Connecticut Fishing Season and Limits for 2025–2026 by Month – Species, Licenses & Hotspots
You understand the sensation if you have ever stood by a Connecticut river in the early spring and seen the water vibrate with opportunity. Knowing that some of the most varied fish populations in New England are found beneath those placid waters creates an electric sense of anticipation just before you cast your line. Don’t be fooled by Connecticut’s tiny size; our freshwater lakes, meandering rivers, and lengthy stretch of saltwater shoreline along lengthy Island Sound make it a fishing haven that attracts fishermen year after year.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about Connecticut’s fishing scene for 2025–2026, regardless of whether you’re an experienced angler who has been fishing these waters for decades or someone who is just considering purchasing their first rod. We’ll talk about how to stay legal with the proper license, where to discover the finest hotspots, seasonal patterns, and creel limitations. Let’s get started! 🐟
🌊 Connecticut’s Year-Round Fishing Calendar
Many newcomers are surprised to learn that most species in Connecticut do not have a universal “closed season.” Yes, the Constitution State is a year-round fishing destination! For trout in particular, there are some significant seasonal variations and catch-and-release times.
From striped bass skimming the Sound to savage largemouth bass in Candlewood Lake, from stocked rainbow trout in the Farmington River to northern pike hiding in Bantam Lake, Connecticut’s waters are home to an amazing array of fish. These fisheries are closely managed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), which has rules in place to maintain population health for future generations.
📅 Quick Reference Table by Month
Here’s your at-a-glance guide to what’s biting when in Connecticut waters:
| Month | Target Species | Fishing Conditions | Key Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|
| January-February | Yellow Perch, Pike, Trout (C&R only starting March 1) | Ice fishing season peaks; cold-water species active | Trout catch & release only from March 1 |
| March | Trout (C&R), Pike, Walleye | Early trout season (catch & release only until mid-April) | Trout daily limit: 0 (catch & release) |
| April | Trout, Bass, Crappie | Trout keep season opens 2nd Saturday; bass warming up | Trout daily limit: 5 (after 2nd Sat, 6:00 AM) |
| May | Bass, Trout, Striped Bass, Shad | Prime spring fishing; stripers enter the Sound | Striped Bass: 28-31″ slot, 1 fish limit |
| June-July | Bass, Panfish, Pike, Catfish | Summer peak; all species active | Bass: 12″ min (lakes), 6 fish daily |
| August | Bass, Bluefish, Stripers, Catfish | Hot-weather fishing; saltwater heats up | Bluegill & sunfish: no limits |
| September-October | Fall Trout Stocking, Bass, Walleye | Fall stocking begins; cooler temps bring fish back | Over 60,000 trout stocked in fall |
| November-December | Pike, Trout, Walleye, White Perch | Late-season opportunities; prep for ice fishing | Striped Bass season ends Dec 15 |
🐟 Popular Sport Fish in Connecticut
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass
Bass fishing is practically a religion in Connecticut, and for good reason. Our lakes are absolutely loaded with both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Candlewood Lake—the state’s largest lake at over 5,400 acres—was once ranked among the Top 25 bass lakes in the nation by Bassmaster Magazine.
Season: Open year-round
Size Limits: 12-inch minimum in lakes and ponds, no minimum in rivers and streams
Daily Creel Limit: 6 bass total (largemouth and smallmouth combined)
The thing about bass fishing in Connecticut is that it truly is a four-season pursuit. Spring brings pre-spawn aggression, summer offers topwater action at dawn and dusk, fall sees them feeding heavily before winter, and yes—you can even catch them ice fishing if you’re dedicated enough.
Top Waters: Candlewood Lake (New Fairfield/Brookfield), Bantam Lake (Morris/Litchfield), Lake Lillinonah (Newtown/Southbury)
Trout (Brook, Brown, Rainbow, Tiger)
Ah, trout—the species that gets Connecticut anglers out of bed before sunrise. The DEEP stocks over 600,000 trout annually in approximately 100 lakes and ponds and 100+ miles of rivers and streams. If you’re into Pennsylvania’s excellent trout fisheries, you’ll find Connecticut’s offerings equally impressive.
Season:
- March 1 – 6:00 AM 2nd Saturday in April: Catch & Release Only
- 2nd Saturday in April (6:00 AM) – Last day of February: 5 fish daily limit
- Trout & Salmon Stamp required to keep fish
Size Limits: No minimum length (except 20″ for Lake Trout)
Daily Creel Limit: 5 trout (during keep season); 0 during catch & release period
The Farmington River is legendary—it’s one of the best wild trout fisheries in the entire Northeast. But don’t sleep on smaller streams and state-stocked waters. Check the DEEP Trout Stocking Report for real-time updates on where trucks are dropping fish.
