Freshwater
Page 6 of 9
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The brown bullhead is Connecticut’s most widely distributed and only native catfish species. They are good to eat, but are typically underutilized by anglers.
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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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Bluegills often inhabit shallow areas and are very easy to catch on a variety of small lures or baits (especially worms).
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Rock bass have relatively large mouths, so are commonly caught by anglers seeking larger gamefish.
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Mullets are torpedo-shaped fishes with horizontal mouths.
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Yellow perch are one of the state’s most popular panfishes. They actively feed during the winter, making them a staple for ice anglers.
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Closely related to fallfish, creek chubs build long ridges of gravel for nests.
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Fishing Access for Persons with Disabilities
Find fishing areas with access for persons with disabilities.
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It is unclear how or when bluntnose minnows arrived in Connecticut.
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Community fishing waters are lakes and ponds stocked with trout and channel catfish near urban communities.
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Where numerous, rainwater killifish are thought to be an effective control of mosquito larvae.
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In 2003, the American shad was designated Connecticut’s “State Fish.”
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They are sold as bait at coastal bait shops (where they are often called “killies” or “mummies”) and are popular due to their toughness and ability to survive in fresh water.
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Fish Descriptions and Distribution Maps Explained
Learn how to interpret the fish descriptions and distribution maps used to describe the freshwater fishes of Connecticut!
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Learn about goldfish in Connecticut, an introduced species that is native to Asia and common in urban ponds.