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

Shore Fishing in Coastal State Parks

A vehicle parking fee is required to enter most of the state parks during regular hours (8 a.m. - 6 p.m.).  Check the specific park for parking fee details.

Night Fishing Rules:  Anglers entering a park by vehicle must obtain a vehicle permit in order to park and fish.  No vehicle will be admitted into the day-use areas of the park from 6:30 a.m. - 8 a.m.  Individuals entering the park without a vehicle do not require a parking permit, but must possess fishing tackle (rod and reel, bait, light, etc.), a marine waters fishing license and engage in fishing.

Bluff Point State Park, Groton  
Fishing is allowed at Poquonock Cove and the beach at Bluff Point. 24 hrs.
Fish to be caught: Winter flounder and snapper bluefish can be caught at Poquonock Cove.  Bluefish, striped bass, hickory shad, summer flounder, little tunny and blackfish can be caught from the beach.
Directions and Parking Fees

Fort Trumbull State Park, New London  Handicapped Accessible
There is 24 hour pedestrian access from Riverfront Walk to Pier 4 on the Thames River.  Regulations are posted on the pier.
Fish to be caught: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, hickory shad, scup, tautog, winter flounder and weakfish.
Directions and Parking Fees

Ferry Landing State Park, Old Lyme  Handicapped Accessible
Fishing access (handicapped accessible) consists of a fenced bulkhead area and a fishing/crabbing boardwalk.  Parking is available inside the park after hours for fishing/crabbing only.
Fish to be caught: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, catfish, tomcod, winter flounder, hickory shad and white perch.
Directions: I-95, Exit 70 to Route 156. After 1/4 mile make a right onto Ferry Road. Follow to end. Telephone: 860-434-6043
Parking Fees: None

Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison    Handicapped Accessible  Camping
Fishing is allowed only at the Meig's Point Jetty (south end) and at West Beach Jetty during the peak season from 8 a.m. to sunset.  Night fishing is allowed along the entire beach (2 miles).  The entire beach (2 miles) is not open to night fishing during the off-season (October - May).
Fish to be caught: Blackfish, winter flounder, bluefish, summer flounder, scup, weakfish and striped bass.
Directions and Parking Fees

Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford
Fishing is allowed along the beach. No swimming allowed.
Fish to be caught: Blackfish, bluefish and striped bass can be caught off the rocky point  and summer flounder off the beach.
Directions and Parking Fees

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic  Camping
Fishing is allowed on the jetty year round.  The entire beach and jetty is open to fishing during the off-season. Jetty located on right side of beach.
Fish to be caught:  Blackfish, winter flounder, bluefish and striped bass can be caught off the jetty. Crabbing is allowed at designated areas.
Directions and Parking Fees

Sherwood Island State Park, Westport
Fishing is allowed at Sherwood Point, East and West Jetty during the open season (April 15 - Sept. 30).  The entire beach is open to fishing during the off-season from 8 a.m. to sunset only.
Fish to be caught: Blackfish, bluefish, scup, summer flounder, winter flounder and striped bass can be caught off Sherwood Point.
Directions and Parking Fees

Silver Sands State Park / Charles Island, Milford
Fishing is open throughout the area including the tombolo which extends about a mile from the mainland to Charles Island. Caution is advised when fishing or walking the tombolo. Swift tidal currents during a flood tide can make passage dangerous and person unfamiliar with the area may be stranded on Charles Island until low tide.
Fish to be caught: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, hickory shad and weakfish.
Directions and Parking Fees

 

Content last updated March 2020