This is the Official Connecticut Fishing regulations and Information navigation page for the Connecticut state rules and regulations guidebook overviews.
You can access each individual state regulation guidebook by clicking the links below.
These are just the overviews of the official state regulations.
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Weather its Connecticut Trout fishing, Connecticut bass fishing, Connecticut striper fishing, Connecticut Salmon fishing, Connecticut Catfish fishing, Connecticut steelhead fishing, Connecticut Panfish fishing, Connecticut pike/muskie fishing, Connecticut Walleye fishing,  Connecticut Marlin Fishing, Connecticut Salt Water Fishing, Connecticut Tuna fishing, Connecticut Tarpon fishing, Connecticut Snook fishing, Connecticut Red fish fishing We have the Connecticut state fishing regulations for your trip into the wilderness or on the water covered in one easy to location.
If you need Connecticut fishing maps, Connecticut state fishing maps, or just some Connecticut fishing reports to tell you were the bite is hot we have that too.

Connecticut Fishing Report

If you’re planning a fishing trip to Connecticut, you have some excellent choices for lakes and streams throughout the state including Amos Lake, Bantam Lake, Barkhamsted Lake, Bashan Lake, Beseck Lake, Black Pond, Candlewood Lake, Cedar Lake, Colebrook Impoundment, Gardner Lake, Green Falls Reservoir, Highland Lake, Lake Lillinonah, Lower Bolton Lake, Mansfield Hollow Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Moodus Reservoir, Mudge Pond, Pachaug Pond, Pine Acres Lake, Quinebaug Pond, Rogers Lake, Lake Saltonstall, Saugatuck Reservoir, Shenipsit Lake, Squantz Pond, Tyler Lake, Waramaug Lake, Washinee Lake - West Twin, Washining Lake - East Twin, West Hill Pond, West Thompson Lake, Winchester Lake, Wononscopomuc Lake, Lake Zoar and others. Many of the lakes in Connecticut have camping facilities as well as other accommodations nearby. Connecticut is well known for excellent Bass, Walleye and Trout fishing. Additionally, in waters around the state you’ll find populations of Salmon, Crappie, Catfish, Stripers, Northern Pike, Chain Pickerel and sunfish including Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass, White Perch, Yellow Perch which are plentiful in some waters.

Fishing is regulated in Connecticut by the Fish & Game Department.

Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass
Fishing in Connecticut.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in the Connecticut area.

Bass Fishing Lakes In Connecticut

Amos Lake, Bantam Lake, Barkhamsted Lake, Bashan Lake, Beach Pond, Beseck Lake, Black Pond, Candlewood Lake, Cedar Lake, Colebrook Impoundment, Gardner Lake, Green Falls Reservoir, Highland Lake, Lake Lillinonah, Lower Bolton Lake, Mansfield Hollow Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Moodus Reservoir, Mudge Pond, Pachaug Pond, Pine Acres Lake, Quinebaug Pond, Rogers Lake, Lake Saltonstall, Saugatuck Reservoir, Shenipsit Lake, Squantz Pond, Tyler Lake, Waramaug Lake, Washinee Lake - West Twin, Washining Lake - East Twin, West Hill Pond, West Thompson Lake, Winchester Lake, Wononscopomuc Lake and Lake Zoar all have populations of bass.

The state record largemouth was caught at Mashapaug Pond and the state record smallmouth bass came from Shenipsit Lake.

Trout Fishing in Connecticut

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Brown trout are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts and the brook trout is the most sensitive to temperature. The others are comfortable in slightly warmer waters.

Connecicut Trout Fishing Lakes

The cold waters in Connecticut make a haven for trout. You can find populations of trout in Amos Lake, Barkhamsted Lake, Bashan Lake, Beach Pond, Black Pond, Candlewood Lake, Cedar Lake, Colebrook Impoundment, Gardner Lake, Green Falls Reservoir, Highland Lake, Mansfield Hollow Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Pachaug Pond, Quinebaug Pond, Rogers Lake, Lake Saltonstall, Saugatuck Reservoir, Squantz Pond, Tyler Lake, Waramaug Lake, Washining Lake - East Twin, West Hill Pond and Wononscopomuc Lake.

