Fishing is a fun way of enjoying some outdoor time whether alone or with friends and family. Fishing is more than just the fish; it involves catching the fish and every fun that comes with it. It provides a great spot to get hooked on! If you need a cheap way to spend time in a reserved and calm environment, then opt for fishing. There is that rush of excitement and great joy when landing the big one.
Fishing is a great stress reliever. Enjoying a day outdoors, casting your line, enjoying the fresh, breezy waters and patiently waiting for the lucky fish provides a soothing and relaxed feeling. This energizes you from those stress-free days and motivates you towards a healthier lifestyle.
[adinserter block=”1″]
As an intense sport, fishing requires a great deal of patience. It can also come with some sense of humor especially if it is at the right location. As a tourism activity, fishing in Connecticut is becoming popular as the day goes by. This isn’t coming as a surprise as Connecticut has great natural scenery.
Connecticut boasts of a great fishing heritage site with beautiful scenes, great spots for a good catch coupled to its sunset views and fair weather conditions.
Quick Post Navigation
Fishing License
Connecticut has a lot of lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers that offer different venues and spots for fishing. A great number of freshwater species including eel, walleye, catfish, bass, perch and American shad can be found in Connecticut fresh waters.
There are also spots for marine fishing with an abundance of saltwater species like mackerel, cod, weakfish, bonito as well as striped bass and sea bass. To enjoy fishing this awesome fishes, you need a Connecticut fishing license.
This license is important for all individuals ages 16 and older who desire to fish in state freshwater and saltwater. The license is essential to enable you to fish in the state irrespective of your level of experience in fishing. To enjoy this benefit, you need a fishing license required obtained through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
How to get a fishing license in CT involves completion of a fishing permit application process from the state agency. This can be obtained through various ways, application for a fishing license can be purchased online, from personnel at the DEEP office or a licensed sports vendor can provide you with the fishing permit.
After completion of the application, assemble the essential identification documents needed. Your necessary documents may also include your driver’s license and credit card details or another preferred method of payment. Access to a printer is additionally essential for applicants applying on the web.
[adinserter block=”1″]
Upon completion of payment, the printable form of the online fishing license is available. This is advantageous as you can re-print it from the online payment platform in case of lost or damaged license with no added fee.
A lot of factors determines the fee for obtaining the fishing license in Connecticut. It depends on the type of fishing license, residency status and the duration of the license’s validity. The license fee comes at a reduced cost for residents of Connecticut, military servicemen and senior citizens in the state.
The different types of these fishing licenses can be grouped into two major categories. This category is based on the type of water in which one intends to fish, i.e. the freshwater fishing license, and saltwater fishing license. These fishing license which gives legal rights to fish in Connecticut are accessible to both residents and non-residents in Connecticut.
Connecticut saltwater fishing license :
Anglers who prefer the saltwater to the freshwater usually opt for the saltwater fishing licenses. The cost of purchasing a saltwater license is less expensive than purchasing a freshwater license.
To apply for a saltwater fishing license through DEEP, applicants must be at least 16 years of age. Applicants need to complete the fishing license application, and residents who will purchase this license at a reduced fee will need to provide proof to ascertain their residency status.
Options are likewise accessible to applicants to purchase a combination of licenses so they can fish in both saltwater and freshwaters region. This can be purchased at any authorized DEEP offices, store, participating town halls, licensed sports vendor or online sportsmen licensing system.
Saltwater licenses are required for anyone who intends to angle offshore in the Connecticut marine region or catch marine fish anyplace in the state. Extra marine licensing options are required for individuals who intend to angle lobsters as well as gillnet users.
[adinserter block=”1″]
This is an annual license issued on a calendar basis for anglers between the ages of 26 to 65 but free for angles older than 65 years of age. Although this license is free for individual above the age of 65, it has to be annually renewed to meet the requirements of exemption of a federal registry.
