Skip to main content
Connecticut

Fishing

Fishing

Rivers & Streams

The following rivers and streams or sections thereof are available for public fishing through the courtesy of the landowner, or where indicated by posters, through cooperative agreement, lease, or state ownership.

Determining fishing regulations is a simple two-step process:

  1. Check the regulation table (Inland District Statewide Species Regulations) for general statewide Species, Legal Methods, and Limits regulations.
  2. Look up the waterbody in the alphabetical list of lake and ponds to find any special regulations that apply. If no site-specific regulations are listed for a waterbody, statewide regulations apply.

Special Management Areas For Trout (alternative regulations such as extended seasons, minimum lengths & reduced creel limits):

  • Trout Management Areas (TMA): High quality fisheries offering year-round opportunities.
  • Trout Parks: Easy to fish, frequently stocked areas.
  • Trophy Trout Streams: Stocked with a higher proportion of larger fish.
  • Sea-run Trout Streams: Areas where DEEP is working to establish populations of anadromous brown trout.
  • Wild Trout Management Areas (WTMA): There are three classes of WTMAs:
    • Class 1: Catch and release only, open year-round, use of barbless single-hook artificial lures and barbless single-hook flies only.
    • Class 2: Two (2) trout per angler per day limit, trout must be 12” or larger to keep from opening day to last day of February.
    • Class 3: Five (5) fish per angler per day limit, trout must be 9” or larger to keep from opening day to last day of February.

Lower River/Tidal Waters

Designated rivers & streams with no closed season including the entire Connecticut and Thames rivers, and downstream portions of the Coginchaug, Farmington, Housatonic, Mattabesset, Mystic, Naugatuck, Niantic, Quinnipiac, Salmon, and Yantic rivers.

Public Access to Fishing Waters

Public access to fishing waters is restricted to rights-of-way designated by poster or by permission of landowner. On state-leased streams, fishermen must wade or stay near the stream bank as indicated by signs.

Rivers and Streams Legend L Public boat launching area H Facilities for those with disabilities G State campground C Family friendly fishing location P State picnic area Z Fishing line recycling receptacle X Trout & Salmon Stamp needed to fish in this area. Z Fishing line recycling receptacle X Trout & Salmon Stamp needed to fish in this area. Italics Access/stocking location information (T BN) Indicates degree of stocking and/or presence of wild trout: T Lightly moderately stocked T Heavily stocked BK Wild brook trout BN Wild brown trout Other fish species are listed for several rivers, see Key to Fish Species Abbreviations in Lakes and Ponds section (Lakes & Ponds).

Aspetuck River, Easton-Weston (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 58 along Route 136 to the Saugatuck River.

Bantam River (West Branch), Litchfield (T)

Intermittent sections from the Goshen-Litchfield town line at Brooks Road through Route 63 to the confluence with the Bantam River Inlet near Route 202.

Bantam River (inlet to Bantam Lake), Litchfield (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 202 to approximately one half mile upstream of confluence with Bantam Lake.

Bantam River (outlet from Bantam Lake), Litchfield (T)

Downstream of Bantam Lake from Bantam to West Morris Road in West Morris.
  • Methods: Fly fishing only where indicated by posters.

Bartlett Brook, Lebanon (T)

Intermittent sections from Brewster Pond downstream to Yantic River.

Beacon Hill Brook,

Bethany-Naugatuck-Beacon Falls (T BK BN)

From Route 63 crossing in Bethany to confluence with Naugatuck River.

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3)

X

From Route 63 crossing in Naugatuck downstream to confluence with Naugatuck River:
  • Trout: 9" minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Beaver Brook, Barkhamsted (BK)

Intermittent sections from along Park Road (1/2 mile north of Day Road) to Route 318.

Beaver Brook (includes Fire Ponds), Franklin-Sprague (T BN)

Intermittent sections along Route 207 to the Shetucket River.

Beaver Brook, Windham-Scotland (BK BN)

Merrick Brook Wild Trout Management Area (Class 1) X

In Talbot Wildlife Management Area from Route 14 to Merrick Brook:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods: Barbless single-hook artificial lures and flies only.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.

Bible Rock Brook, Haddam-Middletown (T)

P

Intermittent sections along Route 154.

Bigelow Brook, Eastford-Union (T)

Intermittent sections downstream of Myers Pond to Natchaug River.

Blackberry River, Norfolk-Canaan (T BN)

From ½ mile west of Route 272 along Route 44 and Lower River Road to confluence with Housatonic River.

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3)

X

From Whiting River to confluence with Housatonic River.
  • Trout: 9" minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Blackledge River, Bolton-Hebron-Marlborough (T)

Intermittent state-owned sections from Gay City State Park to the Salmon River.
  • Trout: 9" minimum length — Downstream of Route 94, Glastonbury, to the Salmon River.

Blackwell Brook, Brooklyn-Canterbury (T)

Intermittent sections from Woodward Road to the Quinebaug River.

Bladens River, Woodbridge-Seymour (BK)

From ¼ mile below Bethmour Road along Route 67 to ¼ mile below Chatfield Street, includes tributary (Hopp Brook) along Miller Road.

Branch Brook, Watertown (T)

PG

Trout Park X

Within Black Rock State Park:
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Branford River, Branford-North Branford (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 22 to I-95.

Broad Brook, Ellington (T BK BN)

Intermittent sections along Muddy Brook Road, and from Broad Brook Mill Pond to Scantic River.

Broad Brook, Preston (T)

Intermittent sections from Swantown Road to Old Jewett City Road.