The state brown trout came from East Twin Lake, Wononskopomuc Lake has yielded the largest lake trout to date and the state record rainbow trout for CT came from Mansfield Hollow Lake.

Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss

Known for its tasty pink flesh, beauty and gameness, the rainbow trout is a favorite among the vast majority of trout fishing anglers. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be tempted to take properly presented flies as well as other baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. Rainbow trout fishing is fun for both sport and dining pleasures.

In waters that allow such migration the rainbow trout will remain in streams until it reaches 6" to 9" in length and then travel to lakes or oceans where it will bulk up and then return to the streams or rivers to spawn. Steelhead trout are rainbow trout which have adapted to the salt water environment. Fishing for steelhead is very similar to fishing for rainbows. However in winter the steelhead typically prefer spoons or bait rather than flies.

Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis

Brook trout are found in clear cold waters which seldom exceed 68 degrees. As the waters to warm, the brook trout population begins to diminish. Its primary food source is small insects, mollusks, crustaceans and other small fishes.

Fishing for brook trout is the easiest of all the trouts. Look for gravel bottom streams with a moderate current, plenty of waterfalls and ponds which include rocks and cover. Overhanging trees offer additional shade, attract insects and offer protection from preying birds. Duplicate their food source and you are in business.

Brown Trout
Salmo trutta

The brown trout can tolerate slightly warmer waters than the brook trout and have taken over some of the fisheries formerly inhabited by the brookies. It is much more wary than other trouts which help ensure its longevity in waters where other trouts get fished out.

When brown trout fishing look for quiet water with lots of cover. Logs, under cuts in the bank, rock shelves, overhanging trees and brush are some of the brown trouts favorite hiding places. The larger they get, the more wary they become and are more inclined to feed at night under the protection of darkness.

Brown trout feed on worms, minnows, insects and crustaceans. Dry fly fishing for pan-sized browns is a favorite technique as they rise well to these crafty presentations. Larger browns tend to feed more on flesh and favor nutritious crustaceans, worms or small fishes. When fly fishing for large brown trout use wet flies which mimic the local natural baitfish.

Lake Trout
Salvelinus namaycush

The lake trout is by far the largest of the trouts. It lives in deep cold lakes and is also known as Great Lakes trout, Mackinaw trout and salmon trout. It feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which abound in its home waters. Minnows, smelt, eels and any variety of small fishes are part of the lake trout's diet. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite.

In early spring these fish can be taken in the lake shallows on dry flies, wet flies and other slow moving presentations. Once the surface waters warm the lake trout retreats to deep water where trolling with heavy tackle is the preferred method. Spoons and baitfish imitating lures worked near the bottom provide the best results. As summer warms the water, cowbells and other flashing devices trolled deep often can get you to the depth where the lake trout stalk.

Walleye Fishing in Connecticut

Walleye Fishing Lakes In Connecticut

For walleye in CT, try your luck at Beach Pond, Candlewood Lake, Gardner Lake, Rogers Lake, Lake Saltonstall, Saugatuck Reservoir and Squantz Pond. The Connecticut state record walleye was caught out of Candlewood Lake

Crappie Fishing in Connecticut

Crappie are actually a member of the sunfish family and can be found in all the continental states. They are known by many different names, typically based on geographic location. Paper mouth, goggleye, bridge perch and speckled perch, just to name a few.

Connecticut Crappie Fishing Lakes

To catch crappie in Connecticut, try Beach Pond, Beseck Lake, Black Pond, Gardner Lake, Rogers Lake, Lake Saltonstall, Saugatuck Reservoir and Squantz Pond.

Catfish Fishing in Connecticut

There are many species of catfish and even more ways to catch them. Adults range in size from less than a pound to hundreds of pounds. They can be found in all types of water including ponds, streams, lakes and rivers. There are even species which spend a limited amount of time on dry land. Big giant catfish put up a very noble fight once hooked.

Catfish Lakes In Connecticut.