An added advantage of obtaining the CT saltwater fishing license is that individuals are automatically exempted from the requirements of the federal ministry. This implies that anyone with this license is eligible to fish in the federal waters without any other license. However, if the angler wishes to fish sharks, tunas etc. there is a need to obtain the necessary permit from the license from the federal Highly Migratory Species (HMS).
Exceptions to obtaining a Connecticut saltwater fishing license, individuals with a valid marine fishing license in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York can fish in Connecticut. Also, a saltwater fishing license is not needed to bait blue crabs in Connecticut. However, it should be noted that the saltwater fishing license is only a sports fishing license only and a special license is needed for commercial fishing.
Connecticut freshwater fishing license :
Connecticut freshwater angling licenses are required to enable interested individuals to fish from the numerous lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds in the state of Connecticut. Residents and non-residents who intend to fish in these freshwater bodies are required to purchase a fishing license for inland/freshwater purposes online, from personnel at the DEEP office, or a licensed sports vendor can provide you with the fishing permit. However, after acquiring your Connecticut fishing permit, you should endeavour to collate all the important documents and also secure the proper fee for your desired fishing license.
How to get a fishing license in CT :
For residents to purchase a resident fishing license which comes at a reduced cost for fishing in freshwater areas of Connecticut, it is vital to provide proof of residency status to DEEP. This evidence of residency status can be acquired by presenting your valid CT driver’s license or state ID. Individuals without the above documents have to obtain a non-resident freshwater fishing license.
Acquiring a Connecticut fishing permit requires you to first enrol for a Connecticut Conservation ID through the Connecticut Online Sportsmen Licensing System. The conservation ID is essential in purchasing the license on the web or offline.
[adinserter block=”1″]
Freshwater fishing license in Connecticut is only valid for a calendar year, and it expires every year on December 31st. Also, there are possibilities for three-day and seasonal fishing licenses at a decreased cost. However, you have to be at least 16 years of age and more to be eligible to purchase a freshwater fishing license.
Youths between the ages of 16 and 17 years, senior citizens and members of the armed forces purchase the license at the reduced cost. However, the freshwater fishing license is free for children younger than 15 years of age, elderly over the ages of 65 and the physically and intellectually disabled persons.
Due to a large number of lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers in Connecticut, the price for obtaining a freshwater fishing license is usually more expensive than obtaining a saltwater fishing license. However, it is worth every penny paid as it present with great scenes nature has to offer.
CT fishing license cost :
The cost of a fishing permit which is required for anyone above 16 years of age varies a lot. However, fishing is free as no license is needed for physically and intellectually challenged persons with proof. Also, military servicemen are charged the same fee as residents.
Freshwater Fishing Licenses in Connecticut
Connecticut freshwater fishing licenses also referred to as inland fishing licenses can be used for angling in the various state lakes, rivers and streams. The cost freshwater fishing permit which is required for anyone 16 years of age and above depends on the residency status of the applicant.
Choose from the following the freshwater fishing license that best suits you:
- Inland Fishing License for Residents (18 to 64 years of age) – $28
- Inland Fishing License for Junior Residents (16 and 17 years of age) – $14
- All Waters Fishing License for Residents (18 to 64 years of age) – $32
- All Waters Fishing License for Junior Residents (16 and 17 years of age) – $16
- Inland Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting for Residents (18 to 64 years of age) – $38
- Inland Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting for Junior Residents (16 and 17 years of age) – $19
- All Waters Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting for Residents (18 to 64 years of age) – $40
- All Waters Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting for Junior Residents (16 and 17 years of age) – $20
- All Waters Fishing and Bow and Arrow Permit to Hunt Deer and Small Game for Residents (18 to 64 years of age) – $65
- All Waters Fishing and Bow and Arrow Permit to Hunt Deer and Small Game for Junior Residents (16 and 17 years of age) – $33
- Trout and Salmon Stamp for (18 to 64 years of age) – $5
- Trout and Salmon Stamp for (64 years of age and older) – $5
- Trout and Salmon Stamp for (16 and 17 years of age) – $3
- Inland Fishing for Resident Senior Citizen (65 years of age and older) – Free but requires renewal annually.