Bungee Brook, Eastford-Woodstock (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 171 downstream to the Still River.

Bunnell Brook (Burlington Brook), Burlington

From Covey Road, then along Route 4 to confluence with Farmington River:
  • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream of Covey Road.

Butternut Brook, Litchfield (T)

Upstream of Route 202 to confluence with the Bantam River.

Byram River, Greenwich (T)

Includes East Branch. From Merritt Parkway to Glenville Road (Glen Ridge Road).

Candlewood Hill Brook, Haddam (T)

Intermittent sections along Candlewood Hill Road.

Cedar Swamp Brook, Stafford (BK)

Nipmuck State Forest from Crooked Road downstream to Roaring Brook.

Cedar Swamp Brook, Sterling (BK)

Intermittent sections from Portertown Road to the Moosup River.

Chatfield Hollow Brook, Killingworth (T)

PC

Trout Park X

In Chatfield Hollow State Park:
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Choate Brook, Preston (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 165 to the Quinebaug River.

Coginchaug River, Durham-Middlefield-Middletown (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 17 in Durham through Wadsworth Falls State Park.

Lower River/Tidal Waters—no closed season

Downstream from Route 3 bridge to confluence with Mattabesset River.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length.

Change expected in june, 2021 (see Guide to Inland Regulations):

  • Carp: When fishing with bow and arrow: daily creel limit-12, of which not more than 3 fish can be greater than 30”.

Connecticut River, Enfield to Old Lyme

PGHL

Lower River/Tidal Waters—no closed season

Includes entire river in Connecticut

Trophy Carp Waters

  • Species: (AE CA CB LMB NP SMB S WA WC WP YP)
  • Carp: Daily creel limit-1, 26” maximum length.

Change expected in june, 2021 (see Guide to Inland Regulations):

  • Carp: When fishing with bow and arrow: daily creel limit-12, of which not more than 3 fish can be greater than 30”.
  • Large & smallmouth bass: 12" minimum length.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length.
  • Northern pike: 24" minimum length.
  • Alewives/Blueback Herring: Special closures may be in effect (see Atlantic Salmon & River Herring).
  • Note: Several of the boat launches may flood during periods of high water.

Coppermine Brook, Burlington-Bristol (BK BN)

Intermittent sections from South Main Street to Stevens Street.

Pequabuck River Trout Management Area

X

In Bristol from Artisan Street downstream to confluence with Pequabuck River.
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.

Copps Brook, Stonington (BK)

Access from Route 184.

Deep Brook, Newtown (BK BN)

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 1)

X

From Wasserman Way to confluence with Pootatuck River:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods: Barbless single-hook artificial lures and flies only.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.
  • Note: Wild Trout Management Area includes a portion of the Pootatuck River upstream and downstream of the confluence as posted by DEEP.

Delphi Brook, Stafford (BK BN)

Intermittent sections along Route 19.

Denison Brook, Voluntown (BK)

In Pachaug State Forest, south of Route 138.

Dickinson Creek, Marlborough (T)

Salmon River State Forest.
  • Trout: 9" minimum length-Downstream of Route 66 to the Salmon River.

East Aspetuck River, New Milford-New Preston (T BN)

Intermittent sections accessible from Routes 45 and 202 to Wells Road.

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3)

X

From Lake Waramaug to confluence with Housatonic River.
  • Trout: 9" minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

East Swamp Brook, Bethel (T)

Intermittent sections from Meckaur Municipal Park through Plumtrees Road to Route 302 (includes unnamed flow-through pond in Meckauer/Bennet Memorial Park).

Eight Mile Brook, Middlebury-Oxford (T)

P

Intermittent sections from Judd Hill, through Larkin Trail State Park and Southford Falls State Park to Route 188, then to Barry Road.

Trout Park X

Within Southford Falls State Park:
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Eightmile River, East Haddam-Lyme (T)

PGHC

Devils Hopyard State Park and intermittent sections below the park to Hamburg Cove.
  • Trout: 9" Minimum length — From Foxtown Road to the dam at Mt. Archer Road.

Sea Run Trout Stream

Downstream of dam at Mt. Archer Road:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" Minimum length.

Eightmile River (East Branch), Salem-East Haddam-Lyme (T)

Intermittent sections along Darling Road and Salem Road.
  • Trout: 9" Minimum length — Downstream of Witch Meadow Road, Salem to the Eightmile River.

Eightmile River, Southington (BN)

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 1)

X

Entire river in Southington:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods: Barbless single-hook artificial lures and flies only.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.

Exeter Brook, Lebanon (BK)

In Bartlett Brook Wildlife Management Area.

Falls River, Essex-Westbrook (T)

Intermittent sections along Witchhazel Road downstream to Mares Hill Road.

Farm River, Branford-East Haven-North Branford (T BN)

Intermittent sections from Northford to I-95.

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3)

X

From Mill Road (downstream of Pages Millpond) in North Branford to I-95 bridge (East Haven):
  • Trout: 9" minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Sea Run Trout Stream

Downstream of I-95 bridge:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length.

Farmill River, Monroe-Shelton-Stratford (T)

Intermittent sections from Moose Hill Road (Monroe) to Route 110 just above Housatonic River.

Farmington River (West Branch and Mainstem), Hartland-Barkhamsted-New Hartford-Canton-Burlington-Farmington-Avon-Simsbury-Bloomfield-East Granby-Windsor (T)

GPHCZ

Intermittent sections from Goodwin Dam to RT 4 (Farmington Center). Then from Tariffville Memorial Park (Simsbury) through the Tariffville Gorge (Bloomfield). Then from mouth of tailrace canal below Rainbow Dam to confluence with Connecticut River.

