Connecticut Fisheries Division COVID-19 Updates as of June 2021

Connecticut’s outdoors, including state boat launches, wildlife management areas and state forests, continue to be open for wildlife and fish-related recreation, such as bird watching, hunting, fishing, nature walks, and more. When visiting outdoor areas, try to stay at least 6 feet away from others outside of your household and if you’re not vaccinated wear a face covering when social distancing is not possible. Face coverings must be worn by all visitors at all times when inside any state facilities (i.e., field offices, fish hatcheries, visitor centers, etc.). All visitors are asked to Recreate Responsibly!

DEEP is encouraging all anglers to follow current recommendations for social distancing practices. 

Anglers are encouraged to purchase 2021 fishing licenses, Trout and Salmon Stamps, and Youth Fishing Passports online, through our mobile friendly site or access via our main fishing web page. Over the coming days, DEEP will be promoting these social distancing practices through social media and other outreach efforts.

 DEEP Fisheries and Wildlife information can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CTFishandWildlife, Twitter at https://twitter.com/CTFishWildlife, and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ctfishandwildlife. Both pages feature a variety of information on fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching in Connecticut.

 Questions about fish or fishing can be emailed directly to mike.beauchene@ct.gov who will assist you in as timely a manner as possible during normal working hours.

Connecticut Inland Fishing COVID-19 Update

Anglers are encouraged to follow these guidelines to enhance social distancing:

• If you’re not feeling well, stay home! Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
• Rather than traveling to some of the most popular spots like Trout Parks and Community Fishing Waters, or the Salmon, upper Farmington, or Housatonic Rivers, try a small stream or pond you may not have visited before or one close to your home. If you arrive at a favorite fishing spot and see that crowds are forming, choose a different location, or return another day or time.
• Observe the CDC's minimum recommended social distancing of six feet from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like – basically a fishing rod distance apart.
• Follow the CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene. Wash your hands, carry hand sanitizer, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and avoid surfaces that are touched often, such as streamside trees, boulders along streamside trails, handrails on fishing piers, and docks.
• Bring water or drinks and a trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect park workers.

FAQs 

Has [insert favorite fishing hole] been stocked with trout yet this year? Our Interactive Trout Stocking Map and Trout Stocking Report will be updated each afternoon.

Where can I get a copy of the 2021 Fishing Guide?  The 2021 Fishing Guide has been shipped to locations that sell fishing licenses and many town clerk offices. It is available online at Fishing Guide.  

Where can I get my fishing license and trout/salmon stamp?  We encourage you to get your fishing license online 24/7 through our online licensing system: https://ct.aspirafocus.com/internetsales/.

Where can I find bait and tackle? Many bait and tackle shops, as well as big-box stores that carry bait and tackle, remain open for online sales, curbside pickup, or limited indoor sales. Please call ahead for more information.

Do I have to wear a life jacket while in a kayak? During the period from October 1st through May 31st, all persons on board a manually propelled vessel must wear a Type I, II, III or V, U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device and no operator, or owner or user of a manually propelled vessel shall allow any person to be aboard who is not wearing such a device.

Are State Parks open for fishing? Yes, State Parks remain open to fishing, but several measures have been taken to reduce crowding and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. See here for more information: COVID-19 Updates CT State Parks and Forests. For up-to-date information on park closures, follow @CTStateParks on Twitter.

Are Party/Charter Boats open for business? Yes

Are CARE fishing classes cancelled? No, but to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, all in person CARE learn to fish classes are running via ZOOM. For more information see here: COVID-19 Updates CARE Program

Are fishing tournaments/derbies cancelled? No, DEEP has resumed issuing tournament/derby permits.

Is commercial fishing affected? The Commissioner ordered a temporary waiver of the requirement to submit the application and payment for commercial fishing licenses by the March 31, 2020 application deadline. The waiver is extended, without additional approvals, until May 31, 2020, to avoid permanent forfeiture of those licenses due to the disruption of the commercial fishing license renewal process. See full order here: Order of the Commissioner Concerning Licensure of Commercial Fishermen

What else is DEEP doing to mitigate the spread of COVID-19? Please see here for more information on DEEP's COVID-19 response: DEEP COVID-19 Response

Content last updated June 1, 2021