- Inland Fishing for Non-residents – $55
- All Water Fishing for Non-residents – $63
- Three Day Inland Fishing for Non-residents – $22
- Inland Fishing and Small Game Firearms Hunting for Non-residents – $110
- All Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting for Non-residents – $120
Saltwater Fishing Licenses in Connecticut
It is essentials for anglers to get a saltwater fishing license also referred to as the marine fishing license to fish from shore or a boat from offshore waters. Just like the freshwater fishing license, they are grouped by residency status and age.
Take a look at the saltwater fishing license to decide which best suits you:
- Marine Waters Fishing for Residents (18 to 64 years of age) – $10
- Marine Waters Fishing for Junior Residents(16 and 17 years of age) – $5
- One Day Marine Waters Fishing for Residents (18 to 64 years of age) – $5
- One Day Marine Waters Fishing for Junior Residents (16 and 17 years of age) – $3
- All Waters Fishing for Residents (18 to 64 years of age) – $32
- All Waters Fishing for Junior Residents (16 and 17 years of age) – $16
- Marine Waters Fishing Resident Senior Citizen (65 years of age and older) – Free but requires renewal annually.
- Marine Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting for Residents (18 to 64 years of age) – $25
- Marine Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting for Junior Residents (16 and 17 years of age) – $13
- All Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting for Residents (18 to 64 years of age) – $40
- All Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting for Junior Residents(16 and 17 years of age) – $20
- Marine Waters Fishing for Non-residents – $15
- All Waters Fishing for Non-residents – $63
- Marine Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting for Non-residents – $94
- All Waters Fishing and Firearms Hunting for Non-residents – $120
- Three Day Marine Waters Fishing for Non-residents – $8
Both freshwater and saltwater fishing license in Connecticut are subject to change.
Connecticut Fishing License Renewal :
License for fishing in Connecticut freshwater, saltwater or both is only valid for a calendar year. After the 31st of December of every year, it is required to renew your Connecticut fishing license to continue the great angling experience.
Also in the case of a lost license, if it was purchased online through the online sportsmen licensing system, it is relatively easy to renew it. Logging on to your conservation ID and providing entering your details like date of birth and last name, you can reprint your license by clicking the link on the top right corner.
[adinserter block=”1″]
A purchased license at a DEEP office or a particular license vendor can also be retrieved. All that is required is approaching them and providing them with all necessary documents; your license will be reprinted.
Renewal of a Connecticut fishing license follows the same procedures as applying for it. Completion of the renewal of the license is possible through options including online at the online licensing system, DEEP office, and particular sports vendor. Essential documents like valid driver’s license to ascertain residency status for residents needs to be made available to facilitate the CT fishing license renewal process.
The major groups of individual above the 65 years of age enjoying the free lifetime license need to renew their license. This offer for the elderly residents which became effective on October 1, 2009, will be renewed at no cost every year.
License to the physically and intellectually disabled persons which is free has to be renewed with proof of disability from a medical practitioner in the state. Also, residence with the loss of a limb or those using prosthetic limbs can renew their license for free but only with proof from a medical practitioner.
Renewal and purchasing of a license are synonymous with contributing to Connecticut conservation organization to ensure the future generations enjoy the same natural resources.
CT Fishing Laws
Connecticut has some sets of fishing rules that have to be adhered to be followed to protect their fish populations. CT fishing laws for to guide the fishing are put into place mainly intended to protect the fish populations, thereby improving their survival.
Fish directions are liable to change via season, by month or in light of evaluations of the current fish populations. Hence, it is essential to check the rules from time to time to ensure you are following the present set of laws.