Pro Tip: Connecticut has 13 designated “Trout Parks” that receive frequent stockings (every 10 days) during spring and fall. Black Rock State Park in Watertown and Kent Falls State Park are family-friendly options.
Northern Pike and Tiger Muskie
Pike fishing in Connecticut has exploded in popularity over the past decade. These toothy predators grow big here—Bantam Lake has produced specimens over 30 pounds, giving rise to local legends about “Bantam Bertha.”
Season: Open year-round
Size Limit: 26-inch minimum
Daily Creel Limit: 2 fish
Pike are ambush predators, so fish near weed beds, drop-offs, and structure. Bantam Lake, Little Pond (Litchfield), and Lake Lillinonah all have special pike regulations, so double-check the specific rules for each water body.
Walleye
Connecticut’s walleye program has created excellent fishing opportunities, especially at night. These delicious eating fish (yes, they’re fantastic on the dinner table) thrive in several Connecticut lakes.
Season: Open year-round
Size Limit: 18-inch minimum
Daily Creel Limit: 2 fish
Best Waters: Candlewood Lake, East Twin Lake, West Hill Pond, Lake Lillinonah
Walleye are most active during low-light conditions—dawn, dusk, and nighttime. Jigs tipped with live bait work wonders.
Catfish and Bullheads
Channel catfish and white catfish provide excellent action for anglers of all ages, and they bite throughout the warm months. There’s something deeply satisfying about hooking into a 10-pound channel cat on a summer evening.
Season: Open year-round
Size Limit: None
Daily Creel Limit: 6 catfish (Channel and White combined); unlimited bullheads
Catfish are bottom feeders, so use chicken liver, cut bait, or prepared stink baits fished on the bottom. Community Fishing Waters have a reduced limit of 3 catfish per day.
🦞 Specialty Species: Saltwater Opportunities
Connecticut’s 618 miles of Long Island Sound coastline open up a whole different world of angling. Let’s talk about our marine heavyweights.
Striped Bass (Rockfish)
Stripers are the crown jewel of Connecticut saltwater fishing. These powerful fish migrate through our waters every spring and fall, creating world-class fishing opportunities from shore and boat.
Season: Open year-round (peak: May-December)
Slot Limit: Must be 28-31 inches (anything smaller or larger must be released immediately)
Daily Creel Limit: 1 fish
Special Rule: Inline circle hooks required when using bait
This slot limit protects both breeding-size females and smaller fish, ensuring the population stays healthy. Connecticut participates in the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission management program.
The Western Sound near Norwalk, Stamford, and Greenwich heats up in May. The Connecticut River also offers excellent striper fishing where freshwater meets salt.
Bluefish
Bluefish are aggressive, fun to catch, and put up a terrific fight pound-for-pound. They school up and go on feeding frenzies that you can literally see from shore.
Season: Open year-round
Size Limit: None
Daily Creel Limit: 5 fish per angler (on party/charter boats for paying passengers)
Bluefish love shiny lures and can absolutely shred soft plastics. Bring wire leaders—their teeth are razor-sharp!
Summer Flounder (Fluke), Black Sea Bass, Scup (Porgy), and Tautog
Connecticut offers excellent bottom-fishing opportunities. Black sea bass regulations vary between Connecticut and New York state waters, so know which zone you’re in.
Summer Flounder: 19″ minimum (May 4-Aug 1), 19.5″ minimum (Aug 2-Oct 15); 3 fish daily
Black Sea Bass: 16″ minimum; check seasonal dates
Scup (Porgy): 9″ minimum; 30 fish daily
Tautog (Blackfish): 16″ minimum; varies by season
These species are available at offshore reefs and wrecks. Many charter captains specialize in mixed-bag bottom fishing trips.
🐠 Panfish & Everyday Catches
Sometimes the best fishing is the simplest. Connecticut’s panfish provide consistent action and are perfect for introducing kids to the sport.
| Species | Size Limit | Daily Creel Limit | Best Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bluegill | None | Unlimited | Most lakes & ponds |
| Pumpkinseed Sunfish | None | Unlimited | Shallow weedy areas |
| Yellow Perch | None | Unlimited | Deep structure, ice fishing |
| Black Crappie (Calico Bass) | None | Unlimited | Brush piles, docks |
| Rock Bass | None | Unlimited | Rocky areas, streams |
| White Perch | 7″ min (tidal waters) | 30 (tidal); unlimited elsewhere | CT River, tidal areas |
| Chain Pickerel | 15″ (lakes/ponds) | 6 (lakes); unlimited (rivers/streams) | Weedy shallow water |
Panfish are where many of us got our start, and they remain incredibly popular. A simple bobber, small hook, and worm will catch you dinner at just about any Connecticut pond.
