Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Fisheries Publications

Fisheries Information and Publications

This page is currently under active construction (Feb/Mar 2026). Please reach out to mike.beauchene@ct.gov for any assistance during this time frame.

The purpose of this page is to function as a central repository for various documents and publications produced by the Fisheries Division. Information and context supporting many of these documents can be found on a related Fisheries Division webpage.

If you do not see what you are looking for, please contact us at deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov and we may be able to locate it for you.

Fisheries Division Staff Directory

Jump to Category Headers
 

Video Content

To view fisheries related videos, please visit our YouTube Channel.

 

Regulations/Commissioner's Declarations

Fishing Guides Main webpage

Fishing Guides:

Commissioners Declarations:

2026

D26-02 Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D25-03)

D26-01 Sturgeon, shark, and American shad regulations (supersedes D25-01)

2026 Atlantic Salmon open season, daily creel limit, minimum length and method of taking

2025

2025 The taking of Alewives and Blueback Herring is prohibited in Connecticut waters

D25-03 Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D24-07)

D25-02 Minimum lengths, creel limits, and closed seasons for recreational fishing (supersedes D24-06)

D25-01 Sturgeon, shark, and American shad regulations (supersedes D23-07)

D24-07 Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D24-04)

D24-06 Minimum lengths, creel limits, and closed seasons for recreational fishing (supersedes D24-05)

2025 Atlantic Salmon open season, daily creel limit, minimum length and method of taking

2024

2024 The taking of Alewives and Blueback Herring is prohibited in Connecticut waters

D24-05 Minimum lengths, creel limits, and closed seasons for recreational fishing (supersedes D24-03)

D24-04 Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D24-02)

D24-03 Minimum lengths, creel limits, and closed seasons for recreational fishing (supersedes D24-01)

D24-02 Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D23-09)

D24-01 Minimum lengths, creel limits, and closed seasons for recreational fishing (supersedes D23-05)

2024 Atlantic Salmon open season, daily creel limit, minimum length and method of taking

2023

2023 The taking of Alewives and Blueback Herring is prohibited in Connecticut waters

D23-09 Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D23-06)

D23-07 Sturgeon, shark, and American shad regulations (supersedes D22-08)

D23-06 Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D23-04)

D23-05 Minimum lengths, creel limits, and closed seasons for recreational fishing (supersedes D23-03)

D23-04 Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D23-01)

D23-03 Minimum lengths, creel limits, and closed seasons for recreational fishing (supersedes D23-02)

D23-02 Minimum lengths, creel limits, and closed seasons for recreational fishing (supersedes D22-09)

D23-01 Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D22-10)

2023 Atlantic Salmon open season, daily creel limit, minimum length and method of taking

2022

2022 The taking of Alewives and Blueback Herring is prohibited in Connecticut waters

D22-10 Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D22-07)

D22-09 Minimum lengths, creel limits, and closed seasons for recreational fishing (supersedes D22-06)

D22-08 Sturgeon, shark, and American shad regulations (supersedes D22-01)  

D22-07 Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D22-05)

D22-06 Minimum lengths, creel limits, and closed seasons for recreational fishing (supersedes D22-04)

D22-05 Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D21-08)

D22-04 Minimum lengths, creel limits, and closed seasons for recreational fishing (supersedes D22-02)

D22-03 Lobster fall closure (note: this declaration superseded by permanent regulation 2021-027 finalized on 5/11/22)

D22-02 Minimum lengths and creel limits for recreational fishing (supersedes D21-06)

D22-01 Sturgeon, shark, and American shad regulations (supersedes D20-08)

D21-08 Commercial Fishing Regulations (supersedes D21-07)

2022 Atlantic Salmon open season, daily creel limit, minimum length and method of taking

2021

2021 The taking of Alewives and Blueback Herring is prohibited in Connecticut waters

D21-07 Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D21-05)

D21-06 Minimum lengths and creel limits for recreational fishing (supersedes D21-04)

D21-05 Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D21-03)

D21-04 Minimum lengths and creel limits for recreational fishing (supersedes D21-02)

