Share the Experience—Take Someone • APRIL 13 Opening Day Trout Fishing 2019 CONNECTICUT FISHING GUIDE INLAND & MARINE

YOUR SOURCE For CT Fishing Information »Trout & »New Marine Salmon Stamp Regulations See page 8 for 2019 See page 54

Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection www.ct.gov/deep/fishing FISHING REGULATIONS GUIDE - VA 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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Client: Progressive Job No: 18D30258.KL Created by: Dalon Wolford Applications: InDesign CC, Adobe Photoshop CC, Adobe Illustrator CC Job Description: Full Page, 4 Color Ad Document Name: Keep Left ad / Fishing Regulations Guide - VA and various other states Final Trim Size: 7-7/8˝ X 10-1/2˝ Final Bleed: 8-1/8˝ X 10-13/16˝ Safety: 7˝ X 10˝ Date Created: 10/26/18 2019 CONNECTICUT FISHING GUIDE INLAND REGULATIONS INLAND & MARINE Easy two-step process: 1. Check the REGULATION TABLE (page 21) for general statewide Contents regulations. General Fishing Information 2. Look up the waterbody in the LAKE AND PONDS Directory of Services Phone Numbers...... 2 (pages 32–41) or RIVERS AND STREAMS (pages 44–52) Licenses...... 10 listings to find any special regulations. Permits...... 11 National Saltwater Registry Program...... 11 Trophy Fish Award Affidavit...... 12 Trophy Fish Awards...... 13 Bait and Tackle Shops...... 14 Law Enforcement...... 16 Are The Fish I Catch Safe To Eat?...... 17 Aquatic Invasive Species...... 18–19

Inland Inland Regulations...... 21 Definitions...... 26–27 Disabled Access...... 27 Atlantic Salmon ...... 28 Alewives & Blueback Herring...... 28 Neighborhood Fishing Opportunities...... 30 Record Freshwater Fish...... 31 Lakes & Ponds...... 32–41 A Guide to Catchable Freshwater Fish...... 42–43 Rivers & Streams...... 44–52 LEARN TO FISH: Free Classes, Page 6 The Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) Program Marine Fisheries will introduce you and your family to the fun of fishing. Expert Marine Recreational Fishing Regulations...... 54 instruction, hands-on activities and a fishing trip will lead to Demarcation Between Marine and Inland District...... 55 wonderful time spent outside with your family or friends. How to Catch Fish...... 55 Enhanced Opportunities & Volunteer Angler Survey ...... 56 ON THE COVER Recreational Fishing – Bait Species, Lobster & Crabs....57 Andrea Nivolo, who you may recognize as our Shoreline Fishing in Coastal State Parks...... 58 first ever cover contest winner (2014), fishes Coastal Boat Launches...... 59 Lake Waramaug (Kent, Warren, Washington) State Record Marine Fish...... 60-61 on a beautiful winter day. Lake Waramaug is Connecticut Saltwater Fish Identification...... 62 one of her and her husband, Jesse's, favorite 2019 Tide Table...... 64 spots to fish. This particular day, Andrea says, “ for trout and bass was particularly productive.”

For the 2020 cover we are looking for your Opening Day: April 13th, 2019 best family fishing group photo. Send your high-quality entries to deep.inland.fisheries@ ct.gov. The deadline for entry is November 1. FAMILY FISHING DAY 2019

May 11th—no license required. TO REPORT A WILDLIFE VIOLATION For updates to the 2019 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

www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 1 2019 CONNECTICUT FISHING GUIDE INLAND & MARINE The Connecticut Angler’s Guide is published annually by the State of Connecticut Governor Department of Energy & Marine Fisheries Program Williamstown, MA | Birmingham, AL Environmental Protection Justin Davis, Assistant Director Katie S. Dykes, Commissioner Susan Whalen, Deputy Commissioner Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Bureau of Natural Resources 79 Elm Street Rick Jacobson, Chief Hartford, CT 06106-5127 www.ct.gov/deep About This Guide Fisheries Division Pete Aarrestad, Director This high-quality guide is offered to you by the Connecticut Department of Energy The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal & Environmental Protection through Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at (860) 418-5910 or [email protected] if you: have a disability its unique partnership with J.F. Griffin and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information Publishing, LLC. in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint. The revenue generated through ad sales This Guide is intended to provide a summary of the more important rules and regulations governing significantly lowers production costs and sport fishing in Connecticut and to assist in the enjoyment of the experience. For legal purposes, generates savings. These savings translate the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and the Connecticut General Statutes must be consulted. into additional funds for other important NOTICE: Some advertisements in this publication may state that “No sales tax” is due. This is because the retailer is agency programs. located in a state that does not impose sales or use tax, and the retailer is not registered to collect Connecticut sales and use taxes. While you may not have to pay sales tax in the state where you bought the goods or services, you must If you have any feedback or are inter- pay Connecticut use tax on taxable goods or services purchased for use in Connecticut. For more information, see ested in advertising, please contact us at the Department of Revenue Services’ Informational Publication 2011(15), Q&A on the Connecticut Individual Use Tax: 413.884.1001 or at www.JFGriffin.com www.portal.ct.gov/-/media/DRS/Publications/pubsip/2019/IP-2019(3).pdf?la=en Graphic Design: Directory of Services Jon Gulley, Dane Fay, John Corey, For additional information the following DEEP offices may be contacted from 8:30 a.m. to Evelyn Haddad, Chris Sobolowski 4:30 p.m. Please note that the DEEP – Licensing and Revenue Permit Sales Office is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Note that the Sales Office closes at noon before major holidays and may close early during periods of severe weather.

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

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

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

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

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

2 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide Reel in Trophy Bass, Walleye, Trout & Catfish in Southern Connecticut!

The Regional Water Authority’s (RWA) Recreation Permit program offers you the chance to catch trophy bass, walleye, trout, catfish and at Lake Saltonstall, the Maltby Lakes and Lake Chamberlain. Stream FishingLake Fishing Boat Fishing You can even rent a boat at Lake Saltonstall to put you closer to the Big Gulph, Northford angling action, and experience the joys of fishing along nearly eight miles of streams running through scenic watershed lands in seven nearby towns. Genesee, Madison & Guilford No matter what type of fishing experience you are looking for, an RWA Recreation Permit can provide it! And, the fun isn’t limited to just fishing. You can jog, hike, watch birds, Lake Chamberlain, cross-country ski and bike on more than 50 miles of marked, easily Bethany & Woodbridge accessible trails nestled in scenic southern Connecticut. As a permit holder, you’ll also have access to special family events such as nature walks, fishing derbies, cutting your own holiday tree and a photo contest with prizes. Children under 21 enjoy four seasons Lake Saltonstall, of fun for free when accompanied by an adult permit holder. East Haven & Branford Getting your permit is easy and affordable. Visit www.rwater.com/recreation or call 203-401-2654. And, follow us on for updates, photos Maltby Lakes, New Haven, and more. West Haven & Orange Your support helps us protect and conserve our watershed lands.

@RWARecreation Message from the Director

Thanks for supporting recreational fishing in Connecticut! Thanks to all of you, Program), or by participating in electronic surveys we reach out to them to seek feedback. It is certainly the men, women and that we initiate from time to time. The best way to better than the alternative of doing nothing, and ulti- youth from Connecticut participate in our surveys is to provide your email mately losing our relevance with increasing numbers and elsewhere who fish address when you obtain your fishing license via of Connecticut’s recreational fishers over time. recreationally in Con- our online sportsmen licensing system. We also You have likely noticed that this publication has necticut’s lakes, ponds, sometimes solicit survey responses through our Fish a new name. We changed it from Angler’s Guide to rivers, streams, and and Wildlife Facebook page. Surveys we have done Fishing Guide after learning that a large segment of marine, estuarine and recently include “How was your Opening Day”- the non-fishing public (i.e., potential new anglers) other tidal waters. Your done annually to help us adjust stocking location thinks that the term “angler” pertains to mathematics personal investment of priorities to improve future Opening Days, “Trout as opposed to fishing. This name change also speaks valuable recreational and Salmon Stamp survey”- used to learn about to our focus on maintaining relevance with as broad free time to fish our waters demonstrates that preferences of those who purchased the trout and a spectrum of Connecticut’s citizens as possible. you recognize the high quality of life we experi- salmon stamp, and “Channel Catfish Survey”– to Publishing the Fishing Guide in Spanish (online ence here in CT for fishing and other outdoor improve our management and ultimately fishing version beginning in 2018) and with a limited pursuits, due in large part to the state’s publicly quality for catfish. number of printed copies this year also demonstrates open lands and waters and the abundant and Another recent survey concerned a suggestion our commitment to relevancy. diverse fish and wildlife resources supported we had gotten from some salmon anglers to extend The list below includes some additional ways that across CT’s landscape. the fall season for Atlantic salmon we deliver fishing information to you: As Director of the Fisheries Division, I pledge in the designated broodstock Salmon Fishing Areas Interactive maps (Trout Stocking, Saltwater to you that the highly professional and dedicated on the Naugatuck and Shetucket rivers. The Catch Fishing Resources, and CT is Fishy), all available men and women of the Fisheries Division take very and Release season has run from September 1 to on our website, and seriously our charge to provide excellent fishing December 1, but based on overwhelming support Electronic distribution newsletters and reports opportunities in the waters of our state. In doing from our survey, we are extending it until December (opt in at www.ct.gov/deep/newslettersubscription) this, we also recognize that angler behaviors and 15, starting in 2019. We realize that whenever we like Facebook, , and preferences evolve over time, and for us to remain make a regulation change -no matter how popular FishBrain. relevant – and provide the best fishing opportuni- with most - there are some anglers who are not in Thank you again for investing your time on the ties - we as a Fisheries Division also need to evolve favor of the changes we make. This is an unfortunate water to pursue some great recreational fishing in and change with the times as may be needed. This reality that in my view is unavoidable. On balance, Connecticut, and please reach out to us with your is why we want to hear from you. I am confident that our decisions to make regula- suggestions for how to make it even better. Ways that you can reach out to us include via tory changes are for the betterment of fishing across Wishing you tight lines, email at [email protected], via phone at Connecticut, especially when supported by the bulk Pete Aarrestad 860-424-FISH or 860-434-6043 (Marine Fisheries of the recreational fishermen and fisherwomen when Director, Fisheries Division

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

4 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide Tog time! Each October Tog fevers runs rampant. Stacey Johnson with a beauty 2019 FISHING PHOTO off of Black Point. CONTEST WINNERS This awesome Common Carp from the Housatonic is so much more fun to hug Grand2019 Prize than teddy bears, just ask Andrei Negrea.

What an evening to be to breaking fish in Clinton. Submitted by Grace Rancke.

Monster of a Brookie on the fly for Demian Sorrentino. Success on the ice! Andrea Nivolo with a nice Brown Trout she caught at Lake Waramaug.

Please check out other great photo submissions used throughout this Angler’s Guide and on our Allie Vilardi shows off her skill web page at www.ct.gov/deep/fishing with a nice Tyler Lake Largemouth Bass.

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: deep.inland.fisheries@ ct.gov) for the 2020 CT Fishing Guide. This year we are looking for your best family group fishing photos. w FREE Introductory Level Fishing Courses!

Where Connecticut Learns to Fish! Since 1986, the CARE program has been training and partnering with volunteers in order to conduct FREE Introduction to fishing courses around the state! Let CARE introduce you and your family to the wonderful world of fishing and connect you to CT’s amazing natural resources. For more information about CARE, becoming an instructor, and our class schedule visit www.ct.gov/deep/fishingclasses. CARE Connecticut Annual CARE Special Fishing Events Introductory Fishing & Ice Fishing Classes Aquatic • February: Winterfest with No Child Left Inside© • Held at a location near you Resources • May: Family Fishing Day • Classroom instruction (2 hours) • August: Saltwater Fishing Event • Fishing trip to a local water Education • www.ct.gov/deep/fishingclasses New Specialized Fishing Classes • Equipment is provided for use • Designed for those with some previous fishing 860.663.1656 experience Forster Pond School Partnership www.ct.gov/deep/care • Classes will introduce specific fishing topics • Teachers are trained on CARE curriculum including: Bass, Trout, , and “Catch • Students are taught in their own classroom it and Cook it” • Field trip to our fishing education center

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

Thank You Instructors! The CARE program would like to thank all volunteer Instructors for sharing your time, passion, and knowledge of fishing. CARE volunteers are a special group of environmental stewards who use fishing as a way to introduce families and individuals to the great outdoors, while instilling an appreciation for our states natural resources. A special thank you to Instructor MIKE DYNIA for 15 years of teaching introductory fishing classes to the public! CONNECTICUT-FishingRegulations-AD.qxp 2/6/19 9:54 AM Page 1

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CONNECTICUT’S NEW TROUT Green signs will be posted at those areas where A Trout & Salmon & SALMON STAMP a stamp is required to fish the area, and purple stamp is needed for signs at most of the other areas where a stamp is anyone age 16 and Funding Trout and Salmon Fishing required only when keeping a trout or salmon. older to fish in TMA’s, for Future Generations! WTMA’s, Trout Parks In order to maintain its trout and salmon pro- WHO DOES NOT NEED A and Broodstock grams, DEEP has established an additional rev- TROUT & SALMON STAMP Atlantic Salmon Areas. enue source in the form of a trout & salmon 1. Anyone younger than 16 years of age. Look for the green stamp. As with your fishing licenses, all (100%) 2. Holders of lifetime fishing licenses issued to sign in these areas. of the money generated from your purchase of persons that are blind, have an intellectually a trout & salmon stamp goes to support Con- disability, or certain physical disabilities (see necticut’s fish and wildlife programs. page 10). In other areas a 3. Anyone fishing waters stocked at no expense Trout & Salmon WHO NEEDS A TROUT & SALMON STAMP to the state (waters stocked with trout by Stamp is needed A trout & salmon stamp is now required for another entity, but not stocked by the state). only by those age 16 anyone age 16 and older (including those age and older keeping 65 and over) when: WHAT’S THE FEE FOR A TROUT trout or salmon. 1. Fishing in the designated Trout Management & SALMON STAMP Look for purple signs Areas (TMA), Wild Trout Management Areas The fee for a trout & salmon stamp is $5.00 (WTMA), Trout Parks, and Atlantic Salmon at many of these ($3.00 for CT residents ages 16 & 17). The stamp locations. Broodstock areas; or is issued for the calendar year and expires on 2. Harvesting trout, Kokanee, or Atlantic Salmon. December 31st (just as most fishing licenses). Note: We have received numerous questions OBTAINING THE STAMP IS EASY visit the DEEP website or call DEEP Licensing from anglers on whether a trout & salmon stamp and Revenue (860-424-3105). is needed to fish a Trout Management Lake The trout & salmon stamp can be obtained just (TML). These lakes are not TMA’s, a stamp is as you obtained your fishing license: There is no physical stamp; when you purchase needed at a Trout Management Lake only when • Online at www.ct.gov/deep/fishing or www.ct.gov/ a Trout & Salmon stamp, a line noting that you keeping trout or salmon. deep/getmyfishinglicense, or have obtained a stamp is added to your license As a handy aid we’ll be posting signs at many • In person at one of our offices, a town hall that document (if purchasing online, don’t forget to locations reminding anglers of the Trout & has opted to sell licenses, or at a number of print the updated license). Salmon Stamp requirements at those locations. other vendors. For a complete list of vendors,

YEARS AGO, THE NRA CREATED HUNTER EDUCATION. ACCESS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE ONLINE COURSE AVAILABLE IN CONNECTICUT … Marine Regulations

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

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

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

June 16th & August 10th. Free to qualified Physical disability (loss of one Get a free one-day license to fish on these days. nonresidents or more limbs, or permanent who reside in loss of the use of one or more Free Free states which limbs) Inland or Marine waters allow CT resi- fishing, hunting, or combination dents the same licenses (lifetime).3 GROUP FISHING LICENSES privilege. * TROUT & SALMON STAMP MAY BE NEEDED. $5.00 fee—SEE PAGE 8. Available to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations wishing to conduct group fishing programs and events for qualified: 1 Issuance of a free license to a person who is blind requires proof of blindness from the Department of Rehabilitation Services, or in the case of a veteran, by the United States • Veterans with a service-related or other disability. Veterans' Administration. • Persons receiving mental health or addiction services from the 2 Issuance of a free license to a person with intellectual disabilities requires proof of intel- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and lectual disability (as defined in Public Act 11-16) in the form of a certificate provided by a associated programs & facilities. licensed physician or a licensed advanced practice registered nurse. • Individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities receiving services 3 Any resident with the loss of a limb or the permanent loss of the use of a limb and a from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) or a facility certificate to that effect provided by a licensed physician or a licensed advanced practice licensed by DDS; or registered nurse may be issued a free license. Qualified nonresidents who are residents • Persons receiving care from the Department of Children and of states which allow CT residents the same privileges are also eligible. Families (DCF), DCF receiving homes, or certain DCF-licensed child care facilities or programs. Qualified organizations can apply for a Group Fishing License ($125.00) to COMMERCIAL LICENSES hold up to 50 events per year (both inland and marine water). Each event A commercial license is required to take, possess or land (regardless where is limited to 50 people and must be supervised by organization staff or taken) fish, lobsters, blue crabs, whelk, squid, sea scallops, horseshoe volunteers (who must have their fishing licenses). No fee can be charged to crabs and bait species intended for sale from both the inland and marine participate and the events may not be used as a fundraiser. districts. Contact the DEEP Marine Fisheries Program at 860-434-6043 Contact DEEP Inland Fisheries for more information and application forms. or write to the Marine Fisheries Program at [email protected] or P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371 for further information on com- mercial fishingwww.ct.gov/deep/CommercialFishing .

10 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide Permits

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

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

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Bureau of Natural Resources appreciates all the help it receives from volunteers each year. Typically, volunteers are from organized groups, but there are also some opportunities for individuals. Among the programs in which you may be able to participate: Atlantic Salmon and Herring Restoration Programs For groups: Contact Steve Gephard or Bruce Williams (Fisheries Division) at 860-434-6043 Volunteer Angler Survey — Saltwater Anglers For individuals: See page 56 for details. Contact David R. Molnar (Marine Fisheries Program) at 860-434-6043 or [email protected].

12 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide TROPHY FISH AWARD MINIMUM WEIGHTS The Trophy Fish Award Program recognizes and Note: Minimum Lengths apply to the catch-and-release category only! The rewards angling skill. Successful anglers will receive a: minimum lengths listed below do not apply to the traditional weighed category.

Certificate of Merit CATEGORY SPECIES MINIMUM MINIMUM • Bronze pin for your first fish of merit. WEIGHT LENGTH • Silver pin for your fifth fish of merit. American Eel 3 lbs 35" • Gold pin for your tenth fish of merit or a new state record fish. American Shad 5 lbs 25" Atlantic Salmon1 15 lbs 31" Bluegill 12 oz 10" GENERAL RULES: SALTWATER/FRESHWATER FISH Bowfin 7 lbs 24" • Top Angler Awards are given to Marine and Inland anglers who Brook Trout 2 lbs 17" catch and keep (Harvest Fish), catch and release the largest fish of Brown Bullhead 2 lbs 15" each species categories. Angler of the Year is awarded to the angler Brown Trout 5 lbs 22" with the most species categories. Awards are provided at the annual Calico Bass (Black Crappie) 2 lbs 15" Trophy Fish Award Ceremony. Common Carp 20 lbs 34" • Youth Category is defined as anyone 15 years of age and under. Chain Pickerel 5 lbs 27" Channel Catfish 4 lbs 22" • Saltwater entries caught by boats leaving and returning to Connecticut Fallfish 1.5 lbs 14" ports. No overnight stays in another state prior to day(s) of fishing. Kokanee 1.75 lbs 16" • Entries must be filed on the Official Affidavit Form, page 12. Largemouth Bass 6 lbs 22" • Submission of false or misleading information may result in Northern Pike 10 lbs 35" disqualification. Pumpkinseed 8 oz 9" • Fish must be caught by legal methods, played by only one person. FRESHWATER Rainbow Trout 4 lbs 21" 3 • Fish must be entered within 30 days of capture. Redbreast Sunfish 8 oz 9" • All Trophy Fish Award Affidavits must be submitted by January 15, 2019 Rock Bass 12 oz 11" Smallmouth Bass 4 lbs 21" • Fish caught in hatchery ponds are not eligible. Sunfish Hybrids4 12 oz 10" • Fish must be caught (including catch and release) during Connecti- Tiger Trout 2 lbs 17" cut’s legal open season. Tench 4 lbs 18" • A clear photograph of the fish must accompany the Affidavit Form. Walleye 5 lbs 23" • Fish may be weighed at any local bait and tackle shop (see page 14). White Catfish 4 lbs 20" • Please note: all potential State Record Fish must be weighed on a White Perch 1.5 lbs 14" certified scale and a printout of the scale weight must accompany White Sucker 3 lbs 15" Yellow Bullhead2 2 lbs 15" the affidavit or an image of the scales certification number, date Yellow Perch 1.5 lbs 15" inspected, vendor name and inspectors name. Albacore 30 lbs 40" • The size of a potential trophy fish or state record fish can not exceed American Eel 3 lbs 35" the maximum length for any given species (e.g. red drum). Atlantic Bonito 4 lbs 20" • For species not listed: trophy fish award subject to Fisheries staff Atlantic Cod 20 lbs 40" identification and review. Atlantic Mackerel 4.25 lbs 14" Black Sea Bass 4.5 lbs 20" CATCH AND RELEASE CATEGORY RULES Blackfish (Tautog) 8 lbs 22" Blue Marlin 100 lbs BLE (99") • All of the General Rules apply except that the fish does not need to Blue Shark 175 lbs BLE (54") be weighed. A witness must be present. Bluefin Tuna 400 lbs 60" • A clear photo must accompany the affidavit. This photo must include Bluefish 12 lbs 32" the angler holding the fish and also include the fish next to a mea- Cunner 1.5 lbs 12" suring (yardstick, ruler, or tape measure) device to clearly show Dolphin Fish (Dorado) 20 lbs 36” the length of the fish. Gray Triggerfish 4 lbs 15" • The accompanying photo must be taken at the location where the Hickory Shad 1.75 lbs 18" fish was caught and released. Inshore Lizardfish 8 oz 10" Little Tunny (False Albacore) 5 lbs 24" • Fish can’t be taken from the site and then transported back. Mako Shark 175 lbs BLE (83") • BLE = best length estimate for highly migratory species. Northern Kingfish 1 lb 8 oz 16"

• Minimum Length (Total Length) = Tip of snout to end of tail. SALTWATER Oyster Toadfish 1 lb 10" • Marlin & swordfish—measure from lower jaw to fork in tail. Pollock 15 lbs 34" • Shark species—minimum length is fork length. Scup (Porgy) 2.5 lbs 16" • Fish must be released alive! 10" Mantle Length; Squid — 18" Total Length Striped Bass 35 lbs 45" Striped Searobin 3 lbs 18" All fish are measured from tip of snout Summer Flounder (Fluke) 6 lbs 25" to end of tail (total length). 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 A clear photo of the side of the fish required for identification. www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 13 Connecticut Bait & Tackle Shops

