Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

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

Bass Action Plan (Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass)

For such a small state, Connecticut has outstanding natural resources and our black bass populations play a vital role ecologically, recreationally, and economically. With responsible conservation management plans and an engaged citizenry, we can ensure Connecticut’s bass fisheries remain viable for many years into the future. Public input and innovative thinking will continually enhance our ability to reach our management goals and adapt to new technological, environmental, political, and social challenges.

Meeting these challenges will require changes for both the Fisheries Division and our constituents. While change is always difficult, it is also inevitable as our fisheries and the people targeting them continue to evolve. We believe that continued collaboration between the Fisheries Division and the anglers of Connecticut will be crucial in realizing our shared goal – improved bass fishing opportunities for everyone in the years to come. Accordingly, this plan will foster ongoing efforts to reach out and connect with our anglers, fishing-related businesses, and non-traditional stakeholders.

Current Documents

The Fisheries Division released the Draft Bass Action Plan on June 29th, 2022. It was sent by email to licensed freshwater anglers, tournament directors, and other stakeholders. The plan was also publicized on Connecticut Fish and Wildlife social media accounts, the Fisheries Division Website, and via the CT Fishin’ Tips monthly newsletter. The Fisheries Division received public feedback on the Draft Bass Action Plan through a feedback form, emails, calls, and discussions during a public webinar and with stakeholder groups. The feedback was constructive and has led to several improvements.

Final Bass Action Plan (September 2022)

Summary of Changes from the Draft Plan (link to the original draft plan is below)

Question and Answers related to the Draft Plan (feedback from the webinar and survey were evaluated and some changes were made to the final plan).

 

Previously Published Documents

Bass Action Plan - Simple Overview and the full Draft Bass Action Plan (July 2022)

The recording of the public informational session held on July 12, 2022 where staff with the Fisheries Division provided an overview and answered questions.

 

 

 

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Please contact the Fisheries Division with any questions. 

Phone: 860-424-FISH (3474)
E-mail: andrew.bade@ct.gov

Content last updated September 2022