)

36 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Lakes and Ponds open year-round (no closed season) unless otherwise stated.

UPPER FULTON PARK POND, WEST BRANCH (Hogback) RESERVOIR, • Other: 35 mph daytime speed limit, 6 WONONSKOPOMUC LAKE (Lakeville Lake), Waterbury (2.1 acres) Hartland-Colebrook (201 acres) mph from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour Salisbury (348 acres) after sunrise. Also 6 mph within 200 S C feet of vessel or dock. The possession L COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS • Species: (T YP S SMB RA) and use of any live alewives, blueback BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE • Species: (T) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday (glut or river) herring, gizzard, hickory • Species: (T LMB CP YP S BB) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. or threadfin shad as bait is prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. • Other: The possession and use of any April–October 31. live alewives, blueback (glut or river) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily shad as bait is prohibited. WHARTON POND (Allen Brook creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" VALLEY FALLS POND, Vernon (4.1 acres) Pond), Wallingford (5 acres) or greater. C C • Other: The possession and use of any S PS live alewives, blueback (glut or river) TROUT PARK WEST HILL POND, New Hartford-Barkhamsted In Wharton Brook State Park. herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin • Species: (T S) (261 acres) TROUT PARK shad as bait is prohibited. Motors • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T) restricted to 12 cu in. Town operated April–last day February. L • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday boat launch-fee charged. Launch open • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE / KOKANEE LAKE April–last day February. daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. from 3rd Saturday • Species: (T K SMB YP S LMB RA) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. in April to Labor Day. From Labor Day • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Other: All vessels prohibited. through October 31st launch open from 7 April–March 31. a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, and from 7 a.m. WALKERS RESERVOIR (East), Vernon • Trout: from March 1–March 31, 16" to 12 noon on weekends. Boat livery. (5.1 acres) minimum length, Daily creel limit—1. • Trout & Kokanee combined: Daily WHITNEY FLOOD CONTROL POND (Patten Brook), HS creel limit—8 for both species in aggre- • Species: (T YP S BB) Stafford (2 acres) gate, of which no more than 5 may WOOD CREEK POND, Norfolk (148 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday be trout and no more than 5 may be April–October 31. S kokanee salmon. • Species: (S BB CP) L • Other: All vessels prohibited. • Other: The possession and use of any • Species: (LMB BB YP CP) live alewives, blueback (glut or river) herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin WILLIAMS POND (Lake Williams), WANGUMBAUG LAKE shad as bait is prohibited. 15 mph Lebanon (272 acres) WYASSUP LAKE, North Stonington (99 acres) (see Coventry Lake), Coventry speed limit except 6 mph between sunset and sunrise. From Memorial L Day through September 15th motors S Informal cartop access from dam on BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE limited to 8 hp. Route 207. • Species: (CP YP T LMB BB AE) LAKE WARAMAUG, Kent-Warren-Washington • Species: (LMB CP YP S BB CB) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday (656 acres) April–last day February. WEST PEQUONNOCK RESERVOIR, • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: PGC Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum Carry-in boat access in Lake Waramaug Monroe (1.4 acres) WINCHESTER LAKE, Winchester (246 acres) length. State Park (approximately 100 foot carry to • Species: (LMB S) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. See 2015 water). Boating access is also available to • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday L Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. the general public at the town boat launch April–December 31. NORTHERN PIKE LAKE (annual launch permit fee and daily inspec- • Note: Permit required to fish— • Species: (LMB CP YP S NP CB BB) tion fee) in Washington. Required inspection contact Aquarion Water Company at • Other: 8 mph speed limit. of boat and trailer for invasive plants. Boats 203-452-3511. ZEINER POND (Lake Winfield), and trailers failing inspection will not be Plymouth (16 acres) allowed to use launch. Days and hours of operation vary seasonally, contact the LAKE WINFIELD (see Zeiner Pond), Plymouth S Washington Park and Recreation Depart- WEST SIDE POND, Goshen (42 acres) No longer stocked with trout. ment (860-868-1519) for more information. L • Season: Open year-round. • Species: (LMB SMB CP YP BB S) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE LAKE WINNEMAUG, Watertown (113 acres) • Species: (T LMB YP S BB) • Species: (LMB S CB WP BB YP) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday ZEMKO POND, Salem (8 acres) • Other: 7 mph speed limit. Vessels with WARDS MILLPOND (Branford River), April–last day February. internal combustion engines attached Walk-in access from Round Hill Road Branford (7.3 acres) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: are prohibited. (300 yards). 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily • Species: (LMB S) S creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" • Species: (T) or greater. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday LAKE WINTERGREEN, Hamden (44 acres) April–last day February. LAKE ZOAR, Monroe-Oxford- SCC Newton-Southbury (909 acres) WEST THOMPSON LAKE, COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS / Thompson (239 acres) CATFISH LAKE G L WARNER POND (Kazan’s Pond), Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. WALLEYE LAKE Newtown. (11.7 acres) GSLC West Rock Ridge State Park — Public Walleye first stocked in 2011. WALLEYE LAKE No facilities, walk in access only. right-of-way not passable to cars. From the Shepaug Dam to the Steven- Walleye first stocked in 2012. • Species: (LMB S YP) • Species: (S LMB YP T CC) son Dam. • Species: (LMB SMB CP CB WP S YP CA) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (SMB WP LMB CB WC S • Other: Speed limit 5 mph. April–last day February. YP WA) • Other: Use of internal combustion • Other: 45 mph speed limit daytime, 25 WASHINGTON PARK POND, Windsor engines prohibited. mph from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour • Season: Open year-round (new regula- WEST TWIN LAKE (Washinee Lake), before sunrise. tion for 2015 — see page 20). Salisbury (290 acres) • Species: (CP LMB S CB YP)

WAUREGAN RESERVOIR (see Quinebaug Lake) www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 37 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 both the shape turn red. Males often develop a large hooked jaw (kype). The Kokanee Salmon die 16" 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 24). sharp teeth.

38 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide 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 very thin Division at 860-424-Fish or email: [email protected] or visit our web page at . when viewed looking from head on. They body silvery www.ct.gov/deep/fishing or brass colored with dark spots. All photographs by Robert P. Jacobs, CT DEEP IFD www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 39 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: Abundant wild trout, not stocked. T Light/moderately stocked —— Class 2: Wild trout and some stocked fry & fingerlings. Heavily stocked —— Class 3: Some wild trout, most also stocked with catchable size & T fingerling size trout. BK Wild brook trout BN Wild brown trout Lower River/Tidal Waters Other fish species are listed for several rivers, see Key to Fish Designated rivers & streams with no closed season including the Species Abbreviations in Lakes and Ponds section (page 28). entire Connecticut and Thames rivers, and downstream portions of the Coginchaug, Farmington, Housatonic, Mattabesset, Mystic, Naugatuck, Niantic, Quinnipiac, Salmon, and Yantic rivers. BASS Special Management Areas are TROUT color-coded for major gamefish BROODSTOCK SALMON species

ABBEY BROOK, Somers (T BK) BANTAM RIVER (outlet from Bantam Lake), BEAVER BROOK (includes Fire Ponds), BIRDSEYE BROOK, Cornwall (T) Intermittent sections from Ninth District Litchfield (T) Franklin-Sprague (T BN) Within the Mohawk Ski Area. Road downstream to Somersville Mill Downstream of Bantam Lake from Ban- Intermittent sections along Route 207 to Pond. tam to Smokey Hollow Road in West the Shetucket River. Morris. • Methods: Fly fishing only where indi- BLACKBERRY RIVER, Norfolk-Canaan (T BN) cated by posters. From ½ mile west of Route 272 along ALLYNS BROOK, Durham (T) BEAVER BROOK, Windham-Scotland (BK BN) Route 44 and Lower River Road to con- Intermittent sections from Route 17 MERRICK BROOK WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT fluence with Housatonic River. downstream to the Coginchaug River. AREA (Class 1) WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) BARTLETT BROOK, Lebanon (T) In Talbot Wildlife Management Area from From Whiting River to confluence with Intermittent sections from Brewster Pond Route 14 to Merrick Brook: Housatonic River. downstream to Yantic River. • Season: Open year-round. • Trout: 9" minimum length. ANGUILLA BROOK, Stonington (T) • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- Intermittent sections from Route 184 cial lures and flies only. downstream to Route 1. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. BEACON HILL BROOK, BLACKLEDGE RIVER, Bethany-Naugatuck-Beacon Falls (T BK BN) Bolton-Hebron-Marlborough (T) From Route 63 crossing in Bethany to Intermittent state-owned sections from ASPETUCK RIVER, Easton-Weston (T) confluence with Naugatuck River. BELCHER BROOK, Berlin (T) Gay City State Park to the Salmon River. Intermittent sections from Route 58 along Intermittent sections from Four Rod Road WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) • Trout: 9" minimum length — Down- Route 136 to the Saugatuck River. to Lower Lane. From Route 63 crossing in Naugatuck stream of Route 94, Glastonbury, to downstream to confluence with Nau- the Salmon River. gatuck River: BANTAM RIVER (West Branch), Litchfield (T) • Trout: 9" minimum length. BIBLE ROCK BROOK, Haddam-Middletown (T) Intermittent sections from the Goshen- P BLACKWELL BROOK, Brooklyn-Canterbury (T) Litchfield town line at Brooks Road Intermittent sections along Route 154. Intermittent sections from Woodward through Route 63 to the confluence with BEAVER BROOK, Barkhamsted (T BK) Road to the Quinebaug River. the Bantam River Inlet near Route 202. Intermittent sections from West Center Hill Road through Peoples State Forest (Beaver Brook/Greenwoods Roads) to BIGELOW BROOK, Eastford-Union (T) BLADENS RIVER, Woodbridge-Seymour (T BK) BANTAM RIVER (inlet to Bantam Lake), Route 318. Intermittent sections from Mashapaug Litchfield (T) Lake to Natchaug River. From ¼ mile below Bethmour Road along Route 67 to ¼ mile below Chatfield Street, Intermittent sections from Route 202 to includes tributary (Hopp Brook) along approximately one half mile upstream of Miller Road. confluence with Bantam Lake.