There are lots of waters in Connecticut with populations of catfish. Most rivers, streams and creeks have catfish as do major lakes like Amos Lake, Bantam Lake, Barkhamsted Lake, Bashan Lake, Beach Pond, Black Pond, Candlewood Lake, Cedar Lake, Colebrook Impoundment, Gardner Lake, Green Falls Reservoir, Lake Lillinonah, Lower Bolton Lake, Mansfield Hollow Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Mudge Pond, Pachaug Pond, Pine Acres Lake, Quinebaug Pond, Rogers Lake, Squantz Pond, Tyler Lake, Waramaug Lake, West Hill Pond, West Thompson Lake, Winchester Lake, Wononscopomuc Lake and Lake Zoar.

Mashapaug Lake boasts the state record channel catfish and the Connecticut state record white catfish was caught in the Connecticut River.

Sunfish Fishing in Connecticut for Bluegill and Other CT Panfish.

One or more species of sunfish populate virtually all warm water streams, ponds and lakes throughout Connecticut and around the world for that matter. They can survive in waters that provide their natural food source of minnows, crustaceans, insects and worms. Their competitive nature amongst themselves for food, makes them relatively easy to catch.

Sunfish Lakes In Connecticut

You'll find populations of sunfish and bluegills in most lakes in CT including Amos Lake, Bantam Lake, Barkhamsted Lake, Bashan Lake, Beach Pond, Beseck Lake, Black Pond, Candlewood Lake, Cedar Lake, Colebrook Impoundment, Gardner Lake, Green Falls Reservoir, Highland Lake, Lake Lillinonah, Lower Bolton Lake, Mansfield Hollow Lake, Mashapaug Lake, Moodus Reservoir, Mudge Pond, Pachaug Pond, Pine Acres Lake, Quinebaug Pond, Rogers Lake, Lake Saltonstall, Saugatuck Reservoir, Squantz Pond, Tyler Lake, Waramaug Lake, Washinee Lake - West Twin, Washining Lake - East Twin, West Hill Pond, West Thompson Lake, Winchester Lake, Wononscopomuc Lake and Lake Zoar.

The Connecticut state record bluegill sunfish was caught from a private pond. Lake Marie boasts the state record pumpkinseed sunfish. The CT state record white perch came out of Candlewood Lake and the state record yellow perch was caught from Black Pond.

Striper Fishing in Connecticut

While stripers are native to salt water, they naturally migrate into fresh water streams to spawn. Their eggs must remain in motion in order to hatch so the fresh water rivers and streams which drain into the ocean become the spawning grounds for stripers.

Fishing for stripers in Connecticut is primarily in Long Island Sound and the tributary waters leading into the sound like the Connectucut river and others.

Fishing for other Northern Pike, Chain Pickerel in Connecticut.

Northern Pike
Esox Lucius
IFGA Record: 55.1 lbs
The northern pike is a valient fighter and prefers water temperatures from 58 to 70 degrees. Also known as jack, jackfish, great northern pike and pickerel. While they have been transplanted into most states with cold water, they are native to the northern states and are abundant in the north-eastern states. Northern pike are basically olive in color with white and/or yellow bellies. The northern pike has light-colored marking on a dark body whish is opposite that of their cousins the muskies.They are an ambushing predator that eats frogs, crayfish, birds and virtually any fish they can get into their mouth. Use spinners, fish-immitating lures, jerk-baits or cutbait and fish close to cover.

Chain Pickerel
Esox niger
World Record: 9.4 lbs.
A freshwater fish in the pike family easily identified by the "chain-like marking along its sides. It can be found in the northwest, northeast and southeast sections of the USA. Its primary food source is smaller fish and is known to lie in wait to ambush its prey. While it can be eaten it is not considered one of the better sport fishes for table fare. The chain peickere can be caught on fish-imitation lures and live or cut bait. Watch the sharp teeth when handling. Prefers water temperatures from 62 to 70 degrees. Also known as pickerel, eastern pickerel, pike, grass pike, jackfish, jack and others

Connecticut Fishing Regulations Info Page     Connecticut Fishing Regulations Guidebook