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 a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education Program (CARE) COVID-19 Updates

The DEEP Fisheries Division - Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) program is still here to help you get fishing by offering Introduction to Fishing ZOOM classes and fishing field trips! We have moved the classroom online and limited group sizes on our fishing field trips to keep you and our staff safe. There are two steps to come Fish With CARE:

First - register for an Introduction to Fishing ZOOM class to learn all the basics of fishing in an interactive virtual format. Classes are offered weekly and from the comfort of your couch!

Second - join CARE at one of our free Special Fishing Events, offered 3 times a week at locations around the state from mid-April through the summer. CARE fishing Instructors will be on hand at these fishing field trips with loaner equipment, bait, and instruction to help you have a positive and successful fishing experience! Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, and space is limited to the first 35 people.

The CARE Program is proud of our hands-on, student-centered approach to fishing instruction. We seek to give students of all backgrounds the skills, knowledge, and encouragement needed to become successful anglers. Fishing fosters a unique connection with nature, leading CARE students to appreciate and advocate for Connecticut's natural resources.

Prior to our class, check out our learn to fish video webpage where our videos cover a variety of topics from how to tie a knot to the inside scoop on panfishing.

In the meantime, fishing is a healthy way to enjoy some fresh air and solitude while practicing social distancing. During this time of social distancing, fishing should be enjoyed as a solitary experience or with members of your immediate household, not as a group activity. 

To find places to fish check our the CT is Fishy interactive application.

Email DEEP.learntofish@ct.gov to discuss any questions you may have.

NEW! Intro To Fishing online course - an interactive course to get you all of the basics you need to start fishing. This course supports or "Learn to Fish Workbook" and our video library. Take our course at your pace and receive a certificate of completion at the end. 

 

 

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Please contact the Fisheries Division with any questions. 

Phone: 860-424-FISH (3474)
E-mail: deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov

Content last updated June 2021.