40 2015 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.

BRANCH BROOK, Watertown (T) CARSE BROOK, Sharon (T) • Alewives/Blueback Herring: Special DEEP RIVER, Deep River (T) PG Smith Hill Road to Housatonic River. closures may be in effect (see page 24). Intermittent sections from Hoopole Hill Road downstream to Pratt Read TROUT PARK Reservoir. Within Black Rock State Park: • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. CATTLE LOT BROOK, Marlborough (T) COPPERMINE BROOK, Burlington-Bristol (T BK BN) From Quinn Road downstream to Dick- inson Creek. Intermittent sections from South Main DELPHI BROOK, Stafford (BK BN) Street to Stevens Street. BRANFORD RIVER, Branford-North Branford (T) Intermittent sections along Route 19. Intermittent sections from Route 22 to PEQUABUCK RIVER TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA I-95. CEDAR SWAMP BROOK, Mansfield (T) In Bristol from Artisan Street downstream DENISON BROOK, Voluntown (BK) Intermittent sections from Route 44 to confluence with Pequabuck River. downstream to Ravine Road. • Season: Open year-round. In Pachaug State Forest, south of Route BROAD BROOK, Ellington (T BK BN) • Trout: Catch and Release Only. 138. Intermittent sections along Muddy Brook Road, and from Broad Brook Mill Pond CEDAR SWAMP BROOK, Stafford (T BK) to Scantic River. Nipmuck State Forest from Crooked Road COPPS BROOK, Stonington (BK) DICKENSON CREEK, Marlborough (T) downstream to Roaring Brook. Access from Route 184. Salmon River State Forest. • Trout: 9" minimum length-Downstream BROAD BROOK, Preston (T) of Route 66 to the Salmon River.

Intermittent sections from Swantown CEDAR SWAMP BROOK, Sterling (BK) CORY BROOK, Canterbury (T) Road to Old Jewett City Road. Intermittent sections from Portertown Intermittent sections from Gooseneck EAST ASPETUCK RIVER, Road to the Moosup River. Hill Road downstream to Aspinook Pond. New Milford-New Preston (T BN) BUCK BROOK, Portland (T) Intermittent sections accessible from Routes 45 and 202 to Wells Road. In Meshomasic State Forest. CHATFIELD HOLLOW BROOK, CRYSTAL LAKE BROOK, Stafford (T) Killingworth (T) WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) Intermittent sections along Route 30. From Lake Waramaug to confluence with P C Housatonic River. BUCKHORN BROOK, Enfield (T) TROUT PARK • Trout: 9" minimum length. Intermittent sections from Town Farm In Chatfield Hollow State Park: DARK HOLLOW BROOK, Glastonbury (BK) Road downstream to the Scantic River. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. In Meshomasic State Forest along Route 2. EAST RIVER, Guilford (T) Intermittent sections from Guilford Lakes BUNGEE BROOK, Eastford-Woodstock (T) CHERRY BROOK, Canton (T BN BK) DEEP BROOK, Newtown (BK BN) downstream to Route 1. Intermittent sections from Route 171 From Routes 179 and 309, along Route downstream to the Still River. 179 through Canton Center. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream From Wasserman Way to confluence with of Route 179. Pootatuck River: EAST SWAMP BROOK, Bethel (T) • Season: Open year-round. Intermittent sections from Meckaur BUNNELL BROOK (Burlington Brook), • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- Municipal Park through Plumtrees Road Burlington (T) cial lures and flies only. to Route 302 (includes unnamed flow- From Covey Road, then along Route 4 to CHOATE BROOK, Preston (T) • Trout: Catch and Release Only. through pond in Meckauer /Bennet confluence with Farmington River: Intermittent sections from Route 165 to • Note: Wild Trout Management Area Memorial Park). • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream the Quinebaug River. includes a portion of the Pootatuck of Covey Road. River upstream and downstream of the confluence as posted by DEEP.

COGINCHAUG RIVER, BUTTERNUT BROOK, Litchfield (T) Durham-Middlefield-Middletown (T) Upstream of Route 202 to confluence with Intermittent sections from Route 17 in the Bantam River. Durham through Wadsworth Falls State Park. LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed BUTTONBALL BROOK, Chaplin (T) season Downstream from Route 3 bridge to con- Intermittent sections from Route 6 down- fluence with Mattabesset River. stream to the Natchaug River. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length. Catch and Release improves fishing for future generations. BYRAM RIVER, Greenwich (T) From Merritt Parkway to Glen Ridge Road. CONNECTICUT RIVER, Enfield to Old Lyme PG HL LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed CANDLEWOOD HILL BROOK, Haddam (T) season Intermittent sections along Candlewood Includes entire river in Connecticut Hill Road. • Species: (AE CA CB LMB NP SMB S WA WC WP YP) • Large & smallmouth bass: 12" minimum length. CARR BROOK (Cox Brook), Portland (T) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum Intermittent sections from South Road length. downstream to Penfield Hill Road. • Northern pike: 24" minimum length.

www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 41 Rivers & Streams

EIGHT MILE BROOK, Middlebury-Oxford (T) SEA RUN TROUT STREAM FAWN BROOK, Hebron-Marlborough (T) GARDNER BROOK, Bozrah (T) P Downstream of I-95 bridge: Intermittent sections from Route 85 to Intermittent sections from Gardner Lake • Season: Open year-round. Route 66 (Salmon River State Forest). to Fitchville Pond. Intermittent sections from Judd Hill, • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream through Larkin Trail State Park and South- length. of Slocum Road. ford Falls State Park to Route 188, then FARMILL RIVER, Monroe-Shelton-Stratford (T) to Barry Road. GIFFORD BROOK, Columbia (T) Intermittent sections from Moose Hill TROUT PARK At Route 87. Road (Monroe) to Route 110 just above Within Southford Falls State Park: FAWN BROOK (West Branch), Housatonic River. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. Marlborough-Hebron (T) Intermittent sections from Martin Road to Route 66. GILLETTE BROOK, Somers (BK) FARMINGTON RIVER (West Branch and • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream Intermittent sections from Battle Street EIGHTMILE RIVER, East Haddam-Lyme (T) Mainstem), Hartland-Barkhamsted-New of Slocum Road. downstream to the Scantic River. PGHC Hartford-Canton-Burlington-Farmington-Avon- Devils Hopyard State Park and intermit- Simsbury-Bloomfield-East Granby-Windsor (T) tent sections below the park to Hamburg C FAWN HILL BROOK, Marlborough (T) GREAT BROOK, Chester (T) Cove. GPH Intermittent sections from Goodwin Intermittent sections from Route 66 Intermittent sections along Wig Hill Road. • Trout: 9" Minimum length — From Dam to RT 4 (Farmington Center). Then downstream to Dickinson Creek. Foxtown Road to the dam at Mt. Archer from Tariffville Memorial Park (Simsbury) Road. through the Tariffville Gorge (Bloomfield). GREAT MEADOW BROOK, Voluntown (T) SEA RUN TROUT STREAM Then from mouth of tailrace canal below FENTON RIVER, Mansfield-Willington (T BN) Downstream of dam at Mt. Archer Road: Rainbow Dam to confluence with Con- Access in Pachaug State Forest. • Season: Open year-round. necticut River. Intermittent sections from Moose • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" Minimum FARMINGTON RIVER TROUT Meadow Road to Mansfield Hollow length. Reservoir. MANAGEMENT AREA GREEN FALLS RIVER, From Goodwin dam (Hartland) down- WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) North Stonington-Voluntown (T) Entire stream in Mansfield and Willington: stream to the old footbridge abutments Intermittent sections from Green Falls • Trout: 9" Minimum length. EIGHTMILE RIVER (East Branch), approximately 1.4 miles downstream Dam to Rhode Island. Salem-East Haddam-Lyme (T) of the confluence with the Still River Intermittent sections along Darling Road (Barkhamsted). • Season: Open year-round. and Salem Road. FIVEMILE RIVER, • Trout: GULF STREAM, Somers (T BK) • Trout: 9" Minimum length — Down- Thompson-Putnam-Killingly (T) stream of Witch Meadow Road, Salem »»Catch and Release Only from Intermittent sections from Gulf Road to the Eightmile River. September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd P Marsh downstream to the Scantic River. Saturday in April. Intermittent sections from New Road to »»Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum the Quinebaug River. length from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday EIGHTMILE RIVER, Southington (BN) in April to August 31. HALEYS BROOK, Groton (BK) WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) From the old footbridge abutments Intermittent sections along Route 184. FLAT BROOK, East Hampton (T BK) Entire river in Southington: (Barkhamsted) downstream to the Route • Season: Open year-round. 219 bridge (New Hartford). This area Intermittent sections along Route 16 • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- includes all of the former West Branch downstream to the Salmon River. HALL MEADOW BROOK, cial lures and flies only. Farmington River Trout Management Goshen-Torrington (T BK) • Trout: Catch and Release Only. Area: • Season: Open year-round. Along Route 272 from Winchester Road FRENCH RIVER, Thompson (T) • Methods: Barbless hooks only to the Hall Meadow Brook Reservoir Dam • Trout: Catch and Release Only. Intermittent sections from North Grosve- (John Minetto State Park). EKONK BROOK, Plainfield (T) nordale Pond to Blain Road. Intermittent sections from Route 14A From the Route 219 bridge (New Hart- downstream to the Moosup River. ford) downstream to the route 177 Bridge (Unionville): HAMMONASSET RIVER, • Season: Open year-round. FRESHWATER BROOK, Enfield (T) Clinton-Killingworth-Madison (T) • Trout: Intermittent sections from Route 220 Intermittent sections from Route 80 to EXETER BROOK, Lebanon (BK) »»Catch and Release Only from downstream to the Connecticut River. Route 1. In Bartlett Brook Wildlife Management September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA Area. Saturday in April. »»Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum From Lake Hammonasset Dam to Chest- length from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday FURNACE BROOK, Cornwall Bridge (BN) nut Hill Road: in April to August 31. • Season: Open year-round. FALLS RIVER, Essex-Westbrook (T) P • Trout: LOWER FARMINGTON RIVER From the bridge on Route 4 upstream »»Catch and Release Only from Intermittent sections along Witchhazel Farmington to Windsor; From Route 177 approximately 1½ miles, as posted. September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd Road downstream to Mares Hill Road. bridge in Unionville Center downstream Saturday in April. HEATHER REAVES WILD TROUT to Rainbow Reservoir. »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 2) • Trout: Daily creel limit—5, 9" Minimum from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April Upstream from Housatonic River as length. to August 31. FARM RIVER, Branford-East posted. Haven-North Branford (T BN) LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum SEA RUN TROUT STREAM Intermittent sections from Northford to season length. • From Chestnut Hill Road to the I-95. Windsor; From mouth of tailrace canal breached dam located 300 feet below Rainbow Dam to confluence with upstream of River Road: WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) Connecticut River. »»Season: Open from 6:00 a.m. 2nd From Mill Road (downstream of Pages • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum FURNACE BROOK, Stafford (T) Saturday in April-last day February. Millpond) in North Branford to I-95 bridge length. Intermittent sections from Staffordville »»Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 9" Minimum (East Haven): • Note: All fishing prohibited in tail- Lake along Route 19 and Furnace Brook length. • Trout: 9" minimum length. race canal and from mouth of tailrace Road to Glenville Pond. upstream to Rainbow Dam.