WWW.CT.GOV/DEEP/BAITANDTACKLE TOWN SHOP NAME ADDRESS PHONE TOWN SHOP NAME ADDRESS PHONE Ashford Ralph’s Bait Shop 14 Lakeview Drive 860-487-3544 AW Marina Bait & Tackle 178 Pequot Ave. 860-443-6076 Avon Orvis Avon 380 West Main St. 860-678-7900 Located at Burrs Marina New London Diane’s Bait Tackle & Charters 860-857-2373 Bozrah Bob’s Bait 191 Fitchville Rd. 860-885-0292 244 Pequot Avenue Branford Branford Bait & Tackle 51 Goodsell Point Rd. 203-315-1313 Standard Field & Stream 216 Montauk Ave. 214-886-3220 J & B Tackle Co. Inc. 23/25 Smith Ave. 860-739-7419 Jimmy O’s Bait & Tackle 3389 Fairfield Ave. 203-384-6359 Niantic H&H Shellfish LLC 365 Seaview Ave. 203-612-4798 Mackey’s Bait & Tackle Shop 158 West Main St. 860-739-2677 Bridgeport Marine Sport Center 2400 Fairfield Avenue 203-335-8646 Noank Wild Bill’s Action Sports & Tackle 93 Marsh Rd. 860-536-6648 ’s World Inc. 2 Fort Point St. 203-866-1075 Orbit Marine Sports Center Inc. 3273 Fairfield Ave. 203-333-3483 Norwalk Brooklyn Brooklyn Trading Post & Academy 106 Tripp Hollow Rd. 860-774-SHOT Hiller Sports 4 New Canaan Ave. 203-857-3474 Byram Rudy’s Bait 'n' Tackle 242 South Water St. 203-531-3168 Norwich Thayer’s Marine & RV 14 Falls Ave. 860-887-8315 Clinton Early Bird Bait & Tackle 34 Riverside Drive 203-927-1052 Old Lyme Black Hall Outfitters 132 Shore Rd. 860-434-9680 Ted’s Bait & Tackle 35 Ferry Place 860-388-4882 Columbia Center Sports of Columbia 3 Orlando Drive 860-228-1666 Old Saybrook Cornwall Housatonic Meadows Fly Shop 13 Route 7 860-672-6064 River’s End Tackle 440 Boston Post Rd. 860-388-2283 Bridge Housatonic River Outfitters, Inc. 24 Kent Rd. 860-672-1010 Plainfield B & J’s Bait & Tackle Shop 29 Academy Lane 860-564-7742 The Hook and Arrow 135 West Main St. 860-479-5907 Colchester Gramp's Bait & Tackle 128 Mill Street 860-942-2530 Plainville Cos Cob Sportsman’s Den of Greenwich 33 River Rd. 203-869-3234 Tag’s Tacklebox and Plainville Bait 94 Whiting Street 860-846-0943 Cromwell Big Little Bait & Tackle 1 School St. 860-997-0891 Pine Meadow Up Country Sport Fishing 352 Main St. 860-379-1952 Danbury Candlewood Bait & Tackle 36 Tamarack Ave. 203-743-2221 Portland Zah' Bait & Tackle 204B Main Street 860-316-7539 The Dock Shop 51 Tokeneke Rd. 203-557-0873 Preston Fish Connection 127 Route 12 860-885-1739 Darien Orvis Store 432 Boston Post Rd. 203-662-0844 Rowayton The Bait Shop Inc. 99 Rowayton Ave. 203-853-3811 Compleat Angler 541 Post Rd. 203-655-9400 Salisbury O’Hara’s Landing Marina 254 Twin Lakes Rd. 860-824-7583 1426 Meriden- Dayville Bob’s Place 132 Ballouville Rd. 860-774-2286 Southington Fishin Factory 860-621-8145 East Canaan Jim’s Bait & Tackle 391 Norfolk Rd. 860-824-5773 Waterbury Tpke. Eastford B & T Bait Shack 18 Sprague Hill Rd. 860-942-9638 Stamford Pete’s Place 124 Jefferson St. 203-356-9383 Don’s Dock 228 North Water St. 860-535-0077 East Haddam Lakeside Dan’s 18 Shore Rd. 203-623-5439 Stonington 475 East Hartford Stonington Marina 926 Stonington Rd. (Rt. 1) 860-599-4730 East Hartford Cabelas East Hartford 860-290-6200 1 Stratford Bait & Tackle 1076 ⁄2 Stratford Ave. 203-377-8091 Blvd. North Stratford Ellington 3 J's Deli Mart 99 Stafford Rd. 860-454-7082 The Surfcaster 360 Sniffens Lane 203-610-6965 Yankee Bait & Tackle 88 Main St. 860-741-5994 Thomaston Sanzeri’s Bait & Tackle 288 South Main St. 860-283-8654 Enfield Smola’s Flyfishing Guide & Service 483 Hazard Ave. 860-763-1856 Union JT’s Fly Shop 664 Buckley Hwy. 860-684-1575 South Benson Marina Wallingford New England Dive & Tackle 1060 South Colony Rd. 203-284-1880 Fairfield South Benson Outfitters 203-400-2838 555 Turney Road Warren Housatonic River Outfitters 24 Kent Rd. 860-672-1010 335 Salmon Brook St., Waterford Hillyer’s Tackle Shop 374 Rope Ferry Rd. 860-443-7615 Granby Rome’s Bait & Tackle 860-413-9445 Rte. 10 & 202 Beach Nut Sports Center 314 Boston Post Rd. 860-399-6534 Greenwich Byram’s Bait & Tackle 35 North Water St. 203-531-5100 Westbrook Jack’s Shoreline Bait & Tackle 174 Boston Post Rd. 860-664-9424 Groton Ken’s Tackle Shop 213 Thames St. 860-445-6888 Tidewater Bait & Tackle 362 Boston Post Rd. 860-399-2219 Madison Captain Morgan’s Bait & Tackle Marine Center, Rt. 1 203-245-8665 Westport The Dock Shop 609 Riverside Ave. 203-956-5893 Manchester Farr’s Sporting Goods 2 Main St. 860-643-7111 17 Kimberly Avenue West Haven Some-Things Fishy 203-933-2002 Marlborough Frank’s Live Bait 19 West Rd. 860-295-9659 #19 Meriden Lunker City Fishing Specialties 847 Hanover Rd. 203-237-3474 Windsor Locks Joe’s Bass, Bait & Tackle 12 Dickerman Ave. 860-623-7980 Middletown Fishin Factory III 238 East Main St. 860-344-9139 Outdoor Artistry Taxidermy & Bait 351 North Main St. 860-480-5765 Bobby J’s Bait & Tackle 354 New Haven Ave. 203-876-1495 Northwest Sporting Goods Milford Winsted 178 Rowley St. 860-469-2891 Fisherman's Paradise 40 Bridgeport Avenue 203-283-1432 & Supply Mystic Shaffer’s Boat Livery 106 Mason Island Rd. 860-536-8713 Still River Outfitters 58 Main Street 860-909-1131 Sportsmen’s Outpost 415 Wolcott Rd. (Rt. 69) 203-879-1139 New Haven Dee’s Bait & Tackle 93 Clay St. 203-562-7025 Wolcott Wolcott Bait & Tackle 690 Wolcott Rd. (Rt. 69) 203-707-6986

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, and is a group of dedicated citizens from all there should be a permit number posted on the buoys. They may or may not have small orange barrier regions of the state working together floats to further demarcate the area. for fish and fishing in Connecticut. Should questions arise concerning the validity of the swim area (no permit numbers or the area appears to For more information about the FAC, have been changed / enlarged or keeps moving), please contact DEEP’s Boating Division at 860-434-8638. please call 860-424-3474.

14 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide See video in action at cleanwayfuelfill.com KEEP FUEL IN THE TANK AND OUT OF OUR WATERS

So easy! no more splashes or fuel-soaked rags

• BURPED fUEl Evan Kamoen with his state record Black Sea Bass ovERfill DRains (Catch & Release) Back into tank • aDaPtERs inclUDED • PatEntED, hEavy-DUty • sPill-fREE REfUElinG DISCARDED 95 95 AND OTHER TRASH 10" - $39 12" - $44

Anglers are reminded that any person who intentionally fishing 772-460-6670 10% off with coupon code CT19 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 order direct at cleanwayfuelfill.com fine under section 22a-250 of the general statutes. Carelessly discarded fishing line can seriously harm or kill wildlife. Animals can become entangled in, or ingest, the line, which can cause starvation, strangulation and deep wounding. Wildlife usually do not survive the injuries they sustain from entanglements. Properly dispose of fishing line, hooks, lures, weights and all other trash. To prevent incidents like the dead osprey The New found in Old Lyme, monofilament fishing line recycling receptacles have been installed at dozens of inland and coastal sites around the state to encourage less waste line in the environment. The disposed fishing line is collected by volunteers and then sent to a company that recycles it to Blade in make underwater habitat structures for fish. Find a fishing line recycling receptacle near you at www.ct.gov/deep/fishinglinerecycling or look for the Z on the Town! lists of lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and coastal fishing areas.

Dead osprey found hanging from its nest in Old Lyme, CT. Discarded fishing line, which is often picked up by ospreys to place in their nests, was ™ wrapped around the bird’s neck. WillowStrike

Photo courtesy of long-time DEEP Wildlife Division volunteer Hank Golet, who took the image prior to removing the dead bird. Greatest Fish Catcher of All Time PantherMartin.com • 800-524-4742 Dept. CT039L 19 N Columbia St, Port Je erson, NY 11777 Environmental Conservation Police

MESSAGE FROM ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION POLICE Connecticut has some incredible fishing opportunities available to all. Within a reasonable travel time, anglers can visit a number of different water bodies that offer unique fishing experiences. From freshwater lakes Colonel stocked with walleye or catfish to streams abundant with trout and salmon, there is no shortage of new Jeff Samorajczyk places to try your luck and enjoy the day. Visit a shoreline access point to fish for the large variety of salt water species. Seasonally, anglers can catch porgy, bluefish, striped bass, fluke, blackfish and other salt water species. Now thanks to the Passport to Parks, those with Connecticut registered vehicles can enter state parks free of charge to access some amazing fishing spots. Our Environmental Conservation Police Officers are a wealth of knowledge. Please ask us for tips regarding tides, baits, recommended fishing methods or any general questions when you see us in the field. We are here to assist and enjoy seeing you succeed. With that said, please be sure to review this guide prior to each season, and go online to purchase the fishing license which best fits your needs. Regulations change yearly. Don’t forget the Trout and Salmon stamp if needed (as explained elsewhere in the Fishing Guide)! Please take the time this year to introduce someone new to the sport of fishing. Become a mentor. Check out the Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) program which includes state certified fishing instructors who will pass along information and expertise they’ve gained while angling in local waters for many years. Also, take advantage of our state’s free fishing days. We encourage the citizens of our State to assist us with our mission of protecting the State’s natural resources by taking an active role in reporting fish and game violations by calling the 24-hour toll free number at 1-800-842-4357. Please stay safe while visiting our state parks, forests, lakes, rivers and Long Island Sound. Thank you and good luck! Colonel Jeff Samorajczyk - Director, State Environmental Conservation Police

Kids Get Your Youth Fishing Passport! The perfect way for you to introduce your aspiring angler to the many benefits of fishing. TheFREE Youth Fishing Passport program is a perfect way to Congratulations to the spend quality time together. Getting your passport Youth Fishing Passport is easy, sign up online using the sportsmen licensing Top Anglers for 2018; system www.ct.gov/deep/sportsmenlicensing Samantha, Austyn, and and then start fishing! Kiera. Each will receive a fantastic set of fishing related gear and items Visit www.ct.gov/deep/yfp for details about: for their effort. We would love to see you as our 2019 • 2 great fishing activities Top Angler! For details see www.ct.gov/deep/yfp • Sponsors offering discounts or free items • DEEP's FREE “Learn to Fish” classes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

18 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide ≥≥Remove all aquatic organisms, ≥ mud & debris! livewell motor & propeller YOU CAN HELP! CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY. You can help prevent the spread of problem anchor species by following these simple suggestions. BEFORE LEAVING A BOAT LAUNCH „„CLEAN—Inspect your boat, trailer and equipment. Remove and discard all aquatic plants and animals, mud and debris you may have picked up while on the water. „„DRAIN—Completely drain all water from the boat, including bilge hitch hull axle trim tabs water, livewells and engine cooling systems. AT HOME „„DRY—Dry anything that came in contact with the water (boats, Some of the Invasives trailers, trailering vehicle) for at least one week. Found in Connecticut or „„WASH—Rinse boat, trailer and equipment with hot water (high Many boaters and anglers are familiar with freshwater invasive plants, pressure if possible). A bleach solution can be used to clean in Connecticut these include: livewells. Dispose of all rinse materials properly! EURASIAN WATER MILFOIL was first found in Connecticut in 1979 REMEMBER and has been documented in a number of locations in Connecticut as „„Do not dump your bait bucket or release live bait! Avoid intro- well as the Connecticut River. ducing unwanted plants and animals. Unless your bait was VARIABLE LEAF MILFOIL was first discovered in Connecticut in 1936 obtained on site, dispose of it in a suitable trash container. and can now be found in a number of locations throughout Connecticut. „„Do not transport fish, other animals or plants between water FANWORT was first observed in Connecticut in 1937 and is now widely bodies. Release caught fish, other animals and plants only into distributed throughout the state. the waters from which they came. WATER CHESTNUT was first discovered in Connecticut in 1999 and IT’S THE LAW! (CGS 15-180, CGS 22a-381d) can be found in a number of locations throughout the state including scat- „„Boaters must inspect their vessel for vegetation and listed invasive tered sites along the Connecticut River, several tributaries and connected. invertebrates (zebra mussel, quagga mussel, Chinese mitten crab, Water chestnut appears to be expanding its distribution in Connecticut. New Zealand mud snail, Asian clam, rusty crayfish) and properly Annual plant that spreads via sharp, spiny fruits. remove and dispose of any vegetation or invasives before trans- porting the vessel. You can be fined $95 per violation. New arrivals to Connecticut include: „„The importation, transportation, sale, purchase, possession, (2011) ROCK SNOT cultivation or distribution of a number of invasive plants including Didymo: As of 2017, Didymosphenia hullii and D. geminata have been the following aquatic plants is prohibited: observed within the West Branch Farmington River. Until now Didymo —— Curly leaved pondweed, Fanwort, Eurasian water-milfoil, had been only confirmed above the confluence with the Still River, Variable water milfoil, Water chestnut, Egeria, Hydrilla, Com- Barkhamsted. In June of 2017 both have been confirmed as far down- mon reed, Purple loosestrife, Pond water-starwort, Parrot- stream as the Barkhamsted/New Hartford town line. Didymo usually feather, Brittle water-nymph, American water lotus, Yellow “blooms” from December to May. floating heart, Giant salvinia, Yellow iris, Watercress, Onerow Cymbella janischii: During summer 2015, there was thick growth of yellowcress. Violators can be fined $50 per plant! C. janischii observed approximately 1.5 miles up and downstream of the Route 318 bridge in Barkhamsted. As of June 2017, the Cymbella bloom is prolific and widespread throughout the West Branch Farmington River Trout Management Area. bloom of C. janischii tends to occur from WEBSITES OF INTEREST mid-June through mid-August. While Didymo prefers very cold-nutrient poor waters, C. janischii can These websites can provide a good start to learning more about Aquatic tolerate warmer water temperatures and higher concentrations of nutrients nuisance species. (similar to those found in many popular trout streams across Connecticut). • National Invasive Species Council: We encourage anglers to be vigilant with “Check, Clean, Dry” practices www.invasivespecies.gov when they are finished fishing the West Branch Farmington River. • Invasive Plant Atlas of New England: www.eddmaps.org/ipane (2012) CHINESE MITTEN CRAB A juvenile Chinese mitten crab was collected from the Mianus River in Greenwich. This is the first confirmed • ANS Task Force: report of this invasive in CT. This crab reproduces in saltwater but spends http://www.anstaskforce.gov most of its life in freshwater. • Northeast Aquatic Nuisance Species Panel: A Chinese mitten crab captured at http://www.northeastans.org Chesapeake Beach, MD in 2007 • Protect Your Waters: (image courtesy of the Smithsonian www.protectyourwaters.net Environmental Research Center). • Connecticut Sea Grant: www.seagrant.uconn.edu • Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group: More information on these and other invasive species in www.cipwg.uconn.edu Connecticut can be found online at: www.ct.gov/deep/invasivespecies. • USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species: Please prevent new introductions of invasive plants and animals; http://nas.er.usgs.gov CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY your boat and gear.

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

INVASIVE SPECIES ALERT— FISHWAYS COVENTRY LAKE & CONNECTICUT RIVER AND FISHING In 2016, DEEP began funding (in collaboration with the Town of coventry) management efforts Fishing is prohibited in the area immedi- (including a series of surveys and a herbicide treatment) with the goal of eradication hydrilla in ately downstream or upstream of a fishway, Coventry Lake. It is expected that this management (surveys, herbicide treatments) will be ongoing generally for a distance of 250 feet from for several more years. Unfortunately, also in 2016, hydrilla was found in the Connecticut River. the fishway. Note that at some fishways, First in a difficult to access portion of Keeney Cove in June, and then in September DEEP staff this distance may vary from 250 feet. observed several patches of hydrilla mixed in among the aquatic plants growing in the mainstem At locations where the distance from river at Glastonbury’s Riverfront Park and Boathouse. it appears that hydrilla has been in the river the fishway does differ from 250 feet, for a couple of years and it has since dispersed theroughout the river in Connecticut. As a result, the boundaries of the “no-fishing” area eradication is likely not practical. All resource users should take extra care to check and will be as posted by DEEP (look for signs clean their boats (including canoes, kayaks and rowing sculls), trailers, and fishing and/or large rocks painted red marking equipment before leaving the boat launch, or leaving the lakeshore. the boundaries). Anglers with questions about the “no- fishing” zones around any of the over 60 fishways in the state should contact DEEP’s INFORMACIÓN DISPONIBLE EN ESPAÑOL Diadromous Fisheries Restoration Program (Fisheries Division) at 860-434-6043. RELACIONADA CON LA PESCA EN CONNECTICUT — WWW.CT.GOV/DEEP/CARE Los folletos de la pesca en aguas dulces y aguas saladas fuerón traducidos al español para la dis- tribución a la comunidad hispana residente en Connecticut. El objetivo de los folletos de pesca en español es para ayudar a fomentar, aumentar, y promover la participación hispana en esta actividad. Somos afortunados en Connecticut por el gran abastecimiento de peces. La población de Connecticut tiene la oportunidad a pescar a no más de 5 millas de su residencia. Las aguas dulces de Connecticut le ofrece pescar peces tales como la Trucha, la Lobina, el Lucio Norteamericano, y el Panfish. Si su preferancia es pez de agua salada, las aguas de Connecticut le ofrece pesca peces tales como la Lobina Rayada, Summer Flounder, Anjona, y Porgy. ¡Vamonos a Pescar!

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

20 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide Inland District Statewide Species Regulations

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

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

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

22 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide TROUT PARKS TROUT PARKS Trout Parks are located in easily accessible areas to enhance trout fishing opportunities for young anglers and novice anglers as well as for those with mobility challenges. The fre- quent stockings, generally between Opening Day and Memorial Day, will greatly increase an angler’s chance of catching a fish, making it a more attractive "fishing hole", particularly to children and families. The daily creel limit in trout parks is two (2) fish per person per day. A Trout & salmon stamp is required to fish a Trout Park. TROPHY TROUT Places where a majority of the fish are stocked at a larger size, 12 inches or larger. Creel limits are also reduced from five (5) fish per day to two (2) fish per day.

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

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

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

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

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

24 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide Sportsmen’s Outpost 415 Wolcott Road • Wolcott, CT Entrance in Rear of Building 203.879.1139

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The following provisions are taken from the inland district sport fishing group that can be taken by an individual angler during the period from regulations, and do not apply to taking fish from licensed commercial 12:01 a.m. to midnight. hatcheries, private waters legally registered with DEEP, or to commercial A device, supplemental to a fishing line, used to deploy, fishing in the inland district. Information on in the via an electric or handpowered winch, reel or spool that projects over inland and marine districts is available on request. the side or stern of a boat and is used as a hoist, main line and terminal ANGLING Fishing with hook and line, which must be personally attended. weight, one or more fishing lines to a desired depth in the water column. No more than three lines, with or without rods, may be used at one time, FISHHOOK or HOOK A curved, pointed device, with or without barb, used except in the designated Trout Management Areas, Wild Trout Management to catch fish. Hooks may be single, double or treble and each point shall Areas, Trout Parks, Sea-run Trout Streams and Trophy Trout Streams where be considered as a single hook. the maximum number of lines that can be used is two, with or without rods. FISHING OR SPORT FISHING Taking or attempting to take fish. In the Inland BAIT Any animal or vegetable, or their parts, living or dead, used with District, fishing is limited to angling, bow and arrow fishing, bobbing, a hook for the purpose of attracting and catching fish. Any fish legally ice fishing, or snatching, spearing, scoop netting, and taking or acquired, except largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, north- attempting to take fish by hand. ern pike, trout, salmon, carp and goldfish may be used as bait. FLOAT (BOBBER) Any buoyant object attached to a fishing line. No floats BAIT SPECIES The following species of fish, amphibians, aquatic insects may be used unless personally attended. and crustaceans may be taken by sport fishermen for personal use (a rec- reational fishing license is required), but may only be sold if taken under FLY A single or double hook dressed with hair, feathers, tinsel, thread, an inland commercial bait license (Go to www.ct.gov/deep/fishinglicense and yarn or similar material to which no bait, spinner, spoon, or other use the “Open-Access License application” link). device is added. • Bait species: Common shiner, golden shiner, fallfish, creek chub, FLY FISHING Angling with the use of a fly reel, fly rod, fly line, leader and spottail shiner, blacknose dace, longnose dace, pearl dace, bluntnose a fly or flies. Extra weight may be built into the fly in its construction, as minnow, fathead minnow, cutlips minnow, chub sucker, white sucker, in a weighted nymph, and additional weight may be attached to the leader killifish, mummichog, Atlantic & tidewater silverside, sand lance, frogs or line. “Tenkara” fishing is considered to be fly-fishing. The use of strike (except northern leopard frog), crayfish (except rusty crayfish), perch indicators is permitted. bugs, hellgrammites and mayfly nymphs. • The legal methods for taking the bait species listed above are as follows: GAFF A spear or hook, with or without a handle, used for holding or lift- —— Rivers & streams: Bait species may be taken at any time with seines ing fish. The use of a gaff to land or assist in landing a fish is prohibited not over 15 ft. long and 4 ft. deep, bait traps not over 20 inches long in the inland district. and 15 inches in diameter, and umbrella nets not over 4 ft. by 4 ft. HAND-HELD JIG A rod, jig stick or line held in the hand used for fishing —— Lakes & ponds: Bait species may be taken at any time with bait through the ice. traps not over 20 inches long and 15 inches in diameter and umbrella nets not over 4 ft. by 4 ft. Seines shall not be used in lakes and ponds ICE FISHING Not more than six tip-ups, floats (bobbers), similar devices, except those designated by the DEEP as open to commercial taking or hand-held jigs or any combination thereof not exceeding six in the of bait. Where posted, taking, use or possession of fish as bait is aggregate may be used at one time. Not more than three baited hooks, prohibited in lakes and ponds. with or without attractors, or three ice flies, or three artificial lures, or any —— All inland waters: During the open season for fishing, the species combination thereof not exceeding three in the aggregate may be used listed above may also be taken by hand, angling and scoop net. with each tip-up, float (bobber), or similar device or hand-held jig. Devices must be personally attended. The name and address of the user must be BARBLESS HOOK A curved, pointed device, without a barb, used to catch legibly stamped on or attached to all devices. fish. Barbless hooks may be single, double or treble, and each point must be without a barb. For the purposes of this regulation, hooks manufactured INLAND DISTRICT Is the area inland of the demarcation lines as listed with a barb are considered barbless if the barb has been bent down to the on page 55. hook, broken off or otherwise made ineffective. LEADCORE LINE A fishing line constructed with a metal core. BOBBING Fishing with a ball or mass of worms or other bait attached to a MAXIMUM LENGTH Measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the hookless line held in the hand or a line attached to a rod held in the hand. tail. No person shall possess any fish greater than the lengths specified BOW AND ARROW FISHING Common carp, bowfin, tench, white suckers, and any fish greater than the maximum length, shall, without avoidable American eels and sea lampreys may be taken with a bow and arrow. injury, be immediately returned to the water from which taken. These species may be taken by archery in streams and stream sections MINIMUM LENGTH Measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the not stocked with trout, and in lakes and ponds, and only taken during the tail. No person shall possess any fish less than the lengths specified and open season for fishing in those waters. Use of crossbows is prohibited. A any fish less than the minimum length, shall, without avoidable injury, fishing license is required. be immediately returned to the water from which taken. BUBBLE FLOAT A type of float that is attached to a fishing line or leader PANFISH Includes yellow perch, white perch, calico bass, rock bass, bull- and can be filled with water to adjust its buoyancy. heads, all species of catfish, and all species of sunfish. A net weighted at the edges which is cast out over bait to capture POSSESSION LIMIT The total number of fish of any species or species group it in shallow water. The use of cast nets is prohibited in inland waters. that may be possessed by one person either on the person, on the waters CHILDREN’S FISHING AREA Angling in such areas is restricted to children of the state, the shores of these waters, or in any type of vehicle and may under sixteen years of age when posted as such. not exceed the creel limits for one day, as listed in this pamphlet. Fish so possessed shall be intact to the extent that neither the heads nor tails CLOSED SEASON That period of time during which all fishing is prohibited have been removed. Note that this does not restrict the number of legally in the area specified. acquired fish that may be kept in storage at home. DAILY CREEL LIMIT The quantity or number of fish of a species or species

26 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide SCOOP NET A manually operated, flexible mesh net attached to a hoop SPEARING The use of any pointed instrument, with or without barbs, pro- which is attached to a handle. The hoop may not be over 36 inches across pelled solely by hand. Common carp, bowfin, tench, American eels, white the widest point and the mesh bag may not be more than 36 inches in suckers and sea lampreys may be taken by spearing in streams or sections of depth at its deepest point. The use of any such net constructed of metal streams not stocked with trout during the open seasons for fishing in such mesh or stiff plastic mesh is prohibited. waters. Prohibited in lakes and ponds. Underwater spear fishing and the use of any type of spear gun is prohibited in all waters within the Inland District. SEINE NET A net weighted at the bottom, with top floats, that is used to encircle fish. STRIKE INDICATOR Means a brightly colored, highly visible tab, sleeve or bead or similar material used in fly fishing. Such devices may be attached SET LINE A line with one or both ends secured to the shore, or to a fixed or to the line or leader when used in areas restricted to fly fishing only. buoyant object in the water which is used for fishing and is not personally attended. Use of set lines in the inland district is prohibited. TAKE or TAKING Killing, capturing or otherwise rendering into possession, any fish or bait species, or attempting to kill, capture or rendering into pos- SLOT LENGTHS Length limits designated to reduce or increase the taking session, or assisting in taking or attempting to take any fish or bait species. of fish by anglers. • Protected slot lengths: Lengths between which fish may not be kept Angling with the use of a tenkara rod, tenkara line and by anglers. a fly or flies, without the use of a reel of any type. • Open slot lengths: Lengths between which fish may be kept by anglers. TROUT Include brook (charr), brown, lake, and rainbow trout and their SNAGGING or SNATCHING The taking of fish by foul hooking, that is hook- hybrids. ing fish in any part of the body other than the mouth. Snagging is pro- hibited in all waters in the Inland District except that, in streams open to fishing throughout the year, menhaden, alewives and blueback (glut) herring may be taken by these methods. Anglers are reminded that there currently is an emergency ban on the taking of anadromous alewife and blueback herring (see page 28).

