Freshwater
Page 5 of 9
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They were first observed in Connecticut in the early 1980s at a few disjunct sites in the lower Housatonic and upper Quinebaug River drainages. Populations are expanding in both of these drainages, and individuals have recently been discovered in the Connecticut River drainage as well.
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Connecticut’s smallest pike species. They are typically mistaken for small chain pickerel by anglers.
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Catfish and bullheads have eight barbels around the mouth: two off the snout, two off the corners of the mouth, and four under the chin. These long barbels give the impression of whiskers, hence the name “catfishes.”
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The channel catfish is the state’s largest catfish species.
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The summer/fall recreational fishery for hickory shad is gaining in popularity.
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Often confused with the snakehead, the bowfin is an introduced fish that has grown rapidly in abundance since 2003.
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With no obvious and distinctive characteristics, the common shiner is one of the most difficult fish to identify.
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Find all the resources you need to get out and enjoy freshwater fishing in Connecticut!
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View Connecticut's freshwater record fish with pictures!
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Emergency Fishery Closure is in effect for Alewife and Blueback Herring. Read on for more information.
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Typically the most abundant fish species in larger rivers, the spottail shiner is a very important forage fish.
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The burbot is the only completely freshwater member of the cod family. Little is known of its life history in Connecticut.
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This is the largest killifish species in Connecticut and the least tolerant of fresh water.
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The chain pickerel is Connecticut’s largest native freshwater predatory fish. Before the introduction of bass, it was the top predator in the state’s lakes and ponds.
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In 2003, the American shad was designated Connecticut’s “State Fish.”