42 2015 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.

• Downstream of the breached dam HOUSATONIC RIVER TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA HOWELLS POND BROOK, Hartland (T) JORDAN BROOK, Waterford (BK) located 300 feet upstream of River C From Howell’s Pond in Tunxis State For- Intermittent sections along entire length. Road: PG From bridge crossing at Routes 112 and est to Mill Street, approximately 1½ miles »»Season: Open year-round. 7 (Salisbury/Canaan) to bridge at Routes above West Branch Reservoir. »»Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" Minimum 4 and 7 (Cornwall/Sharon): length. JUDD BROOK, Colchester-Hebron • Season: Open year-round except in areas within 100 feet of signs indi- • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream HUNTS BROOK, Montville-Waterford (T) cating such closure posted by DEEP of Old Colchester Road to Jeremy River. HAWLEYS BROOK, Easton-Weston (BK) at or near the mouths of tributaries that Intermittent sections from Miller’s Pond are closed to all fishing from June 15 to Smith Cove. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) to September 15. (New regulation for Within the Trout Brook Valley Property KENT FALLS BROOK, Kent (T BK BN) 2015—see page 20). (publicly owned): • Trout: Catch and Release Only. • Season: Open year-round. INDIAN HOLE BROOK, Shelton (T) P C • Methods: Fly fishing only in the 3 mile • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- Below base of falls. section upstream from Route 4 bridge, cial lures and flies only. P TROUT PARK as posted. From falls in Indian Well State Park down- • Trout: Catch and Release Only. Within Kent Falls State Park: stream to railroad bridge: BASS MANAGEMENT AREA • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 (STANLEY TRACT AREA)

HOCKANUM RIVER, Vernon-Ellington- C INDIAN RIVER, Killingworth-Clinton (T) Manchester-East Hartford (T) From Dawn Hill Road (Sharon) to Skiff Moun- KETTLETOWN BROOK, Southbury (T BK BN) tain Road in Kent (approximately 6 miles): Intermittent sections from Rockville to Intermittent sections from Stevens Road • Area managed for smallmouth, Through Kettletown State Park to Lake the Connecticut River. downstream to Upper Millpond. statewide regulations apply. Zoar. TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA BULL’S BRIDGE TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA / From I-84 in Vernon downstream to BASS MANAGEMENT AREA crossing under I-84 at Laurel Marsh on INDIANTOWN BROOK, Ledyard-Preston (T) From Bull’s Bridge Impoundment Dam (Kent) KITT BROOK, Canterbury (T) the Manchester/East Hartford line: to Gaylordsville Bridge (Route 7) in New Mil- Intermittent sections from Route 2 to • Season: Open year-round. Intermittent sections from Route 14 to the ford, includes Ten Mile River from NY border Poquetanuck Cove. Includes Shewville • Trout: Catch and Release Only. Quinebaug River. to confluence with Housatonic River: Brook, Gates and Hallville Ponds, and • Season: Open year-round except in Poquetanuck Brook. areas within 100 feet of tributaries that HOP BROOK, Middlebury-Waterbury (T) are closed to all fishing from June 15 to KNOWLTON BROOK, Ashford (T) August 31, as posted. From Route 64 to Hop Brook Flood Con- JEREMY RIVER, Hebron-Colchester (T) Route 44 within Natchaug State Forest. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. trol Impoundment. • Large & Smallmouth bass: Catch Intermittent Sections from Route 66 to and Release Only. the Blackledge River. • Trout: 9" minimum length — Down- LAKE WARAMAUG BROOK, Warren (T) LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS— stream of Grayville Road to the Salmon HOP RIVER (includes Johnsons Pond), no closed season At Town Hill Road, then along Route 45 River. Bolton-Coventry (T) Derby, Orange, Shelton, Milford, Stratford from Curtiss Road downstream to North Intermittent sections along Route 6 to the Downstream from dam on Lake Housatonic Shore Road. Willimantic River. (Derby). Walk-in access at Derby Dam off Route 34 (Derby) and Canal Street (Shelton). JOE CLARK BROOK, Ledyard (BK) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum Intermittent sections from Church Hill LATHROP BROOK, Plainfield (T) length. Road downstream to Poquetanuck Cove. HOPE VALLEY BROOK, Hebron (T) Intermittent sections from Dow Road Hope Valley Road downstream to the downstream to Mill Brook. Jeremy River.

HORSE BROOK, Plainfield (T) Intermittent sections from Pickett Road downstream to Packerville Road. GOOD FISHING DEPENDS ON CLEAN WATER HOUSATONIC RIVER (includes all impoundments from Bleachery Dam to Many of our rivers, lakes, and coastal areas are experiencing algae blooms that cover our favorite the Massachusetts line), Salisbury- fishing spots with green slime and cause fish kills and “dead zones” where no aquatic life can Canaan-Sharon-Cornwall-Kent-Sherman- survive. The cause is usually nitrogen and phosphorus pollution that comes from farm and lawn New Milford (T SMB NP CA) fertilizers, septic systems, animal waste, and sewage treatment plants. Everyone can do their part For Housatonic River Flows at Falls Vil- for clean water by reducing fertilizer use, preserving plants along shorelines, and picking up pet lage: 1-888-417-4837. waste. Supporting water quality protection supports great fishing! • Thermal refuges: Areas within one hundred feet of signs indicating such Learn more at: www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution closure posted by DEEP at or near the mouths of Kent Falls Brook and Mace- donia Brook are closed to all fishing from June 15 to September 15. (New regulation for 2015—see page 20). HOW’S MY WATERWAY (accessible at www.epa.gov/mywaterway) helps users quickly find information on the condition of their local waters using a smart phone, tablet, or desktop computer. This tool provides results within seconds using EPA’s water quality assessment data. Check out the condition of your local waterbody today!

www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 43 Rivers & Streams

LATIMER BROOK, MACEDONIA BROOK, Kent (T BK BN) (WMA), and also extending upstream of • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- East Lyme-Waterford (T BK BN) PGC the WMA as posted. cial lures and flies only. Intermittent sections along Route 161 • Season: Open year-round. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- from Silver Falls to Niantic River. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA cial lures and flies only. Within Macedonia Brook State Park: From Merritt Parkway bridge downstream SEA RUN TROUT STREAM • Trout: Catch and Release Only. • Trout: 9" minimum length. to Mohegan Park Pond. Downstream of I-95 bridge: • Note: Wild Trout Management Area • Season: Open year-round. • Season: Open year-round. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) includes Beaver Brook within the Talbot • Trout: • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" Minimum From confluence with Bog Hollow Brook WMA. length. to Route 341: »»Catch and Release Only from • Season: Open year-round. September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- Saturday in April. cial lures and flies only. MIANUS RIVER, Greenwich-Stamford (T) »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length LAUREL BROOK, Middletown (T) from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April • Trout: Catch and Release Only. Intermittent sections accessible ¼ mile to August 31. From Anderson Road (Laurel Brook Road) upstream of June Road to Palmer’s Hill through Wadsworth Falls State Park. Road (just above Mianus Pond). MAD RIVER, Norfolk-Winchester (T) SEA RUN TROUT STREAM • Entire river upstream of Mianus MILL RIVER (includes Axle Shop, Clark’s From Rugg Brook Road through Mad and Woodruff’s Ponds), Hamden (T) LEADMINE BROOK, Harwinton-Thomaston (T) River Flood Control Impoundment to Pond Dam (just above Boston Post Intermittent sections from Route 4 in Route 263 crossing. Road): HPC »»Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 9" Minimum Harwinton through Roraback Wildlife • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream Intermittent sections from River Road length. Management Area to confluence with of Grantville Road. through Sleeping Giant State Park to • Downstream of Mianus Pond Dam: Naugatuck River (Thomaston Flood Skiff Street. Boats and canoes prohib- »»Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" Control Area). ited, including Axle Shop, Clarks, and Minimum length. Woodruffs Ponds. MARSHEPAUG RIVER, Litchfield (T) EXCEPT IN: From Shearshop Road downstream TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA LITTLE RIVER, Canterbury-Hampton (T) through Milton to the East Branch of the TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA Within Sleeping Giant State Park: Intermittent sections from Route 97 to Shepaug River. From Merrybrook Road upstream • Season: Open year-round. Paper Mill Pond. approximately 1 mile to dam as indicated • Trout: by signs: »»Catch and Release Only from • Season: Open year-round. September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd MARY BROWN BROOK, Putnam (BK) • Trout: Saturday in April. LITTLE RIVER, Putnam (T) Intermittent sections from East Putnam »»Catch and Release Only from »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length Intermittent sections from Roseland Lake Road downstream to the Five Mile River. September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April downstream to the Quinebaug River. Saturday in April. Single hook flies and to August 31. artificial lures only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April. MASHAMOQUET BROOK, Pomfret (T) »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length MINE BROOK, Portland (BK) LITTLE RIVER, Oxford-Seymour (T BK BN) PGC from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April Intermittent sections along Route 67 from to August 31. Along Gadpouch Road in Meshomasic Intermittent sections from Taft Pond 1 mile above Hogback Road to Hoadley’s State Forest. through Mashamoquet State Park to Pond (Seymour). Quinebaug River. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) MIDDLE RIVER, Stafford (T) From Towner Lane downstream to Park Intermittent sections from Edson Brook MOOSUP RIVER, Plainfield-Sterling (T) Road: to Willimantic River. Intermittent sections from the Rhode MATTABESSET RIVER, • Trout: 9" minimum length. Island line to the Quinebaug River. Berlin-Middletown (NP CA LMB T) Intermittent sections in Berlin from Brook TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA Street to Lower Lane. MILL BROOK, Cornwall (T BK BN) From Route 14 bridge to confluence with LONG BRANCH BROOK, Thompson (T) Quinebaug River: LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed From the Housatonic River upstream Intermittent sections from Owen Adams • Season: Open year-round. season: along Route 128 for approximately 1 mile. Road to French River. • Methods: Fly fishing only in lower half Downstream from Route 372 bridge to of section, as posted. confluence with Connecticut River. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum MILL BROOK, Plainfield (T BK) LONG MEADOW POND BROOK, length. Intermittent sections from its source Middlebury-Naugatuck (T) downstream to the Quinebaug River. MORGAN BROOK, Barkhamsted (T BN) Intermittent sections from Long Meadow Intermittent sections accessible from Pond through Guntown Road, along MEADOW BROOK, Colchester Rubber Avenue to ½ mile above the East West Hill Road to the West Branch- • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream Naugatuck River. MILL RIVER, Easton-Fairfield (T BN BK) Farmington River. of Route 16. Intermittent sections from confluence WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) with Canoe Brook, as posted by DEEP, Entire stream: to Mohegan Park Pond, then from base • Trout: 9" minimum length. LONG SWAMP BROOK, Middlebury (T) MENUNKETESUCK RIVER, Killingworth (T) of Samp Mortar Reservoir dam to Sturges Within Bristol Park, along Route 64 Intermittent sections from Reservoir Road Road in Fairfield. through Steinmann Park to Route 188. to Pleasant Valley Road. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) MORRISSEY BROOK From confluence of Canoe Brook, as (NAROMIYOCKNOWHUSUNKATANKSHUNK posted by DEEP, to downstream of third BROOK), New Milford-Sherman (T BK BN) LOWDEN BROOK, Voluntown (BK) bridge (South Park Avenue) below Easton MERRICK BROOK, Scotland (T BK BN) Intermittent sections from Route 39 to Reservoir as posted: In Pachaug State Forest. Cedar Hill Road, New Milford. Intermittent sections from Kemp Road • Season: Open year-round. to Route 14. MERRICK BROOK WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) Within Talbot Wildlife Management Area