Besides the standard catch and release best practices, fish in deep waters usually needs special treatment since they are liable to the impacts of decompression. On the off chance that you are angling for cod or the largemouth or smallmouth bass of the shore of Connecticut, you can help with the protection of these species by figuring out how to safely release these deep-water species.
[adinserter block=”1″]
You are not permitted to move live fish from one water body to another. Likewise, you are not allowed to present new species that may negatively affect another waterbody. Violation of this law will lead to changes in the natural beauty of the water and thus affecting the recreational species.
Unauthorized moving of a fish to a new water body attracts a fine of $85 for each violation per fish. There is a need to comprehend that if a new fish species are introduced and surviving in a water body, it will be to a great degree expensive to remove it from the water. It is prohibited to possess diploid grass carp. The Fisheries Division of Connecticut inspects all ponds in order to verify that the fish can’t escape from the waters where they were stocked.
Possession of endangered species, for example, piranha, carp, catfish, and all types of snakehead is not allowed. Also, you will need a special permit to perform some activities like participation in a fish competition, stocking fish and also the utilizing of grass carp for overseeing water plants. Swimming is prohibited unless in zones that have been allowed by the state identified with orange inscriptions.
Connecticut Fishing Regulations
The primary aim of CT fishing regulations is to forestall overfishing and maintain a relatively abundant fish population over time, given the best scientific data while staying reasonable and fair to recreational and commercial anglers.
Saltwater fish species tend to cross states, and therefore the regulations are effectuated by multi-state commissions and regional fishery management councils. To accomplish this task, an intensive process has to be institutionalized by the individual states to guarantee that both parties have great scientific knowledge about a species. Each state facilitates this process by submitting data and gathering input from the public. Ultimately, states are capable of actualizing this process by collective decisions through a bigger council.
Regulations for the inland angling are unique, although, these regulations do not apply to commercial fishing. Angling on the freshwater bodies in Connecticut with hook and line shouldn’t exceed three lines regardless of the rods, and any animal or plant can be used as a bait for fishing. Utilization of fish for bait requires authorization as some species like the smallmouth bass, largemouth bass and pike are prohibited to be used as bait.
[adinserter block=”1″]
Fishing in the inland water bodies requires the use of a curved device without a barb and also the use of hookless line attached with a ball of worms as bait is preferred. Fishing with bow and arrow and also spears are allowed for fun loving anglers but only during the opened fishing season. Archery can catch species including American eels, bowfin, and lampreys; this is however prohibited for trout. However, if you desire to use crossbows, you will need a license for that.
Fishing Stores in Connecticut
Getting the best fishing stores in CTcan pose to be a difficult challenge. Connecticut boosts with a great supply of natural freshwater and marine water fish, and they are a lot of fishing stores around. Here is a little guide to help you locate the right fishing store in Connecticut for you to get on the water and start catching fish!
Colonial sports fishing store know for sales of Sage, Tibor and a couple of fly tackles for freshwater and saltwater finishing are located on 431 Fitchville Rd, Bozrah, CT 06334. Self-acclaimed complete angler store, i.e. The Compleat Angler store provides an angler with a wide range of sage, Ross, Abel, Bauer and other fly tackle for all your fresh and saltwater fishing needs and is located at 555 Post Rd, Darien, CT 06820.
In need of a great fishing store in East Norwalk, Connecticut? Head to The Fisherman’s world store. They sell products including Sage, Abel, St. Croix, Van Staal and various other Fisherman’s fly and light tackle needed for your saltwater fishing experience.
On 24 Kent Rd, Cornwall Bridge in Connecticut, Housatonic River Outfitters will satisfy all your fishing needs with products like Ross, Sage, Abel, Diamond Black, Temple Fork Outfitters and other flies and fly tackle for fresh and saltwater fly fishing. Also, J & B Tackle on 25 Smith Avenue, Niantic Connecticut sells Shimano, G Loomis, a variety of light tackle saltwater fishing equipment with a little of fly tackle. This shop is also known for offering fly and light tackle saltwater fishing trips.