D21-03 Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D20-09)

D21-02 Minimum lengths and creel limits for recreational fishing (supersedes D20-06)

D21-01 Lobster fall closure

D20-09 Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D20-07)

D20-08 Sturgeon, shark, and American shad regulations

D19-04  Closed seasons for marine recreational fishing (NOTE: Closed seasons from D19-04 still in effect; all other measures superseded by subsequent declarations)

2020

2020 The taking of Alewives and Blueback Herring is prohibited in Connecticut waters

2021 Atlantic Salmon open season, daily creel limit, minimum length and method of taking

D20-06 Minimum lengths and creel limits for recreational fishing (supersedes D20-04)

D20-07 Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D20-05)

D20-05  Commercial fishing regulations (supersedes D20-03)

D20-04  Minimum lengths and creel limits for marine recreational fishing, Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Sites (supersedes D20-02)

D20-03  Commercial fishing regulations

D20-02  Minimum lengths and creel limits for marine recreational fishing, Enhanced Opportunity Shore Fishing Sites

D20-01  Lobster fall closure

D19-10  Sturgeon, shark, and American shad regulations

2019

2019 The taking of Alewife and Blueback Herring in Connecticut waters is prohibited

2019 Atlantic Salmon open season, daily creel limit, minimum length, and method of taking

2018

D18-02 Coastal Shark Recreational and Commercial Fishery Measures for 2018

D18-07 Lobster Season

D18-08 Recreational Fishery Measures for 2018

D18-09 Commercial Fisheries: Open seasons, possession limits and minimum lengths for several species

 

Permits/Licenses/Forms 

Inland waters permits main webpage

Jump to

 

Inland Waters Permits on EZ File

The following permit applications should be completed online using the CT DEEP EZFile system.

Tournament/Derby - Freshwater

Guidance documents to support inland tournaments/derbys

Tournament - Marine

Liberation (Stocking) of Live Fish or Live Fish Eggs

Importation of Live Fish or Live Fish Eggs 

Request Special Regulations for Association Controlled Waters

Private Waters Registration

 

Permits/licenses for inland waters not on the EZ File System

Scientific Collector Application and Reporting Form

Group Fishing License

High School Fishing Waiver - contact deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov

Triploid Grass Carp Liberation

 

Marine Waters - Personal Use Licenses

Personal Use Lobster License: Fee is $60.00. Required for taking lobsters by the use of up to 10 pots or SCUBA diving, for personal use (not for sale). Annual catch report required.

Personal Use Gillnet License: Fee $100.00. Required to take menhaden with a single gillnet, not more than 60 feet in length, for personal use (not for sale), from marine waters only. Annual catch report required. 

For information on Connecticut regulations governing the taking of lobsters, marine and anadromous finfish, and crabs by commercial and recreational fishermen, see Marine Fisheries Information Circular

Marine Waters - Commercial

Safe Harbor Policy Main Webpage

Safe Harbor Policy

Current Connecticut Commercial Fishery Trip Limits

Federal ESA Endangered Atlantic Sturgeon Conservation Gear Restricted Areas

Connecticut State Boundary Line in Long Island Sound

Marine Fisheries Interstate Management

 

A commercial license (fees vary by license) is required to take and land (regardless where taken) for sale, fish, lobsters, blue crabs, squid, sea scallops and bait species from both the inland and marine districts. For further information on commercial fishing contact DEEP Fisheries Division at 860-434-6043 or write to Marine Fisheries Office, P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371 or e-mail at deep.marine.fisheries@ct.gov.