44 2015 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.

MOUNT HOPE RIVER, Ashford-Mansfield (T) NAUGATUCK RIVER (East Branch), NAUGATUCK RIVER TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA NEW CITY BROOK, Stafford (T) Intermittent sections from Route 44 to Torrington (T BK BN) Litchfield-Harwinton-Thomaston; From Intermittent sections from New City Pond Mansfield Hollow Reservoir. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) Route 118 (Litchfield/Harwinton) to the to Staffordville Reservoir. From Newfield Road downstream to Thomaston Dam: the confluence with the West Branch • Season: Open year-round except in Naugatuck: areas within 100 feet of signs indi- MOUNT MISERY BROOK, Voluntown (T) • Trout: 9" minimum length. cating such closure posted by DEEP NIANTIC RIVER, East Lyme-Waterford at or near the mouths of tributaries that Intermittent sections from Hell Hollow LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed are closed to all fishing from June 15 Road to the Pachaug River. season to September 15. (New regulation for Downstream of confluence with Latimer NAUGATUCK RIVER (Mainstem), Torrington- 2015—see page 20). Brook. Litchfield-Harwinton-Thomaston- • Methods (all species): From October • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum MUDDY RIVER, North Haven-Wallingford (T) Watertown-Waterbury-Naugatuck- 1 through March 31, single fly or lure length. Intermittent sections from Northford Beacon Falls-Seymour-Derby (T) with a single free-swinging hook only. Road below McKenzie Reservoir (Wall- From the confluence of the East and West Additional weight may not be added ingford), along Tyler Mill Road, Route 150, Branches in Torrington to the Thomaston to the line. to Spring Street, North Haven. Flood Control Dam. Intermittent sections • Trout: Catch and Release Only. NONEWAUG RIVER, Woodbury (T BK BN) from Thomaston to Waterbury. Platts Mill LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed season Intermittent sections from Old Town Farm Road and Route 8 overpass area in Water- From Kinneytown Dam (Seymour) to con- Road to Route 47. bury, through the Naugatuck State Forest fluence with Housatonic River (Derby). MYRON KINNEY BROOK, Voluntown (T BK) to the Route 42 bridge (Pines Bridge • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum Within Pachaug State Forest to Glasgo Road) in Beacon Falls. length. Pond. NORTHFIELD BROOK, Litchfield- TROPHY TROUT STREAM Thomaston (T) From the confluence of the East and West From Northfield Cutlery Pond to North- Branches to Route 118 (Harwinton-Litch- NAUGATUCK RIVER (West Branch), field Flood Control Dam. MYSTIC RIVER, Groton-Stonington field) & from the Thomaston Dam to the Torrington (T) Kinneytown Dam (Seymour): LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 Intermittent sections from Stillwater Pond season • Thermal refuges: Areas within 100 to Route 4. Downstream of confluence of Haleys NORWALK RIVER (includes Factory feet of signs indicating such closure Brook and Whitford Brook. and Millers Ponds), Ridgefield- posted by DEEP at or near the mouths • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum Redding-Wilton-Norwalk (T BN) of tributaries are closed to all fishing length. NECK RIVER, Madison (T) Intermittent sections from Haviland from June 15 to September 15. (New Road (Ridgefield) to Riverside Avenue regulation for 2015—see page 20). Intermittent sections from Bradley Cor- ners Road downstream to I-95. (Norwalk). BROODSTOCK SALMON AREAS WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) NATCHAUG RIVER, (SEE PAGE 24 FOR DETAILS) Entire stream in Wilton and Ridgefield Eastford-Chaplin-Mansfield-Windham (T) From Route 118 (Litchfield/Harwinton) to upstream of Wolf Pit Road: the Thomaston Dam & from Prospect Street NEGRO HILL BROOK, Burlington (BK BN) P C • Trout: 9" minimum length. (Naugatuck) downstream to Pines Bridge Intermittent sections along Route 198 to SESSION WOODS WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT Road (Route 42 bridge, Beacon Falls): Shetucket River. AREA (Class 3) • Methods (all species): From October Upstream of Route 69 (through Sessions TROPHY TROUT STREAM 1 through March 31, single fly or lure Woods Wildlife Management Area): OIL MILL BROOK, Waterford- Entire River in Eastford-Chaplin-Mansfield with a single free-swinging hook only. • Trout: 9" minimum length. East Lyme (BK BN) -Windham: Additional weight may not be added to SEA RUN TROUT STREAM • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. the line. Anglers are reminded that the Downstream of I-95 bridge: season is closed from March 1 to 6:00 TROUT PARK • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum a.m. on the 2nd Saturday in April for NEPAUG RIVER, New Hartford (T BK BN) Within Natchaug State Forest (Eastford): length. all species except broodstock Atlantic • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. Intermittent sections from Niles Road salmon (see Trout Management Area to the Route 202 bridge immediately below for year-round catch-and- upstream from Nepaug Reservoir. release fishing for trout). OXOBOXO BROOK, Montville (T) Intermittent sections from Oxoboxo Lake downstream to Route 32.

