Fishing Regulations

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

Fishing Regulations | Reglamentos de Pesca

No changes for 2025 (freshwater) - There will not be any changes to the sport fishing regulations for the inland district for 2025.

The proposed changes to the sport fishing regulations continue to move through the adoption process and will not be ready for January 2025. As such, the Fisheries Division is opting to implement the next round of changes effective January 1, 2026. For a reminder about these forthcoming changes, please visit our Proposed Regulations webpage. Any new changes will take effect on January 1, 2026. Questions may be sent to mike.beauchene@ct.gov.

Freshwater Regulations (Digital Fishing Guide)

Saltwater Regulations (Digital Fishing Guide)

Helpful links for Fishing rules and regulations

The 2024 Fishing Guide* is available for download in English and Spanish. Please note this document is now freshwater only. The saltwater regulations will be published at a later date in a separate brochure once they are finalized, which is usually late February.

*There are no changes to freshwater regulations for 2025.

The Fisheries Division has partnered with FishBrain, the world's largest fishing app. This partnership allows CT to have the fishing regulations served up to app users for FREE! Download the app.The Fisheries Division will be printing and distributing a limited number of copies of the guide to fishing license vendors early in 2025. Please direct any questions to mike.beauchene@ct.gov.

A guide to the timing for required catch and release of trout is available for view/download.

As a reminder this guide is provided as a simple summary of fishing regulations and definitions. The official version are on the web page for the Secretary of State

Digital Freshwater Fishing Guide

Digital Saltwater Fishing Guide and our simple one page overview

DEEP Laws and Regulations - Main Page

Commissioner Declarations

Striped Bass and Inline Circle Hooks - New Rule and Updates