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

Fish with CARE Classes

Introduction to Fishing: Classes cover all the basics to get you started fishing today! This class is designed for those with little or no fishing experience. You will leave with the confidence and knowledge to fish safely, legally, and successfully! This class is ideal for adults and families with children ages 6 and older looking to pick up fishing.

Our Connecticut "Let's Go Fishing!" online class will be presented by Fisheries Division staff and volunteer fishing coaches in a fun, interactive session and experts will be on-hand to answer all your questions. Introduction to Fishing classes are offered:

  • In-person with an instructor led fishing trip
  • Virtually via ZOOM from the comfort of your home. You can then register for one of our “Fish with CARE” events to test your new knowledge
  • Via our self-paced, online Let's Go Fishing course

View our full schedule of classes and events.

Specialty Classes

These classes are perfect for Introduction to Fishing class graduates, or those who have some previous fishing experience and would like to continue building on their fishing knowledge and skills. Participants should be 9 years old and older, unless otherwise noted.

Ice Fishing: Learn to ice fish classes are held in January and February, or you can take our self-paced online ice fishing course "Introduction to Ice Fishing" anytime. We cover all the basics of this fun, social wintertime sport, including: safety on the ice, how to dress for the cold, where to go, ice fishing equipment, baits, techniques, tactics, and what fish are most commonly caught through the ice in CT during the ZOOM or in-person classroom sessions. Put your knowledge to the test by registering for a “Fish with CARE” ice fishing event, where we provide loaner equipment, bait, and instruction (subject to safe ice conditions). A fishing license is required for all participants ages 16 and above.

Fly Fishing: Offered via ZOOM and include an opportunity to attend a fly fishing field day. These classes are designed for anglers that have previous fishing experience but are new to fly fishing. CARE Fishing Coaches will cover all the basics of the art of fly fishing during a 1-hour Zoom class. Topics include: how to select and use fly fishing rods, reels and tackle, what knots to use and how to tie them, how to cast, fishing etiquette and safety, how to care for your catch, and much more. (download class material: Introduction to Freshwater Fly Fishing PowerPoint presentation or Introduction to Freshwater Fly Fishing PDF format.)

A limited number of on the water Fly Fishing Field Days are offered (attending a FLY FISHING ZOOM CLASS is a mandatory pre-requisite to the field day) from May to October. Here you setup a fly rod, practice fly fishing knots, receive individual casting instruction and fish for panfish. CARE Fishing Coaches will provide loaner fly rods and flies to get you started fishing confidently and on the path to success, or you can bring your own gear and we will show you how to use it and set it up properly. A fishing license is required for all participants ages 16 and above. Pre-registration is required for the "Fly Fishing Field Days" field trip and is limited to 10 participants, minimum age is 12 years old.

Trout Fishing: Offered virtually during spring and fall. Attend a “Fish with CARE event” in April/May or October during trout stocking season and put your new skills and knowledge to use. Connecticut has a long history of trout fishing and growing trout in our State Fish Hatcheries! This trout fishing class will discuss what trout species are present in CT and how to identify them, how you can find trout waters through DEEP online mapping resources, and will thoroughly cover trout-specific fishing gear, techniques and bait. This is the perfect class to prepare you for trout fishing success!

Saltwater Fishing: World class fishing opportunities abound right in our backyard of Long Island Sound! This virtual zoom class will introduce you to the different sportfish that live in the Sound, discuss basic gear, bait options and cover how to access shoreline fishing spots. Put your new skills and knowledge to use by then joining us at a “Fish with CARE” saltwater fishing event, offered in late July through September.

Women Only: By popular demand, this is our Introduction to Fishing class offered to Women Only. Participants should be at least 12 years of age. Offered in the summer and fall months.


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Please contact the CARE Program with any questions. 

Phone: 860-663-1656
E-mail: deep.learntofish@ct.gov

Content last updated January 2024