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

PACHAUG RIVER, Griswold-Voluntown (T) PODUNK RIVER, South Windsor (T) • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- SALMON BROOK, Glastonbury (BK BN) Intermittent sections from Beach Pond Intermittent sections from Ellington Road cial lures and flies only. Intermittent sections from headwaters to to the Quinebaug River. The demarca- to Route 5. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. Keeney Cove. tion line between the Pachaug River and LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 2) Beachdale Pond is the west side of the season Entire brook in Glastonbury downstream bridge on Route 49. North Haven-New Haven; Downstream POMPERAUG RIVER, Southbury-Woodbury (T) of Addison Pond: from Route 5 bridge in North Haven to • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum Intermittent sections from the junction of junction with New Haven Harbor. length. the Nonewaug and Weekeepeemee Riv- • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" Minimum PARMALEE BROOK, Durham (T) ers near Route 47 in Woodbury to ¼ mile length. Intermittent sections from Route 17 below Route 172 in Southbury. downstream to the Coginchaug River. TROPHY TROUT STREAM SALMON BROOK (East Branch) and SALMON BROOK (Mainstem), Entire river in Woodbury and Southbury RACE BROOK, Woodbridge-Orange (T) (from near Route 47 to the confluence Granby-East Granby (T BK BN) From Route 114 (Woodbridge) to Lambert PATTACONK BROOK, Chester (T) with Lake Zoar): H • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. Road (Orange). Intermittent sections along Route 148. From East Street below the gorge in North Granby, along Route 189, crossing Routes 202 and 20, and through Gran- POND BROOK, Newtown (T) RAYMOND BROOK, Hebron (T) brook Town Park to the Farmington River. PEASE BROOK, Lebanon-Franklin (T BN BK) • Trout: 9" minimum length-entire river Intermittent sections from Routes 6 and Intermittent sections from Route 207 to WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) from Massachusetts border down- 25 to Hanover Road just above Lake Jeremy River. In Pease Brook Wildlife Management stream to the Farmington River. Lillinonah. • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream Area: of Old Colchester Road. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) • Trout: 9" minimum length. From Route 20 (Granby) to confluence with Farmington River (East Granby). PONSET BROOK, Haddam (T) RESERVOIR BROOK, Portland (T) • Trout: 9" minimum length. PENDLETON HILL BROOK, Intermittent sections from Route 9 down- Intermittent sections from Portland Res- North Stonington (T) stream to Higganum Reservoir. ervoir to Connecticut River. Intermittent sections along Route 49 SALMON BROOK (West Branch), downstream to the Green Falls River. Hartland-Granby (T BK BN) POOTATUCK RIVER, Newtown (T BK BN) RIPPOWAM RIVER, Stamford (T) From the Granby-Hartland line, along Intermittent sections from Route 25 to Route 20 through Simsbury Road. Then Intermittent sections from ¼ mile PEQUABUCK RIVER, Turkey Hill Road, and from Sandy Hook Salmon Brook Municipal Park and Route upstream of Route 137 to Cold Spring Plymouth-Bristol-Plainville (T BN) through Rocky Glenn State Park to Wal- 10, below McCleans Game Refuge. nut Tree Hill Road, just above Lake Zoar. Road near downtown Stamford. • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream Through Rockwell Municipal Park in Bris- of Route 179 (Hartland) to confluence tol downstream to Route 177 in Plainville. DEEP BROOK WILD TROUT with East Branch. • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) of Canal Street in Plymouth. Approximately 1 mile (as posted) of ROARING BROOK, Glastonbury (T BK BN) Pootatuck River, ½ mile upstream and TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA Intermittent sections from Route 94 to ½ mile downstream of confluence with From King Street (Routes 229 and 72) in Connecticut River. SALMON RIVER, Colchester-East Deep Brook. Bristol to Route 177 in Plainville. Includes Haddam-East Hampton-Haddam (T) • Season: Open year-round. ERIC C. SCHLUNTZ WILD TROUT the section of Coppermine Brook from the • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) HPC confluence with the Pequabuck River to cial lures and flies only. From Route 94 to Connecticut River: Intermittent sections from the junction of Artisan Street. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. • Trout: 9" minimum length. the Blackledge and Jeremy Rivers to the • Season: Open year-round. Leesville Dam. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. • Trout: 9" Minimum length-entire river downstream to the Route 151 Bridge. POQUETANUCK BROOK, Preston (T) ROARING BROOK, Haddam (BK) TROPHY TROUT STREAM Intermittent sections from Hallville Pond Intermittent sections along Ruth Hill PEQUONNOCK RIVER (includes Tungsten Entire river in Colchester, East Haddam to Poquetanuck Cove. Road. Mine Park Pond), Bridgeport-Trumbull (T) and East Hampton: Intermittent sections from West Pequon- • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. nock Reservoir (Monroe) along Route 25, EXCEPT IN: then through Old Mine Municipal Park, QUANDUCK BROOK, Killingly-Sterling (T BN) ROARING BROOK, Lyme (T) Trumbull Basin State Park, Twin Brooks TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA Intermittent sections from Rhode Island Along Route 82. Municipal Park, Unity Municipal Park, and From confluence of Blackledge and to Moosup River. Beardsley State Park in Bridgeport. Jeremy Rivers downstream to Route 16 bridge: TROPHY TROUT STREAM ROARING BROOK, Stafford-Willington (T BN) • Season: Open year-round. In Trumbull, from the Whitney Avenue • Methods: Fly fishing only in midsection bridge through Trumbull Basin State Park QUINEBAUG RIVER, Intermittent sections through Nipmuck of area, as posted. to the Daniels Farm Road bridge: Thompson to Norwich (T SMB S CB WP) State Forest to the Willimantic River. • Trout: • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 Intermittent sections from the Massachu- WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) »»Catch and Release Only from setts line to the Shetucket River. From Route 190 (Stafford) to Willimantic September 1 to 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd River (Willington): Saturday in April. • Trout: 9" minimum length. PINE BROOK, East Hampton-Haddam (T) »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April Intermittent sections from Route 16 to QUINNIPIAC RIVER, Southington- to August 31. Salmon River. Cheshire-Meriden-Wallingford (T BN) • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream From ¼ mile below Cheshire Road, SAFSTROM BROOK, East Hampton (T) LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS— of Sexton Road. Cheshire to Route 150, Wallingford. Intermittent sections along Wopowog no closed season Downstream of Route 151 Bridge to junc- WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) Road in Salmon River State Forest. tion with Connecticut River. Entire river in Southington, and in • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum Cheshire upstream from Cheshire Street. of Tartia Road. length. • Season: Open year-round.

46 2015 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.

• Thermal refuge: Area within 100 feet SHEPAUG RIVER, Roxbury (T) SHUNOCK RIVER, North Stonington (T BK BN) STILL RIVER, Eastford-Woodstock (T) of signs indicating such closure posted Intermittent sections along Route 67 from Intermittent sections from Hewitts Fly Intermittent sections from Route 171 to by DEEP at or near the spring along at Hodge Park downstream to the Route Pond to the Pawcatuck River. the Natchaug River. Sunrise Resort State Park is closed to 67 bridge. all fishing from June 15 to September WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) 15. (New regulation for 2015—see page Entire stream in North Stonington: 20). • Trout: 9" Minimum length. STILL RIVER, Danbury (T) SHETUCKET RIVER, From Eagle Street downstream through Windham to Norwich (T SMB NP S) the town linear park. SANDY BROOK, G SILVERMINE RIVER (includes Blanchard and Silvermine Ponds), New Canaan-Norwalk (T) Barkhamsted-Colebrook-Norfolk (T) Intermittent sections from Willimantic to Intermittent sections beginning ¼ mile Greenville Dam. From Route 106 in New Canaan to the STONY BROOK, Montville (T BK BN) Merritt Parkway. from the Massachusetts line, along Route TROPHY TROUT STREAM WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) 183, through Algonquin State Forest to Entire river in Windham, Scotland, Entire stream in Montville: the confluence with the Still River above Sprague, and Norwich: • Trout: 9" Minimum length. Riverton. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. SKUNGAMAUG RIVER, Coventry-Tolland (T) • Trout: 9" minimum length- entire • Thermal refuges: Open year-round Intermittent sections from Route 74 to stream downstream from Massachu- except in areas within 100 feet of Hop River. STONY BROOK, Suffield (T) setts state line. signs indicating such closure posted by DEEP at or near the mouths of tribu- Intermittent sections from South Grand taries that are closed to all fishing from Street to Guild Pond, includes the lower SAUGATUCK RIVER (includes Cobbs Mill Pond), June 15 to September 15. (New regula- SNAKE MEADOW BROOK, 1/2 mile of Muddy Brook. Danbury-Redding-Weston-Westport (T) tion for 2015—see page 20). Plainfield-Sterling (T) Intermittent sections from Route 7 in BROODSTOCK SALMON AREA Intermittent sections from its source to Danbury through West Redding along (SEE PAGE 24 FOR DETAILS) the Moosup River. STRATTON BROOK, Simsbury (T) Route 53 to the Mark Twain Library Dam From the Scotland Dam (Scotland) down- (1 mile above Saugatuck Reservoir). Then stream to the Occum Dam (Norwich): P C intermittent sections from 100 feet below • Methods (all species): From October Stratton Brook State Park through Mas- SPRAIN BROOK, Woodbury (T BN) the Saugatuck Reservoir Dam tailrace (as 1 through March 31, single fly or lure sacoe State Forest. with a single free-swinging hook only. Intermittent sections from Painter Hill posted) through Lyons Plain to Dorr’s Mill TROUT PARK Additional weight may not be added to Road, Route 47 to Paper Mill Road. Dam and ending at the Merritt Parkway. Within Stratton Brook State Park: the line. Anglers are reminded that the • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. WILLIAM “DOC" SKERLICK TROUT season is closed from March 1 to 6:00 MANAGEMENT AREA a.m. on the 2nd Saturday in April for STILL RIVER, In Westport from Dorr’s Mill Dam to the all species except broodstock Atlantic Merritt Parkway: Winsted-Colebrook-Barkhamsted (T) salmon. SUGAR BROOK, Plainfield (BK) • Methods: Fly fishing only. Intermittent sections in Winsted and from Within Sugar Brook Wildlife Manage- • Season: Open year-round. Sandy Brook to Farmington River. ment Area. • Trout: • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream »»Catch and Release Only from SHEWVILLE BROOK, Preston (T) of confluence with the Mad River. September 1 to 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd Intermittent sections from Indiantown Saturday in April. Brook to Hallville Pond. SUMNER BROOK, Middletown (T BK) »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length from 6:00 a.m. on 2nd Saturday in Intermittent sections from Millbrook Road April to August 31. downstream to Route 155. SEA RUN TROUT STREAM Tidal area downstream of Wood Dam (Westport): • Season: Open year-round. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum New and now available at the DEEP Store length. A PICTORIAL GUIDE TO FRESHWATER FISHES OF CONNECTICUT SAUGATUCK RIVER (West Branch), Weston-Westport (T) This brand new 242-page guide to the fishes of Connecticut is the first to pres- Intermittent sections from intersection ent multiple, high resolution, full-color photos of most New England and all of Routes 53 and 57 (north of Weston Center) to the Saugatuck River. Connecticut freshwater fish species. With detailed information for each species on identification, distribution, size, abundance, habits, how to observe and catch them, how to keep them in aquariums, and what’s unique about them, this easy SAWMILL BROOK, Sherman (T BK BN) to read book will appeal not only to anglers, nature lovers and teachers, but also From the intersection of Routes 39 and 37 to scientists and the general public alike. in Sherman Center to Candlewood Lake. • Over 240 full-color photos • 82 fish species Softcover, SCANTIC RIVER, • Detailed fish distribution maps 8x10 inches, East Windsor-Enfield-Somers (T) • Taxonomic key to fish families and species Intermittent sections from Massachusetts 242 pages state line to Connecticut River. • Sections on: observing fish, snorkeling, catching fish, keep- ing fish in aquariums $19.95 DEEP Store Price does not include 6.35% CT sales tax and mail/phone order 860-424-3555 SETH WILLIAMS BROOK, Ledyard (BK) shipping/handling charges. www.ct.gov/deep Intermittent sections from headwaters to Whitfords Brook.