Farmington River Trout Management Area X

From Goodwin dam (Hartland) downstream tothe intersection of Hogback Road and Route 20 in Hartland, as indicated by signs posted by DEEP.
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Trout:
    • Catch and Release Only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April.
    • Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum length from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April to August 31.
From the intersection of Hogback Road and Route 20 in Hartland, as indicated by signs posted by DEEP downstream to the gas pipeline crossing approximately four-tenths miles downstream of the confluence with the Still River in Barkhamsted, as indicated by signs posted by DEEP. THIS AREA IS CLOSED TO ALL FISHING FROM THE FIRST DAY OF APRIL TO 6:00 AM 2ND SATURDAY IN APRIL:
  • Season: Open 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday April–last day March.
  • Trout:
    • Catch and Release Only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. last day March.
    • Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum length from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April to August 31.
From the gas pipeline crossing approximately four-tenths miles downstream of the confluence with the Still River in Barkhamsted, as indicated by signs posted by DEEP, to the old footbridge abutments approximately 1.4 miles downstream of the confluence with the Still River (Barkhamsted):
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Trout:
    • Catch and Release Only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April.
    • Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum length from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April to August 31.
From the old footbridge abutments (Barkhamsted) downstream to the Route 219 bridge (New Hartford). This area includes all of the former West Branch Farmington River Trout Management Area:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Methods: Barbless hooks only
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.
From the Route 219 bridge (New Hartford) downstream to the route 177 Bridge (Unionville):
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Trout:
    • Catch and Release Only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April.
    • Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum length from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April to August 31.

Lower Farmington River

Farmington to Windsor; From Route 177 bridge in Unionville Center downstream to Rainbow Reservoir.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—5, 9" Minimum length.

Lower River/Tidal Waters—no closed season

Windsor; From mouth of tailrace canal below Rainbow Dam to confluence with Connecticut River.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length.
  • Note: All fishing prohibited in tailrace canal and from mouth of tailrace upstream to Rainbow Dam.

Fawn Brook, Hebron-Marlborough

No longer stocked by DEEP.
  • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream of Slocum Road.

Fawn Brook (West Branch), Marlborough-Hebron

No longer stocked by DEEP.
  • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream of Slocum Road.

Fenton River, Mansfield-Willington (T BN)

Intermittent sections from Moose Meadow Road to Mansfield Hollow Reservoir.

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3)

X

Entire stream in Mansfield and Willington:
  • Trout: 9" Minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Fivemile River, Thompson-Putnam-Killingly (T)

P

Intermittent sections from New Road to the Quinebaug River.

Flat Brook, East Hampton (T BK)

Intermittent sections along Route 16 downstream to the Salmon River.

Freeman Hill Brook (Formerly Negro Hill Brook), Burlington (BK BN)

Session Woods Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3)

Upstream of Route 69 (through Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area):
  • Trout: 9” minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Change expected in june, 2021 (see Guide to Inland Regulations):

Session Woods Wild Trout Management Area (Class 1)

  • Season: Open year-round. Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods: Barbless single-hook artificial lures and flies only.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.

French River, Thompson (T)

Intermittent sections from North Grosvenordale Pond to Blain Road.

Freshwater Brook, Enfield (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 220 downstream to the Connecticut River.

Furnace Brook, Cornwall Bridge (BN)

P

From the bridge on Route 4 upstream approximately 1½ miles, as posted.

Heather Reaves Wild Trout Management Area (Class 2) X

Upstream from Housatonic River as posted.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Furnace Brook, Stafford (T)

Intermittent sections from Staffordville Lake along Route 19 and Furnace Brook Road to Glenville Pond.

Gillette Brook, Somers (BK)

Intermittent sections from Battle Street downstream to the Scantic River.

Green Falls River, North Stonington-Voluntown (T)

Intermittent sections from Green Falls Dam to Rhode Island.

Gulf Stream, Somers (BK)

Intermittent sections from Gulf Road Marsh downstream to the Scantic River.

Haleys Brook, Groton (BK)

Intermittent sections along Route 184.

Hall Meadow Brook, Goshen-Torrington (T BK)

Along Route 272 from Hall Meadow Cemetery to the Hall Meadow Brook Reservoir Dam (John Minetto State Park).

Hammonasset River, Clinton-Killingworth-Madison (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 80 to Route 1.

Trout Management Area X

From Lake Hammonasset Dam to Chestnut Hill Road:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Trout:
    • Catch and Release Only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April.
    • Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April to August 31.

Sea Run Trout Stream

  • From Chestnut Hill Road to the breached dam located 300 feet upstream of River Road:
  • Season: Open from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April-last day February.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 9" Minimum length.
  • Downstream of the breached dam located 300 feet upstream of River Road:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" Minimum length.

Hawleys Brook, Easton-Weston (BK)

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 1)

X

Within the Trout Brook Valley Property (publicly owned):
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods: Barbless single-hook artificial lures and flies only.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.

Hockanum River, Vernon-Ellington-Manchester-East Hartford (T)

Intermittent sections from Rockville to the Connecticut River.

Trout Management Area X

From I-84 in Vernon downstream to crossing under I-84 at Laurel Marsh on the Manchester/East Hartford line:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.

Hop Brook, Middlebury-Waterbury (T)

From Route 64 to Hop Brook Flood Control Impoundment.

Hop River (includes Johnsons Pond), Bolton-Coventry (T)

Intermittent sections along Route 6 to the Willimantic River.