DISABLED ACCESS These areas in the Inland District provide fishing access with primary use intended for persons with disabilities. Check the Coastal Launch and Coastal State Park Sections (pages 58 & 59) for areas in the Marine District.

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

Note that many trout parks and other areas identified in the guide as “family friendly” may be suitable for some individuals with mobility challenges that don’t need or want a formal structure such as those found at the sites listed above.

www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 27 Broodstock Atlantic Salmon & River Herring

BROODSTOCK ATLANTIC SALMON: Seasons, Creel Limits & Methods for the period from December 1, 2018 –March 31, 2020 OPEN SEASON DAILY CREEL LIMIT LEGAL METHODS (all seasons) December 1, 2018 through March 31, 2019 One (1) salmon per day* Fishing for, or keeping Atlantic Salmon is limited to April 1, 2019 to 6:00 a.m., April 13, 2019 Salmon fishing closed RIVERS use of a single fly or artificial lure with a single 6:00 a.m., April 13, 2019 through August 31, 2019 One (1) salmon per day* free-swinging hook. Additional weight may not be added to the line. September 1, 2019 through December 15, 2019 Catch and release only Snagging is strictly prohibited. December 16, 2019 through March 31, 2020 One (1) salmon per day* Seasons and Methods in lakes stocked with broodstock Atlantic salmon are the same as for trout in that water body except that the Daily Creel Limit is LAKES One (1) salmon per day*. See specific water body listing in the Lakes & Ponds section. The regulations for broodstock Atlantic Salmon are different between lakes and rivers and also vary by date. If you have any questions about these regulations please contact DEEP Fisheries staff at 860-424-FISH (3474) (Hartford), 860-295-9523 (Marlborough), or 860-485-0226 (Harwinton). *A Trout & salmon stamp is required to keep a broodstock Atlantic Salmon.

ATLANTIC SALMON BROODSTOCK FISHING Important Note While the Federal Government and other New England states have Adult Atlantic Salmon returning from saltwater to freshwater in the discontinued the restoration program, Connecticut has transitioned to Connecticut River system are no longer being captured, removed, and a “Legacy Program” and will be maintaining enough Atlantic Salmon held at a hatchery. There is a possibility that an angler could catch one to preserve genetic integrity of the Connecticut River strain. As a result of these large returning fish. These salmon are protected and it is illegal DEEP will continue stocking, in reduced numbers, fry and surplus to fish for them and any fish accidently captured must be released to the broodstock each year. To support the unique broodstock Atlantic Salmon water immediately. Some of these fish may have a yellow tag present just fisheries that have been established on the Naugatuck and Shetucket behind the dorsal fin. We would appreciate the reporting of any such rivers, as well as selected lakes and ponds stocked at various times (Beach accidental captures to Steve Gephard at 860-447-4316. Pond, Crystal Lake, Mashapaug Lake and Mount Tom Pond), DEEP will also produce about 1,000–1,200 2–3 year old fish (average weight of 2–5 ALEWIFE & BLUEBACK HERRING pounds) annually. These fish are being grown and stocked specifically Emergency Fishery Closure is in effect: for this recreational fishery and are stocked before they produce eggs. Taking of anadromous alewife and blueback herring is prohibited from all Connecticut waters including Long Island Sound. Fishing for broodstock Atlantic salmon in rivers is allowed only in the Alewife and blueback herring (collectively termed “river herring”) following areas: runs have been declining. While the reasons for the decline are not • Naugatuck River: From the confluence of the East and West Branches fully understood, the DEEP believes it is mostly due to predation by (Torrington) downstream to the Housatonic River. increasingly abundant striped bass. Healthy river herring populations • Housatonic River: Entire river downstream of the Derby Dam. are needed to provide food for many species. • Shetucket River: Downstream from the Scotland Dam (Windham) To restore herring runs, the DEEP is taking a number of actions to the Water Street Bridge (Norwich). including removing dams, building fishways, reintroducing pre-spawn adults into streams that had previously supported runs, and eliminating Salmon are Stocked Into Three Designated Broodstock Areas: harvest. An immediate recovery is not expected. However, this closure • Naugatuck River: may reduce the threat of further declines and enable river herring —— From Route 118, Litchfield-Harwinton, downstream to the Thom- populations to recover more quickly in favorable years. aston Dam (Upper section). This emergency closure will be in place through at least March 2020 —— From Prospect Street, Naugatuck, downstream to Pines Bridge and will likely be extended. Check the DEEP website (www.ct.gov/deep) Road, Beacon Falls (Lower section). or contact DEEP Inland Fisheries (860-424-3474) or Marine Fisheries • Shetucket River: From the Scotland Dam, Scotland, downstream to (860-434-6043) for more information. the Occum Dam, Norwich. Landlocked Alewife Designated Broodstock Area Fishing Restriction Landlocked alewife populations are established in several Connecticut From September 1 to March 31, angling for all species in the designated lakes and ponds. Landlocked alewife may be taken by angling or scoop salmon broodstock areas on the Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers is net only from the following lakes: restricted to fishing methods that are legal for Atlantic salmon (a single fly • Amos Lake or a lure with a single free-swinging hook only). Additional weight may • Ball Pond not be added to the line.Don't forget, if you are fishing for, or catch and • Beach Pond Alewife plan to keep an Atlantic salmon, even if outside one of the Broodstock • Candlewood Lake Areas, you must be using the legal gear for Atlantic salmon.Anglers are • Crystal Lake (Ellington) reminded that the season is closed from March 1st to the 2nd Saturday • Highland Lake in April for all species other than broodstock Atlantic salmon except • Mount Tom Pond in the upper Naugatuck River Broodstock Area. This area is within the • Quassapaug Lake © Joseph Tomelleri Naugatuck River TMA, which is open year-round for trout (catch-and- • Quonnipaug Lake release only). A Trout & salmon stamp is required to fish the designated • Squantz Pond Blueback Broodstock Areas. • Uncas Lake Herring Atlantic Salmon • Waramaug Lake

© Joseph Tomelleri

© Joseph Tomelleri 28 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide CONNECTICUT’S STATE FISH HATCHERIES Growing Your Fish for 90 Years

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

QUINEBAUG VALLEY STATE TROUT HATCHERY ADDRESS FISH 141 Trout Hatchery Rd RAISED Central Village, CT 06332 Brook, Brown, Rainbow trout HOURS 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Broodstock trout TOURS Self-guided tours of visitor area only, hatchery facilities are not open to the public. PHONE 860-564-7542 KENSINGTON STATE FISH HATCHERY ADDRESS FISH 120 Old Hatchery Rd RAISED Kensington, CT 06037 Cortland strain — brown trout PHONE Atlantic salmon fry 860-829-8518 Atlantic salmon broodstock Trout and salmon eggs to support the Trout-in-the-Classroom Program and the Salmon-in-Schools Program.

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

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

Channel Catfish:

Channel Catfish Stocking

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

Community Fishing Waters Program:

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

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

30 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide Record Freshwater Fish

Red type signifies a new record set in 2018. Reel in Trophy COMMON WEIGHT Bass, Walleye, LOCATION CAUGHT ANGLER YEAR NAME lbs. oz. CAUGHT Trout & Catfish American Eel 10 3 Shetucket River, Norwich Charles J. Lobacz 1993 American Shad 9 4 Connecticut River, Windsor Edward Cypus 1981 in Southern Bluegill 2 4 Private Pond, Madison Daniel Gesner 1996 Connecticut! Bowfin 5 0 Connecticut River, Haddam Timothy Shine Jr. 2018 Get your Regional Brook Trout 9 3 Blackwells Brook, Brooklyn David Andes 1998 Brown Bullhead 4 15 Prospect Pond, Southington Robert Richey 1990 Water Authority Brown Trout 19 0 West Hill Pond, Barkhamsted/New Hartford James M. Lucas II 2014 Recreation Permit today Brown Trout 10 8 Saugatuck River, Westport Ronald J. Merly 2006 by visiting www.rwater. (Sea-run) Calico Bass 4 0 Pataganset Lake, East Lyme James M. Boos 1974 com/recreation or Chain Pickerel 8 9 West Twin Lake, Salisbury Alden L. Foss 2005 call 203-401-2654. Channel Catfish 29 6 Mashapaug Lake, Union Appleton Barrows 2004 Common Carp 43 12 Connecticut River, Middletown Michael Hudak 2012 Fallfish 2 4 Farmington River, Simsbury Chad Tessman 2012 East Twin Lake, Salisbury Tom Pasko 2011 Kokanee (tie) 2 14 West Hill Pond, Barkhamsted/New Hartford Seth Harris 2018 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 Pumpkinseed 1 3 Lake Marie, Windham Robyn Rogers 1973 Rainbow Trout 14 10 Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Mansfield Michael V. Ludlow 1998 @RWARecreation Colebrook Reservoir, Colebrook Ernie Gonsalves 1989 Rock Bass (tie) 1 3 Shenipsit Lake, Tolland James Bonan 1995 Smallmouth Bass 7 12 Shenipsit Lake, Tolland Joseph Mankauskas, Jr. 1980 Tiger Trout 7 14 Quassapaug Lake Jerry Barth 2011 Walleye 15 4 Beach Pond, Voluntown Vincent Deledda 2015 White Catfish 12 12 Connecticut River, Middletown John L. Shatas 1999 FISHIN’ FACTORY White Perch 3 1 Crystal Lake, Ellington Jacob Niemczyk 2018 Boats, Canoes, Yellow Perch 2 13 Black Pond, Woodstock Miller B. Bassett 1973 Trailers, Bait, Tackle & More 1426 Meriden-Waterbury Rd. (Rt.322) LOOKING TO GET THE LEAD OUT? P.O. Box 782 • Milldale, CT 06467 860-621-8145 Lead is a metal which, in sufficient quantities, can negatively affect the nervous and reproductive [email protected] systems of animals and humans. Most fishing jigs and sinkers have historically been made with lead. Wildlife such as eagles, loons, and other waterfowl can be poisoned by lead they’ve consumed. fishinfactory1.com Hooked fish can ingest or retain attached lead such as hooks and jigs, and become a potential pathway of lead exposure for predatory birds consuming fish containing such lead fishing gear. In addition, lost or discarded lead fishing weights and other lead fishing tackle of smaller sizes can be ingested by wildlife, particularly dabbling and diving water birds such as swans, ducks, geese and loons. • BaiT • TaCkle There are alternatives to lead, made from non-poisonous materials such as tin, bismuth, steel, tungsten and glass • liCenses that are available at established sporting goods retailers 664 Buckley Highway • Fly Tying and on the internet. These will be more expensive than Union, CT 06076 aCCessories lead, but will be more environmentally benign, and as Phone 860.684.1575 email [email protected] demand continues to grow, prices are expected to drop. Consider asking for non-lead alternatives when purchasing new tackle or replacing old. Image courtesy of CT DEEP Wildlife — Paul Fusco Websites for more information on lead sinkers include: TEAM TOMCAT Custom Lures & Rod Repair • Minnesota Pollution Control Agency: www.pca.state.mn.us/sinkers • Hand/Custom Tied • High-Quality • US EPA: http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/fishshellfish/animals.cfm • Tournament Proven! • NY DEC: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7908.html Tom Phelps • Vernon, CT 860-798-0174 Lakes & Ponds

Statewide regulations for seasons, legal methods, and limits (page 21) apply unless a site-specific regulation is listed for a water body. The following lakes and ponds are available for public fishing through the courtesy of the owners or state ownership. Determining fishing regulations is a simple two-step process: Key to Fish Species Abbreviations 1. Check the regulation table (page 21) for general statewide Species, American eel...... AE rainbow smelt...... RA Legal Methods, and Limits regulations. brown bullhead...... BB smallmouth bass...... SMB 2. Look up the waterbody in the alphabetical list of lake and ponds to common carp...... CA sunfish...... S find any special regulations that apply. If no site-specific regulations calico bass...... CB trout...... T are listed for a waterbody, statewide regulations apply. chain pickerel...... CP walleye...... WA Lake and Pond Legend channel catfish...... CC white catfish...... WC kokanee salmon...... K white perch...... WP L Public boat launching area largemouth bass...... LMB yellow perch...... YP C Cartop boat launching area northern pike...... NP H Facilities for disabled G State campground BASS TROUT S Shore fishing access KOKANEE C Family friendly fishing location NORTHERN PIKE Special Management Lakes P State picnic area WALLEYE are color-coded for major CATFISH gamefish species Z Fishing Line Recycling Receptacle COMMUNITY FISHING X Trout & Salmon Stamp needed to fish in this area. WATERS TROPHY CARP WATERS Italics Access/stocking information (T SMB) Most common species (those in bold type should provide the best fishing) — see key to fish species abbreviations at right AVERY POND, Preston (36 acres) »»March 1–April 30: Closed to northern pike fishing. L • All Other Species: Open year round, • Species: (CP LMB YP BB S) statewide regulations apply. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Other: Motors prohibited 11 p.m. to ALLEN BROOK POND, Wallingford, ANDERSON POND (Blue Lake), 5 a.m. Use of internal combustion (see Wharton Pond) North Stonington (57 acres) motors prohibited on the Bantam River L BABCOCK POND, Colchester (119 acres) between Bantam Lake and the inlet to Little Pond. • Species: (LMB CP CB S BB YP) ALEXANDER LAKE, Killingly (215 acres) SCZ • Note: No public access. • Species: (LMB YP S CP BB) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. BARBER POND, Bloomfield (9.4 acres) • Species: (LMB SMB CP S BB WP YP) ANGUS PARK POND (Eastbury Pond), • Season: Open year-round. Glastonbury (9.4 acres) • Species: (S) • Other: The possession and use of any • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday live alewives, blueback (glut or river) HS BACKWATER POND, Thompson April–last day February. herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin • Species: (T CP LMB S BB YP) • Other: Boats and canoes prohibited shad as bait is prohibited. Motor size • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday S except between May 16 and October limit—12 cu in (Approx. 10 hp). April–October 31. • Season: Open year-round. 31. Use of all motors prohibited. • Other: Boats and canoes prohibited.

AMOS LAKE, Preston (113 acres) BALDWINS POND, Meriden (5.4 acres) BASHAN LAKE, East Haddam (273 acres) L ASHLAND POND, Griswold (89 acres) S • Species: (LMB CP YP S) L TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE / • Species: (T) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T LMB SMB CP CB YP S) • Species: (T CP LMB BB AE YP S) April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday ASPINOOK POND, Lisbon/Griswold/ April–last day February. April–March 31. Canterbury (301 acres) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: Informal boat access off Butts Bridge BALL POND, New Fairfield (83 acres) 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily 12" to 18" protected slot limit. Daily Road, no facilities. Commercial launch creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" creel limit—6 bass, only 1 may be 18" (fee charged) at private campground off L Z or greater. or greater. Ross Hill Road. • Species: (T LMB BB S YP) • Other: 35 mph speed limit days, 6 mph • Trout: From March 1–March 31, Daily • Species: (LMB WP YP S CA CB) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday limit ½ hour after sunset to 8 a.m. creel limit—1, 16" minimum length. • Other: Butts Bridge is the demarcation April–last day February. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. See 2019 line between the pond and the Quine- • Other: Vessels with motors attached Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. baug River. prohibited. BATTERSON PARK POND, Farmington (140 acres) SL BANTAM LAKE, Morris-Litchfield (947 acres) WALLEYE LAKE / CATFISH LAKE / TROPHY The boating laws and regulations provided in this guide are brief NORTHERN PIKE LAKE CARP WATERS summaries of selected state boating safety statutes and regulations, • Species: (NP SMB LMB WP CB YP Channel catfish first stocked in 2013. S BB) • Species: (CB YP WP S LMB WA) and local ordinances. For complete boating regulations and additional • Northern Pike: • Season: Open year-round. information, please refer to the 2019 Connecticut Boater’s Guide which »»May 1–Nov. 30: Daily creel limit—2, • Carp: Daily creel limit-1, 26” maximum can be obtained from the DEEP Boating Division (860-434-8638). 26" minimum length. length. »»Dec. 1–last day Feb.: Daily creel • Other: Use of internal combustion limit—1, 36" minimum length. engines prohibited.

32 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide Lakes and Ponds open year-round (no closed season) unless otherwise stated.

BAUMMER POND, Naugatuck (2.7 acres) BESECK LAKE, Middlefield (116 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday BREAKNECK POND, April–last day February. Union-Massachusetts (92 acres) S L • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 12" to • Species: (T BB S) • Species: (LMB YP CB S) 16" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit— S • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Other: 8 mph speed limit. See 2019 6 bass, only 2 may be 16" or greater. Walk-in access (approximately 1.2 miles April–last day February. Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. • Other: Use of internal combustion from north end of Bigelow Pond). engines prohibited. • Note: Connecticut or Massachusetts license legal on entire pond. • Species: (S YP CB CP LMB) BEACH POND, BESSE PARK POND, Torrington (4.5 acres) • Other: Use of internal combustion Voluntown – Rhode Island (372 acres) BLACK POND, Woodstock (74 acres) S engines prohibited. Motor vehicle HSL • Species: (S) SL access prohibited. WALLEYE LAKE • Season: Open year-round. • Species: (T LMB SMB CP YP BB S CB) • Species: (T LMB SMB CP S YP WA) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Note: Connecticut or Rhode Island April–last day February. BROAD BROOK MILLPOND, East Windsor fishing license legal on entire pond. BICENTENNIAL POND (Mansfield Town Pond), • Other: Motors limited to 5 hp. (19 acres) Rhode Island regulations apply for bass Mansfield (6 acres) and pickerel. S • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T LMB YP S) S BLACK ROCK LAKE (Branch Brook), April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T S LMB BB) Watertown (21 acres) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. Daily creel limit—5 bass, 12" minimum April–October 31. • Other: Motors prohibited. length. SCZ • Chain Pickerel: Daily creel limit—5, • Species: (T) 14" minimum length. • Season: Open 2nd Saturday April–last BULL POND, Harwinton (20 acres) • Broodstock Atlantic salmon have BIGELOW POND, Union (25 acres) day February. been stocked several times into C Informal cartop access. this lake, first in 2007 and most PHSL • Species: (BB LMB CB) • Species: (T YP LMB S) recently in December, 2015. Regu- BLACK ROCK POND, Watertown (9.5 acres) • Other: Motors prohibited. lations for salmon are the same as • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday for trout except: Daily creel limit— April–last day February. PGSC 1 Atlantic salmon. • Other: Use of internal combustion In Black Rock State Park. engines prohibited. BUNNELLS POND (Beardsley Park Pond), • All Other Species: CT Statewide regu- TROUT PARK X Bridgeport (33 acres) lations apply. • Species: (T LMB) • Other: No more than six tip-ups may • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday PSZ be used when ice-fishing. BILLINGS LAKE, North Stonington (97 acres) April–last day February. COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS / CATFISH LAKE • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. HSL • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Species: (S CC T) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE BEACHDALE POND, Voluntown (46 acres) • Other: All vessels prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T LMB YP CP S CB BB) April–November 30. HL • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily April to last day February. • Species: (LMB T YP BB) BLUE LAKE (see Anderson Pond) creel limit — 3 catfish. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Other: Ice fishing prohibited. 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" or greater. BOLTON LAKES (Lower, Middle, Upper), BURR POND, Torrington (85 acres) Bolton-Coventry-Vernon (346 acres) BEACHLAND POND, West Hartford (1.1 acres) PGSLC BIRGE POND, Bristol (15.8 acres) LCS • Species: (S) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / CATFISH LAKE CATFISH LAKE • Season: Open year-round. SC Channel catfish first stocked into Lower Channel catfish first stocked in 2013. COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS Bolton Lake in 2007. • Species: (BB LMB S) Trout and Channel Catfish first stocked • Species: (YP BB CP LMB SMB S CC) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Season: Open year-round. BEAVER BROOK PONDS, in 2014. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 12" to (Bibbins Ponds), Windham (20 acres) • Species: (T, CC, S) 16" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit— • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily 6 bass, only 2 may be 16" or greater. HSC creel limit- 3 catfish. • Other: Motors limited to 6 hp. BUTTERNUT POND, East Windsor (1.4 acres) • Species: (T) • Trout: Season open 2nd Saturday in • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April-last day February. • All Other Species: Season open year April–last day February. BOLTON NOTCH POND, Bolton (17 acres) • Other: Boats and canoes prohibited round. BUTTERNUT PARK POND, Middletown except from May 16 to October 31. S (2.9 acres). (see Rowan's Pond) Motors prohibited. Informal cartop launch. BISHOP SWAMP (Jurovaty Pond), • Species: (LMB S YP) Andover (53 acres) CANDLEWOOD LAKE, Danbury-New Fairfield- BEAVER PARK LAGOON, Informal cartop launch. Sherman-New Milford-Brookfield (5064 acres) New Haven (8.5 acres) • Species: (LMB CB S BB) BRANFORD SUPPLY PONDS, • Other: Use of internal combustion Branford (26 acres) L S engines prohibited. TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS S Z • Species: (T LMB SMB YP WC WP Trout and Channel Catfish first stocked • Species: (T LMB S CP) CB BB S) in 2014. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday BLACK POND, Meriden-Middlefield (76 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (CC T AE LMB CA S BB) April–last day February. April–March 31. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Trout: From March 1–March 31; Daily April–October 31. HSL BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / CATFISH LAKE creel limit—1, 16" minimum length. • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily • Other: 45 mph daytime speed limit, 25 creel limit- 3 catfish. Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. • Species: (T LMB CP BB CB S CC) mph from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise. www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 33 Lakes & Ponds