For information on Connecticut regulations governing the taking of lobsters, marine and anadromous finfish, and crabs by commercial and recreational fishermen, see Marine Fisheries Information Circular

Commercial Fishing Licenses

Open-Access License Application (Fillable PDF) must be used for the following commercial licenses:

  • Marine and Inland Commercial Bait Fishing License
  • Commercial Shad Fishing License
  • Commercial Blue Crab Fishing License
  • Commercial Landing Vessel Operator’s License (Landing License)
  • Restricted Commercial Fishing License (New)
  • Restricted Commercial Lobster Pot Fishing License (New)
  • Commercial Whelk (Conch) Fishing License

Limited Access License Application (Fillable PDF)

  • Principal Commercial Fishing License
  • Commercial Lobster Pot Fishing License
  • General Commercial (Finfish) Fishing License
  • Endorsements to take summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass

Multi-State Flounder Possession Limit Application (Fillable PDF)

Commercial Tautog Tag Request Form (Fillable PDF)

Tautog Tagging Instructions

Request for Commercial Plate Replacement Form

 

Dealer Licenses

A Seafood Dealer License is required to purchase, for resale, fish, lobsters, blue crabs, squid, and sea scallops from Connecticut Licensed Commercial Fishermen.  Dealer License Application (Fillable PDF).  For further information contact DEEP Fisheries Division at 860-434-6043 or write to Marine Fisheries Office, P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371 or e-mail at deep.marine.fisheries@ct.gov.

A Bait Dealer License is required to sell Bait Species.  Dealer License Application (Fillable PDF). For further information contact DEEP Inland Fisheries Division at 860-424-3474 or write to Inland Fisheries Office, 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106 or e-mail at deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov. Reports must be submitted annually Bait Dealers Reporting Form

 

Vessel Permits / Registrations

A Commercial Fishing Vessel Permit Vessel Permit Application (Fillable PDF)

Required for all vessels used for activities authorized under commercial fishing licenses (e.g. use of commercial fishing gear, even if for personal use purposes).

This permit is not required for vessels used only for activities associated with the:

  • Restricted Commercial Fishing License
  • Restricted Lobster Pot Fishing License
  • Commercial Whelk Fishing License
  • Inland Commercial Bait Fishing License
  • Marine Commercial Bait Fishing License
  • Commercial Blue Crab Fishing License
  • Commercial Shad Fishing License

A Party / Charter Vessel Registration Vessel Permit Application (Fillable PDF)

Required for the operation of a vessel for a fee for the purpose of transporting and providing a fishing platform for sport fishermen in the marine district or for marine species in the inland district.  

Environmental Tourism Cruise Vessel Permit is required to use a vessel for the temporary collection of marine fish and invertebrates for educational and or tourism purposes. All animals must be returned to the water safely prior to completion of the daily tour. Environmental Tourism Cruise Vessel Permit Application

 

 

Fact Sheets/Brochures

Fisheries Division Staff Directory

Fish Consumption Advisory -- Information on the Connecticut's Fish Consumption A and the safe eating of fish caught in Connecticut.

Trout and Salmon Stamp Brochure

Circle Hook Requirement Fact Sheet (Striped Bass)

Best Practices Catch and Release Fact Sheet (Striped Bass)

Mitten Crab Sign

Bait and Tackle Shops

Town Clerk/Retail Agents for Fishing Licenses

List of Registered Fishing Guide Services

List of Approved Fish Suppliers

Inland Fisheries Division Riparian Policy

Inland Fisheries Division Riparian Position Statement

Large Woody Debris (LWD) Fact Sheet

Stream Crossing Guidelines

Spawning Fish Kills

Winter Fish Kills

Marine Trophy Fish Award Brochure

Connecticut Crayfish Identification Chart -- A simple flowchart for identifying crayfish of Connecticut.

 

Maps/Locations

Interactive Trout Stocking Map

Where to Fish For....Interactive Map

Freshwater Fish Community Data Interactive Map

 

Bathymetric Maps for selected Connecticut Lakes/Ponds

 

Long Island Sound Shoreline Fishing Locations

Fishing Line Recycling Locations in Connecticut -- A list of inland and coastal locations where fishing line recycling receptacles are located.