Other notable fishing stores in CT for your flies and tackles for saltwater and freshwater fishing includes Newton Bait and Tackle fishing store on 78 Main St Newton, North Cove Outfitters on 75 Main Street Old Saybrook, Sportsmans Den of Greenwich on 33 River Rd Cos Cob, UpCountry Sportfishing store on 352 Main St Pine Meadow, WestSport Outfitters on 44 Calf Pasture Beach Rd
Norwalk and many more.
Best fishing spots in Connecticut
Connecticut has many great spots for fishing with an abundance of rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds. Connecticut provides great options for your desired species. A nice spot for fishing will be angler that contains almost all species and at the same time receives no pressure. Surprisingly, most of the best fishing spots in CT remains a puzzle to most anglers even the residents in Connecticut.
Among the hundreds of lakes that can be found in Connecticut, Crescent Lake provides a great fishing experience. Shaped like a crescent and about 56 acres it is also a good spot for a nice boat lunch coupled with its great stock of catfish and trout. With enough space for parking, it offers a great spot for fishing as well as enjoying the park.
[adinserter block=”1″]
If you are itching for some trout action, then you most likely will enjoy a large number of trout parks in Connecticut. Although, some trout parks like The Moosup River are only for catch and release to ensure trout management.
A great spot to angle brownish trout and rainbow trout in the upper Housatonic River. Coupled with its high proportion of trout, it also contains bass, pike and other types of fish. The type of fishing suitable for the upper Housatonic River is stray fishing. Some of the catches in this river are also catch and release and not for commercial purposes.
Alexander’s lake, on the other hand, is a popular producer of trout. It is easily accessible, although, deep with its 215 acres in size. It is renowned for containing a great deal of large fish.
Anglers in need of a rich variety can decide to angle at The Naugatuck River. This river is known for containing a high proportion of salmons making it one of the best fishing spots in CT. Most of the salmons caught in this area are only for catch and release from October to November because it stocks during this period. The good news is from December all through March; individuals are entitled to keep a salmon per day.
Bass fishing in CT
If what gets you up out of the bed early in the day is bass fishing, then you shouldn’t hesitate to head to Connecticut for fishing. Bass is arguably one of the most sought-after of all the game fish. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass as well as the northern pike bass species can be found in Connecticut. Its appeal spans age groups, cultures, and genders to tap on the heartstrings of anglers everywhere.
Bass fishing in CT is controlled through state rules, i.e. a standard of at least 12-inch length and a maximum of 6 fish ownership. However, in Connecticut, most bass management lakes have some standards in place for effective fishing. This standards used by bass management lakes are usually between the 12-to 16-inch length rate limits, which imply that bass lesser than 12 inches in length or more than 16 inches in length might be collected, but none inside the 12-16 range.
These ranges are intended to ensure bigger and more desirable fish from being gathered thus enabling anglers to collect smaller fish that are usually very abundant. Harvesting small bass decreases the competition for food and sustenance and allowing the desired bass to survive more and grow faster.
The vast majority of the state’s common bass lakes are inspected like every three years. The sizes, population and the rate of growth are measured after some time to identify inclines in the fish population health. Since 1987, the Lake and Pond Monitoring Project has examined more than 200 water bodies.
Anglers may have different preferences. However, some of the most speculated best bass waters in Connecticut includes Bashan Lake in East Haddam, Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, Salisbury’s East Twin Lake, Danbury’s Candlewood Lake as well as Mono Pond. These toothy pinned predators can be caught from shore or on a boat as well as through the ice.
Conclusion
Connecticut is a great place to have an exciting fishing experience, but you need to make sure that you get everything right. The first would be to get the fishing license, and with the help of this guide, you will be on your way to a great catch.
[adinserter block=”1″]
