Connecticut State 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

Saltwater Fishing Guide


Reciprocity


Under reciprocity agreements with Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York, anglers holding a valid Marine Waters Fishing License in any of these states may fish in the marine district and land marine fish in this state (CT). CT residents holding a valid Marine Waters Fishing License for CT may also fish in the marine district of Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York.

Note: Connecticut residents must hold a valid Connecticut marine waters fishing license to fish in CT (meaning a CT resident cannot use a Marine Waters Fishing License from Maine to fish in CT waters and claim reciprocity).

The following is provided for general guidance only. Always check with the state you plan to fish in for the latest licensing requirements.

Can I fish in the following locations with a valid CT Marine Waters Fishing License?

Federal waters: Yes. Connecticut Marine Waters Fishing License holders will be exempt from the federal registry requirement. However, if you intend to take tunas, sharks, swordfish or billfish in federal waters, you must also have the appropriate federal Highly Migratory Species (HMS) permit. NOAA HMS website

New York: Yes. Note the following text provided on NYDEC web site as of April 2012: “You do not need to register if you are a Connecticut or Rhode Island resident who has a marine waters fishing license from their respective states.” For more information visit the NYDEC website: www.dec.ny.gov/permits/54950.html.

RI: Yes. RI DEM website: www.saltwater.ri.gov/

NH: No. Fish and Game website: www.wildlife.state.nh.us/marine/faqs.html

MA: Yes. MA DMF website: www.mass.gov/marinefisheries

ME: Yes. ME DMR website: www.maine.gov/dmr/recreational-fishing/licenses/index.html

OTHER States: No, UNLESS that state does not have a marine or saltwater fishing license requirement. In such cases a valid Marine Waters Fishing License from Connecticut (or any other exempt state) will satisfy the federal registry requirement. 

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Please contact the Fisheries Division with any questions. 

Phone: 860-434-6043
E-mail: deep.marine.fisheries@ct.gov

Content updated March 2021