Federal ESA Endangered Atlantic Sturgeon Conservation Gear Restricted Areas

Connecticut State Boundary Line in Long Island Sound

 

Interactive Atlas of Crayfish of Connecticut -- An interactive map showing the distribution of the nine species of crayfish observed though DEEP’s Fisheries and Water Quality Monitoring programs.  The application contains a map for each species, an overview of crayfish anatomy, key identification characteristics, and detailed photographs. Contact DEEP Fisheries at 860-424-3474 or email DEEP.inland.fisheries@ct.gov to contribute additional information.

Stocking Maps by waterbody as a PDF - visit webpage

 

Online Reporting Forms

Mitten Crab Observation

Sturgeon Sighting

Atlantic Salmon Tag

Angler Recognition (Trophy Fish, Youth Passport Fishing Challenge, State Record)

Marine Mammal or Sea Turtle Sighting

Shark Sighting

 

Plans

Angler R3 Plan 

Casting for the Future 

Statewide Salmonid Action Plan

Plan to Conserve and Manage Wild Trout

Trout Management Plan for Rivers and Streams (1999)

Bass Action Plan

Warmwater Fisheries Action Plan

Striped Bass Management Plan 

Managing Flow in the Farmington River

Bass Management Plan (1999)

 

Reports

Daily Stocking Report  

Annual Fish Stocking Report  (2025)

Increasing Angler Participation in Connecticut -- A summary of license sales and various recruitment, retention, and reactivation initiatives implemented from 2011-2016 (2017)

State of Fishing Tournaments in Connecticut (2024)

Biennial Reports of the State Board of Fisheries and Game (1930-1959) -- A series of historical reports outlining the work and findings of the Connecticut State Board of Fisheries and Game from 1930-1959.

Among Headwaters Conservation Genetics of Brook Trout:  Occurrence of Meta-Populations and Landscape Scale Fragmentation

Screening for Gill Lice on Connecticut's Wild Brook Trout

Probabilistic Resample of Historic Wild Brook Trout Sites

Brook Trout Stream Passage Assessment and Monitoring Study  (2020)

 

Stream/Fish Habitat Project Summaries

Blackledge River, Colchester

Hop River, Coventry/Columbia

Merrick Brook, Scotland

Mount Hope River, Ashford

Moosup River, Plainfield

Naugatuck River, Torrington

Norwalk River, Wilton

Pequabuck River, Bristol

Railroad Brook, Bolton

Shetucket River, Sprague

Stony Brook, Montville

Stratton Brook, Simsbury

W. Branch Farmington River, Barkhamsted

Willimantic River, Tolland/Willington

 

Annual Fish Stocking Reports (other reports may be available by contacting DEEP.inland.fisheries@ct.gov)

2025

2024

2023

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

 

Angler Recognition Reports/Trophy Fish Reports

Freshwater

Freshwater Trophy Fish Harvest Summary - 1965 to 2025

Freshwater Trophy Fish Catch and Release Summary - 1965 to 2025

2025 - Freshwater Fish Award Annual Report

2024 - Freshwater Fish Award Annual Report 

2023

2016 Freshwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2015 Freshwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2014 Freshwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2013 Freshwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2012 Freshwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2011 Freshwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2010 Freshwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2009 Freshwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

Marine

Youth and Women's Marine Trophy Fish Records

Catch and Release Marine Trophy Fish Records

Marine Fisheries Trophy Fish Award Program Summary 

2025

2024 - Marine

2023 Marine Fisheries Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2022 Saltwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2021 Saltwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2020 Saltwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2019 Saltwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2018 Saltwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2017 Saltwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2014 Saltwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2013 Saltwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2012 Saltwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2011 Saltwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2010 Saltwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

2002-2009 Marine Fisheries Trophy Fish Program Award Summary

2009 Saltwater Trophy Fish Award Annual Report

 

Inland Fisheries Annual Federal Performance Reports (reports for additional years may be available by request)

2025 Full Report

2024 Full Report

2023 Full Report

  

Marine Recreational Fisheries Annual Federal Performance Reports (reports for additional years may be available by request)

Long Island Sound Trawl Survey (LIST) - A vital tool Marine Fisheries staff use to measure the abundance and distribution of finfish, squid, and other macro-invertebrates (lobster, crabs, horseshoe crabs, whelks) in Long Island Sound, independent of commercial or recreational fishing.

