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. Rocky Neck State Park is also closed until further notice due to a brush fire. 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

Fishing Challenge

Species added to the scorecard for 2023 and beyond! Based on participant request, effective 2023 and beyond the list of species has increased. We have added the following freshwater species: American Shad, Calico Bass, Rock Bass, Bowfin, Tiger Trout, White Sucker, White Perch, and Fallfish. New saltwater species include: Black Sea Bass, Striped Sea Robin, and Smooth Dogfish. See links to learn about each species below.

 

Local News Coverage of the 2022 Fishing Challenge winner:  FOX 61 and also on NBC 30  

This activity invites you to try and catch at least one of every type of fish listed on the Fishing Challenge ScorecardSubmit your catch using the online angler recognition portal (select fishing challenge as the recognition type)

The Fishing Challenge is a fun filled year-long activity where budding anglers are "challenged" to catch as many of the fish listed on the Fishing Challenge Scorecard. Catching a large fish may qualify you for a Trophy Fish Award

Check out our Fishing Challenge Leaderboard (right side of the screen).

To enter your catch:

The Fisheries Division will keep a record of each angler's catches. The top four anglers (with the most number of fish from the scorecard) will be will a prize pack filled with great fishing gifts.

To learn more about how to catch any of the fish/crab listed on the scorecard visit the corresponding link below. Additional Connecticut specific details about many of these fish can be found in the online version of Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut.

Shad (American Shad or Hickory Shad)

Atlantic Salmon

Blackfish (Tautog)

Black Crappie/Calico Bass

Black Sea Bass 

Bluefish

Bluegill

Blue crab

Bowfin 

Brook Trout

Brown Bullhead

Brown Trout

Common Carp

Chain Pickerel

Channel Catfish

Fallfish

Fluke

Kokanee

Largemouth Bass

Northern Pike

Rainbow Trout

Rock Bass 

Pumpkinseed

Scup (Porgy)

Smallmouth Bass

Smooth Dogfish 

Striped Bass

Striped Sea Robin 

Tiger Trout 

Walleye

White Perch 

White Sucker 

Yellow Perch

 

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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 October 2024