🦆 Stocked & Managed Waters
Connecticut’s DEEP runs an impressive stocking program. In fall 2025, they’re stocking over 60,000 trout and approximately 2,000 Atlantic salmon across 38 lakes/ponds and 37 river/stream sections. This includes Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Tiger trout.
Trout Parks (heavily stocked every 10 days in spring and fall):
- Black Rock State Park (Watertown)
- Chatfield Hollow State Park (Killingworth)
- Kent Falls State Park (Kent)
- McGovern Park Pond/Spice Bush Swamp (West Hartford)
- Pasture Pond at Quinebaug Hatchery (Plainfield)
- Southford Falls State Park (Oxford)
Atlantic Salmon Management Areas exist on the Naugatuck, Shetucket, and Housatonic Rivers. Special regulations apply September 1 – March 31 in designated sections.
Want to know where the stocking truck just dropped fish? Check the weekly stocking report on the DEEP website. It’s updated regularly throughout stocking season.
🌍 Public vs Private Waters
Most of Connecticut’s premier fishing occurs on public waters where anyone with a valid license can fish. This includes:
- State-owned lakes and ponds
- Rivers and streams (with some exceptions)
- Long Island Sound and tidal waters
- State Parks and Wildlife Management Areas
Private ponds require landowner permission. However, Connecticut has excellent public access—the DEEP maintains boat launches and fishing access sites throughout the state.
Some waters are controlled by private associations that set special regulations. Always check specific water body regulations before fishing.
Access Tip: Connecticut offers free fishing opportunities at “Community Fishing Waters”—easily accessible locations stocked with trout, suitable for families. Many have reduced creel limits to spread the resource among more anglers.
🎟️ Connecticut Fishing License Guide
Alright, let’s talk about staying legal. Connecticut requires a fishing license for anyone 16 years or older. Kids under 16 fish free (though we recommend getting them a free Youth Fishing Passport through the DEEP system).
License Types and Fees
All Waters Licenses (covers both freshwater and saltwater):
- Connecticut Resident (16-17): $16
- Connecticut Resident (18-64): $32
- Connecticut Resident (65+): FREE (requires annual renewal)
- Non-Resident: $63
- Non-Resident (3 consecutive days): $22
Inland Waters Only:
- CT Resident (16-17): $14
- CT Resident (18-64): $28
- CT Resident (65+): FREE
- Non-Resident: $55
Marine Waters Only:
- CT Resident (16-17): $5
- CT Resident (18-64): $10
- CT Resident (65+): FREE
- Non-Resident: $15
- Non-Resident (3 consecutive days): $8
Trout & Salmon Stamp (required to keep trout or kokanee):
- Resident (16-17): $3
- Resident (18-64): $5
- Non-Resident: $5
Reciprocity Agreements
Connecticut has fantastic reciprocity with neighboring states for marine fishing. If you hold a valid Marine Waters Fishing License from Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or New York, you can fish Connecticut’s marine waters. Connecticut residents with a CT Marine License can also fish in those states’ marine waters. Similar to how New York fishing regulations work with neighboring states, this makes multi-state trips much simpler.
Where to Buy
- Online: Connecticut Online Outdoor Licensing System (recommended—instant digital license)
- DEEP Offices: Various locations statewide
- License Vendors: Town clerks and sporting goods stores throughout Connecticut
Free Fishing Days for 2026:
- Saturday, May 9, 2026 – No license required
- Sunday, June 21, 2026 – Free 1-day license (must register online)
- Saturday, August 8, 2026 – Free 1-day license (must register online)
Combination Licenses
Connecticut offers combo licenses that package fishing with hunting if you’re into multiple outdoor pursuits:
- Firearms + All Waters Fishing (Resident 18-64): $40
- Archery + All Waters Fishing (Resident 18-64): $65
Special Licenses
Military: Active full-time armed forces members get resident rates even if stationed in Connecticut temporarily.
Disability: Residents who are blind, intellectually disabled, or have lost use of limbs can receive free licenses (verification required).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids need a fishing license in Connecticut?
No. Anyone under 16 years old can fish without a license. However, you can get them a free Youth Fishing Passport through the DEEP system for tracking their catches and participating in programs.
Can I use live bait in Connecticut?
Yes, live bait is legal in most waters. However, you cannot use live alewife or blueback herring as bait. Also, when fishing for striped bass with bait, you must use inline circle hooks.
Are there any waters that are catch-and-release only?
Yes. From March 1 until 6:00 AM on the second Saturday in April, all trout fishing statewide is catch-and-release only. Some individual waters have year-round catch-and-release or special regulations—always check the specific regulations for your target water.
Is night fishing allowed in Connecticut?