Housatonic River (includes all impoundments from Bleachery Dam to the Massachusetts line), Salisbury-Canaan-Sharon-Cornwall-Kent-Sherman-New Milford (T SMB NP CA)

For Housatonic River Flows at Falls Village: 1-888-417-4837.
  • Thermal refuges: Areas within one hundred feet of signs indicating such closure posted by DEEP at or near the mouths of Kent Falls Brook and Macedonia Brook are closed to all fishing from June 15 to September 15.

Housatonic River Trout Management Area

PGCX

From bridge crossing at Routes 112 and 7 (Salisbury/Canaan) to bridge at Routes 4 and 7 (Cornwall/Sharon):
  • Season: Open year-round except in areas within 100 feet of signs indicating such closure posted by DEEP at or near the mouths of tributaries that are closed to all fishing from June 15 to September 15.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.
  • Methods: Fly fishing only in the 3 mile section upstream from Route 4 bridge, as posted.

Bass Management Area (Stanley Tract Area)

C From Dawn Hill Road (Sharon) to Skiff Mountain Road in Kent (approximately 6 miles):
  • Area managed for smallmouth, statewide regulations apply.

Bull’s Bridge Trout Management Area / Bass Management Area X

From Bull’s Bridge Impoundment Dam (Kent) to Gaylordsville Bridge (Route 7) in New Milford, includes Ten Mile River from NY border to confluence with Housatonic River:
  • Season: Open year-round except in areas within 100 feet of tributaries that are closed to all fishing from June 15 to September 15, as posted.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.
  • Large & Smallmouth bass: Catch and Release Only.

Lower River/Tidal Waters— no closed season

Derby, Orange, Shelton, Milford, Stratford Downstream from dam on Lake Housatonic (Derby). Walk-in access at Derby Dam off Route 34 (Derby) and Canal Street (Shelton).
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length.

Change expected in june, 2021 (see Guide to Inland Regulations):

  • Carp: When fishing with bow and arrow downstream of the Derby Dam: daily creel limit-12, of which not more than 3 fish can be greater than 30”.

Hunts Brook, Montville-Waterford (T)

Intermittent sections from Miller’s Pond to Smith Cove.

Indiantown Brook, Ledyard-Preston (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 2 to Poquetanuck Cove. Includes Shewville Brook, Gates and Hallville Ponds, and Poquetanuck Brook.

Jeremy River, Hebron-Colchester (T)

Intermittent Sections from Route 66 to the Blackledge River.
  • Trout: 9" minimum length — Downstream of Grayville Road to the Salmon River.

Joe Clark Brook, Ledyard (BK)

Intermittent sections from Church Hill Road downstream to Poquetanuck Cove.

Jordan Brook, Waterford (BK)

Intermittent sections along entire length.

Judd Brook, Colchester-Hebron

  • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream of Old Colchester Road to Jeremy River.

Kent Falls Brook, Kent (T BK BN)

PC

Below base of falls.

Trout Park X

Within Kent Falls State Park:
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Kettletown Brook, Southbury (T BK BN)

Through Kettletown State Park to Lake Zoar.

Kitt Brook, Canterbury (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 14 to the Quinebaug River.

Latimer Brook, East Lyme-Waterford (T BK BN)

Intermittent sections along Route 161 from Silver Falls to Niantic River.

Sea Run Trout Stream

Downstream of I-95 bridge:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" Minimum length.

Laurel Brook, Middletown (T)

From Anderson Road (Laurel Brook Road) through Wadsworth Falls State Park.

Leadmine Brook, Harwinton-Thomaston (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 4 in Harwinton through Roraback Wildlife Management Area to confluence with Naugatuck River (Thomaston Flood Control Area).

Little River, Canterbury-Hampton (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 97 to Paper Mill Pond.

Little River, Oxford-Seymour (T BK BN)

Intermittent sections along Route 67 from 1 mile above Hogback Road to Hoadley’s Pond (Seymour).

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3)

X

From Towner Lane downstream to Park Road:
  • Trout: 9" minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Lowden Brook, Voluntown (BK)

In Pachaug State Forest.

Macedonia Brook, Kent (T BK BN)

PGC

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3)

X

Within Macedonia Brook State Park:
  • Trout: 9" minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 1)

X

From confluence with Bog Hollow Brook to Route 341:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods: Barbless single-hook artificial lures and flies only.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.

Mad River, Norfolk-Winchester (T)

From Rugg Brook Road through Mad River Flood Control Impoundment to Route 263 crossing.
  • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream of Grantville Road.

Mary Brown Brook, Putnam (BK)

Intermittent sections from East Putnam Road downstream to the Five Mile River.

Mashamoquet Brook, Pomfret (T)

PGC

Intermittent sections from Taft Pond through Mashamoquet State Park to Quinebaug River.

Mattabesset River, Berlin-Middletown (NP CA LMB)

Intermittent sections in Berlin from Brook Street to Lower Lane.

Lower River/Tidal Waters—no closed season:

Downstream from Route 372 bridge to confluence with Connecticut River.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length.

Change expected in june, 2021 (see Guide to Inland Regulations):

  • Carp: When fishing with bow and arrow downstream of Route 3: daily creel limit-12, of which not more than 3 fish can be greater than 30".

Meadow Brook, Colchester

  • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream of Route 16.

Merrick Brook, Scotland (BK BN)

Merrick Brook Wild Trout Management Area (Class 1) X

Within Talbot Wildlife Management Area (WMA), and also extending upstream of the WMA as posted.
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods: Barbless single-hook artificial lures and flies only.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.
  • Note: Wild Trout Management Area includes Beaver Brook within the Talbot WMA.