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

CEDAR LAKE, Chester (69 acres) COLEBROOK RIVER LAKE, COVENTRY LAKE (Wangumbaug Lake), DODGE POND, East Lyme (34 acres) SL Colebrook-Massachusetts (826 acres) Coventry (373 acres) L WALLEYE LAKE L L • Species: (T LMB CB YP) Walleye first stocked in 2012. BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / WALLEYE LAKE • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T YP LMB CP BB S) • Note: Connecticut or Massachusetts • Species: (T YP LMB SMB WA S CB) April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday fishing license legal on entire pond from • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Other: Use of all motors prohibited. April–last day February. demarcation posters downstream to April–last day February. • Other: 6 mph speed limit. the dam. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Species: (T RA LMB SMB WC) 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily DOG POND, Goshen (66 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" April–last day February. or greater. CENTER SPRINGS PARK POND, L • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Other: The possession and use of any Manchester (11.8 acres) • Species: (LMB CP YP CB BB S) 12" to 16" protected slot limit; Daily live alewives, blueback (glut or river) S creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS or greater. shad as bait is prohibited. 6 mph speed DOOLEY POND, Middletown (19 acres) Trout and Channel Catfish first stocked • Other: 20 mph speed limit. The posses- limit from sunset to 1 hour after sunrise in 2015. sion and use of any live alewives, all days, and on Sundays noon to 4:00 SL • Species: (CC, T, S) blueback (glut or river) herring, gizzard, p.m. from May 15 to September 15, and hickory or threadfin shad as bait is from noon to 2:00 p.m. on July 4. 40 • Species: (LMB YP S) • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily • Other: 8 mph speed limit. creel limit- 3 catfish. prohibited. mph limit all other times. • Trout: Season open 2nd Saturday in April-last day February. • All Other Species: Season open year COLONY POND (Abe Stone Park Pond), CRESCENT LAKE, Southington (51.2 acres) EAGLEVILLE LAKE, Coventry-Mansfield (77 acres) round. Ansonia (3.6 acres) L S C COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS HSC COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS Channel Catfish expected to be Brigham Road Bridge (Plains Road) is the CHATFIELD HOLLOW POND Trout first stocked in 2015. stocked in 2019. demarcation line between the lake and (see Schreeder Pond) • Species: (T, LMB, S) • Species: (LMB S YP CC) the Willimantic River. • Trout: Season open 2nd Saturday in • Other: Use of internal combustion • Species: (LMB SMB CP S YP BB) April-last day February. engines prohibited. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. LAKE CHAMBERLAIN, Bethany (107 acres) • All Other Species: Season open year round. BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE EASTBURY POND (see Angus Park Pond) • Species: (LMB CP S) CRYSTAL LAKE, Ellington-Stafford (183 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–November 30. COMPENSATING RESERVOIR SL (see Lake McDonough) TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: EAST TWIN LAKE (Washining Lake), • Species: (T YP CP SMB LMB S) 12" to 16" protected slot limit; Daily Salisbury (569 acres) creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday or greater. April–March 31. C CONGAMOND LAKES • Trout: • Note: Shore fishing only. Fishing by Commercial launching ramp, fee (South Pond, Middle Pond, and North Pond), »»From 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April– permit from South Central Connecticut charged. Boat livery. Regional Water Authority 203-562-4020. Suffield-Massachusetts (465 acres) last day February, 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit—5, only 1 TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE / KOKANEE LAKE L may be 16" or greater. • Species: (T LMB CP YP S BB CB K) • Note: Connecticut or Massachusetts »»From March 1–March 31; Daily creel • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday CHRISTENSEN’S POND, Granby (1.5 acres) fishing license is legal on all three lakes. limit—1, 16" minimum length. April–March 31. • Species: (T LMB BB YP CP AE S) • Broodstock Atlantic salmon have • Trout: Daily creel limit—5, except S Massachusetts regulations apply as been stocked multiple times into from March 1–March 31, 16" minimum • Species: (T S) follows: this lake, first in 2007 and most length, Daily creel limit—1. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: open year-round. recently in October, 2016. Regula- • Trout & Kokanee combined: Daily April–last day February. • Trout: Daily creel limit—3 tions for salmon are the same as creel limit—8 for both species in • Bass: Daily creel limit—5, 12" minimum for trout except: Daily creel limit—1 aggregate, of which no more than 5 length. Atlantic salmon. may be trout and no more than 5 may CITY HALL POND, Milford • Chain pickerel: Daily creel limit—5, 15" • Other: 6 mph speed limit from sunset be kokanee salmon. minimum length. to 9 a.m., and on Sundays from noon • Other: 35 mph daytime speed limit, 6 • Species: (S) • Other: Not more than two hooks may to 3:00 p.m. 45 mph speed limit at all mph from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour • Season: Open year-round. be used during periods of open water other times. after sunrise. Also 6 mph within 200 fishing and not more than five hooks feet of vessel or dock. The possession may be used when ice fishing. Any and use of any live alewives, blueback CLARKS POND (Mill River), Hamden sinker or weight made from lead that (glut or river) herring, gizzard, hickory CRYSTAL LAKE, Middletown (32 acres) weighs less than 1 ounce, and any lead or threadfin shad as bait is prohibited. S jig (meaning any lead-weighted hook) SL • Species: (T) that weighs less than 1 ounce, is prohib- • Species: (LMB YP BB S) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday ited for use in all inland waters of the • Other: Use of internal combustion EDGEWOOD PARK POND, New Haven (3 acres) April–last day February. Commonwealth. The term lead sinker engines prohibited. • Other: Boats and canoes prohibited. shall not include any other sinkers, • Season: Open year-round. Pond is on South Central Connecticut weights, fishing lures or fishing tackle Regional Water Authority property (203- including, but not limited to, artificial 562-4020) — ice fishing prohibited. DAY POND, Colchester (7.4 acres) lures, hooks, weighted flies, and lead- FACTORY POND (Norwalk River), core or other weighted fishing lines. PHSC Redding-Wilton (12 acres) TROUT PARK X • Species: (T) Remember, it’s illegal to fish in or cast • Species: (T S WC) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. into a DEEP permitted swim area. April–last day February. (RSCA §15-121-B12(c)) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. • Other: All vessels prohibited.

34 2019 Connecticut Fishing 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— contact Aquarion Water company at Available from the online DEEP Store $10.95 203-452-3511. • Order by phone: 860-424-3555 • Shop online: www.ct.gov/deep/store FERNRIDGE PARK POND, West Hartford (0.7 acres)

• Species: (S) • Other: 6 mph speed limit from sunset GREAT HOLLOW POND, Monroe (15 acres) HAMILTON RESERVOIR, Union-Massachusetts • Season: Open year-round. to 8:00 a.m. PSC (412 acres) Within Wolfe Park. L TROUT PARK • Species: (T LMB SMB YP CB S BB) FISHER MEADOWS POND (Spring Lake), GAY CITY POND, Hebron (5.1 acres) X Avon (41 acres) • Species: (T) • Note: Connecticut or Massachusetts PSC • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday fishing license legal on entire pond. Massachusetts regulations apply as S C • Species: (T CP BB YP) April–November 30. follows: Within Fisher Meadows Park. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 • Season: Open year-round. • Species: (LMB CA S) April–last day February. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Trout: Daily creel limit—3 • Other: Ice fishing prohibited by town • Other: All vessels prohibited. ordinance. • Large & smallmouth bass: Daily creel limit—5 total, 12" minimum length. GREEN FALLS RESERVOIR (Green Falls Pond), • Chain pickerel: Daily creel limit—5, 15" Voluntown (48 acres) GLASGO POND, Griswold (168 acres) minimum length. FITCHVILLE POND, Bozrah (59 acres) PGSCC • Northern pike: Daily creel limit—1, 28" • Species: (T LMB CP S) SL minimum length. • Species: (T LMB BB S) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (LMB YP BB CB S) • Other: Not more than two hooks may • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. be used during periods of open water April–last day February. fishing and not more than five hooks • Other: Use of internal combustion may be used when ice fishing. Any GOODWIN PARK PONDS, Hartford (4 acres) engines prohibited. FOUNTAIN LAKE RESERVOIR, sinker or weight made from lead that Ansonia-Seymour (6 acres) S weighs less than 1 ounce, and any lead • Species: (S) jig (meaning any lead-weighted hook) S • Other: No fishing allowed from the golf GRIGGS POND, Woodstock (38 acres) that weighs less than 1 ounce, is prohib- • Species: (T LMB S) course grounds. ited for use in all inland waters of the • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday S Commonwealth. The term lead sinker Walk in access from Route 198 (200 yards). April–last day February. shall not include any other sinkers, • Species: (LMB YP S BB) weights, fishing lures or fishing tackle GORTON POND, East Lyme (52 acres) • Other: Use of internal combustion including, but not limited to, artificial SL engines prohibited. lures, hooks, weighted flies, and lead- FRESHWATER POND (Freshwater Brook), core or other weighted fishing lines. Enfield (8 acres) • Species: (LMB CB YP BB S) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. S HALLS POND, Eastford-Ashford (82 acres) COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS HAMPTON RESERVOIR, Hampton-Eastford Catfish first stocked in 2012. SC (88 acres) GOULD MANOR POND, Fairfield (2 acres) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE • Species: (T, CC) • Species: (LMB S YP CB CP) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Children’s Pond: Fishing restricted to C • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: April–last day February. children under age 16. • Species: (LMB YP CP S BB) 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Other: Use of internal combustion creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" creel limit—3 catfish. April–November 30. engines prohibited. or greater. • Other: 8 mph speed limit.

GARDNER LAKE, Salem-Montville-Bozrah GREAT HILL POND, Portland (76 acres) HANCOCK BROOK LAKE, Plymouth (20 acres) (529 acres) Informal cartop/carry-in access only (30 HALLVILLE POND (Indiantown Brook), yards). S Preston (10 acres) HSL • Species: (LMB CP YP CB S BB WC) Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset (but no later BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / WALLEYE LAKE • Other: Motors limited to 6 hp or less. Informal cartop access. than 8:00 pm). Walk-in access only after • Species: (T SMB LMB YP CP CB S 12 mph speed limit. • Species: (T) Labor Day weekend (September 2, 2019) WA BB WC) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday until the weekend before Memorial Day • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. weekend (May 18, 2019). April–last day February. • Species: (T) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum length. April–last day February.

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.

HANOVER POND, Meriden (70 acres) HIGHLAND LAKE, Winchester (445 acres) HOPEWELL POND/LAKE HOPEWELL INDIAN LAKE (Indian Pond), Sharon- Town operated boat launch. (see Huntington Pond) New York (196 acres) • Species: (LMB S) HLZ • Note: Connecticut or New York fishing • Other: Steerage speed only. TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE / license legal on entire pond. New York BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE regulations apply for large & small- HORSE POND, Salem (13 acres) • Species: (T LMB YP SMB CB S) mouth bass. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (LMB YP) HANOVER RESERVOIR, Canterbury-Sprague HSC April–March 31. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: (21 acres) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Species: (T S BB CP LMB) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Season—Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Walk-in access (approximately 600 yards Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum length. April–last day February. April–November 30. from Little River Road in Canterbury). • Trout: • Trout: Statewide daily creel limit (5) • All Other Species: Season—Open • Species: (T LMB S) »»From 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April– now applies. 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–March 31. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday last day February, 12" to 16" protected • Other: Use of internal combustion • Other: Not more than five tip-ups and April–last day February. slot limit. Daily creel limit—5, only 1 engines prohibited. two hand-held jigs allowed for ice may be 16" or greater. fishing. »»From March 1–March 31; Daily creel limit—1, 16" minimum length. HATCH POND, Kent (72 acres) • Other: 6 mph speed limit from ½ hour LAKE HOUSATONIC, Shelton-Derby- L after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise Monroe-Oxford-Seymour (328 acres) ISINGLASS RESERVOIR (and from 5 p.m. on Sundays from (see Farmill Reservoir) • Species: (YP BB CP LMB CB S) Memorial Day weekend through Labor PL • Other: 8 mph speed limit. Day). 45 mph speed limit on weekends From the Stevenson Dam to the Derby and holidays. Dam. Boat launch at Indian Well State Park, opens for daytime (8:00 a.m. to KAATZ POND, Trumbull (2 acres) LAKE HAYWARD (Shaw Lake), sunset) use on April 1st (no other ameni- • Children’s Pond: Fishing restricted to East Haddam (174 acres) ties until mid-May). Park officially closes children under age 16. HODGE POND, Voluntown (10 acres) September 30th. Note: boating/fishing • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday L Public right-of-way, carry-in access. access may continue past this date. April–November 30. BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE • Species: (LMB CP YP S BB) Contact Park Manager (203-735-4311) • Species: (T LMB YP CP S CB BB AE) for information concerning status of fall • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday boating and fishing access. April–last day February. KEACH POND HOGBACK RESERVOIR • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 12" BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE (see Peck Pond) (see West Branch Reservoir) to 16" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit • Species: (SMB LMB WC WP YP AE —6 bass, only 2 may be 16" or greater. S CA) • Other: Use of internal combustion • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum length. KENEY PARK POND, Hartford (3 acres) engines prohibited. HOLBROOK POND, Hebron (83 acres) • Other: Minimum steerage speed within S HSL 25 ft. of shore or dock. 45 mph speed limit daytime, 25 mph from ½ hour after COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS / Handicapped access at dam. HELEN KELLER SCHOOL POND, Easton sunset to ½ hour before sunrise. CATFISH LAKE • Species: (LMB YP CB S) Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. S • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Species: (T S CC) • Children’s Pond: Fishing restricted to • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday children under age 16. HOWELLS POND, Hartland (14 acres) April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday HOP BROOK LAKE, Middlebury (26 acres) • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily April–November 30. PHSL creel limit- 3 catfish. PSC Public right-of-way, passable for cars. • Species: (T) Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset (but no later • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday than 8:00 pm). Walk-in access only after HEWITT FLYFISHING POND (Gallup Pond), April–last day February. LAKE KENOSIA, Danbury (60 acres) Labor Day weekend (September 2, 2019) North Stonington (2 acres) • Other: Use of internal combustion until the weekend before Memorial Day engines prohibited. L S weekend (May 18, 2019). BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / CATFISH LAKE • Species: (T LMB YP S BB) • Species: (T) Note: Trout stocking Channel catfish first stocked in 2012. • Methods: Fly fishing only. discontinued due to limited spring recre- • Species: (LMB S BB YP) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday ational access. HUNTINGTON POND (Starret Pond, • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: April–October 31. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Lake Hopewell, Huntington Park 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily • Other: All vessels prohibited. April–last day February. Pond), Redding (15 acres) creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" • Other: Vessels with motors, except or greater. electric, prohibited. No ice fishing. S • Other: Operating a boat propelled • Species: (T LMB S) by an internal combustion engine HEWITT POND (Lower Hewitt Pond), • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday prohibited. North Stonington (2 acres) April–last day February. HOPE LAKE (see Nells Rock Reservoir) • Species: (T S BB) • Other: Use of internal combustion • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday engines prohibited. April–last day February. KILLINGLY POND, Killingly-Rhode Island (122 acres) • Other: All vessels prohibited. HOPEVILLE POND, Griswold (137 acres) Operation of vessels with motors, except HURLBURT POND, Putnam (3 acres) • Note: Connecticut or Rhode Island for electric motors, is prohibited. PGSL fishing license legal on entire pond. CATFISH LAKE S • Species: (LMB SMB S YP CP) Channel catfish first stocked in 2012. • Season: Open year-round. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: Daily creel limit—5 bass, 12" minimum HIGGANUM RESERVOIR, Haddam (31 acres) Launch open from Opening Day to early October. length. • Species: (LMB NP CP S WP YP) • Chain Pickerel: Daily creel limit—5, S HYDE POND, Ledyard (5.4 acres) Public right-of-way, passable for cars. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday 14" minimum length. • Species: (T S) April–last day February. S • All Other Species: CT Statewide regu- lations apply. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Species: (T) April–last day February. • Other: No more than six tip-ups may • Other: 8 mph speed limit. be used when ice-fishing. Motors limited to 12 cu in (approx. 10 hp).

36 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide Lakes and Ponds open year-round (no closed season) unless otherwise stated.

LAKE OF ISLES, North Stonington (89 acres) LONG POND, Ledyard-North MANSFIELD HOLLOW RESERVOIR McGRATH PARK POND Stonington (109 acres) (Naubesatuck Lake), Mansfield- (Prospect Park Pond), Prospect. (1 acre) L Chaplin-Windham (460 acres) • Species: (LMB CP YP CB S BB) SL S • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Species: (T CP LMB CB YP S) SLC • Species: (T) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. NORTHERN PIKE LAKE April–October 31. • Other: 5 mph speed limit. • Species: (CP LMB NP T YP S CB) LAKEVILLE LAKE (see Wononskopomuc Lake) • Season: Open year-round. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 12" to MESSERSCHMIDT POND, 16" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit—6 LOWER FULTON PARK POND, Deep River-Westbrook (73 acres) bass, only 2 may be 16" or greater. LAKEWOOD LAKE (Great Brook Reservoir), Waterbury (2.8 acres) Waterbury (73 acres) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. Swimming SC PS prohibited. • Species: (LMB CP S BB YP AE) S • Species: (S) • Other: Use of internal combustion COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS / • Season: Open year-round. engines prohibited. CATFISH LAKE MANSFIELD TOWN POND Channel catfish first stocked in 2008. (see Bicentennial Pond) • Species: (LMB S CC) MILL POND, Newington (2.7 acres) • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily LOWER STORRS PUMPING POND, creel limit- 3 catfish. Mansfield (2 acre) • Children’s Pond: Fishing restricted to MANSFIELD TRAINING SCHOOL PONDS, children under age 16. S • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T) Mansfield (1.1 & 2.3 acres) April–November 30. LANTERN HILL POND, • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday S Ledyard-North Stonington (23 acres) April–last day February. • Species: (T S BB) L • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday MILL WOODS PARK POND, • Species: (T LMB CP CB YP S) April–last day February. Wethersfield (7.3 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday MAD RIVER FLOOD CONTROL IMPOUNDMENT, • Season: Open year-round. April–last day February. Winchester (7.9 acres) S MASHAPAUG LAKE, Union (287 acres) • Species: (T) MILLERS POND, Durham (33 acres) LEONARD POND, Kent (20 acres) PHSL • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / WALLEYE LAKE April–last day February. • Species: (T LMB SMB CP YP S WA) S C • Other: All vessels prohibited. Carry in boat access (300 yards). • Species: (YP CB CP BB LMB) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. • Species: (LMB YP T S) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. MALTBY LAKES (1,2,3), 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily LAKE LILLINONAH, Brookfield-Bridgewater- • Other: Use of internal combustion Orange-West Haven (19, 23 & 25 acres) creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" Newtown-Southbury-New Milford (1547 acres) or greater. engines prohibited. S • Broodstock Atlantic salmon have L BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / CATFISH LAKE been stocked several times into From Bleachery Dam to the Shepaug Dam. Channel catfish first stocked into this lake, first in 2008 and most MIRROR LAKE (Hubbard Park Pond), • Species: (LMB SMB WP CB WC NP Maltby Lakes 2 & 3 in 2007. recently in October, 2009. Regula- Meriden (7.4 acres) S CA YP) • Species: (T LMB S YP CC) tions for salmon are the same as • Other: 45 mph speed limit daytime, 25 • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday for trout except: Daily creel limit—1 S C mph from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour April–November 30. Atlantic salmon. COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS before sunrise. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Other: 10 mph speed limit. Trout and Channel Catfish first stocked 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily in 2014. creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" • Species: (T, CC) LILLY POND, Thompson (7.4 acres) or greater. LAKE McDONOUGH (Compensating Reservoir), • Season: Open year-round. • Season: Open year-round. • Note: Shore fishing only. Fishing by New Hartford-Barkhamsted (391 acres) • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily permit from South Central Connecticut creel limit - 3 catfish. Regional Water Authority 203-562-4020. SL • Trout: Season open 2nd Saturday in • Species: (T LMB SMB YP S) April-last day February. LITTLE POND (Little Bantam), • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • All Other Species: Season open year Litchfield (15 acres) round. MAMANASCO LAKE, Ridgefield (89 acres) April–November 30. • Species: (NP LMB YP S BB) • Note: 10 mph motorboat speed limit. • Other: Ice fishing prohibited by town • Northern Pike: L Boat launch owned and operated by ordinance. »»May 1–Nov. 30: Daily creel limit—2, BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE MDC ($6.00 parking fee, $6.00 launching 26" minimum length. • Species: (LMB S YP BB CB) fee). Launch area open from 2nd Saturday »»Dec. 1–last day Feb.: Daily creel limit—1, • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: April through Labor Day. Boat launch MITCHELL POND, East Haddam (4 acres) 36" minimum length. 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily hours: 10:00 a.m.–sunset weekdays, »»March 1–April 30: Closed to northern creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" 8:00 a.m.–sunset weekends, except S pike fishing. or greater. 6:00 a.m.–sunset on Opening Day. Boats • Species: (LMB S) • All Other Species: Open year round, • Other: Use of internal combustion must be off lake by 7:30 p.m. Reservoir • Other: Boats and canoes prohibited. statewide regulations apply. engines prohibited. shore fishing access from sunrise to 9:00 p.m. (except from 6:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. on Opening Day). Visit MDC at MOHAWK POND, Cornwall-Goshen (16 acres) www.themdc.com or call (860-379-3036, LITTLE POND (Schoolhouse Pond), MANITOOK LAKE, Granby (57 acres) Thompson (65 acres) 860-379-0916) for updated fees, hours L • Species: (LMB S) and other information. • Species: (T LMB) • Note: Ice fishing permitted on week- L • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday ends only. • Species: (T LMB YP CP CB S) April–last day February. • Other: 5 mph speed limit in restricted • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday McGOVERN POND, West Hartford (1 acre) • Other: Use of all motors prohibited. April–last day February. areas. Use of motors in excess of 7-½ hp prohibited on Saturdays. • Species: (S, LMB) • Season: Open year-round. www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 37 Lakes & Ponds

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

MOHEGAN LAKE, Fairfield (15 acres) MOOSUP POND, Plainfield (96 acres) MUDGE POND (Silver Lake), PAGE PARK LAGOON, Bristol (1.5 acres) S • Species: (T S LMB YP BB) Sharon (207 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday S • Species: (T) L • Season: Open year-round. April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE April–October 31. • Species: (LMB CP YP S BB) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: PAINE POND, Ashford (2 acres) MOREY POND, Union-Ashford (45 acres) 12" to 18" protected slot limit. Daily creel limit—6 bass, only 1 may be 18" MOHEGAN PARK POND (Spaulding Pond), SL S or greater. • Species: (T) Norwich (14 acres) • Species: (BB CP LMB YP S) • Other: Motors limited to 7-½ hp. Speed • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Other: 8 mph speed limit. S C limit 6 mph. Use of motors prohibited April–last day February. from ½ hour after sunset to sunrise and BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / TROUT PARK / X anytime within 200 feet of town beach. COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS / MOUNT TOM POND, CATFISH LAKE PAPERMILL POND (see Southford Falls Pond), Morris-Litchfield-Washington (56 acres) Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. Oxford-Southbury (2.4 acres) • Species: (T S BB LMB CC) NAUBESATUCK LAKE • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday PSC (see Mansfield Hollow Reservoir) April–November 30. WALLEYE LAKE Walleye first stocked in 2012. • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily PARK POND, Winchester (74.9 acres) creel limit - 3 catfish. • Species: (T S LMB WA CB CP YP) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday NELLS ROCK RESERVOIR (Hope Lake), L Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum length. April–last day February. Shelton (10.3 acres) • Species: (LMB S YP BB CP CB) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. • Broodstock Atlantic salmon have • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. been stocked multiple times into this S lake, first in 2009 and most recently Species: (T) in October, 2016. Regulations for Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday salmon are the same as for trout April–last day February. PASTURE POND, Plainfield MONO POND, Columbia (113 acres) except: Daily creel limit—1 Atlantic salmon. S SL • Other: Use of internal combustion TROUT PARK X NORTH FARMS RESERVOIR, • Species: (LMB YP CP S) engines prohibited. At Quinebaug Valley State Hatchery • Other: 8 mph speed limit. Wallingford (64 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April-September 30. SL • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. • Species: (LMB BB S CP CB) MUDDY POND, • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. MOODUS RESERVOIR (Upper, Lower), Woodstock-Massachusetts (38 acres) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. East Haddam (486 acres) • Note: No public access. Connecticut SL or Massachusetts fishing license legal PATTACONK LAKE (Russell Jennings Pond), NORTH STREET POND, Milford BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE on entire pond. Connecticut regula- Chester (56 acres) • Species: (LMB CP CB S YP) tions apply. • Season: Open year-round. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Species: (LMB CP YP S BB) PHSCC 12" to 18" protected slot limit. Daily • Other: 5 hp limit. Carry-in boat access only (75 yards). creel limit—6 bass, only 1 may be 18" or greater. NORTHFIELD BROOK LAKE, CATFISH LAKE • Other: 35 mph speed limit days, 6 mph Litchfield (8 acres) Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. limit ½ hour after sunset to 8 a.m. • Species: (T LMB YP S CC CB) S • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Open 8:00 a.m. to sunset. Walk-in access April–last day February. only after Columbus Day until the 2nd • Other: 8 mph speed limit. Use of Saturday in April. internal combustion engines prohibited • Species: (T) during July and August. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Available from the April–last day February. online DEEP Store PATTAGANSETT LAKE, East Lyme (128 acres) A FISHERIES NORTHFIELD CUTLERY COMPANY POND, NOW AVAILABLE Litchfield L 1st Edition is back in stock. GUIDE to LAKES Public right-of-way, passable for cars. BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE • Species: (LMB S) • Species: (LMB CB S CP YP AE) and PONDS OF • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: 12" to 18" protected slot limit. Daily CONNECTICUT creel limit—6 bass, only 1 may be 18" NORWICH POND, Lyme (30 acres) or greater. This Guide includes maps of more than • Other: 8 mph speed limit. See 2019 SL Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. 120 lakes, ponds, and selected Connecticut River sites; full-color • Species: (T LMB S CP) photos, and informative sections on lake ecology, fisheries manage- • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday ment and fish life histories. Also featured are color illustrations of April–last day February. • Other: Operation of motorboats PECK POND (Keach Pond), Connecticut fish by world-renowned artist Joseph Tomelleri. prohibited. Thompson-Putnam-Rhode Island (14 acres) DEEP Store S 860-424-3555 • Note: Connecticut or Rhode Island Softcover PACHAUG POND, Griswold (841 acres) fishing license legal on entire pond. www.ct.gov/deep Rhode Island regulations apply as HSLZ follows: Price does not include 6.35% CT sales tax and $24.95 NORTHERN PIKE LAKE • Species: (T LMB SMB CP YP S BB CB) • Species: (LMB CP NP WP CB YP S BB) mail/phone order shipping/handling charges. • Season: 2nd Saturday April–last day February.

