Fishing Challenge

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Fishing Challenge

Species added to the scorecard for 2023 and beyond! Based on participant request, effective 2023 and beyond the list of species has increased. We have added the following freshwater species: American Shad, Calico Bass, Rock Bass, Bowfin, Tiger Trout, White Sucker, White Perch, and Fallfish. New saltwater species include: Black Sea Bass, Striped Sea Robin, and Smooth Dogfish. See links to learn about each species below.

Local News Coverage of the 2022 Fishing Challenge winner: FOX 61 and also on NBC 30

This activity invites you to try and catch at least one of every type of fish listed on the Fishing Challenge Scorecard. Submit your catch using the online angler recognition portal (select fishing challenge as the recognition type)

The Fishing Challenge is a fun filled year-long activity where budding anglers are "challenged" to catch as many of the fish listed on the Fishing Challenge Scorecard. Catching a large fish may qualify you for a Trophy Fish Award

Check out our Fishing Challenge Leaderboard (right side of the screen).

To enter your catch:

Take a photo showing the fish and YOUth angler. (The fish should be next to a ruler to show its length if you think it may qualify for a Trophy Fish Award).
Submit your catch using the online angler recognition portal (select fishing challenge as the recognition type).
Check out our Fishing Challenge Leaderboard (right side of the screen).

The Fisheries Division will keep a record of each angler's catches. The top four anglers (with the most number of fish from the scorecard) will be will a prize pack filled with great fishing gifts.

To learn more about how to catch any of the fish/crab listed on the scorecard visit the corresponding link below. Additional Connecticut specific details about many of these fish can be found in the online version of Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut.

Shad (American Shad or Hickory Shad)

Atlantic Salmon

Blackfish (Tautog)

Black Crappie/Calico Bass