Mianus River, Greenwich-Stamford (T)

H

Intermittent sections accessible ¼ mile upstream of June Road to Palmer’s Hill Road (just above Mianus Pond).

Sea Run Trout Stream

  • Entire river upstream of Mianus Pond Dam (just above Boston Post Road):
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 9" Minimum length.
  • Downstream of Mianus Pond Dam:
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" Minimum length.

Except In:

Trout Management Area X

From Merriebrook Road upstream approximately 1 mile to dam as indicated by signs:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Trout:
    • Catch and Release Only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April. Single hook flies and artificial lures only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April.
    • Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April to August 31.

Middle River, Stafford (T)

Intermittent sections from Edson Brook to Willimantic River.

Mill Brook, Cornwall (BK BN)

From the Housatonic River upstream along Route 128 for approximately 1 mile.

Mill River, Easton-Fairfield (T BN BK)

Intermittent sections from confluence with Canoe Brook, as posted by DEEP, to Mohegan Lake, then from base of Samp Mortar Reservoir dam to Sturges Road in Fairfield.

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 1)

X

From confluence of Canoe Brook, as posted by DEEP, to the Merritt Parkway:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods: Barbless single-hook artificial lures and flies only.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.

Trout Management Area X

From Merritt Parkway bridge downstream to Mohegan Park Pond.
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Trout: Catch and release only.

Mill River (includes Axle Shop, Clark’s and Woodruff’s Ponds), Hamden (T)

HPC

Intermittent sections from River Road through Sleeping Giant State Park to Skiff Street. Boats and canoes prohibited, including Axle Shop, Clarks, and Woodruffs Ponds.

Trout Management Area X

Within Sleeping Giant State Park:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Trout:
    • Catch and Release Only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April.
    • Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April to August 31.

Mine Brook, Portland (BK)

Along Gadpouch Road in Meshomasic State Forest.

Moosup River, Plainfield-Sterling (T)

Intermittent sections from the Rhode Island line to the Quinebaug River.

Trout Management Area X

From Route 14 bridge to confluence with Quinebaug River:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods: Fly fishing only in lower half of section, as posted.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.

Morgan Brook, Barkhamsted (T BN)

Intermittent sections accessible from Route 44 (downstream of Route 44 in American Legion State Forest) to the West Branch-Farmington River.

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3)

X

Entire stream:
  • Trout: 9" minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Morrissey Brook (Naromiyocknowhusunkatankshunk Brook), New Milford-Sherman (T BK BN)

Intermittent sections from Route 39 to Cedar Hill Road, New Milford.

Mount Hope River, Ashford-Mansfield (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 44 to Mansfield Hollow Reservoir.

Mount Misery Brook, Voluntown (T)

Intermittent sections from Hell Hollow Road to the Pachaug River.

Muddy River, North Haven-Wallingford (T)

Intermittent sections from Northford Road below McKenzie Reservoir (Wallingford), along Tyler Mill Road, Route 150, to Spring Street, North Haven.

Myron Kinney Brook, Voluntown (T BK)

Within Pachaug State Forest to Glasgo Pond.

Mystic River, Groton-Stonington

Lower River/Tidal Waters—no closed season

Downstream of confluence of Haleys Brook and Whitford Brook.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length.

Natchaug River, Eastford-Chaplin-Mansfield-Windham (T)

PC

Intermittent sections along Route 198 to Shetucket River.

Trophy Trout Stream

Entire River in Eastford-Chaplin-Mansfield -Windham:
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2.

Trout Park X

Within Natchaug State Forest (Eastford):
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Naugatuck River (East Branch), Torrington (T BK BN)

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3)

X

From Newfield Road downstream to the confluence with the West Branch Naugatuck:
  • Trout: 9" minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Naugatuck River (Mainstem), Torrington-Litchfield-Harwinton-Thomaston-Watertown-Waterbury-Naugatuck-Beacon Falls-Seymour-Derby (T)

From the confluence of the East and West Branches in Torrington to the Thomaston Flood Control Dam. Intermittent sections from Thomaston to Waterbury. Platts Mill Road and Route 8 overpass area in Waterbury, through the Naugatuck State Forest to the Route 42 bridge (Pines Bridge Road) in Beacon Falls.

Trophy Trout Stream

From the confluence of the East and West Branches to Route 118 (Harwinton-Litchfield) & from the Thomaston Dam to the Kinneytown Dam (Seymour):
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2
  • Thermal refuges: Areas within 100 feet of signs indicating such closure posted by DEEP at or near the mouths of tributaries are closed to all fishing from June 15 to September 15.

ATLANTIC SALMON MANAGEMENT Areas

(see Guide to Inland Regulations) X

From Route 118 (Litchfield/Harwinton) to the Thomaston Dam & from Prospect Street (Naugatuck) downstream to Pines Bridge Road (Route 42 bridge, Beacon Falls):
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods (all species): From September 1 through March 31, single fly or lure with a single free-swinging hook only. Additional weight may not be added to the line. Anglers are reminded that the season is closed from March 1 to 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd Saturday in April for all species except broodstock Atlantic salmon (see Trout Management Area below for year-round catch-and-release fishing for trout).

Naugatuck River Trout Management Area

X

Litchfield-Harwinton-Thomaston; From Route 118 (Litchfield/Harwinton) to the Thomaston Dam:
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Season: Open year-round except in areas within 100 feet of signs indicating such closure posted by DEEP at or near the mouths of tributaries that are closed to all fishing from June 15 to September 15.
  • Methods (all species): From September 1 through March 31, single fly or lure with a single free-swinging hook only. Additional weight may not be added to the line.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.