 

Additional LIST reports can be found by year below

 

Full Federal Reports and Job Reports by year

2022 A Study of Marine Recreation Fisheries in Connecticut (full report)

2021 A Study of Marine Recreation Fisheries in Connecticut (full report)

2020 A Study of Marine Recreation Fisheries in Connecticut

2019 A Study of Marine Recreational Fisheries in Connecticut

2018 A Study of Marine Recreational Fisheries in Connecticut

2017 A Study of Marine Recreational Fisheries in Connecticut

2016 A Study of Marine Recreational Fisheries in Connecticut

2015 A Study of Marine Recreational Fisheries in Connecticut

2014 A Study of Marine Recreational Fisheries in Connecticut

2013 A Study of Marine Recreational Fisheries in Connecticut

2012 A Study of Marine Recreational Fisheries in Connecticut 

2011 A Study of Marine Recreational Fisheries in Connecticut 

2010 Marine Fisheries Survey Report Executive Summary

2009 Marine Fisheries Survey Report

2008 Marine Fisheries Survey Report

2007 Marine Fisheries Survey Report

2006 Marine Fisheries Survey Report

 

Other Marine Reports

Spring 2005 Disaster Relief Report -- The latest Disaster Relief Report summarizing the results of the lobster assessment and monitoring project from 2001 to 2005.

1999 Lobster Mortality Report -- The initial report on the widespread lobster die-off that occurred during 1998-1999.

Marine Fisheries Interstate Management -- Collect fishery dependent statistics from harvesters and dealers on catch, harvest, fishing effort by gear type and season; compile and analyze the data to provide information for quota monitoring, stock assessment, and development and evaluation of Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) and management measures.

2007 Eelgrass Report -- An assessment of the impacts of commercial and recreational fishing and other activities to eelgrass in Connecticut’s waters and recommendations for management. Submitted in response to Public Act 01-115.

 

Books/Articles/Newsletters

Books

CARE - Let's Go Fishing! -- This workbook is used for our beginning learn to fish classes.  

A Fishery Survey of the Lakes and Ponds of Connecticut -- A 1959 publication of the Connecticut State Board of Fisheries and Game that features information on 154 lakes and ponds.

A Fishery Survey of Important Connecticut Lakes -- A 1939 publication of the Connecticut State Board of Fisheries and Game on fisheries management, limnology, the life histories of select fish species, and fish parasites.

1927 Survey of Rivers and Streams

 

Articles from Connecticut Wildlife Magazine

Jump to section headers

 

General Fish/Fisheries

Busting the Myth about Sporting License Fees -- Setting the record straight on how your investment funds your passion.

Freshwater Angling in Connecticut and the Role of the Sport Fish Restoration Program -- How the act of fishing supports fishing.

The Big Ones that did not get Away -- CT's recognition of anglers through the Trophy Fish Award Program

Families that Fish Together, Eat Fish Together -- Tips and pointers to make your family fishing trip fun, relaxing, and tasty.

Selective Harvest -- How to help fish populations while also getting a sustainable and healthy meal.

Ice Fishing, Catching Memories You Will Not Release -- Tips and pointers for ice fishing with your family.

Putting Memories on Ice -- More tips and pointers for ice fishing with your family.

Fishing the Hard Water is a Hole New Adventure -- Tips and pointers for ice fishing CT waters.

The Best School Field Trip Ever: Learning to Fish -- An overview of how CT's CARE Learn to Fish Program inspires the next generation of anglers.

Opening the Door for the Next Generation of Anglers -- Several programs to encourage and support making fishing an activity of choice.

150 Years of Fisheries: Where Did We Come From and Where Are We Going? -- A brief description about the path of the Fisheries Division.

Qui Transtulit Sustinet -- CT has a long history of introducing fish for recreational fishing.

Inland Fisheries: Never Better -- A look back at how some of our Fisheries became established.

