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

Take a Friend Fishing, Hook Great Prizes

Friends catching brown trout together on the Farmington River 


This year, the Connecticut DEEP Fisheries Division and our contest sponsors are encouraging anglers to take a friend fishing. Mentors play the critical role of passing on fishing knowledge and traditions, thereby fostering a love of the outdoors in their mentees and helping to ensure a sustainable future for our fisheries. As a reward for sharing your expertise and love of fishing, we’ve created a contest for mentors who take the time to pass on their knowledge.

Take a beginner angler out and be entered to win some great prizes by submitting a photograph and brief story of your time on the water. Submissions will be judged by their ability to inspire.

  • Mentor and mentee must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Contest participants must follow all applicable Connecticut fishing regulations. 
  • Mentor must have had a Connecticut fishing license before the start of the contest.
  • Mentees must have obtained their first-ever fishing license in 2020.
Prizes:

There will be three mentor-mentee pairs that win big this fishing season! Here’s what they will win:

All Winners: A free fishing trip with rod and reel rental on the Black Hawk, a $50 Cabela’s gift card from the East Hartford Cabela’s store, and a family fishing package (five rods and reels, lures, PowerBait, and a copy of the "Pictorial Guide to Freshwater Fishes of Connecticut") from the Fisheries Division's CARE Program. 

July 31st Winners: Two four-hour fishing kayak rentals from Blackhall Outfitters and two Orvis Hats and Silipints from the Orvis Darien Store.

October 31st Winners: Private two hour fly casting/fishing lesson for two from FFI certified instructor Ray Ramos of Brackish Waters Fly Fishing.

February 28th Winners: Full Reddington fly fishing outfit (rod, reel, backing, fly line, and leader) from The Compleat Angler and a private two hour fly casting/fishing lesson for two from FFI certified instructor Ray Ramos of Brackish Waters Fly Fishing.

Entry Form and Official Rules:

Press this button to enter in to the Take a Friend Fishing contest

Enter by submitting your brief story and photo online using the button above or by putting the following URL in your browser: https://forms.gle/RGV37ZC2PqMiCAnw5

See the complete official rules here: Official Rules

Please contact the Fisheries Division office with any questions or concerns at 860-424-FISH (3474).

 

Content last updated January 2020