Fish with CARE Events 

Fish with CARE Events are designed to increase your fishing skills and confidence by providing a positive experience that includes the use of our loaner fishing equipment, bait, and expert instruction! The CARE program is here to support you by offering FREE fishing events year-round. The majority of these events take place at Community Fishing Waters, Trout Parks, and Saltwater Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Sites.

Events are designed for adults ages 16 and up, as well as families with children 6 years old and above. Fish with CARE event participants under the age of 16 must have a parent or legal guardian present for the entirety of the event.

Fish with CARE Events include:

• Freshwater Events (spring, summer, and fall)
• Saltwater Events (late July, August, September)
• Fly Fishing Field Days (May – September) *mandatory pre-requisite of a ZOOM Fly Fishing Class *
• Ice Fishing Events (January and February)

View our full schedule of events and classes.

What to Bring to Events

• Fishing License if 16 years or older
• Trout and Salmon Stamp (if fishing at a trout park or if you intend to keep any trout)
• Bring your own fishing equipment and we will go through it for you! You can always borrow ours as well.
• Chair (folding, sports or camping) for sitting
• Cooler with ice if you plan to keep fish you catch
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent (spring/summer/fall)
• Snacks and beverages
• Appropriate dress for the weather (especially when ice fishing)

Event Descriptions

Freshwater Events:  The most popular of our fishing events. CARE coaches will help you land a trout (April/May/October) or a variety of pond species, like bluegill, yellow perch, largemouth bass, chain pickerel, or channel catfish (year-round). These events are perfect for budding anglers who have completed our online “Let’s Go Fishing” self-paced course or an Introduction to Fishing ZOOM class and are eager to put their new knowledge to the test.

Saltwater Events: Long Island Sound offers some world class fishing opportunities! At saltwater fishing events, try your luck at catching some of the many different sportfish that live in the Sound by fishing from shore or off of a fishing pier. Bring a cooler and ice should you catch dinner.

Fly Fishing Field Days: These events are designed for anglers who have previous fishing experience but are new to fly fishing. Mandatory pre-requisite is to attend a Fly Fishing ZOOM class – you will not be allowed to participate in the field day without first attending the ZOOM class. Fly fishing field days provide the opportunity to practice your casting with instructor coaching and guidance, learn how to setup your fly rod and what knot to tie, and fish for panfish and bass. CARE 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 coaches will go through it with you and help set it up properly.

Ice Fishing: Ice fishing is a great way to beat cabin fever and spend quality time with family and friends outdoors. Events are held on the ice in January and February. Ice fishing events are an opportunity to practice skills learned from our in-person or ZOOM ice fishing class. CARE coaches will be available to assist you start to finish, from drilling holes, setting up gear, and pulling in fish onto the ice. All tackle and bait are provided. Dress appropriately to be on the ice -- dress in layers and absolutely no sneakers. If you are interested in learning more about ice fishing, view our Let's Go Ice Fishing video and read our Ice Fishing 101 blog. For more detail on what to bring, visit our ice fishing page. NOTE: Ice fishing events are subject to a minimum of 7" of safe ice.

Please contact the CARE Program with any questions. 

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

Content last updated February 2023