Lower River/Tidal Waters—no closed season

From Kinneytown Dam (Seymour) to confluence with Housatonic River (Derby).
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length.

Naugatuck River (West Branch), Torrington (T)

Intermittent sections from Stillwater Pond to Route 4.

Negro Hill Brook (See Freeman Hill Brook)

Nepaug River, New Hartford (T BK BN)

Intermittent sections from Niles Road to the Route 202 bridge immediately upstream from Nepaug Reservoir.

Niantic River, East Lyme-Waterford

Lower River/Tidal Waters—no closed season

Downstream of confluence with Latimer Brook.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length.

Nonewaug River, Woodbury (T BK BN)

Intermittent sections from Old Town Farm Road to Route 47.

Northfield Brook, Litchfield-Thomaston (T)

From Northfield Cutlery Pond to Northfield Flood Control Dam.

Norwalk River (includes Factory and Millers Ponds), Ridgefield-Redding-Wilton-Norwalk (T BN)

Intermittent sections from Haviland Road (Ridgefield) to Riverside Avenue (Norwalk).

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3)

X

Entire stream in Wilton and Ridgefield upstream of Wolf Pit Road:
  • Trout: 9" minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Oil Mill Brook, Waterford-East Lyme (BK BN)

Sea Run Trout Stream

Downstream of I-95 bridge:
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length.

Oxoboxo Brook, Montville (T)

Intermittent sections from Oxoboxo Lake downstream to Route 32.

Pachaug River, Griswold-Voluntown (T)

Intermittent sections from Beach Pond to the Quinebaug River. The demarcation line between the Pachaug River and Beachdale Pond is the west side of the bridge on Route 49.

Parmalee Brook, Durham (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 17 downstream to the Coginchaug River.

Pattaconk Brook, Chester (T)

Intermittent sections along Route 148.

Pease Brook, Lebanon-Franklin (BN BK)

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3)

X

In Pease Brook Wildlife Management Area:
  • Trout: 9" minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Pequabuck River, Plymouth-Bristol-Plainville (T BN)

Through Rockwell Municipal Park in Bristol downstream to Route 177 in Plainville.
  • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream of Canal Street in Plymouth.

Trout Management Area X

From King Street (Routes 229 and 72) in Bristol to Route 177 in Plainville. Includes the section of Coppermine Brook from the confluence with the Pequabuck River to Artisan Street.
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.

Pequonnock River (includes Tungsten Mine Park Pond), Bridgeport-Trumbull (T)

Intermittent sections from West Pequonnock Reservoir (Monroe) along Route 25, then through Old Mine Municipal Park, Pequonnock Valley Wildlife Area, Twin Brooks Municipal Park, Unity Municipal Park, and Beardsley State Park in Bridgeport.

Trophy Trout Stream

In Trumbull, from the Whitney Avenue bridge through Trumbull Basin State Park to the Daniels Farm Road bridge:
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2
  • Other: A parking permit (fee for non-residents) must be obtained from the Town of Trumbull to park in one of the town’s parks. A free “Fishing Parking Permit” is available to individuals with a valid fishing license and can be obtained through the Trumbull Parks and Recreation Department.

Pine Brook, East Hampton-Haddam

No longer stocked by DEEP.
  • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream of Sexton Road.

Pomperaug River, Southbury-Woodbury (T)

Intermittent sections from the junction of the Nonewaug and Weekeepeemee Rivers near Route 47 in Woodbury to ¼ mile below Route 172 in Southbury.

Trophy Trout Stream

Entire river in Woodbury and Southbury (from near Route 47 to the confluence with Lake Zoar):
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2.

Pond Brook, Newtown (T)

Intermittent sections from Routes 6 and 25 to Hanover Road just above Lake Lillinonah.

Ponset Brook, Haddam (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 9 downstream to Higganum Reservoir.

Pootatuck River, Newtown (T BK BN)

From Sandy Hook through Rocky Glenn State Park to Walnut Tree Hill Road, just above Lake Zoar.

Deep Brook Wild Trout Management Area (Class 1) X

Approximately 1 mile (as posted) of Pootatuck River, ½ mile upstream and ½ mile downstream of confluence with Deep Brook.
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods: Barbless single-hook artificial lures and flies only.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.

Poquetanuck Brook, Preston (T)

Intermittent sections from Hallville Pond to Poquetanuck Cove.

Quanduck Brook, Killingly-Sterling (T BN)

Intermittent sections from Rhode Island to Moosup River.

Quinebaug River, Thompson to Norwich (T SMB S CB WP)

Intermittent sections from the Massachusetts line to the Shetucket River.

Quinnipiac River, Southington-Cheshire-Meriden-Wallingford (T BN)

From ¼ mile below Cheshire Road, Cheshire to Route 150, Wallingford.

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 1)

X

Entire river in Southington, and in Cheshire upstream from Cheshire Street.
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods: Barbless single-hook artificial lures and flies only.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.

Lower River/Tidal Waters—no closed season

North Haven-New Haven; Downstream from Route 5 bridge in North Haven to junction with New Haven Harbor.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" Minimum length.

Change expected in june, 2021 (see Guide to Inland Regulations):

  • Carp: When fishing with bow and arrow downstream of Route 40: daily creel limit-12, of which not more than 3 fish can be greater than 30”.

Raymond Brook, Hebron

No longer stocked by DEEP.
  • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream of Old Colchester Road.

Reservoir Brook, Portland (T)

Intermittent sections from Portland Reservoir to Connecticut River.