38 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide Lakes and Ponds open year-round (no closed season) unless otherwise stated.

• Largemouth & smallmouth bass: POWERS LAKE, East Lyme (144 acres) RAINBOW RESERVOIR, Windsor (240 acres) • All Other Species: Season open year Daily creel limit—5 bass, 12" minimum round. length. L L • Chain Pickerel: Daily creel limit—5, • Species: (LMB CP S YP CB) • Species: (LMB SMB S CP YP WP CB 14" minimum length. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. BB) SAINT MARTHA’S POND, Enfield • Trout: No minimum length. Daily • Other: 35 mph speed limit. creel limit—5 from 2nd Saturday in S April to November 30th. Daily creel QUADDICK RESERVOIR, Thompson • Species: (T S BB) limit—2 from December 1st to last day (408 acres) RED CEDAR LAKE, Lebanon (127 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday February. PSLC S April–last day February. Launch open 8 a.m. until sunset from No maintained/developed launch facili- April 13th through November 1st. ties, informal cartop access only. PERRY POND, Thompson-Massachusetts SALMON BROOK POND, Glastonbury • Species: (LMB YP S CB CP) (4 acres) NORTHERN PIKE LAKE • Note: Connecticut or Massachusetts • Species: (LMB NP CP CB YP BB S) S fishing license legal on entire pond. • Species: (T S YP) Connecticut regulations apply. ROGERS LAKE, Lyme-Old Lyme (260 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. • Species: (LMB CP YP S BB) LAKE QUASSAPAUG, Woodbury-Middlebury L (297 acres) TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE • Note: No public access, icefishing • Species: (T LMB CP CB YP BB S) SALTERS POND, Manchester (3 acres) PICKEREL LAKE, Colchester-East Haddam prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday (82 acres) • Species: (T SMB S CB BB LMB YP April–March 31. S CP) • Trout: From March 1–March 31, Daily • Species: (S LMB CP) L • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday creel limit—1, 16" minimum length. BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE April–last day February. • Other: Motors limited to 135 hp. 6 • Species: (LMB CB S CP) • Trout: Daily creel limit—1, 18" minimum mph speed limit sunset to 10:00 a.m. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: length. See 2019 Boater’s Guide for additional LAKE SALTONSTALL, Branford-East Haven 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: restrictions. (422 acres) creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" Daily creel limit—1 total, 18" minimum or greater. length. S • Other: 8 mph speed limit. See 2019 • Other: 6 mph speed limit, except 25 BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / WALLEYE LAKE ROGERS PARK POND, Danbury Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. mph from Tuesday after Labor Day to • Species: (T LMB S WA CB YP WP) 3rd Saturday in April. Use of motors • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday S April–November 30. prohibited 11 p.m.–6 a.m. COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: PICKETT’S POND (Osborndale State Park), Channel Catfish and Trout expected to Daily creel limit—1 bass, 18" minimum Derby (9 acres) be stocked in 2019. length. • Species: (CC T S) C QUILLINAN RESERVOIR, Ansonia • Other: Use of live bait prohibited. PS • Trout: Season open 2nd Saturday April (12.2 acres) • Note: Fishing by permit from South COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS – last day February. No facilities, walk in access only. Central Connecticut Regional Water Channel Catfish first stocked in 2012. • All other species: Season open • Species: (LMB S YP) Authority 203-401-2654. Boat rentals • Species: (T, CC) year-round. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday available (no other vessels allowed). April–last day February. • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily QUINEBAUG LAKE (Wauregan Reservoir), ROSELAND LAKE, Woodstock (96 acres) creel limit- 3 catfish. Killingly (88 acres) SAUGATUCK RESERVOIR, SL Easton-Redding-Weston (827 acres) SL Access courtesy of Roseland Park. Open BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE / CATFISH LAKE HS PIERREPONT POND (Lake Naraneka), sunrise to sunset (closed thanksgiving Channel catfish first stocked in 2012. WALLEYE LAKE Ridgefield (38 acres) and Christmas), unimproved boat launch, • Species: (T LMB CP S CB YP) • Species: (T LMB SMB S WA) fishing dock. Visit www.roselandlake.org • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday SC for additional information on the park. April–last day February. April–December 31. • Species: (LMB S) • Species: (LMB CA CP YP CB S T BB) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Note: Permit required to fish— • Other: Use of internal combustion • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum contact Aquarion Water Company at engines prohibited. April–last day February. length. 203-452-3511. Fishing permitted from • Other: Use of internal combustion west shore only. engines prohibited. • Other: The possession and use of any PINE ACRES LAKE, Hampton (190 acres) ROSS POND, Killingly (31 acres) live alewives, blueback (glut or river) PSL herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin SC shad as bait is prohibited. Boating, • Species: (LMB S YP BB) QUONNIPAUG LAKE, Guilford (99 acres) • Species: (LMB CP S) wading and flotation devices prohibited. • Other: Use of internal combustion • Other: Use of internal combustion engines prohibited. SLZ engines prohibited. Note: Icefishing prohibited. SAVIN LAKE, Lebanon (49 acres) TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE PINE LAKE (Shelton Reservoir #2), • Species: (T LMB BB SMB CP S YP ROWAN'S POND S Shelton (7.3 acres) AE CC) (Butternut Park Pond), Middletown (2.9 acres) Carry-in boat access (30 yards). • Species: (LMB S) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (LMB YP WP S BB CP) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–March 31. S • Other: Use of internal combustion April–December 31. • Trout: From March 1–March 31, Daily COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS engines prohibited. creel limit—1, 16" minimum length. Trout and channel catfish first stocked • Other: Motors limited to 6 hp. Opera- in 2014. tion of motorboats prohibited from 9:00 • Species: (T, CC, LMB, S) LAKE POCOTOPAUG, East Hampton SAWMILL PARK POND, Ledyard p.m. to 6:00 a.m. • Season: Open year-round. (502 acres) • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily S • Note: No public access. creel limit- 3 catfish. • Species: (T) • Species: (LMB SMB CP WA WP YP S) • Trout: Season open 2nd Saturday in • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Walleye: Daily creel limit—2, 20" April-last day February. April–last day February. minimum length. www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 39 Lakes & Ponds

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

SCHOFIELD POND, Montville (20 acres) SILVER LAKE (Peat Works Pond), • Other: Motors on boats launched at TAFTVILLE RESERVOIR, Norwich (25 acres) Berlin-Meriden (146 acres) Squantz Pond State Park launch ramp S limited to 25 hp. 45 mph daytime speed S • Species: (T S) L limit, 25 mph from ½ hour after sunset Access through Raymond Ouellet Park. CATFISH LAKE to ½ hour before sunrise. Fishing from BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. shore prohibited behind fence along • Species: (LMB T S) • Species: (CB LMB S BB CP CC) SCHREEDER POND (Chatfield Hollow Pond), shore in State Park from Memorial Day • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Other: 8 mph speed limit. See 2019 Killingworth (4 acres) through Labor Day. April–last day February. Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: PSC Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum length. In Chatfield Hollow State Park. Walk-in STANLEY QUARTER POND, New Britain access only during off-season. SIMSBURY TOWN PARK PONDS, Simsbury (6.4 acres) TROUT PARK X • Species: (S) S TAFTVILLE POND, Lisbon (117 acres) • Species: (T S) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–June 15. L Trout and channel catfish first stocked April–last day February. Small town boat launch (ramp open April in 2014. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. 1 to November 30). • Species: (S, T, CC, LMB) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Species: (LMB, SMB CB S YP CA) SOCHRIN POND, Seymour • Season: Open year-round. • Other: All vessels prohibited. • Children’s Pond: Fishing restricted to • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily children under age 16. creel limit- 3 catfish. TANKERHOOSEN LAKES, Vernon (10 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Trout: Season open 2nd Saturday in SCOVILLE RESERVOIR, Wolcott (121 acres) April–November 30. April-last day February. • Species: (T LMB CP S YP BB) • All Other Species: Season open year • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday HSL round. April–last day February. CATFISH LAKE SOMERSVILLE MILL POND (Scantic River), Channel catfish first stocked in 2013. Somers (41 acres) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday STARRET POND (see Huntington Pond) TETREAULT POND, Killingly (39 acres) of April–last day February. S • Species: (CP S YP) • Species: (T LMB S YP CP CB) Unimproved town launch. • Other: 8 mph speed limit. • Other: Operation of vessels prohibited • Species: (T LMB S CP CB YP BB) from sunset to sunrise. Use or posses- • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday STATE LINE POND, Stafford (75 acres) sion of internal combustion engines April–last day February. prohibited. • Other: 6 mph speed limit. S TOLLGATE POND, Greenwich (7 acres) Next to Route 32. • Species: (YP S BB CP) • Species: (LMB S BB) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday SEYMOUR RESERVOIRS (1, 2, 3 & 4), SOUTHFORD FALLS POND (Papermill Pond), April–October 31. Oxford (4.4, 35, 11.5 & 37.4 acres) Oxford-Southbury (2.4 acres) LAKE STIBBS (Southbury Training School Pond), No facilities, walk-in access only. C Southbury (5 acres) • Species: (LMB S YP) PHS TWIN BROOKS PARK POND, In Southford Falls State Park. S Trumbull (4 acres) TROUT PARK X • Species: (T) • Species: (T) SHAW LAKE (see Lake Hayward) • Species: (T S) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • 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. • Note: Ice fishing prohibited by town • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. ordinance. SHELTON RESERVOIR #2 (see Pine Lake) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. STILLWATER POND, Torrington (94 acres)

SLZ TYLER POND, Goshen (187 acres) SOUTH SPECTACLE POND, Kent (85 acres) SHENIPSIT LAKE, Ellington-Tolland-Vernon CATFISH LAKE (532 acres) Public right-of-way, not passable for cars. Channel catfish first stocked in 2012. L • Species: (T YP LMB CB CP BB S) • Species: (LMB YP S) • Species: (T LMB YP S) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday S • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. • Species: (LMB CB SMB WP YP T CP) April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday SPAULDING POND (see Mohegan Park Pond) • Other: Use of internal combustion April–October 31. engines prohibited. • Note: Use of boats restricted to those UNCAS LAKE (Hog Pond), Lyme (69 acres) stored on site. Contact the Shenipsit Lake Boat Storage Facility (860- PSL SQUANTZ POND, New Fairfield, Sherman STRATTON BROOK PARK POND, 875-1850) for additional information • Species: (T LMB AE CP YP S) (270 acres) Simsbury (2.3 acres) concerning fishing access and to check • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday boat storage space availability. PHSLZ C April–last day February. • Other: The possession and use of any PS TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE / WALLEYE LAKE / • Other: Operation of motorboats live alewives, blueback (glut or river) TROUT PARK X TROPHY CARP WATERS prohibited. herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin • Species: (T) • Species: (CA WA T LMB SMB YP S WP) shad as bait is prohibited. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. April–March 31. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 UPPER FULTON PARK POND, • Carp: Daily creel limit-1, 26” maximum • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Waterbury (2.1 acres) length. • Trout: From March 1–March 31, 16" S minimum length, Daily creel limit—1. COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS STROH PARK POND, Windsor (1.4 acres) • Species: (T) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–November 30. April–last day February.

40 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide Lakes and Ponds open year-round (no closed season) unless otherwise stated.

VALLEY FALLS POND, Vernon (4.1 acres) WEST BRANCH (Hogback) RESERVOIR, WEST TWIN LAKE (Washinee Lake), WONONSKOPOMUC LAKE (Lakeville Lake), S C Hartland-Colebrook (201 acres) Salisbury (290 acres) Salisbury (348 acres) • Species: (CP LMB S CB YP) L TROUT PARK X C • Other: 35 mph daytime speed limit, 6 • Species: (T YP S SMB RA) BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE • Species: (T S) mph from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T LMB CP YP S BB) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday after sunrise. Also 6 mph within 200 April–last day February. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day February. feet of vessel or dock. The possession • Other: The possession and use of any April–October 31. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 and use of any live alewives, blueback live alewives, blueback (glut or river) • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. (glut or river) herring, gizzard, hickory herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily or threadfin shad as bait is prohibited. shad as bait is prohibited. creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" or greater. WALKERS RESERVOIR (East), Vernon • Other: The possession and use of any (5.1 acres) WHARTON POND (Allen Brook live alewives, blueback (glut or river) WEST HILL POND, New Hartford-Barkhamsted Pond), Wallingford (5 acres) herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin HS (261 acres) shad as bait is prohibited. Motors • Species: (T YP S BB) PSC restricted to 12 cu in. Town operated • Other: All vessels prohibited. L In Wharton Brook State Park. TROUT MANAGEMENT LAKE / KOKANEE LAKE boat launch-fee charged. Launch open daily 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. from 2nd Saturday • Species: (T K SMB YP S LMB RA) TROUT PARK X in April to Labor Day. From Labor Day • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (T) WANGUMBAUG LAKE through October 31st launch open from 7 April–March 31. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday (see Coventry Lake), Coventry a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, and from 7 a.m. • Trout: from March 1–March 31, 16" April–last day February. to 12 noon on weekends. Boat livery. minimum length, Daily creel limit—1. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. • Trout & Kokanee combined: Daily • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. LAKE WARAMAUG, Kent-Warren-Washington creel limit—8 for both species in aggre- • Other: All vessels prohibited. (656 acres) gate, of which no more than 5 may WOOD CREEK POND, Norfolk (148 acres) be trout and no more than 5 may be kokanee salmon. L PGC WHITNEY FLOOD CONTROL POND (Patten Brook), • Other: The possession and use of any • Species: (LMB BB YP CP) Carry-in boat access in Lake Waramaug Stafford (2 acres) State Park (approximately 100 foot carry to live alewives, blueback (glut or river) water). Boating access is also available to herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin S the general public at the town boat launch shad as bait is prohibited. 15 mph speed • Species: (S BB CP) WYASSUP LAKE, North Stonington (99 acres) (annual launch permit fee and daily inspec- limit except 6 mph between sunset and tion fee) in Washington. Required inspection sunrise. From Memorial Day through L of boat and trailer for invasive plants. Boats September 15th motors limited to 8 hp. BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE WILLIAMS POND (Lake Williams), and trailers failing inspection will not be • Species: (CP YP T LMB BB AE) Lebanon (272 acres) allowed to use launch. Days and hours • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday of operation vary seasonally, contact the WEST PEQUONNOCK RESERVOIR, S April–last day February. Washington Park and Recreation Depart- • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: Monroe (1.4 acres) Informal cartop access from dam on ment (860-868-1519) for more information. Daily creel limit—2, 16" minimum • Species: (LMB S) Route 207. • Species: (LMB SMB CP YP BB S) length. • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday • Species: (LMB CP YP S BB CB) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. See 2019 April–December 31. Boater’s Guide for summer exemption. • Note: Permit required to fish— WARDS MILLPOND (Branford River), contact Aquarion Water Company at WINCHESTER LAKE, Winchester (246 acres) Branford (7.3 acres) 203-452-3511. L ZEINER POND (Lake Winfield), S NORTHERN PIKE LAKE Plymouth (16 acres) • Species: (T) • Species: (LMB CP YP S NP CB BB) • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday WEST SIDE POND, Goshen (42 acres) • Other: 8 mph speed limit. S April–last day February. No longer stocked with trout. L • Season: Open year-round. BASS MANAGEMENT LAKE • Species: (T LMB YP S BB) LAKE WINFIELD (see Zeiner Pond), Plymouth WARNER POND (Kazan’s Pond), • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday Newtown. (11.7 acres) April–last day February. ZEMKO POND, Salem (8 acres) No facilities, walk in access only. • Largemouth & smallmouth bass: Walk-in access from Round Hill Road • Species: (LMB S YP) 12" to 16" protected slot limit. Daily LAKE WINNEMAUG, Watertown (113 acres) (300 yards). creel limit—6 bass, only 2 may be 16" • Species: (LMB S CB WP BB YP) • Species: (LMB S) or greater. • Other: 7 mph speed limit. Vessels with WASHINGTON PARK POND, Windsor internal combustion engines attached are prohibited. • Season: Open year-round. LAKE ZOAR, Monroe-Oxford- WEST THOMPSON LAKE, Newtown-Southbury (909 acres) Thompson (239 acres) G LAKE WINTERGREEN, Hamden (44 acres) L WAUREGAN RESERVOIR GSLC WALLEYE LAKE (see Quinebaug Lake) TROPHY CARP WATERS SCC Walleye first stocked in 2011. • Species: (LMB SMB CP CB WP S YP CA) COMMUNITY FISHING WATERS / From the Shepaug Dam to the Steven- • Carp: Daily creel limit-1, 26” maximum CATFISH LAKE son Dam. length. Channel catfish first stocked in 2007. • Species: (SMB WP LMB CB WC S • Other: Speed limit 5 mph. West Rock Ridge State Park — Public YP WA) right-of-way not passable to cars. • Other: 45 mph speed limit daytime, 25 • Species: (S LMB YP T CC) mph from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday before sunrise. April–last day February. • Channel catfish & white catfish: Daily creel limit- 3 catfish. • Other: Use of internal combustion engines prohibited. www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 41 A Guide to Catchable Freshwater Fish in Connecticut

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

Trout Bass, Perch & Walleye

Adult 14"

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

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

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

32"

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

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

Adult, brown form Juvenile

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

42 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide The number indicated near each fish represents the length of the individual fish shown in the photo. It is not a minimum size regulation or average fish length.

Sunfish & Bass Bullhead & Catfish

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

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

Pike & Pickerel Carp & Sucker

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

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

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

Statewide regulations for seasons, legal methods, and limits (page 21) apply unless a site-specific regulation is listed for a water body. Rivers & streams open season is from 6:00 am on the 2nd Saturday in April to the last day of February unless otherwise stated. The following rivers and streams or sections thereof are available for public fishing through the courtesy of the landowner, or where indicated by posters, through cooperative agreement, lease, or state ownership. Determining fishing regulations is a simple two-step process: Public Access to Fishing Waters 1. Check the regulation table (page 21) for general statewide Species, Public access to fishing waters is restricted to rights-of-way designated by Legal Methods, and Limits regulations. poster or by permission of landowner. On state-leased streams, fishermen 2. Look up the waterbody in the alphabetical list of lake and ponds to must wade or stay near the stream bank as indicated by signs. find any special regulations that apply. If no site-specific regulations are listed for a waterbody, statewide regulations apply. Rivers and Streams Legend Special Management Areas For Trout (alternative regulations such as L Public boat launching area extended seasons, minimum lengths & reduced creel limits): Facilities for those with disabilities • 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. Z Fishing Line Recycling Receptacle • Wild Trout Management Areas (WTMA): There are three classes X Trout & Salmon Stamp needed to fish in this area. of WTMAs: —— Class 1: Catch and release only, open year-round, use of barbless Italics Access/stocking location information single-hook artificial lures and barbless singlehook flies only. (T BN) Indicates degree of stocking and/or presence of —— Class 2: Two (2) trout per angler per day limit, trout must be 12” wild trout: or larger to keep from opening day to last day of February. T Light/moderately stocked —— Class 3: Five (5) fish per angler per day limit, trout must be 9” or T Heavily stocked larger to keep from opening day to last day of February. BK Wild brook trout Lower River/Tidal Waters BN Wild brown trout Designated rivers & streams with no closed season including the Other fish species are listed for several rivers, see Key to Fish entire Connecticut and Thames rivers, and downstream portions of the Species Abbreviations in Lakes and Ponds section (page 32). Coginchaug, Farmington, Housatonic, Mattabesset, Mystic, Naugatuck, Niantic, Quinnipiac, Salmon, and Yantic rivers. BASS TROUT Special Management Areas are BROODSTOCK SALMON color-coded for major gamefish ALLYNS BROOK, Durham (T) BANTAM RIVER (inlet to Bantam Lake), TROPHY CARP WATERS species Intermittent sections from Route 17 Litchfield (T) downstream to the Coginchaug River. Intermittent sections from Route 202 to approximately one half mile upstream of BARTLETT BROOK, Lebanon (T) confluence with Bantam Lake. BEAVER BROOK, Windham-Scotland (BK BN) Intermittent sections from Brewster Pond ASPETUCK RIVER, Easton-Weston (T) downstream to Yantic River. MERRICK BROOK WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) Intermittent sections from Route 58 along X In Talbot Wildlife Management Area from Route 136 to the Saugatuck River. BANTAM RIVER (outlet from Bantam Lake), Litchfield (T) Route 14 to Merrick Brook: BEACON HILL BROOK, • Season: Open year-round. Downstream of Bantam Lake from Ban- Bethany-Naugatuck-Beacon Falls (T BK BN) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. tam to West Morris Road in West Morris. BANTAM RIVER (West Branch), Litchfield (T) • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- • Methods: Fly fishing only where indi- From Route 63 crossing in Bethany to cial lures and flies only. Intermittent sections from the Goshen- cated by posters. confluence with Naugatuck River. Litchfield town line at Brooks Road • Trout: Catch and Release Only. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) through Route 63 to the confluence with the Bantam River Inlet near Route 202. X From Route 63 crossing in Naugatuck BELCHER BROOK, Berlin (T) downstream to confluence with Nau- Intermittent sections from Four Rod Road gatuck River: to Lower Lane. WHAT ARE “THERMAL REFUGES”? • Trout: 9" minimum length. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

During the hot summer months, heat stressed fish in major rivers, par- BIBLE ROCK BROOK, Haddam-Middletown (T) ticularly trout, often seek cool water refuge by congregating at the mouths BEAVER BROOK, Barkhamsted (T BK) P of tributary streams where cooler water is entering. A number of these Intermittent sections from along Park Intermittent sections along Route 154. cool water refuges on the Housatonic River, Naugatuck River, and Salmon Road (1/2 mile north of Day Road) to River have been identified and under current regulations are closed to all Route 318. fishing from June 15 through September 15, inclusive. These closures BIGELOW BROOK, Eastford-Union (T) are intended to protect fish from any additional stress during periods of Intermittent sections from Mashapaug very warm water temperatures. In 2016 due to high water temperatures BEAVER BROOK (includes Fire Ponds), Lake to Natchaug River. and low river flows, DEEP issued emergency declarations temporarily Franklin-Sprague (T BN) closing eight locations on the West Branch and mainstem Farmington Intermittent sections along Route 207 to Rivers and extending the closure at one location on the Housatonic River. the Shetucket River. BIRDSEYE BROOK, Cornwall (T) The closed areas are delineated by signs posted by DEEP. Within the Mohawk Ski Area.

44 2019 Connecticut Fishing 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.

BUNNELL BROOK (Burlington Brook), COGINCHAUG RIVER, COPPERMINE BROOK, BLACKBERRY RIVER, Norfolk-Canaan (T BN) Burlington (T) Durham-Middlefield-Middletown (T) Burlington-Bristol (T BK BN) From ½ mile west of Route 272 along From Covey Road, then along Route 4 to Intermittent sections from Route 17 in Intermittent sections from South Main Route 44 and Lower River Road to con- confluence with Farmington River: Durham through Wadsworth Falls State Street to Stevens Street. fluence with Housatonic River. • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream Park. PEQUABUCK RIVER TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) of Covey Road. LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed season X X In Bristol from Artisan Street downstream From Whiting River to confluence with Downstream from Route 3 bridge to con- to confluence with Pequabuck River. Housatonic River. BUTTERNUT BROOK, Litchfield (T) fluence with Mattabesset River. • Season: Open year-round. • Trout: 9" minimum length. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum Upstream of Route 202 to confluence • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. length. with the Bantam River. • Trout: Catch and Release Only.

