What Is New
Changes may occur during the year. Please see below for updates.
Most Current
August 15, 2023 - The National Marine Fisheries Service has issued new regulations for the recreational cod fishery in federal waters. Connecticut state waters recreational cod regulations, which recreational anglers must abide by when landing cod in Connecticut regardless of where the cod were caught, are specified to be identical to federal waters regulations. Therefore, recreational regulations for cod in Connecticut are now: Open Season: May 1 – May 31 and September 1 – April 30 (Closed June 1 – August 31) Possession Limit: 5 fish Minimum Size: 23 inches
May 17, 2023 - Effective at 12:00 am on May 26, 2023, CT's Striped Bass regulations change to become a slot of 28 inches to 31 inches. Any striped bass that is less than 28 inches or greater than or equal to 31 inches must be released without avoidable injury. This change was the result of emergency action by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission on May 2, 2023. This action set a maximum size of 31 inches for striped bass coast-wide. As a result Connecticut's previous slot of 28 inches to 35 inches is now reduced to 28-31 inches.
3/24/2023 - Changes to Black Sea Bass and Scup (Porgy) are regulations are official. Please visit our saltwater page for details.
3/1/2023- 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.
06/1/2022 - updated Marine sportfish regulations for Fluke, Scup, and Black Sea Bass.
07/01/2021 - You can now electronically sign your hunting and fishing license, which will allow you to keep a digitally signed copy on your smartphone instead of needing to have a signed printed copy!
01/01/2021 - Aquatic Invasive Species Fee for registered boats ($5 instate and $20 out of state) acquire via online licensing system
01/01/2021 - Circle hooks required for use when fishing with bait for Striped Bass.
Please contact the Fisheries Division with any questions.
Phone: 860-434-6043
E-mail: deep.marine.fisheries@ct.gov
Content last updated August 2023