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

Trophy Trout Areas

Regulations | Fishing tips for TTAs | Caring for your catch | Background

 In an effort to enhance opportunities for anglers to catch really large trout, eight Trophy Trout Areas (TTAs) were created. Trophy Trout Areas are sections of rivers where the percentage of trout being stocked are larger than the standard sized stocked trout (9-12”) and include the majority of the surplus broodstock trout (greater then 2lb). The intent of these areas is to give anglers the opportunity to catch a large, highly-prized trout. Trophy Trout Areas are found on stretches of the following six rivers:
  • Natchaug River in Eastford, Chaplin, and Windham
  • Naugatuck River
    • upper section Torrington/Harwinton/Litchfield
    • middle section Thomaston, Watertown, and Waterbury,
    • lower section Naugatuck, Beacon Falls, Seymour, and Ansonia
  • Pequonnock River in Trumbull, from the Whitney Avenue Bridge Crossing downstream to the Daniels Farm Road Bridge Crossing
  • Pomperaug River in Woodbury and Southbury
  • Salmon River in Colchester, East Haddam, East Hampton, and Haddam
  • Shetucket River in Windham, Scotland, Sprague, and Norwich

Regulations

Public Act 21-12 removed the closed season for trout. Anglers may fish in TTAs year-round.

There are 8 (TTAs) located around Connecticut. Searching the DEEP Interactive Trout Stocking Map for “Trophy Trout Areas” will show exact river stretches, access points, and when each location was last stocked. TTAs have a special 2 trout limit per person per day limit. Possession of more than two trout on such waters or their shores is prohibited. A trout and salmon stamp is required to keep trout in TTAs.

Fishing tips for TTAs

  • Trout are wary fish so keep your fishing line between 2 and 8 lb test (nothing heavier) and hook size should be small (size 6, 8, or 10) when using bait.
  • Worms, meal worms, and live shiners make excellent live bait for trout. When bottom fishing, add just enough split shots to bounce along the bottom of the stream. If fishing a slow moving pool, add a small bobber to keep your bait suspended and moving with the current.
  • There are an endless variety of artificial lures that are all very effective for catching trout. Ask your local bait and tackle store what lures they suggest for trout. The best lures for trout tend to be small. Fish lures by immediately reeling it in as soon as it hits the water.
  • Fly fishing is a very popular, effective, yet challenging method for fishing TTAs.
  • Consult the Fishing Guide to confirm regulations for where you are fishing.

Caring for your catch

Trout are a delicious and healthy food, and make a fine dinner that you can be proud to have caught yourself! Trout are very versatile and can be prepared a variety of ways. But first, take care of your catch by getting them on ice as soon as possible to protect the delicate nature of the meat. If ice is not readily available, use a stringer to keep the fish in the water as this will help prevent deterioration of the flesh.

You could fillet the trout, or simply remove the guts and cook whole. Trout can be prepared in endless different ways from smoked, baked, planked (see planked kokanee recipe), steamed or fried. A simple Google search will provide more recipes than anyone can eat in a lifetime! Professional Chef Arno Jullien shared with us a simple and delicious trout preparation.

 

Simple Trout Recipe

If you plan to release the trout you catch, be sure to keep the trout in the water as much as possible and pinch the barbs on your hook to make removal easier. Click here for more tips on Tips for Better Catch and Release.

Background

Trout have been at the forefront of fisheries management in Connecticut for more than a century and are one of the most sought after fish species by anglers who take approximately 2.1 million fishing trips a year seeking them. There are four main trout species (brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, and tiger trout) currently raised at Connecticut's fish hatcheries and stocked into Connecticut's waters. While the majority of trout stocked streams and rivers fall under the general state-wide trout regulations of 5 trout limit per day, there are specially designated Trophy Trout Areas spread around the state to offer a diverse fishing experience to anglers!

 

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Please contact the Fisheries Division with any questions. 

Phone: 860-424-FISH (3474)
E-mail: deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov

Content last updated in April 2024