Absolutely! In fact, night fishing can be extremely productive for walleye, catfish, and striped bass. Just make sure you have proper lighting and safety equipment on boats.
Is bowfishing legal in Connecticut?
Yes, bowfishing is permitted for certain species including common carp, American eel, and various rough fish. Bowfishing is prohibited in lakes and ponds and in trout-stocked streams. Spearing follows similar rules.
How do I report a trophy catch?
Connecticut maintains state record fish programs for both freshwater and saltwater. Visit the DEEP website for the official record list and submission process. You’ll need verified weight, length, witness information, and often a photo.
What should I do if I catch an invasive species?
Do not release it back into the water. Invasive species like snakehead fish or certain aquatic plants should be reported to DEEP. Humanely dispatch the fish if possible and report your catch.
🗺️ Connecticut Fishing Hotspots: Where to Cast Your Line
Connecticut might be small, but we’re mighty when it comes to quality fishing locations. Here are the must-visit spots:
1. Candlewood Lake (Danbury/Brookfield/New Fairfield/Sherman)
At 5,420 acres, this is Connecticut’s largest lake and arguably its best all-around fishery. Candlewood produces trophy largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, yellow perch, and panfish. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection stocks it heavily.
Target Species: Bass, Walleye, Pike, White Catfish, Perch
Access: Multiple public boat launches
2. Bantam Lake (Morris/Litchfield)
Connecticut’s largest natural lake (947 acres) is famous for its northern pike population. Legend has it a monster pike called “Bantam Bertha” still swims these waters.
Target Species: Northern Pike, Bass, Pickerel, Perch, Calico Bass
Access: Lake Bantam Boat Launch, 16 Palmer Road, Morris
3. Farmington River
One of New England’s premier wild trout rivers. The stretch between Riverton and Collinsville is particularly productive, with sections designated as Trout Management Areas.
Target Species: Wild Brown and Rainbow Trout, Stocked Trout
Access: Multiple access points; check DEEP maps for specific pools
4. Lake Lillinonah (Newtown/Bridgewater/Brookfield/Southbury)
A scenic reservoir on the Housatonic River that’s excellent for bass, pike, and walleye. The deep water and structure create ideal habitat.
Target Species: Bass, Pike, Walleye, Panfish
Access: Multiple boat launches
5. Housatonic River (Various towns)
From its headwaters in the Berkshires down to Long Island Sound, the Housatonic offers diverse fishing. The lower river below the Derby Dam has striped bass and American shad runs.
Target Species: Trout (upper sections), Bass, Pike, Striped Bass (tidal section), Shad
Access: Numerous access points statewide
6. Long Island Sound (Coastal Connecticut)
Our 618-mile coastline offers world-class saltwater fishing from shore, pier, and boat. Popular access points include Hammonasset Beach State Park, Fort Trumbull, and numerous town beaches.
Target Species: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Summer Flounder, Black Sea Bass, Porgy, Tautog
Access: Public beaches, fishing piers, charter boats
7. Mashapaug Lake (Union) – Bigelow Hollow State Park
A beautiful remote pond in northeastern Connecticut that’s heavily stocked with trout and has excellent bass and panfish populations.
Target Species: Trout, Bass, Panfish
Access: Bigelow Hollow State Park
8. Connecticut River
The mighty Connecticut River forms the border with Vermont and Massachusetts and runs through the heart of the state. It offers incredible diversity—American shad runs in spring, resident smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, and striped bass in tidal sections.
Target Species: Shad, Striped Bass, Bass, Pike, Walleye, Catfish
Access: Numerous boat launches and shore access points
Interactive Maps: The DEEP maintains excellent online mapping tools. Check out the Connecticut Fishing Access Guide for GPS coordinates, facilities, and specific regulations for every public fishing area.
✅ Final Thoughts: Get Out There!
Connecticut fishing offers something for everyone, from the quiet solitude of a mountain trout stream to the adrenaline rush of battling a 40-inch striper in the Sound. Our seasons are long, our regulations are designed to keep fisheries healthy, and our waters are surprisingly diverse for such a small state.
Before you head out, remember to:
✅ Check your license and make sure it’s current
✅ Review specific regulations for your target water body
✅ Check the trout stocking schedule if you’re chasing freshly stocked fish
✅ Practice catch-and-release for fish you don’t plan to eat
✅ Respect private property and leave no trace
✅ Bring family or friends—fishing is better with company
The 2025-2026 season is shaping up to be fantastic. Water quality continues to improve, stocking programs are robust, and management practices are working. Whether you’re a Connecticut native or visiting from states with similar great fishing like Wisconsin or Minnesota, you’ll find our waters welcoming and productive.
So grab your rod, tie on your favorite lure, and get out there. Those fish aren’t going to catch themselves. Tight lines! 🎣