Resolve to Fish for Something New in 2017 -- Highlighting some of CT's fisheries worth a cast.

CT's Crayfish, Surprisingly Diverse -- Take a look at the nine species of crayfish found here in CT.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly -- The Knobfin Sculpin Invades the Pomperaug River

Don't Get Snotty -- Information about the invasive algae termed "Rock Snot".

Zebra Mussels in Western Connecticut -- Information about this infamous invasive species.

Zebra Mussels Confirmed in Lake Housatonic -- Early information about Zebra Mussel spread in the Housatonic River basin.

Winter Drawdown Effects on Lake Ecosystems -- A common practice that may have unintended consequences. 

Warmwater Fisheries Articles

Electrofishing: A Shocking Way to Sample Fish Populations -- Fisheries biologists use electricity as a non-lethal method to keep tabs on populations

Changes and Challenges: The History of Bass Management in CT -- How have fisheries managers tackled improving bass fishing?

Project Thunder Bass: Improving Bass Fishing -- Can bass learn not to be caught?

If You Can't Beat Them, Join Them -- CT's state record Northern Pike caught in 2020.

Summer Panfish Primer -- All you need to know about these super common and easy to catch fish.

Esox, My What Big Teeth You Have -- About CT's pike and pickerel species.

Meet the Waterwolf -- Pike management in CT involves rearing fish in a series of marshes.

Walleye Abound in CT Waters -- About CT's Walleye management efforts.

Channel Catfish Three Ways -- Catfish Management Lakes, Community Fishing Waters, and the Connecticut River

No Bull - Maybe a Cat -- About CT's catfish and bullhead species.

Warmouth - A Recently Established Freshwater Sunfish -- Learn about an introduced species of sunfish.

Pumpkinseed Sunfish: Functional and Beautiful -- All about one of CT's most colorful native fish.

Common Carp: A Huge and Challenging Catch -- CT's largest minnow is not bait but a worthy opponent.

Nuisance Aquatic Vegetation Control by Weed-Eating Carp -- Information about using Grass Carp to control aquatic vegetation.

Connecticut River 

The Quinetucket - One of CT's Best Kept Fishing Secrets -- The many outstanding fishing opportunities down the center of the state.

Historic Fisheries in CT - Atlantic Sturgeon -- The history of this monster fish in the CT and Long Island Sound.

Atlantic Sturgeon of the CT River -- All about these amazing fish.

Keeping Track of CT's Endangered Sturgeon -- How biologists are monitoring these unique fish.

Connecticut's "Prehistoric" Fish -- More about sturgeon in CT.

Bowfin in CT: A Nuisance or Opportunity? -- Bowfin have become established in the CT River - for good or for bad.

Migratory Fish (Shad, Herring, Eels, and Lamprey)

Why Did the Fish Cross the Stream -- The fascinating details about some of CT's fish who like to travel.

American Eel: Getting Here is Only Half the Battle -- Eel are an amazing fish who love to migrate to and from the sea.

Providing "Fish Friendly Passage" at Stream Crossings -- Many road crossings over streams form a barrier to fish migration.

Restoring River Herring Runs in Connecticut -- The Fisheries Division's efforts to restore these important spring runs.

Fishways: Providing Access to Critical Habitat -- How removing barriers to fish migration is critical for their future. 

Coldwater Fisheries Articles

Connecticut Lakers -- CT's Stocking of Lake Trout in 2020.

Monitoring the Pulse of River and Stream Fish Communities -- Keeping tabs on the status of fish communities is an important element of our mission.

The More Things Change, the More they Change -- How CT's wild Brook Trout have faired over 30 years.

Aphrodite of the Hemlocks -- Brook Trout are CT's only native trout.

Bringing Back the Natives -- Brook Trout restoration effort on Deep Brook following several spills.

Blue Ribbon Brown Trout and Drinking Water - Strange Redd Fellows -- How drinking water has created one of the best fisheries in the East.

Survivor Browns - The Farmington River's Special Strain -- For several decades the Fisheries Division has selected only the best Brown Trout.