BLACKLEDGE RIVER, CONNECTICUT RIVER, Enfield to Old Lyme BUTTONBALL BROOK, Chaplin (T) COPPS BROOK, Stonington (BK) Bolton-Hebron-Marlborough (T) Intermittent sections from Route 6 down- PG HL Access from Route 184. Intermittent state-owned sections from stream to the Natchaug River. LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed Gay City State Park to the Salmon River. season • Trout: 9" minimum length — Down- Includes entire river in Connecticut stream of Route 94, Glastonbury, to CORY BROOK, Canterbury (T) BYRAM RIVER, Greenwich (T) TROPHY CARP WATERS the Salmon River. • Species: (AE CA CB LMB NP SMB S Intermittent sections from Gooseneck Includes East Branch. From Merritt Park- WA WC WP YP) Hill Road downstream to Aspinook Pond. way to Glenville Road (Glen Ridge Road). • Carp: Daily creel limit-1, 26” maximum BLACKWELL BROOK, Brooklyn-Canterbury (T) length. • Large & smallmouth bass: 12" Intermittent sections from Woodward CRYSTAL LAKE BROOK, Stafford (T) CANDLEWOOD HILL BROOK, Haddam (T) minimum length. Road to the Quinebaug River. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum Intermittent sections along Route 30. Intermittent sections along Candlewood length. Hill Road. • Northern pike: 24" minimum length. BLADENS RIVER, Woodbridge-Seymour (T BK) • Alewives/Blueback Herring: Special DEEP BROOK, Newtown (BK BN) From ¼ mile below Bethmour Road along closures may be in effect (see page 28). CARR BROOK (Cox Brook), Portland (T) WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) Route 67 to ¼ mile below Chatfield Street, • Note: Several of the boat launches may includes tributary (Hopp Brook) along Intermittent sections from South Road flood during periods of high water. X Miller Road. downstream to Penfield Hill Road. From Wasserman Way to confluence with Pootatuck River: • Season: Open year-round. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. BRANCH BROOK, Watertown (T) CARSE BROOK, Sharon (T) PG Smith Hill Road to Housatonic River. TROUT PARK X Within Black Rock State Park: • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. CEDAR SWAMP BROOK, Stafford (T BK) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Nipmuck State Forest from Crooked Road downstream to Roaring Brook.

BRANFORD RIVER, Branford-North Branford (T) Intermittent sections from Route 22 to CEDAR SWAMP BROOK, Sterling (BK) I-95. Intermittent sections from Portertown Road to the Moosup River.

BROAD BROOK, Ellington (T BK BN) Intermittent sections along Muddy Brook CHATFIELD HOLLOW BROOK, Road, and from Broad Brook Mill Pond Killingworth (T) to Scantic River. P C TROUT PARK X In Chatfield Hollow State Park: BROAD BROOK, Preston (T) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. Intermittent sections from Swantown • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Road to Old Jewett City Road.

CHERRY BROOK, Canton (T BN BK) BUCK BROOK, Portland (T) From Routes 179 and 309, along Route In Meshomasic State Forest. 179 through Canton Center. • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream of Route 179. BUCKHORN BROOK, Enfield (T) Intermittent sections from Town Farm CHOATE BROOK, Preston (T) Road downstream to the Scantic River. Intermittent sections from Route 165 to the Quinebaug River. BUNGEE BROOK, Eastford-Woodstock (T) Intermittent sections from Route 171 downstream to the Still River.

www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 45 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.

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

46 2019 Connecticut Fishing 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.

FURNACE BROOK, Cornwall Bridge (BN) HOP BROOK, Middlebury-Waterbury (T) Mountain Road in Kent (approximately 6 TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA X miles): From Route 64 to Hop Brook Flood Con- P From Lake Hammonasset Dam to Chest- • Area managed for smallmouth, trol Impoundment. From the bridge on Route 4 upstream nut Hill Road: statewide regulations apply. approximately 1½ miles, as posted. • Season: Open year-round. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. BULL’S BRIDGE TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA / HEATHER REAVES WILD TROUT • Trout: HOP RIVER (includes Johnsons Pond), BASS MANAGEMENT AREA X MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 2) X »»Catch and Release Only from Bolton-Coventry (T) From Bull’s Bridge Impoundment Dam (Kent) Upstream from Housatonic River as September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd to Gaylordsville Bridge (Route 7) in New Mil- Intermittent sections along Route 6 to the posted. Saturday in April. ford, includes Ten Mile River from NY border Willimantic River. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length to confluence with Housatonic River: length. from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April • Season: Open year-round except in • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. to August 31. areas within 100 feet of tributaries that HORSE BROOK, Plainfield (T) are closed to all fishing from June 15 to SEA RUN TROUT STREAM September 15, as posted. • From Chestnut Hill Road to the Intermittent sections from Pickett Road • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. FURNACE BROOK, Stafford (T) breached dam located 300 feet downstream to Packerville Road. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. upstream of River Road: Intermittent sections from Staffordville • Large & Smallmouth bass: Catch »»Season: Open from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Lake along Route 19 and Furnace Brook and Release Only. Road to Glenville Pond. Saturday in April-last day February. HOUSATONIC RIVER (includes all »»Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 9" Minimum impoundments from Bleachery Dam to LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS— no closed season length. the Massachusetts line), Salisbury- Derby, Orange, Shelton, Milford, Stratford • Downstream of the breached dam Canaan-Sharon-Cornwall-Kent-Sherman- GARDNER BROOK, Bozrah (T) Downstream from dam on Lake Housatonic located 300 feet upstream of River New Milford (T SMB NP CA) Intermittent sections from Gardner Lake Road: (Derby). Walk-in access at Derby Dam off to Fitchville Pond. »»Season: Open year-round. For Housatonic River Flows at Falls Vil- Route 34 (Derby) and Canal Street (Shelton). »»Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" Minimum lage: 1-888-417-4837. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length. • Thermal refuges: Areas within one length. hundred feet of signs indicating such GIFFORD BROOK, Columbia (T) closure posted by DEEP at or near the At Route 87. mouths of Kent Falls Brook and Mace- HAWLEYS BROOK, Easton-Weston (BK) donia Brook are closed to all fishing HOWELLS POND BROOK, Hartland (T) WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) from June 15 to September 15. From Howell’s Pond in Tunxis State For- est to Mill Street, approximately 1½ miles GILLETTE BROOK, Somers (BK) HOUSATONIC RIVER TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA X above West Branch Reservoir. Intermittent sections from Battle Street Within the Trout Brook Valley Property PGC X downstream to the Scantic River. (publicly owned): From bridge crossing at Routes 112 and • Season: Open year-round. 7 (Salisbury/Canaan) to bridge at Routes HUNTS BROOK, Montville-Waterford (T) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. 4 and 7 (Cornwall/Sharon): • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- Intermittent sections from Miller’s Pond GREAT BROOK, Chester (T) • Season: Open year-round except in cial lures and flies only. areas within 100 feet of signs indi- to Smith Cove. Intermittent sections along Wig Hill Road. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. cating such closure posted by DEEP at or near the mouths of tributaries that are closed to all fishing from June 15 to INDIAN HOLE BROOK, Shelton (T) GREAT MEADOW BROOK, Voluntown (T) HOCKANUM RIVER, Vernon-Ellington- September 15. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Access in Pachaug State Forest. Manchester-East Hartford (T) P • Trout: Catch and Release Only. From falls in Indian Well State Park down- Intermittent sections from Rockville to • Methods: Fly fishing only in the 3 mile stream to railroad bridge: the Connecticut River. section upstream from Route 4 bridge, GREEN FALLS RIVER, TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA X as posted. North Stonington-Voluntown (T) From I-84 in Vernon downstream to BASS MANAGEMENT AREA INDIAN RIVER, Killingworth-Clinton (T) Intermittent sections from Green Falls crossing under I-84 at Laurel Marsh on (STANLEY TRACT AREA) Intermittent sections from Stevens Road Dam to Rhode Island. the Manchester/East Hartford line: • Season: Open year-round. C downstream to Upper Millpond. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. From Dawn Hill Road (Sharon) to Skiff • Trout: Catch and Release Only. GULF STREAM, Somers (T BK) Intermittent sections from Gulf Road Marsh downstream to the Scantic River. SAVE ON YOUR TAXES!

Use your state income tax refund to help save END HALEYS BROOK, Groton (BK) ANGERED SPECIES Connecticut’s wildlife and plants. Their future is AREAS Intermittent sections along Route 184. TURAL on the line — the “Endangered Species/Wildlife” NA

Fund line on your tax return. Just check the box WILDLIFE

TAX CHECK-OFF to make a donation and show your support. Your CT HALL MEADOW BROOK, gift may be deductible from next year’s federal Goshen-Torrington (T BK) income tax. Please consult your tax advisor or CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT Along Route 272 from Hall Meadow Cem- the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about OF ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL etery to the Hall Meadow Brook Reservoir whether you qualify for such a deduction. PROTECTION Dam (John Minetto State Park).

HAMMONASSET RIVER, Clinton-Killingworth-Madison (T) HOW’S MY WATERWAY (accessible at www.epa.gov/mywaterway) helps users Intermittent sections from Route 80 to quickly find information on the condition of their local waters using a smart phone, tablet, or Route 1. desktop computer. This tool provides results within seconds using EPA’s water quality assess- ment data. Check out the condition of your local waterbody today!

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

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.

INDIANTOWN BROOK, Ledyard-Preston (T) LAUREL BROOK, Middletown (T) MAD RIVER, Norfolk-Winchester (T) SEA RUN TROUT STREAM Intermittent sections from Route 2 to From Anderson Road (Laurel Brook Road) From Rugg Brook Road through Mad • Entire river upstream of Mianus Poquetanuck Cove. Includes Shewville through Wadsworth Falls State Park. River Flood Control Impoundment to Pond Dam (just above Boston Post Brook, Gates and Hallville Ponds, and Route 263 crossing. Road): Poquetanuck Brook. • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream »»Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 9" Minimum of Grantville Road. length. LEADMINE BROOK, Harwinton-Thomaston (T) • Downstream of Mianus Pond Dam: Intermittent sections from Route 4 in »»Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" JEREMY RIVER, Hebron-Colchester (T) Harwinton through Roraback Wildlife Minimum length. MARSHEPAUG RIVER, Litchfield (T) Intermittent Sections from Route 66 to Management Area to confluence with EXCEPT IN: the Blackledge River. Naugatuck River (Thomaston Flood From Shearshop Road downstream • Trout: 9" minimum length — Down- Control Area). through Milton to the East Branch of the TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA X stream of Grayville Road to the Salmon Shepaug River. From Merriebrook Road upstream River. approximately 1 mile to dam as indicated by signs: LITTLE RIVER, Canterbury-Hampton (T) • Season: Open year-round. MARY BROWN BROOK, Putnam (BK) Intermittent sections from Route 97 to • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. JOE CLARK BROOK, Ledyard (BK) Paper Mill Pond. Intermittent sections from East Putnam • Trout: Intermittent sections from Church Hill Road downstream to the Five Mile River. »»Catch and Release Only from Road downstream to Poquetanuck Cove. September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday LITTLE RIVER, Putnam (T) in April. Single hook flies and artifi- cial lures only from September 1 to Intermittent sections from Roseland Lake MASHAMOQUET BROOK, Pomfret (T) JORDAN BROOK, Waterford (BK) 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April. downstream to the Quinebaug River. PGC »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length Intermittent sections along entire length. Intermittent sections from Taft Pond from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April through Mashamoquet State Park to to August 31. LITTLE RIVER, Oxford-Seymour (T BK BN) Quinebaug River. JUDD BROOK, Colchester-Hebron Intermittent sections along Route 67 from • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream 1 mile above Hogback Road to Hoadley’s MIDDLE RIVER, Stafford (T) of Old Colchester Road to Jeremy River. Pond (Seymour). MATTABESSET RIVER, Intermittent sections from Edson Brook WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) Berlin-Middletown (NP CA LMB T) to Willimantic River. Intermittent sections in Berlin from Brook KENT FALLS BROOK, Kent (T BK BN) X Street to Lower Lane. From Towner Lane downstream to Park P C Road: LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed MILL BROOK, Cornwall (T BK BN) Below base of falls. • Trout: 9" minimum length. season: From the Housatonic River upstream • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Downstream from Route 372 bridge to along Route 128 for approximately 1 mile. TROUT PARK X confluence with Connecticut River. Within Kent Falls State Park: • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 length. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. LONG MEADOW POND BROOK, MILL RIVER, Easton-Fairfield (T BN BK) Middlebury-Naugatuck (T) Intermittent sections from confluence Intermittent sections from Long Meadow with Canoe Brook, as posted by DEEP, to MEADOW BROOK, Colchester Pond through Guntown Road, along KETTLETOWN BROOK, Southbury (T BK BN) Mohegan Lake, then from base of Samp Rubber Avenue to ½ mile above the • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream Mortar Reservoir dam to Sturges Road Through Kettletown State Park to Lake Naugatuck River. of Route 16. in Fairfield. Zoar. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1)

LONG SWAMP BROOK, Middlebury (T) MENUNKETESUCK RIVER, Killingworth (T) X KITT BROOK, Canterbury (T) From confluence of Canoe Brook, as Intermittent sections from Reservoir Road Within Bristol Park, along Route 64 posted by DEEP, to the Merritt Parkway: Intermittent sections from Route 14 to the to Pleasant Valley Road. through Steinmann Park to Route 188. • Season: Open year-round. Quinebaug River. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- LOWDEN BROOK, Voluntown (BK) MERRICK BROOK, Scotland (BK BN) cial lures and flies only. LAKE WARAMAUG BROOK, Warren (T) • Trout: Catch and Release Only. In Pachaug State Forest. MERRICK BROOK WILD TROUT At Town Hill Road, then along Route 45 MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) X TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA X from Curtiss Road downstream to North From Merritt Parkway bridge downstream Shore Road. Within Talbot Wildlife Management Area MACEDONIA BROOK, Kent (T BK BN) (WMA), and also extending upstream of to Mohegan Park Pond. the WMA as posted. • Season: Open year-round. PGC • Season: Open year-round. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. LATHROP BROOK, Plainfield (T) • Trout: Catch and release only. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Intermittent sections from Dow Road • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- downstream to Mill Brook. X cial lures and flies only. Within Macedonia Brook State Park: • Trout: Catch and Release Only. MILL RIVER (includes Axle Shop, Clark’s • Trout: 9" minimum length. • Note: Wild Trout Management Area and Woodruff’s Ponds), Hamden (T) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. includes Beaver Brook within the Talbot LATIMER BROOK, WMA. HPC East Lyme-Waterford (T BK BN) WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) Intermittent sections from River Road Intermittent sections along Route 161 X through Sleeping Giant State Park to from Silver Falls to Niantic River. Skiff Street. Boats and canoes prohib- From confluence with Bog Hollow Brook MIANUS RIVER, Greenwich-Stamford (T) ited, including Axle Shop, Clarks, and SEA RUN TROUT STREAM to Route 341: Woodruffs Ponds. Downstream of I-95 bridge: • Season: Open year-round. H • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Season: Open year-round. Intermittent sections accessible ¼ mile TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- X • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" Minimum upstream of June Road to Palmer’s Hill Within Sleeping Giant State Park: cial lures and flies only. length. Road (just above Mianus Pond). • Season: Open year-round. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

48 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide Statewide regulations for seasons, legal methods, and limits (page 21) apply unless a site-specific regulation is listed for a water body. Rivers & streams open season is from 6:00 am on the 2nd Saturday in April to the last day of February unless otherwise stated.

• Trout: MYSTIC RIVER, Groton-Stonington • Methods (all species): From September NAUGATUCK RIVER (West Branch), »»Catch and Release Only from LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed 1 through March 31, single fly or lure with Torrington (T) September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd season a single free-swinging hook only. Addi- Intermittent sections from Stillwater Pond Saturday in April. Downstream of confluence of Haleys tional weight may not be added to the line. to Route 4. »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length Brook and Whitford Brook. Anglers are reminded that the season is from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum closed from March 1 to 6:00 a.m. on to August 31. length. the 2nd Saturday in April for all species except broodstock Atlantic salmon (see NECK RIVER, Madison (T) Trout Management Area below for year- Intermittent sections from Bradley Cor- round catch-and-release fishing for trout). ners Road downstream to I-95. MINE BROOK, Portland (BK) NATCHAUG RIVER, Along Gadpouch Road in Meshomasic Eastford-Chaplin-Mansfield-Windham (T) NAUGATUCK RIVER TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA State Forest. X C NEGRO HILL BROOK, Burlington (BK BN) P Litchfield-Harwinton-Thomaston; From Intermittent sections along Route 198 to Route 118 (Litchfield/Harwinton) to the SESSION WOODS WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT Shetucket River. MOOSUP RIVER, Plainfield-Sterling (T) Thomaston Dam: AREA (Class 3) X TROPHY TROUT STREAM • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Upstream of Route 69 (through Sessions Intermittent sections from the Rhode Entire River in Eastford-Chaplin-Mansfield • Season: Open year-round except in Woods Wildlife Management Area): Island line to the Quinebaug River. -Windham: areas within 100 feet of signs indi- • Trout: 9" minimum length. TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA X • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. cating such closure posted by DEEP • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. From Route 14 bridge to confluence with at or near the mouths of tributaries that TROUT PARK Quinebaug River: X are closed to all fishing from June 15 to Within Natchaug State Forest (Eastford): • Season: Open year-round. September 15. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. NEPAUG RIVER, New Hartford (T BK BN) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Methods (all species): From • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Methods: Fly fishing only in lower half September 1 through March 31, single Intermittent sections from Niles Road of section, as posted. fly or lure with a single free-swinging hook to the Route 202 bridge immediately • Trout: Catch and Release Only. only. Additional weight may not be added upstream from Nepaug Reservoir. NAUGATUCK RIVER (East Branch), to the line. Torrington (T BK BN) • Trout: Catch and Release Only. MORGAN BROOK, Barkhamsted (T BN) WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed season NIANTIC RIVER, East Lyme-Waterford From Kinneytown Dam (Seymour) to con- Intermittent sections accessible from X LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed fluence with Housatonic River (Derby). season Route 44 (downstream of Route 44 in From Newfield Road downstream to • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum Downstream of confluence with Latimer American Legion State Forest) to the the confluence with the West Branch length. Brook. West Branch-Farmington River. Naugatuck: WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) • Trout: 9" minimum length. X • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Entire stream: The Scout-a-Bout® • Trout: 9" minimum length. NAUGATUCK RIVER (Mainstem), Torrington- Non-Electronic Fishfi nder • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Litchfield-Harwinton-Thomaston- Regular price Watertown-Waterbury-Naugatuck- $19.99 Beacon Falls-Seymour-Derby (T) MORRISSEY BROOK From the confluence of the East and West (NAROMIYOCKNOWHUSUNKATANKSHUNK Branches in Torrington to the Thomaston BROOK), New Milford-Sherman (T BK BN) Flood Control Dam. Intermittent sections Intermittent sections from Route 39 to from Thomaston to Waterbury. Platts Mill Cedar Hill Road, New Milford. Road and Route 8 overpass area in Water- bury, through the Naugatuck State Forest to the Route 42 bridge (Pines Bridge Been looking for those fi shing “hot spots”? MOUNT HOPE RIVER, Ashford-Mansfield (T) Road) in Beacon Falls. Look no more! Intermittent sections from Route 44 to TROPHY TROUT STREAM Mansfield Hollow Reservoir. From the confluence of the East and West Well-known chemist and avid angler Branches to Route 118 (Harwinton-Litch- field) & from the Thomaston Dam to the Dr. Bruce Monzyk makes fi nding fi sh easy Kinneytown Dam (Seymour): with the Scout-A-Bout! MOUNT MISERY BROOK, Voluntown (T) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 Intermittent sections from Hell Hollow • Thermal refuges: Areas within 100 Road to the Pachaug River. feet of signs indicating such closure On-board, electronic fi shfi nders are expensive posted by DEEP at or near the mouths and display only surface temperatures. Scout- of tributaries are closed to all fishing a-Bout® dives deep AND indicates which type from June 15 to September 15. MUDDY RIVER, North Haven-Wallingford (T) of fi sh are active at the temperatures you fi nd! Intermittent sections from Northford BROODSTOCK SALMON AREAS The original Scout-a-Bout® was designed to Road below McKenzie Reservoir (Wall- (SEE PAGE 28 FOR DETAILS) X help anglers eliminate some of the wasted time ingford), along Tyler Mill Road, Route 150, From Route 118 (Litchfield/Harwinton) to to Spring Street, North Haven. the Thomaston Dam & from Prospect Street spent fi shing in the wrong locations, so hook (Naugatuck) downstream to Pines Bridge one today and catch more fi sh! Road (Route 42 bridge, Beacon Falls): • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. MYRON KINNEY BROOK, Voluntown (T BK) Within Pachaug State Forest to Glasgo Pond. e: [email protected] w: catchmefi sh.com

www.ct.gov/deep/fishing 49 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.

• Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum PENDLETON HILL BROOK, PONSET BROOK, Haddam (T) RESERVOIR BROOK, Portland (T) length. North Stonington (T) Intermittent sections from Route 9 down- Intermittent sections from Portland Res- Intermittent sections along Route 49 stream to Higganum Reservoir. ervoir to Connecticut River. downstream to the Green Falls River. NONEWAUG RIVER, Woodbury (T BK BN) Intermittent sections from Old Town Farm POOTATUCK RIVER, Newtown (T BK BN) RIPPOWAM RIVER, Stamford (T) Road to Route 47. PEQUABUCK RIVER, Intermittent sections from Route 25 to Intermittent sections from ¼ mile Plymouth-Bristol-Plainville (T BN) Turkey Hill Road, and from Sandy Hook upstream of Route 137 to Cold Spring Through Rockwell Municipal Park in Bris- through Rocky Glenn State Park to Wal- Road near downtown Stamford. NORTHFIELD BROOK, Litchfield- tol downstream to Route 177 in Plainville. nut Tree Hill Road, just above Lake Zoar. Thomaston (T) • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream DEEP BROOK WILD TROUT of Canal Street in Plymouth. From Northfield Cutlery Pond to North- MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) X ROARING BROOK, Glastonbury (T BK BN) field Flood Control Dam. TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA X Approximately 1 mile (as posted) of Intermittent sections from Route 94 to From King Street (Routes 229 and 72) in Pootatuck River, ½ mile upstream and Connecticut River. Bristol to Route 177 in Plainville. Includes ½ mile downstream of confluence with ERIC C. SCHLUNTZ WILD TROUT NORWALK RIVER (includes Factory the section of Coppermine Brook from the Deep Brook. MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) and Millers Ponds), Ridgefield- confluence with the Pequabuck River to • Season: Open year-round. X From Route 94 to Connecticut River: Redding-Wilton-Norwalk (T BN) Artisan Street. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Season: Open year-round. • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- • Trout: 9" minimum length. Intermittent sections from Haviland • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. cial lures and flies only. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Road (Ridgefield) to Riverside Avenue • Trout: Catch and Release Only. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. (Norwalk).

WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) ROARING BROOK, Haddam (BK) X PEQUONNOCK RIVER (includes Tungsten POQUETANUCK BROOK, Preston (T) Intermittent sections along Ruth Hill Road. Entire stream in Wilton and Ridgefield Mine Park Pond), Bridgeport-Trumbull (T) Intermittent sections from Hallville Pond upstream of Wolf Pit Road: Intermittent sections from West Pequonnock to Poquetanuck Cove. • Trout: 9" minimum length. Reservoir (Monroe) along Route 25, then ROARING BROOK, Lyme (T) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. through Old Mine Municipal Park, Pequon- nock Valley Wildlife Area, Twin Brooks Along Route 82. QUANDUCK BROOK, Killingly-Sterling (T BN) Municipal Park, Unity Municipal Park, and Intermittent sections from Rhode Island OIL MILL BROOK, Waterford- Beardsley State Park in Bridgeport. to Moosup River. ROARING BROOK, Stafford-Willington (T BN) East Lyme (BK BN) TROPHY TROUT STREAM SEA RUN TROUT STREAM In Trumbull, from the Whitney Avenue Intermittent sections through Nipmuck Downstream of I-95 bridge: bridge through Trumbull Basin State Park State Forest to the Willimantic River. QUINEBAUG RIVER, • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum to the Daniels Farm Road bridge: Thompson to Norwich (T SMB S CB WP) WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) length. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2 • Other: A parking permit (fee for non- Intermittent sections from the Massachu- X residents) must be obtained from the setts line to the Shetucket River. From Route 190 (Stafford) to Willimantic Town of Trumbull to park in one of the River (Willington): OXOBOXO BROOK, Montville (T) town’s parks. A free “Fishing Parking • Trout: 9" minimum length. Intermittent sections from Oxoboxo Lake Permit” is available to individuals with • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. QUINNIPIAC RIVER, Southington- downstream to Route 32. a valid fishing license and can be Cheshire-Meriden-Wallingford (T BN) obtained through the Trumbull Parks and Recreation Department. From ¼ mile below Cheshire Road, SAFSTROM BROOK, East Hampton Cheshire to Route 150, Wallingford. PACHAUG RIVER, Griswold-Voluntown (T) No longer stocked by DEEP. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) Intermittent sections from Beach Pond • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream East Hampton-Haddam to the Quinebaug River. The demarca- PINE BROOK, X of Tartia Road. tion line between the Pachaug River and No longer stocked by DEEP. Entire river in Southington, and in Beachdale Pond is the west side of the • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream Cheshire upstream from Cheshire Street. bridge on Route 49. of Sexton Road. • Season: Open year-round. SALMON BROOK, Glastonbury (BK BN) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- Intermittent sections from headwaters to Keeney Cove. PARMALEE BROOK, Durham (T) PODUNK RIVER, South Windsor (T) cial lures and flies only. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 2) Intermittent sections from Route 17 Intermittent sections from Ellington Road downstream to the Coginchaug River. to Route 5. LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed X season Entire brook in Glastonbury downstream North Haven-New Haven; Downstream of Addison Pond: from Route 5 bridge in North Haven to PATTACONK BROOK, Chester (T) POMPERAUG RIVER, Southbury-Woodbury (T) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum junction with New Haven Harbor. length. Intermittent sections along Route 148. Intermittent sections from the junction of • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" Minimum • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. the Nonewaug and Weekeepeemee Riv- length. ers near Route 47 in Woodbury to ¼ mile below Route 172 in Southbury. PEASE BROOK, Lebanon-Franklin (T BN BK) SALMON BROOK (East Branch) and WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) TROPHY TROUT STREAM RACE BROOK, Woodbridge-Orange (T) SALMON BROOK (Mainstem), Entire river in Woodbury and Southbury From Route 114 (Woodbridge) to Lambert Granby-East Granby (T BK BN) X (from near Route 47 to the confluence Road (Orange). In Pease Brook Wildlife Management Area: with Lake Zoar): H • Trout: 9" minimum length. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. From East Street below the gorge in • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. North Granby, along Route 189, crossing RAYMOND BROOK, Hebron (T) Routes 202 and 20, and through Gran- POND BROOK, Newtown (T) Intermittent sections from Route 207 to brook Town Park to the Farmington River. Jeremy River. • Trout: 9" minimum length-entire river Intermittent sections from Routes 6 and • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream from Massachusetts border down- 25 to Hanover Road just above Lake of Old Colchester Road. stream to the Farmington River. Lillinonah.

50 2019 Connecticut Fishing 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.

WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) SAUGATUCK RIVER (includes Cobbs Mill Pond), SCANTIC RIVER, season is closed from March 1 to 6:00 Danbury-Redding-Weston-Westport (T) East Windsor-Enfield-Somers (T) a.m. on the 2nd Saturday in April for X all species except broodstock Atlantic Intermittent sections from Route 7 in Intermittent sections from Massachusetts From Route 20 (Granby) to confluence salmon. with Farmington River (East Granby). Danbury through West Redding along state line to Connecticut River. • Trout: 9" minimum length. Route 53 to the Mark Twain Library Dam • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. (1 mile above Saugatuck Reservoir). Then intermittent sections from 100 feet below SETH WILLIAMS BROOK, Ledyard (BK) SHEWVILLE BROOK, Preston (T) the Saugatuck Reservoir Dam tailrace (as Intermittent sections from headwaters to Intermittent sections from Indiantown posted) through Lyons Plain to Dorr’s Mill Brook to Hallville Pond. SALMON BROOK (West Branch), Dam and ending at the Merritt Parkway. Whitfords Brook. Hartland-Granby (T BK BN) WILLIAM “DOC" SKERLICK TROUT From the Granby-Hartland line, along MANAGEMENT AREA Route 20 through Simsbury Road. Then X SHEPAUG RIVER, Roxbury (T) SHUNOCK RIVER, North Stonington (T BK BN) In Westport from Dorr’s Mill Dam to the Salmon Brook Municipal Park and Route Intermittent sections from Hewitts Fly Merritt Parkway: Intermittent sections along Route 67 from 10, below McCleans Game Refuge. Pond to the Pawcatuck River. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Hodge Park downstream to the Route • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream • Methods: Fly fishing only. 67 bridge. of Route 179 (Hartland) to confluence WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) • Season: Open year-round. with East Branch. • Trout: X »»Catch and Release Only from Entire stream in North Stonington: SHETUCKET RIVER, • Trout: 9" Minimum length. September 1 to 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd Windham to Norwich (T SMB NP S) SALMON RIVER, Colchester-East Saturday in April. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Haddam-East Hampton-Haddam (T) »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length G C from 6:00 a.m. on 2nd Saturday in Intermittent sections from Willimantic to HP April to August 31. Greenville Dam. SILVERMINE RIVER (includes Blanchard and Intermittent sections from the junction of Silvermine Ponds), New Canaan-Norwalk (T) the Blackledge and Jeremy Rivers to the SEA RUN TROUT STREAM TROPHY TROUT STREAM Leesville Dam. Tidal area downstream of Wood Dam Entire river in Windham, Scotland, From Route 106 in New Canaan to the • Trout: 9" Minimum length-entire river (Westport): Sprague, and Norwich: Merritt Parkway. downstream to the Route 151 Bridge. • Season: Open year-round. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum • Thermal refuges: Open year-round TROPHY TROUT STREAM length. except in areas within 100 feet of Entire river in Colchester, East Haddam SKUNGAMAUG RIVER, Coventry-Tolland (T) signs indicating such closure posted and East Hampton: Intermittent sections from Route 74 to by DEEP at or near the mouths of tribu- • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. Hop River. SAUGATUCK RIVER (West Branch), taries that are closed to all fishing from EXCEPT IN: Weston-Westport (T) June 15 to September 15. Intermittent sections from intersection BROODSTOCK SALMON AREA TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA X SNAKE MEADOW BROOK, From confluence of Blackledge and of Routes 53 and 57 (north of Weston (SEE PAGE 28 FOR DETAILS) X Plainfield-Sterling (T) Jeremy Rivers downstream to Route 16 Center) to the Saugatuck River. From the Scotland Dam (Scotland) bridge: Intermittent sections from its source to downstream to the Occum Dam • Season: Open year-round. the Moosup River. (Norwich): • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. SAWMILL BROOK, Sherman (T BK BN) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Methods: Fly fishing only in midsection • Methods (all species): From September of area, as posted. From the intersection of Routes 39 and 37 1 through March 31, single fly or lure • Trout: in Sherman Center to Candlewood Lake. with a single free-swinging hook only. »»Catch and Release Only from Additional weight may not be added to September 1 to 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd the line. Anglers are reminded that the Saturday in April. »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April to August 31. LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS— Available at the online DEEP Store no closed season Downstream of Route 151 Bridge to junc- A PICTORIAL GUIDE TO FRESHWATER tion with Connecticut River. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum FISHES OF CONNECTICUT length. • Thermal refuge: Area within 100 feet This 242-page guide to the fishes of Connecticut is the first to present multiple, of signs indicating such closure posted high resolution, full-color photos of most New England and all Connecticut fresh- by DEEP at or near the spring along at water fish species. With detailed information for each species on identification, Sunrise Resort State Park is closed to all fishing from June 15 to September 15. distribution, size, abundance, habits, how to observe and catch them, how to keep them in aquariums, and what’s unique about them, this easy to read book will appeal not only to anglers, nature lovers and teachers, but also to scientists SANDY BROOK, and the general public alike. Barkhamsted-Colebrook-Norfolk (T) • Over 240 full-color photos Intermittent sections beginning ¼ mile • 82 fish species from the Massachusetts line, along Route Softcover, 183, through Algonquin State Forest to • Detailed fish distribution maps the confluence with the Still River above 8x10 inches, Riverton. • Taxonomic key to fish families and species • Trout: 9" minimum length- entire 242 pages stream downstream from Massachu- • Sections on: observing fish, , catching fish, keep- setts state line. ing fish in aquariums $19.95 DEEP Store Price does not include 6.35% CT sales tax and mail/phone order 860-424-3555 shipping/handling charges. www.ct.gov/deep

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

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

SPRAIN BROOK, Woodbury (T BN) TANKERHOOSEN RIVER, Vernon (T BK BN) WEEKEEPEEMEE RIVER, Woodbury (T BK BN) YANTIC RIVER, Bozrah-Norwich (T) Intermittent sections from Painter Hill Intermittent sections from Valley Falls Intermittent sections from Route 132, Intermittent sections from Camp Moween Road, Route 47 to Paper Mill Road. Road to Hockanum River. Peter Road to the confluence with the Road to Thames River. Nonewaug River. BELDING -TANKERHOOSEN WILD TROUT TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA X MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1) X From Barstow Road (Lebanon) down- STILL RIVER, The river and its tributaries (as posted) stream to bridge crossing at intersection Winsted-Colebrook-Barkhamsted (T) within Belding WMA and the Tanker- WEPAWAUG RIVER (includes Clarktown Pond), of Fitchville and Schwartz Roads: Intermittent sections in Winsted and from hoosen WMA: Orange-Milford (T) • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Sandy Brook to Farmington River. • Season: Open year-round. Intermittent sections from Route 34, along • Methods: Fly fishing only in sections • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Grassy Hill Road to ½ mile above I-95. at the upper and lower boundaries of of confluence with the Mad River. • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- TMA, as posted. cial lures and flies only. • Season: Open year-round. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. • Trout: WEST RIVER, Guilford (T) »»Catch and Release Only from STILL RIVER, Eastford-Woodstock (T) Intermittent sections from Quonnipaug September 1 to 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd Intermittent sections from Route 171 to Lake to Route 1. Saturday in April. TAYLOR BROOK, Woodstock (T) the Natchaug River. »»Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length Intermittent sections from County Road from 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd Saturday in downstream to Mill Brook. April–August 31. WHETSTONE BROOK, Killingly (T) STILL RIVER, Danbury (T) Intermittent sections from East Killingly LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed season From Eagle Street downstream through downstream to the Fivemile River. Downstream from just below the falls at TENMILE RIVER, Cheshire (T) the town linear park. Indian leap in Norwich. From Route 70 (Cheshire) to Route 322 • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum in Milldale. length. WHITFORD BROOK, STEELE BROOK, Watertown (T) Groton-Ledyard-Stonington (T) Intermittent sections from Woolson Intermittent sections from Long Pond to TENMILE RIVER, Lebanon-Columbia (T) Street, Watertown downstream to Hun- the Mystic River. tington Avenue (Oakville section). Intermittent sections from Route 87 to the Willimantic River. SEA RUN TROUT STREAM Downstream of Route 184 bridge: • Season: Open year-round. STONY BROOK, Montville (T BK BN) • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum TENMILE RIVER, Sherman-Kent (T SMB) length. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 3) X Entire stream in Montville: BULL’S BRIDGE TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA / • Trout: 9" Minimum length. BASS MANAGEMENT AREA X • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. From the New York line to confluence with WHITING RIVER, North Canaan (T) the Housatonic River: Intermittent sections from the Massa- • Season: Open year-round. chusetts state line to confluence with • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Blackberry River. STONY BROOK, Suffield (T) • Trout: Catch and Release Only. Intermittent sections from South Grand • Large & smallmouth bass: Catch and Street to Guild Pond, includes the lower Release Only. 1/2 mile of Muddy Brook. WILLIMANTIC RIVER, Stafford to Windham (T) C THAMES RIVER, Norwich to New London (WP YP) Intermittent sections from Stafford Springs STRATTON BROOK, Simsbury (T) LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed season to confluence with Natchaug River. Downstream from Greenville Dam, P C COLE WILDE TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA includes coves. Stratton Brook State Park through Mas- • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum sacoe State Forest. X length. In Tolland and Willington from mouth of Roar- TROUT PARK X ing Brook downstream to Route 74 bridge: Within Stratton Brook State Park: • Season: Open year-round. • Trout: Daily creel limit—2. WACHOCASTINOOK (RIGA) BROOK, • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Salisbury (BK BN) • Methods: Fly fishing only. • Trout: Catch and Release Only. WILD TROUT MANAGEMENT AREA (Class 1)

SUGAR BROOK, Plainfield (BK) X Downstream of South Pond within Mt. WILLOW BROOK, Cheshire (T BK BN) Within Sugar Brook Wildlife Manage- Riga Corporation property as posted: ment Area. Along the bike beginning at Lock • Season: Open year-round. 12 at Route 42 downstream to Mount • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish. Sanford Road. • Methods: Barbless single-hook artifi- SUMNER BROOK, Middletown (T BK) cial lures and flies only. Intermittent sections from Millbrook Road • Trout: Catch and Release Only. WOOD RIVER, Voluntown (T) downstream to Route 155. Intermittent sections from Porter Pond WAPPOQUIA BROOK (Quaker Meeting to Hazard Pond. SUSQUETONSCUT BROOK, House Brook), Pomfret (BK) Bozrah-Lebanon (T) Intermittent sections from Route 97 WYASSUP BROOK, North Stonington (BK) Intermittent sections from Route 207 to downstream to Mashomoquet Brook. the Yantic River. Intermittent sections from Wyassup Lake downstream to Spalding Pond.

52 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide MARINE FISHING

SALTWATER FISHING RESOURCE MAP

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

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

www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishing Connecting with Nature makes the World Better 53 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 2019: Species regulations are subject to change. For legal purposes, the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies must be consulted. Visit www.ct.gov/deep/laws-regs or contact Marine Fisheries (860-434-6043) for current regulations. Minimum length is measured from the tip of the snout Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Program: This Marine Fisheries Program is part of a broader Department effort to improve the quality of access and fishing to our Public Trust marine fisheries (head) to the end of the tail. resources in CT, especially in urban areas. This unique program relies on reduced size limit regula- tions 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 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 regulations may change in 2019. See www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishing for updated recreational fishing regulations.

DAILY SPECIES NOTES MINIMUM CREEL LIMIT OPEN SEASON LENGTH (fish per angler) Alewife/ The taking of Alewife and Blueback Herring is prohibited. Blueback Herring Eel Pots limited to 2 pots per person, personal use only. American Eel Legal Methods: Angling, Snagging, Spearing, Eel Pot 9" 25 Year Round Silver eel harvest is prohibited. 6 American Shad All state waters closed except the Connecticut River. None (American and Hickory Year Round Shad in aggregate) Visit https://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/sustainable/ Atlantic Cod 23" 10 Year Round recfishing/regs/index.html for updated federal regulations. Length excludes the tendril (tail filament). See www.ct.gov/deep/ Black Sea Bass 15" 5 May 19 – December 31 saltwaterfishing for Party/Charter fishing regulations. 10 Bluefish None Year Round (including snapper bluefish) Visit https://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/sustainable/ Haddock 18" None Year Round recfishing/regs/index.html for 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 https://www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/sustainable/ Pollock 19" None Year Round recfishing/regs/index.html for updated federal regulations. No person shall possess any red drum greater than 27 inches measured from Red Drum the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. Any red drum greater than 27" shall, None None None without avoidable injury, be returned immediately to the water from which taken. See www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishing for Party/Charter fishing regulations. 9" 30 May 1 – December 31 Scup (Porgy) At Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Access Sites (see Appendix A on page 56) 8" 30 May 1 – December 31 Sea-Run Trout 2 15" Year Round (Brown, Brook, Rainbow) (all species in aggregate) Striped Bass No spearing or gaffing 28" 1 Year Round On the water, fillets must meet minimum length or be accompanied by a legal sized 19" 4 May 4 – September 30 Summer Flounder rack (carcass) See www.ct.gov/deep/saltwater fishing for updated regulations (Fluke) At Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Access Sites (see Appendix A on page 56) 17" 4 May 4 – September 30 April 1 – April 30 16" 2 Tautog (Blackfish) and July 1 – August 31 16" 3 October 10 – November 28 Weakfish 16" 1 Year Round White Perch 7" 30 Year Round Winter Flounder 12" 2 April 1 – December 31 Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permit is required to take, possess, or land any shark species, other than smooth or spiny dogfish. To obtain an HMS Sharks/Tuna* permit see www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/aps/permits or call NMFS Customer Service at 888-872-8862 * Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Compliance Guide: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/atlantic-highly-migratory-species/atlantic-highly-migratory-species-fishery-compliance-guides Striped bass may only be taken by angling (spearing is prohibited) and the use of a gaff in the taking of striped bass is prohibited. However, striped bass legally taken by spearing in another state may be landed in Connecticut. No person shall land or possess on the waters of this state or on any parcel of land, structure, or portion of a roadway abutting tidal waters of this state any striped bass from which the head or tail has been removed or which has otherwise been rendered unidentifiable as a striped bass or unable to be measured. Summer flounder filleting. If summer flounder are filleted onboard either: (1) each fillet is required to meet the minimum fish length, or (2) the carcass (rack) of the fish from which the fillet was removed has to be retained and the carcass has to meet the minimum length. This rule shall not be construed to prevent filleting of fish on shore or dockside.

54 [email protected] |860-434-6043 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide 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. www.ct.gov/deep/saltwaterfishing • Lieutenant River: Old Lyme. Rte. 156. 500 ft. north of Rte. 1.

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

©Tomelleri Habitat Habitat Habitat Habitat • Large rivers in spring and fall • Estuaries and Sound • Estuaries and bays • Estuaries and bays • Estuaries and bays in summer • Rock piles/reefs • Lower sections of rivers • Rock piles/reefs • Oyster and mussel beds • Hard bottom and channels • Oyster and mussel beds Fishing Method • Pilings and jetties preferred • Pilings and jetties • Drifting with live bait • Jigging and trolling Fishing Method Fishing Method Fishing Method • Bottom fishing with bait • Anchored over structure, reefs • Drifting with bait • Anchored over structure/reefs • Casting to fish • Bottom fishing • Jigging up and down • Bottom fishing • Fishing with bait • Casting and slowly moving jig • Live or dead bait Baits & Lures with bait • Live bait, menhaden, eels, Baits & Lures Baits & Lures shad and sand worms • Sand worms, conch, shrimp, Baits & Lures • Squid or conch strips, • All types of swimming lures, mummichogs, silversides, • Live/dead bait (bunker, mum- sand worms, shrimp, plastic and rubber baits 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 www.ct.gov/deep/fishing Connecting with Nature makes the World Better 55 Enhanced Fishing Opportunities & Volunteer Angler Survey Programs

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.depdata.ct.gov/maps/coastalaccess/index.html. 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 Fairfield time, the design of this program assures that marine fish conservation objectives continue to be met. Calf Pasture Beach Norwalk Appendix A. Public Shore Fishing Access Sites Maritime Aquarium Park Norwalk where Summer Flounder/Fluke (17 inch min. length) and Scup (8 inch min. length) may Bond's Dock Stratford be taken at a smaller length limit. Please see page 54 for a complete list of marine recreational Long Beach Stratford fishing regulations including creel limit and open seasons. Point-No-Point Stratford MARINE VOLUNTEER ANGLER SURVEY PROGRAM Russian Beach Stratford The Marine Fisheries Program is seeking marine recreational anglers who Short Beach Park Stratford will volunteer to participate in the Connecticut Volunteer Angler Survey Sherwood Island State Park Westport (VAS) Program. The VAS Program is designed to collect fishing trip and MIDDLESEX COUNTY catch information from marine recreational (hook and line) anglers who volunteer to record their angling activities via a logbook. VAS anglers contribute valuable South Cove Causeway Old Saybrook fisheries-specific information concerning striped bass, fluke, bluefish, scup, tautog Saybrook Point Old Saybrook and other important finfish species used in monitoring and assessing fish popula- NEW HAVEN COUNTY tions inhabiting marine waters. Branford Point Branford Participants will have the choice of either filling out the traditional paper logbooks Chaffinch Island Park Guilford and mailing them back or by entering their data electronically by a computer web based application. In either case, paper logbooks will still be sent out to each angler. Hammonasset Beach State Park Madison Both the VAS paper logbook and the computer electronic version are easy to enter. Each Connecticut Audubon Coastal Center Milford participating angler is assigned a personal code number for confidentiality. The paper Gulf Beach Milford logbook instructions are located on the inside cover and the electronic version will have Silver Sands State Park Milford a specified menu with assisted help information. Upon completion of the paper logbook, Criscuolo Park New Haven tape the pre-postage paid logbook and drop it in the mail. All paper logbooks are returned to each angler for their own personal records upon data entry. Anglers that participate Fort Nathan Hale Park New Haven are also provided with updated program results and public hearing notices concerning Tomlinson Bridge Fishing Pier New Haven recreational fishery management regulations. Bradley Point Park West Haven Sandy Point West Haven Sandy Point Bird Sanctuary West Haven Fishing is Family Fun... NEW LONDON COUNTY Give it a Try! 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 Mystic River Park Stonington Stonington Point Stonington Stonington Town Dock Fishing Pier Stonington Harkness Memorial State Park Waterford Mago Point Park Waterford Waterford Beach Park Waterford

56 [email protected] |860-434-6043 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide Recreational Fishing—Bait Species, Blue Crab & Lobster

TAKING OF BAIT SPECIES MENHADEN Sherri Mallinson For personal use/not for sale: Recreational Personal Use Gillnet License Required ($100.00) with her trophy License required in marine district. Summer Flounder. 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. BLUE CRAB • Or go to www.ct.gov/deep/fishing and search Species that may be taken using the gears listed For personal use/not for sale: No license required. for Personal Use License. above Blue crab fact sheet: www.ct.gov/deep/lib/deep/ • Or go to www.ct.gov/deep/MarineFishInfoCirc • Menhaden (see possession limit on page 54: fishing/saltwater/blue_crab_fact_sheet.pdf. Also see Gillnetting Menhaden) SHELLFISH Legal Blue Crab Capture Methods: • Striped Killifish and Banded Killifish For personal use/not for sale: Town Shellfishing • Atlantic Silverside • Scoop Net, Hand Line, Dip Net, Trot Line • Tidewater Silverside License required. • Star (or similar device) • Circular Topless Trap (not exceeding 26" in • Mummichogs Species Include • Sea Herring (Atlantic Herring) diameter) • Mussels • Clams • Semi-Circular Cylindrical Trap (12" or less • Sand Lances (Sand Eels) • Oysters • Scallops • American Eel (see possession limit on page 54) in diameter) Contact the town where you plan to harvest • Sea Lamprey Open Season shellfish for permit information, or the Depart- • Bay Anchovy May 1–November 30. • Mullet Species ment of Agriculture, Bureau of Aquaculture at • Sheepshead Minnow 203-874-0696. email: [email protected]. Minimum Shell Width: (Spike Tip to Spike Tip) • Shrimp Species • 5" hard shell crabs • Green, Fiddler, Asian Shore and Hermit Crabs LOBSTER • 3½" soft shell crabs Personal Use Lobster License Required ($60.00) Prohibited Legal Lobster Capture Methods: • Possession of uncooked blue crab meat with- • Ten pots or less (pot tags required) out the body shell attached. SHARK SPECIES YOU • Skin Diving • Possession of more than 2 claws per body. MAY ENCOUNTER IN • SCUBA Diving • Possession of egg bearing females. • Hand Capturing COASTAL WATERS • Chesapeake-style crabs traps. Required Required OF CONNECTICUT • 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. JONAH CRAB For personal use/not for sale: No license Info required. 50 crabs per day. • Call 860-434-6043, ask for the Guidelines for Sand Tiger Shark Personal Use Lobster Fishing in Connecticut. SQUID • Lobster Gauges can be purchased ($4) at For personal use/not for sale: No license the Marine Fisheries office in Old Lyme or required if taken using a squid jig. from DEEP Licensing at: 79 Elm Street, 1st Floor, Sandbar (Brown) Shark Hartford, CT 06106-5127 Resources For Fishermen: 860-424-3105 • Or go to www.ct.gov/deep/fishing and search www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/management/ Protected and prohibited species must be recreational/resources_for_fishermen.html released unharmed. For more informa- for Personal Use License. tion, go to https://www.fisheries.noaa. • Or go to www.ct.gov/deep/MarineFishInfoCirc gov/resource/outreach-and-education/ shark-identification-placard For additional information, refer to the Marine IF YOU DON'T KNOW, Fisheries Information Circular by visiting the Reduce Catch and Release mortality www.ct.gov/deep/fishing or call the Marine LET IT GO! — please use circle hooks. Fisheries Division at: 860-434-6043. www.ct.gov/deep/fishing Connecting with Nature makes the World Better 57 Shoreline Fishing in Coastal State Parks