Rippowam River, Stamford (T)

Intermittent sections from ¼ mile upstream of Route 137 to Cold Spring Road near downtown Stamford.

Roaring Brook, Glastonbury (T BK BN)

Intermittent sections from Route 94 to Connecticut River.

Eric C. Schluntz Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3) X

From Route 94 to Connecticut River:
  • Trout: 9" minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Roaring Brook, Haddam (BK)

Intermittent sections along Ruth Hill Road.

Roaring Brook, Stafford-Willington (T BN)

Intermittent sections through Nipmuck State Forest to the Willimantic River.

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3)

X

From Route 190 (Stafford) to Willimantic River (Willington):
  • Trout: 9" minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Safstrom Brook, East Hampton

No longer stocked by DEEP.
  • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream of Tartia Road.

Salmon Brook, Glastonbury (BK BN)

Intermittent sections from headwaters to Keeney Cove.

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 2)

X

Entire brook in Glastonbury downstream of Addison Pond:
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 12" minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Salmon Brook (East Branch) and Salmon Brook (Mainstem), Granby-East Granby (T BK BN)

H

From East Street below the gorge in North Granby, along Route 189, crossing Routes 202 and 20, and through Granbrook Town Park to the Farmington River.
  • Trout: 9" minimum length-entire river from Massachusetts border downstream to the Farmington River.

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3)

X

From Route 20 (Granby) to confluence with Farmington River (East Granby).
  • Trout: 9" minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Salmon Brook (West Branch), Hartland-Granby (T BK BN)

From the Granby-Hartland line, along Route 20 through Simsbury Road. Then Salmon Brook Municipal Park and Route 10, below McCleans Game Refuge.
  • Trout: 9" minimum length downstream of Route 179 (Hartland) to confluence with East Branch.

Salmon River, Colchester- East Hampton-East Haddam-Haddam (T)

HPC

Intermittent sections from the junction of the Blackledge and Jeremy Rivers to the Leesville Dam.
  • Trout: 9" Minimum length-entire river downstream to the Route 151 Bridge.

Trout Management Area X

From confluence of Blackledge and Jeremy Rivers downstream to Route 16 bridge:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods: Fly fishing only in midsection of area, as posted.
  • Trout:
    • Catch and Release Only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd Saturday in April.
    • Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length from 6:00 a.m. 2nd Saturday in April to August 31.

Trophy Trout Stream

From Route 16 bridge (East Hampton) to Route 151 bridge (East Haddam-Haddam):
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 9” minimum length.

Lower River/Tidal Waters— no closed season

Downstream of Route 151 Bridge to junction with Connecticut River.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length.
  • Thermal refuge: Area within 100 feet of signs indicating such closure posted by DEEP at or near the spring along at Sunrise Resort State Park is closed to all fishing from June 15 to September 15.

Sandy Brook, Barkhamsted-Colebrook-Norfolk (T)

Intermittent sections beginning ¼ mile from the Massachusetts line, along Route 183, through Algonquin State Forest to the confluence with the Still River above Riverton.
  • Trout: 9" minimum length- entire stream downstream from Massachusetts state line.

Saugatuck River (includes Cobbs Mill Pond), Danbury-Redding-Weston-Westport (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 7 in Danbury through West Redding along Route 53 to the Mark Twain Library Dam (1 mile above Saugatuck Reservoir). Then intermittent sections from 100 feet below the Saugatuck Reservoir Dam tailrace (as posted) through Lyons Plain to Dorr’s Mill Dam and ending at the Merritt Parkway.

William “Doc" Skerlick Trout Management Area X

In Westport from Dorr’s Mill Dam to the Merritt Parkway:
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods: Fly fishing only.
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout:
    • Catch and Release Only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd Saturday in April.
    • Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length from 6:00 a.m. on 2nd Saturday in April to August 31.

Sea Run Trout Stream

Tidal area downstream of Wood Dam (Westport):
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length.

Saugatuck River (West Branch), Weston-Westport (T)

Intermittent sections from intersection of Routes 53 and 57 (north of Weston Center) to the Saugatuck River.

Sawmill Brook, Sherman (T BK BN)

From the intersection of Routes 39 and 37 in Sherman Center to Candlewood Lake.

Scantic River, East Windsor-Enfield-Somers (T)

Intermittent sections from Massachusetts state line to Connecticut River.

Seth Williams Brook, Ledyard (BK)

Intermittent sections from headwaters to Whitfords Brook.

Shepaug River, Roxbury (T)

Intermittent sections along Route 67 from Hodge Park downstream to the Route 67 bridge.

Shetucket River, Windham to Norwich (T SMB NP S)

G

Intermittent sections from Willimantic to Greenville Dam.

Trophy Trout Stream

Entire river in Windham, Scotland, Sprague, and Norwich:
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2.
  • Thermal refuges: Open year-round except in areas within 100 feet of signs indicating such closure posted by DEEP at or near the mouths of tributaries that are closed to all fishing from June 15 to September 15.

Atlantic Salmon Management Area

(see Guide to Inland Regulations): X

From the Scotland Dam (Scotland) downstream to the Occum Dam (Norwich):

  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods (all species): From September 1 through March 31, single fly or lure with a single free-swinging hook only. Additional weight may not be added to the line. Anglers are reminded that the season is closed from March 1 to 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd Saturday in April for all species except broodstock Atlantic salmon.

Shewville Brook, Preston (T)

Intermittent sections from Indiantown Brook to Hallville Pond.

Shunock River, North Stonington (T BK BN)

Intermittent sections from Hewitts Fly Pond to the Pawcatuck River.