Filling a Niche: CT's Brown Trout Fry Stocking Program -- Some waters cannot produce wild trout, but stocking fry is the next best thing.

Some Like it Cold -- History of Trout Management in CT.

CT DEEP's Origins Linked to Early Effort to Restore Atlantic Salmon -- Restoring Atlantic Salmon was one of the first charges of the Fisheries Division (1866).

An Update on Atlantic Salmon -- After decades of restoration effort, time has expired.

Opening Day of Trout Season: Several Years in the Making -- Stocking fish each year is a task planned out months in advance.

From Hatchery to Stream: Trout Stocking for Opening Day -- Detailing how 500,000+ trout are stocked each year.

Burlington State Fish Hatchery: 95 Generations of Fish and Counting -- Burlington Fish Hatchery is our oldest fish rearing facility.

Kensington State Fish Hatchery -- Kensington is our second oldest fish rearing facility.

Do Not Call Me Dace -- Many call this species "Dace" but a Fallfish in not a dace.

Ubiquitously Common: The Blacknose Dace -- One of CT most commonly found stream fish.

Destination Angling in Your Own Backyard -- CT's Atlantic Salmon management areas provide an opportunity not found for miles around.

Kokanee Salmon: AKA the Red Salmon -- CT has fostered this unique landlock Kokanee fishery for decades.

American Brook Lamprey: A Reclusive Coldwater Fish -- One of CT's most secretive and rare fish.

Marine Articles

Recreational Marine Angler Data -- How you can help us to improve fishing.

CT Commercial Fishing Industry: Then and Now -- About CT's commercial fishing and how it has changed over time.

Celebrating a Long History of Resource Protection -- How Long Island Sound has been managed over time.

Mapping Changes in Coastal Fisheries Abundance -- See how DEEP is keeping tabs on the fishes of Long Island Sound.

What Is Behind those Minimum Sizes -- How size limits help to sustain our fisheries.

How Bad Is BADD - Assessing the Biological Effect of Hypoxia -- Understanding the areas of Long Island Sound that lack oxygen.

Shore-Based Fishing Just Got Better -- Enhanced shoreline opportunity sites make catching a meal easier than ever.

A New Weed in our Garden -- Introducing a new species of red algae for Long Island Sound.

Long Island Sound: Then and Now -- The DEEP trawl survey documents Long Island Sound's fish communities.

Long Island Sound - Our Biological Super Highway -- This waterbody gets a lot of use each summer.

Mapping the Wildlife Action Plan to Marine Waters -- Marine fish data is used to help plan for the future.

More Summer Sojourners in the Sound -- As the water temperature in the sound changes, so does some of the fish we find.

The Sound's Fall Feast -- The summer productivity within Long Island Sound, drives the fall migration of many species.

Climate Change and the American Lobster -- See how the environment has changed lobster habitat.

Skates and Rays - Fish with Wings -- Flying through the water are the skates and rays of Long Island Sound.

Eight Ways to Be Flat -- All about being a flatfish in Long Island Sound.

Squid: One of Long Island Sound's Stealth Species -- Fun and interesting facts about squid.

CT's Reef Fish Gets Special Attention -- Blackfish (AKA Tautog) are an interesting fish.

Tautog: Long Island Sound's Reef Mavin -- The blackfish (aka tautog) is a popular fall fishing species.

Get the Facts on Jellyfish -- About these interesting creatures found in Long Island Sound.

Striped Bass: A Connecticut Comeback Story -- Striped Bass populations fluctuate over time. For  the latest on Striped Bass click here.

The Menagerie at the Beach -- Seining for fish along CT's shoreline.

Connecticut River Seine Survey Provides Long-Term Data -- Seining the CT River shoreline helps to understand fish populations.

One Fish, Two Fish, How Do You Know How Many Fish There Are? -- The DEEP Marine Trawl Survey project keeps count of fish populations.

 

Newsletters

CT Fishin' Tips

 

Link to Facebook

Online Licensing System

Content last updated in March 2026