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

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

SUSQUETONSCUT BROOK, THAMES RIVER, Norwich to New London (WP YP) WEST RIVER, Guilford (T) WILLOW BROOK, Cheshire (T BK BN) Bozrah-Lebanon (T) LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed season Intermittent sections from Quonnipaug Along the bike path beginning at Lock Intermittent sections from Route 207 to Downstream from Greenville Dam, Lake to Route 1. 12 at Route 42 downstream to Mount the Yantic River. includes coves. Sanford Road. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length. WHETSTONE BROOK, Killingly (T) TANKERHOOSEN RIVER, Vernon (T BK BN) Intermittent sections from East Killingly WOOD RIVER, Voluntown (T) Intermittent sections from Valley Falls downstream to the Fivemile River. Intermittent sections from Porter Pond Road to Hockanum River. WACHOCASTINOOK (RIGA) BROOK, to Hazard Pond. Salisbury (BK BN) BELDING -TANKERHOOSEN WILD TROUT WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) Downstream of South Pond within Mt. WHITFORD BROOK, The river and its tributaries (as posted) Riga Corporation property as posted: Groton-Ledyard-Stonington (T) WYASSUP BROOK, North Stonington (BK) within Belding WMA and the Tanker- • Season: Open year-round. Intermittent sections from Long Pond to Intermittent sections from Wyassup Lake hoosen WMA: • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- the Mystic River. downstream to Spalding Pond. • Season: Open year-round. cial lures and flies only. • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- SEA RUN TROUT STREAM • Trout: Catch and Release Only. cial lures and flies only. Downstream of Route 184 bridge: • Trout: Catch and Release Only. • Season: Open year-round. YANTIC RIVER, Bozrah-Norwich (T) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum Intermittent sections from Camp Moween length. WAPPOQUIA BROOK (Quaker Meeting Road to Thames River. House Brook), Pomfret (BK) TAYLOR BROOK, Woodstock (T) TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA Intermittent sections from Route 97 Intermittent sections from County Road From Barstow Road (Lebanon) down- downstream to Mashomoquet Brook. downstream to Mill Brook. WHITING RIVER, North Canaan (T) stream to bridge crossing at intersection Intermittent sections from the Massa- of Fitchville and Schwartz Roads: chusetts state line to confluence with • Methods: Fly fishing only in sections WEEKEEPEEMEE RIVER, Woodbury (T BK BN) Blackberry River. at the upper and lower boundaries of TENMILE RIVER, Cheshire (T) TMA, as posted. Intermittent sections from Route 132, From Route 70 (Cheshire) to Route 322 • Season: Open year-round. Peter Road to the confluence with the in Milldale. • Trout: Nonewaug River. WILLIMANTIC RIVER, »»Catch and Release Only from Stafford to Windham (T) September 1 to 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd Saturday in April. TENMILE RIVER, Lebanon-Columbia (T) C WELLS BROOK, Union (T) Intermittent sections from Stafford »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length Intermittent sections from Route 87 to the from 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd Saturday in Intermittent sections from Route 171 Springs to confluence with Natchaug Willimantic River. April–August 31. downstream to Mashapaug Lake. River. COLE WILDE TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed season In Tolland and Willington from mouth of Downstream from just below the falls at TENMILE RIVER, Sherman-Kent (T SMB) Roaring Brook downstream to Route 74 Indian leap in Norwich. WEPAWAUG RIVER (includes Clarktown Pond), • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum BULL’S BRIDGE TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA / bridge: Orange-Milford (T) length. BASS MANAGEMENT AREA • Season: Open year-round. Intermittent sections from Route 34, along From the New York line to confluence with • Methods: Fly fishing only. Grassy Hill Road to ½ mile above I-95. the Housatonic River: • Trout: Catch and Release Only. • Season: Open year-round. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. • Large & smallmouth bass: Catch and Release Only.

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. $AVE Your gift is deductible from next year’s federal income tax. ENDANGERED SPECIES

AREAS

NATURAL

ON YOUR WILDLIFE

AX CHECK-OFF CT T

STATE OF CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TAXES! ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

48 2015 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 http://www.depdata.ct.gov/maps/saltwaterfish/map.htm. www.ct.gov/deep/fishing Marine Fisheries Division....Fishing is Family Fun—Start your Adventure Today! 49 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 14 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

50 [email protected] |860-434-6043 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Shoreline Fishing in Coastal State Parks

During regular hours, a vehicle parking fee is required to enter most ROCKY NECK STATE PARK, NIANTIC of the state parks. Parking fees are collected from 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. on Fishing is allowed on the jetty year round. The entire beach and jetty weekends and holidays, and 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. during the week except is open to fishing during the off-season. Jetty located on right side of at state parks marked with an asterisk. Late day fees (4 p.m.–6:30 p.m. beach. Please note: When no night rangers are on staff and on major any day) for Harkness, Hammonasset, Rocky Neck and Sherwood Island holiday weekends, no vehicles are permitted in park for night fishing. are $6 for residents and $7 for non-residents. For more information • Fish to be caught: Tautog, winter flounder, bluefish, striped bass, please see the coastal state parks website: www.ct.gov/deep/stateparks. scup (porgy) and black sea bass can be caught off the jetty. Crabbing is allowed at designated areas. * Parking Fees subject to change. Camping • Directions: I-95, Exit 72 to Route 156. Telephone: 860-739-5471. • Parking Fees* NIGHT FISHING RULES —— Weekdays: resident—$9.00, non-resident—$15.00 Anglers entering a park by vehicle must obtain a vehicle permit in order —— Weekend/Holiday: resident—$13.00, non-resident—$22.00 to park and fish. No vehicle will be admitted into the day-use area of the park from 6:30 a.m.–8 a.m. Individuals entering the park without SHERWOOD ISLAND STATE PARK, WESTPORT a vehicle do not require a permit, but must possess fishing tackle (rod Fishing is allowed at Sherwood Point, East and West Jetty during the & reel, bait, light, etc.) and engage in fishing. open season (April 15–Sept. 30). The entire beach is open to fishing during the off-season from 8 a.m. to sunset only. BLUFF POINT STATE PARK & COASTAL RESERVE, GROTON • Fish to be caught: Tautog, bluefish, scup, summer flounder, winter Fishing is allowed 24 hrs. flounder and striped bass can be caught off Sherwood Point. • Fish to be caught: Winter flounder and snapper bluefish can be caught • Directions: I-95, Exit 18. Telephone: 203-226-6983. at Poquonnock Cove. Bluefish, striped bass, hickory shad, summer • Parking Fees* flounder, little tunny and tautog can be caught from the beach. —— Weekdays: resident—$9.00, non-resident—$15.00 • Directions: I-95, Exit 88 to Route 117 south, right onto Route 1, left —— Weekend/Holiday: resident—$13.00, non-resident—$22.00 onto Depot Road. Follow to end. • Parking Fees: None. SILVER SANDS STATE PARK AFTER HOURS FISHING PARKING/ FORT TRUMBULL STATE PARK, NEW LONDON CHARLES ISLAND, MILFORD Fishing access (handicapped accessible), 24 hour pedestrian access from Fishing is open throughout the area including the sand spit which extends Riverfront Walk to Fishing Pier on the Thames River. about a mile from the mainland to Charles Island. Caution is advised • Fish to be caught: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, hickory when fishing or walking the Tombolo (Sand Bar). Swift tidal currents shad, scup, tautog, winter flounder, weakfish and black sea bass. during a flood tide can make passage dangerous and persons unfamiliar • Directions: I-95N, Exit 83 (Huntington Street). I-95S, Exit 84. with the area may be stranded on Charles Island until low tide. • Parking Fees: None. Telephone: 860-444-7591. • Fish to be caught: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, hickory shad and weakfish. FERRY LANDING STATE PARK, OLD LYME • Directions: I-95, Exit 35. Follow Schoolhouse Road south to Route 1 Fishing access (handicapped accessible) consists of a fenced bulkhead (Bridgeport Avenue). Turn left onto Route 1 then right at first light area and a fishing/crabbing boardwalk. Parking is available inside the (Silver Sands Park Way). Follow Park Way and turn left at next light park after hours for fishing/crabbing only. (Meadowside Road). Follow Meadowside 0.7 mile and turn right at • Fish to be caught: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, catfish, Robert Treat Parkway which then becomes Surf Avenue. Follow Surf tomcod, winter flounder, hickory shad, and white perch. Avenue to end at East Broadway and turn right. The After Hours • Directions: I-95, Exit 70 to Route 156. After ¼ mile make a right Fishing Parking Lot is at the end of East Broadway. onto Ferry Road. Follow to end. Telephone: 860-434-6043. • Hiking the Tombola (Sand Bar) while it is covered in water is prohibited. • Parking Fees: None. • Parking Fees: None. HAMMONASSET BEACH STATE PARK, MADISON 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) SHORELINE FISHING is not open to night fishing during the off-season (October–May). & PROPERTY RIGHTS • Fish to be caught: Tautog, winter flounder, bluefish, summer flounder, scup, weakfish, striped bass and black sea bass. A Message from the Department of • Directions: I-95, Exit 62. Telephone: 203-245-2785. Energy & Environmental Protection’s • Parking Fees* —— Weekdays: resident—$9.00, non-resident—$15.00 Office of Long Island Sound Programs —— Weekend/Holiday: resident—$13.00, non-resident—$22.00 Connecticut’s intertidal shore belongs to the people. Under the common law public trust doctrine, the public may freely use land HARKNESS MEMORIAL STATE PARK, WATERFORD and waters waterward of the mean high water line to fish. The public Fishing is allowed along the beach. No swimming allowed. trust area includes beaches, rocky shores and open waters along • Fish to be caught: Tautog, bluefish, striped bass and scup (porgy) tidal and navigable waters. Fishing in the public trust area is not can be caught off the rocky point and summer flounder off the beach. trespassing; the DEEP encourages anglers to enjoy their rights to use • Directions: I-95, Exit 75. Take Route 1 North to Avery Lane on the public trust lands for fishing. However, anglers should also respect right. Follow Avery Lane to Route 213. Follow Route 213 to the park. the rights of adjacent landowners by not crossing private property Telephone: 860-443-5725. without permission and by leaving the shoreline clean and litter free. • Parking Fees* —— Weekdays: resident—$6.00, non-resident—$10.00 Call the Office of Long Island Sound Programs —— Weekend/Holiday: resident—$9.00, non-resident—$15.00 for more information at 860-424-3034. —— After 4pm any day: resident—$6.00, non-resident— $7.00 www.ct.gov/deep/fishing Marine Fisheries Division....Fishing is Family Fun—Start your Adventure Today! 51 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 Regulations on page 54. 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 (16 inch min. length) and Scup (9 inch min. length) may Bond's Dock Stratford be taken at a smaller length limit. Please see page 54 for a complete list of marine rec- Long Beach Stratford reational fishing regulations including creel limit and open seasons. Point-No-Point Stratford BONUS STRIPER FISHING PROGRAM Russian Beach Stratford From May 1st to December 31st 2015 inclusive, striped bass at least 22 inches but less Short Beach Park Stratford than 28 inches total length may be possessed provided the angler: Sherwood Island State Park Westport 1. Immediately upon retention of such fish, permanently secures a tag (see image below) MIDDLESEX COUNTY through the mouth of the striped bass. Bonus striped bass tags can be obtained at CT DEEP offices or through CT DEEP Marine Fisheries Angler Survey staff and South Cove Causeway Old Saybrook other designated locations. See www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishing for updated information. Saybrook Point Old Saybrook 2. The bonus striped bass tag must remain on the fish until such fish is taken home or NEW HAVEN COUNTY to another location where the fish is to be consumed. Branford Point Branford 3. Uses the Bonus Striped Bass Reporting Card that was provided with your fish tag to Chaffinch Island Park Guilford record the date of capture, length of the fish and your Conservation ID. 4. Returns the reporting card within 48 hours of harvesting the bonus striped bass. Hammonasset Beach State Park Madison 5. Harvest only ONE bonus striped bass per day regardless of the number of tags the Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center Milford angler possess. Gulf Beach Milford 6. Valid only in Connecticut State Waters. Silver Sands State Park Milford Criscuolo Park New Haven FOR 2015… Striped Bass Bonus Program Tags Valid Statewide from May 1 to December 31, 2015! Fort Nathan Hale Park New Haven Tomlinson Bridge Fishing Pier New Haven 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