During regular hours, a vehicle parking fee is required for out-of-state • Parking Fees* vehicles to enter most of the state parks. There is no parking fee for CT —— Weekdays: non-resident—$10.00 registered vehicles. Parking fees are collected from 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. on —— Weekend/Holiday: non-resident—$15.00 weekends and holidays, and 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. during the week except —— After 4pm any day: non-resident— $7.00 at state parks marked with an asterisk. Late day fees (4 p.m.–6:30 p.m. any day) for Harkness, Hammonasset, Rocky Neck and Sherwood Island ROCKY NECK STATE PARK, EAST LYME are $7 for non-residents. For more information please see the coastal Fishing is allowed on the jetty year round. The entire beach and jetty state parks website: www.ct.gov/deep/stateparks. is open to fishing during the off-season. Jetty located on right side of * Parking Fees subject to change. Camping beach. Please note: When no night rangers are on staff and on major Z Fishing Line Recycling Receptacle holiday weekends, no vehicles are permitted in park for night fishing. • Fish to be caught: Tautog, winter flounder, bluefish, striped bass, NIGHT FISHING RULES scup (porgy), blue crab, striped sea robin and black sea bass can be Anglers entering a park by vehicle must obtain a vehicle permit in order caught off the jetty. Crabbing is allowed at designated areas. to park and fish. Between the hours of 6:30 am and 8:00 am no vehicle • Directions: I-95, Exit 72 to Route 156. Telephone: 860-739-5471. will be allowed into the day-use area of the park. Individuals entering • Parking Fees* the park without a vehicle do not require a permit, but must possess —— Weekdays: non-resident—$15.00 fishing tackle (rod & reel, bait, light, etc.) and engage in fishing. —— Weekend/Holiday: non-resident—$22.00 BLUFF POINT STATE PARK & COASTAL RESERVE, GROTON SHERWOOD ISLAND STATE PARK, WESTPORT Fishing is allowed 24 hrs. Fishing is allowed at Sherwood Point, East and West Jetty during the • Fish to be caught: Winter flounder and snapper bluefish can be caught open season (April 15–Sept. 30). The entire beach is open to fishing at Poquonnock Cove. Bluefish, striped bass, hickory shad, summer during the off-season from 8 a.m. to sunset only. flounder, little tunny, blue crab, striped sea robin and tautog can be • Fish to be caught: Tautog, bluefish, scup, summer flounder, winter caught from the beach. flounder, blue crab, striped sea robin and striped bass can be caught • Directions: I-95, Exit 88 to Route 117 south, right onto Route 1, left off Sherwood Point. onto Depot Road. Follow to end. • Directions: I-95, Exit 18. Telephone: 203-226-6983. • Parking Fees: None. • Parking Fees* —— Weekdays: non-resident—$15.00 FORT TRUMBULL STATE PARK, NEW LONDON —— Weekend/Holiday: non-resident—$22.00 Fishing access (handicapped accessible), 24 hour pedestrian access from Riverfront Walk to Fishing Pier on the Thames River. SILVER SANDS STATE PARK • Fish to be caught: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, hickory AFTER HOURS FISHING PARKING/CHARLES ISLAND, MILFORD shad, scup, tautog, winter flounder, weakfish, blue crab, striped sea Fishing is open throughout the area including the sand spit which extends robin and black sea bass. about a mile from the mainland to Charles Island. Caution is advised • Directions: I-95N, Exit 83 (Huntington Street). I-95S, Exit 84. when fishing or walking the Tombolo (sand bar). Swift tidal currents • Parking Fees: None. Telephone: 860-444-7591. during a flood tide can make passage dangerous and persons unfamiliar with the area may be stranded on Charles Island until low tide. FERRY LANDING STATE PARK, OLD LYME • Fish to be caught: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, hickory Fishing access (handicapped accessible) consists of a fenced bulkhead area shad, blue crab, striped sea robin and weakfish. and a fishing/crabbing boardwalk. Parking is available inside the park after • Directions: I-95, Exit 35. Follow Schoolhouse Road south to Route 1 hours for fishing/crabbing only. (Bridgeport Avenue). Turn left onto Route 1 then right at first light • Fish to be caught: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, catfish, (Silver Sands Park Way). Follow Park Way and turn left at next light American eel, hickory shad, blue crab, striped sea robin and white perch. (Meadowside Road). Follow Meadowside 0.7 mile and turn right at • Directions: I-95, Exit 70 to Route 156. After ¼ mile make a right onto Robert Treat Parkway which then becomes Surf Avenue. Follow Surf Ferry Road. Follow to end. Telephone: 860-434-6043. Avenue to end at East Broadway and turn right. The After Hours • Parking Fees: None. Fishing Parking Lot is at the end of East Broadway. • Hiking the Tombola (Sand Bar) while it is covered in water is prohibited. HAMMONASSET BEACH STATE PARK, MADISON Z • Parking Fees: None. Fishing is allowed only at the Meigs Point Jetty (south end) and at West Beach Jetty during the peak season from 8 a.m. to sunset. Night fishing is permitted along the entire beach (2 miles). The entire beach (2 miles) is not open to night fishing during the off-season (October–May). SHORELINE FISHING • Fish to be caught: Tautog, winter flounder, bluefish, summer flounder, & PROPERTY RIGHTS scup, weakfish, striped bass, blue crab, striped sea robin and black sea bass. • Directions: I-95, Exit 62. Telephone: 203-245-2785. CT Coastal Management Program • Parking Fees* —— Weekdays: non-resident—$15.00 Connecticut’s intertidal shore belongs to the people. Under the —— Weekend/Holiday: non-resident—$22.00 common law public trust doctrine, the public may freely use land and waters waterward of the mean high water line to fish. The public HARKNESS MEMORIAL STATE PARK, WATERFORD trust area includes beaches, rocky shores and open waters along Fishing is allowed along the beach. No swimming allowed. tidal and navigable waters. Fishing in the public trust area is not • Fish to be caught: Tautog, bluefish, striped bass and scup (porgy) trespassing; the DEEP encourages anglers to enjoy their rights to use can be caught off the rocky point, blue crab, striped sea robin and the public trust lands for fishing. However, anglers should also respect summer flounder off the beach. the rights of adjacent landowners by not crossing private property • Directions: I-95, Exit 75. Take Route 1 North to Avery Lane on without permission and by leaving the shoreline clean and litter free. right. Follow Avery Lane to Route 213. Follow Route 213 to the park. Telephone: 860-443-5725.

58 [email protected] |860-434-6043 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide Coastal Boat Launches

For other boat launches, see the 2019 CT Boat- DOCK ROAD, WATERFORD GREAT ISLAND, OLD LYME ers Guide (www.ct.gov/deep/boating) and the CT • Parking: 45 cars with trailers. • Parking: 35 cars with trailers. Coastal Access Guide (www.depdata.ct.gov/maps/ • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. coastalaccess/index.html). 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 • Open May 2019 CT Boaters Guide: THAMES RIVER (KENNETH E. • Parking: 50 cars with trailers. STREETER BOAT LAUNCH), GROTON • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Parking: 25 cars with trailers. • Conditions: Launching may be difficult due • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. to swift river currents at times of abnormal BARN ISLAND, STONINGTON • Conditions: Launching may be difficult dur- tides or extreme flooding. • Parking: 60 cars with trailers. ing strong northwesterly winds. • Use: Heavy use on weekends. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Use: Moderate use on weekends. • Access: Located on the east side of the Housa- • Conditions: Large ramp with floating dock. • Access: I-95 North, Exit 85, bear right onto tonic River under I-95 (Exit 34). Take Route • Use: Heavy use on weekends. Bridge Street, next right onto Fairview Ave- 1 onto Naugatuck Ave. Access approx. 1 mile • Access: I-95, Exit 91. South to N. Main Street nue, launch on left. on the left/ to Rte. 1. Greenhaven Road to Palmer Neck Road, follow to end. THAMES RIVER, NEW LONDON • Parking: 50 cars with trailers. NIANTIC RIVER, WATERFORD BAYBERRY LANE, GROTON • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Parking: 100 cars with trailers. • Parking: 30 cars with trailers. • Conditions: Good launching conditions. • Toilets: Chemical, year round. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Use: Moderate use on weekends. • Conditions: Large ramp with floating dock. • Conditions: Steep ramp, shallow at low tide. • Access: I-95 North, Exit 84, left onto Williams • Use: Heavy use on weekends. • Use: Heavy use on weekends. Street. Turn east onto State Pier Road, launch • Access: I-95, Exit 74. ¼ mile northeast of • Access: I-95, Exit 87. Rte. 349 becomes at end, under I-95, Goldstar Bridge. Rte. 156 bridge across Niantic River. Shennecossett Road, left onto Bayberry Lane. EAST RIVER, GUILFORD/MADISON SAUGATUCK RIVER, WESTPORT BRANFORD RIVER, BRANFORD • Parking: 25 cars with trailers. • Parking: 25 cars with trailers. • Parking: 50 cars with trailers. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. • Conditions: Concrete planks. • Conditions: Shallow launching conditions • Conditions: Steep ramp, shallow at low tide. • Use: Moderate use on weekends. at low tide. • 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 17 east side of river. Rte. 136 Avenue to Goodsell Point Road. follow to end. to Compo Road, first right to launch. CONNECTICUT RIVER, OLD SAYBROOK FOUR MILE RIVER, SOUTH LYME • Parking: 75 cars with trailers. • Parking: 55 cars with trailers. • Toilets: Chemical, year round. • Toilets: Chemical, seasonal. Michael Parks • Conditions: Large ramp with floating dock. • Conditions: Shallow launching area; low with his trophy • Use: Heavy use on weekends. railroad bridge clearance. Smooth Puffer • Access: Exit 1 off Rte. 9 North. End of ramp • Use: Low use. (Catch & Release) turn right. Located under Baldwin Bridge, • Access: I-95, Exit 71. Rte. 156, east on Oakridge (I-95) off Ferry Road. Drive, first right to launch area.

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’ regula- tions for each species. Latitude/Longitude coordinates depicting the Connecticut boundary line in Long Island Sound and Fishers Island Sound are available in the Marine Fisheries Information Circular which can be found on the DEEP web site: www.ct.gov/deep/fishing. The Information Circular can also be obtained by calling 860-434-6043 or email: [email protected]. Long Island Sound map is for general reference only. For detailed information, please refer to Navigational Charts. www.ct.gov/deep/statewatersboundary Select a link below to view a map for a specific section of the Sound. Section 1: Greenwich to Norton Heights (2.4 MB) www.ct.gov/deep/fishing Connecting with Nature makesSection the 2: WorldNorton HeightsBetter to Fairfield (2.4 MB) 59 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 (Harvested)

Red type signifies a new record set in 2018. WEIGHT CATEGORY COMMON NAME LENGTH LOCATION CAUGHT ANGLER YEAR lbs. oz. CAUGHT Albacore 68 14 46.5" Atlantis Canyon John Dagon 2012 American Eel 5 3 39.5" West Haven Alyssa Zuppe 2017 Atlantic Bonito 11 8 29.5" Ocean Beach Mark Drummey 2017 Atlantic Cod 45 0 South of Block Island John Chomen 2004 Black Sea Bass 7 8 25" Six Mile Reef, Clinton Mike Lane 2005 Blackfish (Tautog) 26 9.6 34" Two Tree Island Thien Nguyen 2015 Bluefin Tuna 770 0 Block Island Sound Lester Debetta 1990 Bluefish 24 13 Norwalk Islands Charles J. Toth 1979 Blue Marlin 449 6 Atlantis Canyon Jeffrey K. Eckert 2001 Blue Shark 361 0 Ranger Wreck Robert H. Oslen 1993 WORLD RECORD Clearnose Skate 9 8 37" Fort Nathan Hale Anthony Carpentino 2017 Conger Eel 7 4 Noank Maria Annunziata 1987 Cunner 3 4 Block Island Sound Wesley E. Sargent 1998 Hickory Shad 3 4 Niantic River, Niantic Richard Kozlowski 2003 Hogchoker 0 9 10.25" West Haven Albert Zuppe 2016 Little Tunny 16 13 37" Butterfish Hole Vincent Deledda 2011 Mako Shark 650 0 Block Island Sound Gregory J. Erisoty 1987 Oyster Toadfish 2 12 14" Millstone Outflow William Kondrasiewicz 2018 Pollock 34 2 Block Island Sound Joe DeCosta 2000 Sandbar (Brown) Shark 118 7 Connecticut River, Old Saybrook Bruce Kelly 1995 Scup (Porgy) 4 2 19" Block Island Sound Marcelo Moutinho 2012

STATE RECORDSTATE MARINE FISH Sheepshead Porgy 10 11 Branford Reef Clyde Turner 1998 Smooth Dogfish 18 11 57" New Haven Breakwall Jennifer Zuppe 2017 Spiny Dogfish 22 11 57.75" Milford Jennifer Zuppe 2018 Squid 14.25" mantle Stonington Christopher Sottile 2016 WORLD RECORD Striped Bass 81 15 54" Outer Southwest Reef Greg Myerson 2011 Striped Searobin 4 3 20" Housatonic River Howard Wolowitz 2012 Summer Flounder (Fluke) 14 11 31" Black Point, Niantic Tobey Sweet 2013 Thresher Shark 467 0 Montauk Point Mark Hiller 2006 White Perch 1 15 14" Old Lyme Rufino Vargas Jr. 2015 Winter Flounder 6 1 Millstone Point, Waterford Tom Kobas 1999 Weakfish 17 14 Fayerweather Island June Andrejko 1986 Winter Skate 17 6 Watch Hill, R.I. William F. Zanks 1995 Yellowfin Tuna 210 7 Block Canyon Charles J. Lobacz 1991 Atlantic Chub Mackerel 2 1 14" Montauk Shoal Brandon Collins 2016 Banded Rudderfish 1 5 13" Milford Israel Ruman 2018 Black Drum 15 3 New Haven Breakwater Howard D. LaFrance 2001 Black Grouper 1 4 13.5" Millstone Outflow, Waterford Hugh Durham 2012 Cobia 18 0 East Haven Nicholas Carafeno 2008 Grey Snapper 5 15 25" Milestone Outflow Nelson Carey 2016 Gray Triggerfish 6 1.5 19" Pine Island, Groton Keith Mehmet 2016 Jack Crevalle 3 7.5 18.8" Millstone Outflow, Waterford Hugh Durham 2014 King Mackerel 7 2 33.5" Old Saybrook Doug Clark 2018 Ladyfish 3 8 23" Millstone Point, Waterford Nelson Carey 2014 Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish) 47 2 60" Fish Tales Canyon John Dagon 2016 Monkfish 42 0 40" Southside of Fisher's Island Craig Weagle 2016 Northern Kingfish 2 10 19.5" Silver Sands State Park Christopher Shea 2016

(Rare Species) (Rare Porbeagle Shark 191 0 75" Ryans' Horn Austin Urban 2013

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

60 [email protected] |860-434-6043 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide State Record Marine Fish (Catch & Release)

Red type signifies a new record set in 2018. WEIGHT COMMON NAME LENGTH LOCATION CAUGHT ANGLER YEAR lbs. oz. CAUGHT Atlantic Needlefish 0 0 34" Mystic River Zacery Martindale 2016 Black Sea Bass 24" Six Mile Reef Evan Kamoen 2018 Blackfish (Tautog) 13 9 27" Indian Neck Point, Branford Jack Martin 2012 Bluefish 15 6 37" Housatonic River Shawn Lalond 2012 Blue Shark 120" Block Island Sound Timothy E. Kilbride 2009 Clearnose Skate 35" Clinton Harbor Evan Kamoen 2018 Little Tunny (False Albacore) 6 8 26.5" Block Island Sound Timothy E. Kilbride 2009 Northern Puffer 0 0 10" Hammonasset Evan Kamoen 2017 Oyster Toadfish 3 4 16" Norwalk Patrick DeVito 2014 Scup (Porgy) 0 0 18.25" Hammonasset Evan Kamoen 2017 Smooth Dogfish 0 0 51" New Haven Breakwall Albert Zuppe 2016 Striped Bass 0 0 54" Long Island Sound Derek Williams 2017 Summer Flounder 10 11 29" Sara's Ledge Sara Roman 2018 Striped Sea Robin 0 0 20" Long Island Sound Alex Erdmann 2016

EXOTIC MARINE SPECIES (RARE SPECIES) WEIGHT COMMON NAME LENGTH LOCATION CAUGHT ANGLER YEAR lbs. oz. CAUGHT Atlantic Stingray 14 4 58" New Haven Breakwater Larry E. Lainey 2010 Gray Triggerfish 4 8 19.25" Niantic Bay Christopher Otis 2013 Inshore Lizardfish 0 8 10" Milford Point Dean Vogel, Sr. 2011 Scalloped Hammerhead Shark 0 0 120" Butterfish Hole Christian Urban 2013 Smooth Puffer 0 0 23" Six Mile Reef Michael Parks 2018 Tiger Shark 550 0 108" Block Channel Pauly Randazzo Jr. 2017

MARINE DEFINITIONS Where the CLOSED SEASON (SALTWATER) The period of time during which no person shall take, possess or land a particular species taken by BASS sportfishing methods, regardless of where taken. Any species taken BASS to the contrary must be returned immediately, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which it was taken. call home • 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 return- ing 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!

Please...... DO NOT LITTER Call and inquire about our one day passes HELP KEEP YOUR FISHING ACCESS AREA CLEAN AND HEALTHY 413.243.5761 www.berkshirefishing.com BERKSHIRE Fully Equipped Bass Boats and Gear www.ct.gov/deep/fishing FISHING CLUB Bass Fishing Classes Available Connecticut Saltwater Fish

Striped Bass Summer Flounder (Fluke) White Perch ©Tomelleri

©

Hickory Shad Bluefish Winter Flounder

Atlantic Menhaden

Tautog (Blackfish)

Scup Atlantic (Porgy) Bonito

Weakfish Little Tunny (False Albacore)

Black Sea Bass

Striped Sea Robin Smooth Dogfish

Northern Kingfish Inshore American Eel Lizardfish Bluefish Image © Copyright Duane Raver; All Other Images © Copyright JosephTomelleri

IN-STATE CHARTERS & GUIDES OUT-OF-STATE CHARTERS & GUIDES

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2019 Tide Table—Saybrook Point

HIGH TIDE PREDICTIONS BETWEEN 6:00 a.m. AND 7:00 p.m. Sara Roman holding (Adjusted for daylight savings time) — 41.2833 N, 72.3500 W her trophy Tautog (Catch & Release). m FULL MOON l NEW MOON JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC

1 6:50 a 8:07 a 6:57 a 9:03 a 9:10 a 9:55 a 10:05 a 11:15 a 12:36 p 1:03 p 2:24 p 1:50 p

2 7:39 a 8:50 a 7:47 a 9:44 a 9:50 a 10:36 a 10:51 a l 12:07 p 1:30 p 1:57 p 3:21 p 2:45 p

3 8:23 a 9:31 a 8:30 a 10:23 a 10:29 a 11:19 a l 11:39 a 1:01 p 2:25 p 2:53 p 3:22 p 3:43 p

4 9:05 a 10:12 a l 9:11 a 11:01 a 11:08 a l 12:05 p 12:31 p 1:56 p 3:22 p 3:52 p 4:26 p 4:43 p

5 9:47 a l 10:53 a 9:50 a 11:39 a l 11:49 a 12:53 p 1:24 p 2:52 p 4:23 p 4:57 p 5:29 p 5:40 p

6 10:30 a 11:33 a 10:29 a l 12:17 p 12:30 p 1:44 p 2:19 p 3:50 p 5:28 p 6:04 p 6:04 a 6:15 a

7 11:13 a 12:13 p 11:07 a 12:56 p 1:14 p 2:37 p 3:15 p 4:51 p 6:34 p 6:42 a 6:53 a 7:01 a

8 11:56 a 12:52 p 11:45 a 1:36 p 2:01 p 3:34 p 4:15 p 5:55 p 7:08 a 7:38 a 7:35 a 7:43 a

9 12:40 p 1:31 p 12:23 p 2:18 p 2:52 p 4:36 p 5:17 p 6:23 a 8:04 a 8:24 a 8:15 a 8:21 a

10 1:23 p 2:12 p 2:01 p 3:06 p 3:49 p 5:39 p 6:19 p 7:27 a 8:49 a 9:05 a 8:52 a 8:58 a

11 2:07 p 2:58 p 2:41 p 4:01 p 4:52 p 6:01 a 6:43 a 8:22 a 9:31 a 9:44 a 9:28 a 9:35 a

12 2:53 p 3:53 p 3:25 p 5:06 p 5:57 p 7:03 a 7:43 a 9:09 a 10:10 a 10:22 a 10:04 a m 10:13 a m

13 3:45 p 4:57 p 4:20 p 6:14 p 6:22 a 8:00 a 8:37 a 9:52 a 10:50 a 10:59 a m 10:40 a 10:54 a

14 4:42 p 6:00 p 5:26 p 6:43 a 7:24 a 8:52 a 9:24 a 10:34 a 11:29 a m 11:36 a 11:17 a 11:39 a

15 5:39 p 6:29 a 6:33 p 7:45 a 8:20 a 9:40 a 10:10 a 11:16 a m 12:09 p 12:13 p 11:58 a 12:28 p

16 6:33 p 7:23 a 7:04 a 8:39 a 9:10 a 10:27 a 10:55 a m 11:58 a 12:49 p 12:49 p 12:43 p 1:20 p

17 6:59 a 8:15 a 8:04 a 9:29 a 9:58 a 11:14 a m 11:40 a 12:41 p 1:28 p 1:27 p 1:35 p 2:17 p

18 7:45 a 9:06 a 8:58 a 10:18 a 10:46 a m 12:02 p 12:25 p 1:24 p 2:06 p 2:07 p 2:34 p 3:18 p

19 8:33 a 9:56 a m 9:48 a 11:06 a m 11:34 a 12:50 p 1:11 p 2:07 p 2:45 p 2:55 p 3:40 p 4:24 p

20 9:21 a 10:47 a 10:38 a m 11:55 a 12:23 p 1:38 p 1:57 p 2:49 p 3:30 p 3:54 p 4:49 p 5:30 p

21 10:12 a m 11:38 a 11:27 a 12:45 p 1:13 p 2:27 p 2:43 p 3:32 p 4:25 p 5:03 p 5:52 p 6:07 a

22 11:04 a 12:30 p 12:17 p 1:35 p 2:03 p 3:17 p 3:30 p 4:18 p 5:32 p 6:13 p 6:25 a 7:00 a

23 11:57 a 1:22 p 1:07 p 2:27 p 2:54 p 4:09 p 4:19 p 5:11 p 6:37 p 6:49 a 7:17 a 7:50 a

24 12:51 p 2:16 p 1:58 p 3:21 p 3:48 p 5:03 p 5:09 p 6:08 p 7:10 a 7:44 a 8:05 a 8:37 a

25 1:45 p 3:15 p 2:51 p 4:19 p 4:45 p 5:56 p 6:01 p 6:39 a 8:03 a 8:34 a 8:52 a 9:23 a

26 2:42 p 4:20 p 3:47 p 5:21 p 5:44 p 6:09 a 6:19 a 7:34 a 8:52 a 9:22 a 9:39 a l 10:10 a l

27 3:44 p 5:29 p 4:49 p 6:23 p 6:40 p 7:03 a 7:14 a 8:25 a 9:41 a 10:09 a l 10:26 a 10:56 a

28 4:51 p 6:32 p 5:56 p 6:46 a 6:56 a 7:52 a 8:04 a 9:13 a 10:29 a l 10:57 a 11:15 a 11:44 a

29 5:58 p – 6:25 a 7:41 a 7:47 a 8:38 a 8:51 a 10:01 a 11:19 a 11:47 a 12:06 p 12:31 p

30 6:28 a – 7:26 a 8:28 a 8:32 a 9:21 a 9:37 a 10:51 a l 12:11 p 12:37 p 12:57 p 1:19 p

31 7:20 a – 8:18 a – 9:14 a – 10:25 a l 11:43 a – 1:30 p – 2:08 p

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

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

64 [email protected] |860-434-6043 2019 Connecticut Fishing Guide 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

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