Fishing Regulations in Connecticut
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Connecticut fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
Connecticut requires a fishing license for anglers 16 and older. Resident and non-resident annual licenses are available, along with 3-day visitor licenses. The Inland Fishing License covers freshwater; a separate Marine Waters Registration is free but required for saltwater fishing.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 6 per day | 12 inches minimum | Third Saturday in June through November 30 (harvest); catch-and-release year-round | Connecticut fishing regulations are set by DEEP. Always check the current Connecticut Angler's Guide for the latest rules, as they are subject to change. |
| smallmouth-bass | 6 per day (combined with largemouth) | 12 inches minimum | Third Saturday in June through November 30 (harvest) | |
| rainbow-trout | 5 per day | 9 inches minimum | Second Saturday in April through February (varies) | |
| brown-trout | 5 per day (combined trout limit) | 9 inches minimum | Second Saturday in April through February (varies) | |
| brook-trout | 5 per day (combined trout limit) | 6 inches minimum | Second Saturday in April through February (varies) | |
| channel-catfish | 6 per day | 15 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| striped-bass | 1 per day | 28 inches minimum | April 1 through December 31 | |
| yellow-perch | 30 per day | No minimum | Year-round |
Bag Limit: 6 per day
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Third Saturday in June through November 30 (harvest); catch-and-release year-round
Notes: Connecticut fishing regulations are set by DEEP. Always check the current Connecticut Angler's Guide for the latest rules, as they are subject to change.
Bag Limit: 6 per day (combined with largemouth)
Size Limit: 12 inches minimum
Season: Third Saturday in June through November 30 (harvest)
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 9 inches minimum
Season: Second Saturday in April through February (varies)
Bag Limit: 5 per day (combined trout limit)
Size Limit: 9 inches minimum
Season: Second Saturday in April through February (varies)
Bag Limit: 5 per day (combined trout limit)
Size Limit: 6 inches minimum
Season: Second Saturday in April through February (varies)
Bag Limit: 6 per day
Size Limit: 15 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 1 per day
Size Limit: 28 inches minimum
Season: April 1 through December 31
Bag Limit: 30 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Top Fishing Waters
Candlewood Lake
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, yellow-perch, crappie, bluegill
Connecticut River
riverSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, channel-catfish, striped-bass
Lake Lillinonah
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, crappie, channel-catfish, bluegill
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 12 lbs 14 oz | 1961 | Mashapaug Lake |
| smallmouth-bass | 7 lbs 12 oz | 1990 | Lake Waramaug |
| brown-trout | 18 lbs 5 oz | 2009 | Saugatuck Reservoir |
| rainbow-trout | 12 lbs 4 oz | 2006 | Crystal Lake |
| brook-trout | 6 lbs 5 oz | 2005 | Salmon River |
| channel-catfish | 29 lbs | 2002 | Connecticut River |
| striped-bass | 73 lbs | 2011 | Westbrook |