52 [email protected] |860-434-6043 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Marine Angler Surveys

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

James Micinilio with his "Alligator" Bluefish caught at Milford Marsh Housatonic River. 34 inches 14.5 pounds released.

MARINE DEFINTIONS 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 2015: 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 Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Program: This Marine Fisheries program is part of a broader from the tip of the snout 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 2015.

DAILY SPECIES NOTES MINIMUM CREEL LIMIT OPEN SEASON LENGTH (fish per angler) Alewife/Blueback Herring The taking of Alewife and Blueback Herring is prohibited. 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 April 1 – June 30 Shad in aggregate) Visit www.nero.noaa.gov/sustainable/recfishing/regs for Atlantic Cod 22" 10 Year Round updated federal regulations.

Split bag/season, length excludes the tendril (tail filament). 3 June 1 – August 31 Black Sea Bass See www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishing for Party/Charter fishing 14" regulations. 5 September 1 – December 31 10 Bluefish None Year Round (including snapper bluefish) Visit www.nero.noaa.gov/sustainable/recfishing/regs for Haddock 18" None Year Round updated federal 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 Pollock 19" None Year Round updated federal regulations. See www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishing for Party/Charter fishing 10" 30 May 1 – December 31 regulations. Scup (Porgy) Look for Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Access Sites 9" 30 May 1 – December 31 (see Appendix A on page 52) 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 18" 5 May 17 – September 21 accompanied by a legal sized rack (carcass) Summer Flounder (Fluke) Look for Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Access Sites 16" 5 May 17 – September 21 (see Appendix A on page 52) April 1 – April 30 16" 2 AND Tautog (Blackfish) July 1 – August 31 16" 4 October 10 – December 6 Weakfish 16" 1 Year Round White Perch 7" 30 Year Round Winter Flounder 12" 2 April 1 – December 31 Sharks/Tuna* http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/ * Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Compliance Guide: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/Compliance_Guide/index.htm

54 [email protected] |860-434-6043 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Connecticut Saltwater Fish DEEP SEA FISHING Private Charters for Groups of 1–15 Striped Summer Flounder Bass (Fluke)

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Tautog Scup (Blackfish) (Porgy)

Black Weakfish Sea Bass

White Northern Perch Kingfish

Atlantic Inshore 60+ Menhaden Lizardfish Years!

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BASS • BLUES • FLUKE • SCUP BLACK FISH • SEA BASS 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 diameter. for a complete list of requirements. • Seines: no longer than 30 feet in length. • Up to two eel pots. Info • Hook & Line. • Call 860-434-6043, ask for the Personal Use • By hand. Menhaden Gillnet License Guidelines. • Or go to www.ct.gov/deep/fishing and search Species that may be taken using the gears listed for Open Access Fishing License. above • Menhaden (see possession limit on page 54) SHELLFISH BLUE CRAB (Also see Gillnetting Menhaden) For personal use/not for sale: Town Shellfishing For personal use/not for sale: No license required. • Striped Killifish and Banded Killifish License required. • Atlantic Silverside Legal Blue Crab Capture Methods: • Tidewater Silverside Species Include • Scoop Net, Hand Line, Dip Net, Trot Line • Mummichogs • Mussels • Star Crab Trap (or similar device) • Sea Herring (Atlantic Herring) • Oysters • Circular Topless Trap (not exceeding 26" in • Sand Lances (Sand Eels) • Clams diameter) • American Eel (see possession limit on page 54) • Scallops • Semi-Circular Cylindrical Trap (12" or less • Sea Lamprey in diameter) • Bay Anchovy Contact the town where you plan to harvest • Mullet Species shellfish for permit information, or the Depart- Open Season • Sheepshead Minnow ment of Agriculture, Aquaculture Division at May 1–November 30. • Shrimp Species 203-874-0696. email: [email protected]. • Green, Fiddler, Asian Shore and Hermit Crabs Minimum Shell Width: (Spike Tip to Spike Tip) LOBSTER • 5" hard shell crabs Personal Use Lobster License Required ($120.00) • 3½" soft shell crabs SHARK SPECIES Legal Lobster Capture Methods: Prohibited • Ten pots or less (pot tags required) • Possession of uncooked blue crab meat with- YOU MAY • Skin Diving out the body shell attached. ENCOUNTER IN • SCUBA Diving • Possession of more than 2 claws per body. • Hand Capturing • Possession of egg bearing females. COASTAL WATERS • Chesapeake-style crabs traps. Required OF CONNECTICUT Required • Annual Report of Catch All devices must be attended at all times. • See Guidelines for Personal Use Lobster Fish- ing for a list of requirements. SQUID

Info For personal use/not for sale: No license • Call 860-434-6043, ask for the Guidelines for required if taken using a squid jig. Sand Tiger Shark Personal Use Lobster Fishing in Connecticut. • Lobster Gauges can be purchased ($4) at the Marine Fisheries office in Old Lyme or from DEEP Licensing at: Resources For Fishermen: 79 Elm Street, 1st Floor, www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/management/ Sandbar (Brown) Shark Hartford, CT 06106-5127 recreational/resources_for_fishermen.html 860-424-3105 • Or go to www.ct.gov/deep/fishing and search Protected and prohibited species must be for Open Access Fishing License. released unharmed. For more information, For additional information, refer to the Marine go to www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/ Fisheries Information Circular by visiting the sharks/2008/Rec_shark_ID_placard.pdf www.ct.gov/deep/fishing or Reduce Catch and Release mortality call the Marine Fisheries Division IF YOU DON'T KNOW, at: 860-434-6043. LET IT GO! — please use circle hooks.

56 [email protected] |860-434-6043 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Coastal Boat Launches

For other boat launches, see the 2015 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. STREETER BOAT LAUNCH), GROTON LIGHTHOUSE POINT CITY PARK, • Parking: 25 cars with trailers. NEW HAVEN—$$ • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Parking: 60 cars with trailers. BARN ISLAND, STONINGTON • Conditions: Launching may be difficult dur- • Toilets: Flush facilities in park. • Parking: 60 cars with trailers. ing strong northwesterly winds. • Conditions: Launching may be difficult dur- • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Use: Moderate use on weekends. ing strong northwesterly winds. • Conditions: Large ramp with floating dock. • Access: I-95 North, Exit 85, bear right onto • Use: Heavy use on weekends. • Use: Heavy use on weekends. Bridge Street, next right onto Fairview Ave- • Access: I-95, Exit 51 going south. Go south on • Access: I-95, Exit 91. South to N. Main Street nue, launch on left. Townsend Avenue, right onto Lighthouse Road to Rte. 1. Greenhaven Road to Palmer Neck to park. Operated by the City of New Haven. Road, follow to end. THAMES RIVER, NEW LONDON PARKING PASS FEES — SUMMER SEASON • Parking: 50 cars with trailers. New Haven Registered Vehicles No charge BAYBERRY LANE, GROTON • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. Non-Resident Vehicles $20/day, $100/season • Parking: 30 cars with trailers. • Conditions: Good launching conditions. Out-of-State $30/day, no seasonal • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Use: Moderate use on weekends. Charter buses (weekdays only) $100 • Conditions: Steep ramp, shallow at low tide. • Access: I-95 North, Exit 84, left onto Williams BOAT LAUNCH PASS FEES • Use: Heavy use on weekends. Street. Turn east onto State Pier Road, launch Resident Vessel $30 Season Pass • Access: I-95, Exit 87. Rte. 349 becomes at end, under I-95, Goldstar Bridge. Non-Resident Vessel $130 Season Pass Shennecossett Road, left onto Bayberry Lane. EAST RIVER, GUILFORD/MADISON BRANFORD RIVER, BRANFORD • Parking: 25 cars with trailers. NIANTIC RIVER, WATERFORD • Parking: 50 cars with trailers. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Parking: 100 cars with trailers. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Conditions: Concrete planks. • Toilets: Chemical, year round. • Conditions: Steep ramp, shallow at low tide. • Use: Moderate use on weekends. • Conditions: Large ramp with floating dock. • Use: Low use. • Access: I-95, Exit 59. Located on east side of • Use: Heavy use on weekends. • Access: I-95, Exit 53. Rte. 142 left onto Stannard East River. Take Rte. 1 onto Neck Road and • Access: I-95, Exit 74. ¼ mile northeast of Avenue to Goodsell Point Road. follow to end. Rte. 156 bridge across Niantic River. CONNECTICUT RIVER, OLD SAYBROOK FOUR MILE RIVER, SOUTH LYME SAUGATUCK RIVER, WESTPORT • Parking: 75 cars with trailers. • Parking: 55 cars with trailers. • Parking: 25 cars with trailers. • Toilets: Chemical, year round. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Conditions: Large ramp with floating dock. • Conditions: Shallow launching area; low • Conditions: Shallow launching conditions • Use: Heavy use on weekends. railroad bridge clearance. at low tide. • Access: Exit 1 off Rte. 9 North. End of ramp • Use: Low use. • Use: Heavy use on weekends. turn right. Located under Baldwin Bridge, • Access: I-95, Exit 71. Rte. 156, east on Oakridge • Access: I-95, Exit 17 east side of river. Rte. 136 (I-95) off Ferry Road. Drive, first right to launch area. to Compo Road, first right to launch.

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.

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 Marine Fisheries Division....Fishing is FamilySection Fun—Start 2: Norton Heightsyour Adventure to Fairfield (2.4 Today! MB) 57 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 for 2014. WEIGHT CATEGORY COMMON NAME LENGTH LOCATION CAUGHT ANGLER YEAR lbs. oz. CAUGHT Albacore 68 14 46.5" Atlantis Canyon John Dagon 2012 American Eel 4 4 Cedar Island, Clinton Stanley Zalewski 2009 Atlantic Bonito 9 4 26.75" East Rip, Long Island Sound Yas Saotome 2012 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) 23 9 33" Two Tree Island, Waterford Kendall Owens 2011 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 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 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 Porbeagle Shark 191 0 75" Ryans' Horn Austin Urban 2013 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 Squid 11.6" mantle Niantic Bay Drew Kenny 2012

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 Swordfish 359 0 Fish Tales Fred J. Malcarne 2004 Thresher Shark 467 0 Montauk Point Mark Hiller 2006 White Marlin 108 8 Block Canyon Frederick Iasiello 1988 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 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 Triggerfish 4 7 Niantic Bay, Waterford Christine Small 2007 Jack Crevalle 3 7.5 18.8" Millstone Outflow, Waterford Hugh Durham 2014 Ladyfish 3 8 23" Millstone Point, Waterford Nelson Carey 2014 Monkfish 18 6 Weekapaug Point, R.I. William Zanks 2002 Northern Kingfish 2 7 18.5" Niantic River Kaleb Reed Crescenzo 2014 (Rare Species) (Rare 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 Spanish Mackerel 6 5 Branford Beacon Michael Audet 2003 Torpedo Ray 89 8 Misquamicut, R.I. Chuck Adams 2008 Wahoo 88 0 Fish Tales Mike Matrishon 2005 BLUE CRAB Blue Crab 8.75" Connecticut River Cody Lessard 2005

58 [email protected] |860-434-6043 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide Angler’s Marketplace

IN-STATE CHARTERS & GUIDES

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We Provide Hunting Opportunities to » New Reduced Opening Day of Fees for 16 and » » New Inland New Marine Trout Season Regulations » 17 Year Olds! Moved to 2nd Regulations Law Enforcement Agents See pages 8 & 10 for 2015 for 2015 Saturday in April See page 20 See page 54 See page 20 Injured in the Line of Duty.

Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection www.ct.gov/deep/ﬁ shing To Volunteer Or Donate, Please Visit Our Website HuntingForHeroes.org www.ct.gov/deep/fishing Marine Fisheries Division....Fishing is Family Fun—Start your Adventure Today! 59 2015 Tide Table—Saybrook Point

HIGH TIDE PREDICTIONS BETWEEN 6:00 a.m. AND 7:00 p.m. (Adjusted for daylight savings time) — 41.2833 N, 72.3500 W m FULL MOON l NEW MOON

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC 1 7:20 a 8:38 a 7:36 a 9:34 a 9:44 a 10:33 a 10:43 a m 11:48 a 1:06 p 1:37 p 2:06 p 2:31 p 2 8:07 a 9:20 a 8:20 a 10:14 a 10:24 a 11:14 a m 11:28 a 12:39 p 2:02 p 2:33 p 3:06 p 3:29 p 3 8:52 a 10:01 a m 9:00 a 10:53 a 11:04 a m 11:57 a 12:15 p 1:32 p 2:59 p 3:34 p 4:11 p 4:29 p 4 9:35 a m 10:41 a 9:40 a 11:32 a m 11:44 a 12:42 p 1:05 p 2:26 p 4:00 p 4:39 p 5:14 p 5:29 p 5 10:18 a 11:22 a 10:18 a m 12:11 p 12:24 p 1:28 p 1:56 p 3:23 p 5:06 p 5:47 p 6:12 p 6:23 p 6 11:01 a 12:03 p 10:57 a 12:50 p 1:06 p 2:17 p 2:49 p 4:24 p 6:14 p 6:16 a 6:35 a 6:48 a

7 11:45 a 12:44 p 11:37 a 1:30 p 1:49 p 3:09 p 3:46 p 5:28 p 6:39 a 7:16 a 7:20 a 7:32 a

8 12:29 a 1:24 p 1:16 p 2:10 p 2:35 p 4:06 p 4:46 p 6:33 p 7:39 a 8:06 a 8:02 a 8:13 a

9 1:13 p 2:06 p 1:55 p 2:53 p 3:26 p 5:07 p 5:49 p 6:56 a 8:29 a 8:49 a 8:41 a 8:53 a

10 1:58 p 2:52 p 2:35 p 3:43 p 4:24 p 6:08 p 6:09 a 7:55 a 9:13 a 9:29 a 9:20 a 9:31 a 11 2:46 p 3:46 p 3:17 p 4:42 p 5:26 p 6:28 a 7:11 a 8:46 a 9:53 a 10:08 a 9:58 a l 10:10 a l 12 3:38 p 4:48 p 4:07 p 5:47 p 6:28 a 7:29 a 8:08 a 9:32 a 10:34 a 10:46 a l 10:36 a 10:49 a 13 4:36 p 5:49 p 5:08 p 6:13 a 6:51 a 8:24 a 9:00 a 10:15 a 11:14 a l 11:26 a 11:15 a 11:30 a 14 5:34 p 6:17 a 6:14 p 7:16 a 7:49 a 9:15 a 9:49 a 10:59 a l 11:55 a 12:06 p 11:55 a 12:14 p 15 6:28 p 7:09 a 6:43 a 8:11 a 8:42 a 10:05 a 10:35 a l 11:42 a 12:37 p 12:45 p 12:36 p 1:00 p 16 6:53 a 7:58 a 7:42 a 9:03 a 9:33 a 10:54 a l 11:22 a 12:26 p 1:19 p 1:25 p 1:22 p 1:51 p 17 7:38 a 8:46 a 8:35 a 9:53 a 10:23 a 11:43 a 12:08 p 1:10 p 2:01 p 2:06 p 2:13 p 2:47 p 18 8:22 a 9:34 a l 9:25 a 10:43 a l 11:13 a l 12:33 p 12:55 p 1:54 p 2:44 p 2:51 p 3:12 p 3:49 p 19 9:07 a 10:24 a 10:14 a 11:33 a 12:04 p 1:22 p 1:41 p 2:39 p 3:30 p 3:42 p 4:16 p 4:55 p 20 9:54 a l 11:14 a 11:03 a l 12:24 p 12:55 p 2:11 p 2:28 p 3:25 p 4:22 p 4:43 p 5:20 p 5:58 p 21 10:43 a 12:06 p 11:54 a 1:16 p 1:47 p 3:01 p 3:16 p 4:14 p 5:22 p 5:48 p 6:19 p 6:34 a

22 11:34 a 12:58 p 12:45 p 2:09 p 2:39 p 3:53 p 4:06 p 5:08 p 6:22 p 6:27 a 6:51 a 7:27 a

23 12:26 p 1:53 p 1:37 p 3:04 p 3:32 p 4:46 p 4:59 p 6:04 p 6:55 a 7:21 a 7:41 a 8:17 a

24 1:19 p 2:50 p 2:31 p 4:01 p 4:28 p 5:42 p 5:53 p 6:33 a 7:46 a 8:12 a 8:30 a 9:05 a 25 2:15 p 3:54 p 3:27 p 5:02 p 5:26 p 6:36 p 6:14 a 7:26 a 8:34 a 8:59 a 9:18 a m 9:53 a m 26 3:14 p 5:02 p 4:28 p 6:04 p 6:23 p 6:57 a 7:10 a 8:14 a 9:21 a 9:47 a 10:08 a 10:41 a 27 4:19 p 6:07 p 5:34 p 6:34 a 6:46 a 7:48 a 8:00 a 9:00 a 10:08 a m 10:36 a m 10:59 a 11:30 a 28 5:27 p 6:45 a 6:39 p 7:30 a 7:39 a 8:35 a 8:45 a 9:45 a 10:57 a 11:26 a 11:50 a 12:18 p 29 6:29 p — 7:14 a 8:19 a 8:26 a 9:18 a 9:29 a 10:32 a m 11:48 a 12:18 p 12:43 p 1:06 p 30 7:05 a — 8:08 a 9:02 a 9:10 a 10:01 a 10:13 a 11:21 a 12:41 a 1:13 p 1:36 p 1:56 p 31 7:54 a — 8:53 a — 9:52 a — 10:59 a m 12:13 p — 2:08 p — 2:47 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.

60 [email protected] |860-434-6043 2015 Connecticut Angler’s Guide FISHING REGULATIONS GUIDE - MARYLAND 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 SAFETY

LEGENDARY BOAT PROTECTION.

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Client: Progressive Job No: 14D00473 Created by: Dalon Wolford Applications: InDesign CS6, Adobe Photoshop CS6, Adobe Illustrator CS6 Fonts(s): Humanist ; Benton Job Description: Full Page, 4 Color Ad Document Name: Viking ad / Fishing Regulations Guide - Maryland (& various 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: 10/29/14 DONE FISHING?