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3)

X

Entire stream in North Stonington:
  • Trout: 9" Minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Skungamaug River, Coventry-Tolland (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 74 to Hop River.

Snake Meadow Brook, Plainfield-Sterling (T)

Intermittent sections from its source to the Moosup River.

Sprain Brook, Woodbury (BN)

Intermittent sections from Painter Hill Road, Route 47 to Paper Mill Road.

Still River, Winsted-Colebrook-Barkhamsted (T)

Intermittent sections in Winsted and from Sandy Brook to Farmington River.
  • Trout: 9" Minimum length downstream of confluence with the Mad River.

Still River, Eastford-Woodstock (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 171 to the Natchaug River.

Still River, Danbury (T)

From Eagle Street downstream through the town linear park.

Stony Brook, Montville (BK BN)

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 3) X

Entire stream in Montville:
  • Trout: 9" Minimum length.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Stony Brook, Suffield (T)

Intermittent sections from South Grand Street to Guild Pond, includes the lower 1/2 mile of Muddy Brook.

Stratton Brook, Simsbury (T)

PC

Stratton Brook State Park through Massacoe State Forest.

Trout Park L

Within Stratton Brook State Park:
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.

Sugar Brook, Plainfield (BK)

Within Sugar Brook Wildlife Management Area.

Sumner Brook, Middletown (T BK)

Intermittent sections from Millbrook Road downstream to Route 155.

Susquetonscut Brook, Bozrah-Lebanon (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 207 to the Yantic River.

Tankerhoosen River, Vernon (T BK BN)

Intermittent sections from Valley Falls Road to Hockanum River.

Belding -Tankerhoosen Wild Trout Management Area (Class 1) X

The river and its tributaries (as posted) within Belding WMA and the Tankerhoosen WMA:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods: Barbless single-hook artificial lures and flies only.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.

Taylor Brook, Woodstock (T)

Intermittent sections from County Road downstream to Mill Brook.

Tenmile River, Cheshire (T)

From Route 70 (Cheshire) to Route 322 in Milldale.

Tenmile River, Lebanon-Columbia (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 87 to the Willimantic River.

Tenmile River, Sherman-Kent (T SMB)

Bull’s Bridge Trout Management Area / Bass Management Area X

From the New York line to confluence with the Housatonic River:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.
  • Large & smallmouth bass: Catch and Release Only.

Thames River, Norwich to New London (WP YP)

Lower River/Tidal Waters—no closed season

Downstream from Greenville Dam, includes coves.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length.

Change expected in june, 2021 (see Guide to Inland Regulations):

  • Carp: When fishing with bow and arrow: daily creel limit-12, of which not more than 3 fish can be greater than 30”.

Wachocastinook (Riga) Brook, Salisbury (BK BN)

Wild Trout Management Area (Class 1)

X

Downstream of South Pond within Mt. Riga Corporation property as posted:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods: Barbless single-hook artificial lures and flies only.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.

Wappoquia Brook (Quaker Meeting House Brook), Pomfret (BK)

Intermittent sections from Route 97 downstream to Mashomoquet Brook.

Weekeepeemee River, Woodbury (T BK BN)

Intermittent sections from Route 132, Peter Road to the confluence with the Nonewaug River.

Wepawaug River (includes Clarktown Pond), Orange-Milford (T)

Intermittent sections from Route 34, along Grassy Hill Road to ½ mile above I-95.

West River, Guilford (T)

Intermittent sections from Quonnipaug Lake to Route 1.

Whetstone Brook, Killingly (T)

Intermittent sections from East Killingly downstream to the Fivemile River.

Whitford Brook, Groton-Ledyard-Stonington (T)

Intermittent sections from Long Pond to the Mystic River.

Sea Run Trout Stream

Downstream of Route 184 bridge:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length.

Whiting River, North Canaan (T)

Intermittent sections from the Massachusetts state line to confluence with Blackberry River.

Willimantic River, Stafford to Windham (T)

C Intermittent sections from Stafford Springs to confluence with Natchaug River.

Cole Wilde Trout Management Area

X

In Tolland and Willington from mouth of Roaring Brook downstream to Route 74 bridge:
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods: Fly fishing only.
  • Trout: Catch and Release Only.

Willow Brook, Cheshire (BK BN)

Along the bike path beginning at Lock 12 at Route 42 downstream to Mount Sanford Road.

Wyassup Brook, North Stonington (BK)

Intermittent sections from Wyassup Lake downstream to Spalding Pond.

Yantic River, Bozrah-Norwich (T)

Intermittent sections from Camp Moween Road to Thames River.

Trout Management Area X

From Barstow Road (Lebanon) downstream to bridge crossing at intersection of Fitchville and Schwartz Roads:
  • Trout & salmon stamp required to fish.
  • Methods: Fly fishing only in sections at the upper and lower boundaries of TMA, as posted.
  • Season: Open year-round.
  • Trout:
    • Catch and Release Only from September 1 to 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd Saturday in April.
    • Daily creel limit—2, 9" minimum length from 6:00 a.m. on the 2nd Saturday in April–August 31.

LOWER RIVER/TIDAL WATERS—no closed season

Downstream from just below the falls at Indian leap in Norwich.
  • Trout: Daily creel limit—2, 15" minimum length.

Change expected in june, 2021 (see Guide to Inland Regulations):

  • Carp: When fishing with bow and arrow: daily creel limit-12, of which not more than 3 fish can be greater than 30".

What are “Thermal Refuges”?

During the hot summer months, heat-stressed fish in major rivers, particularly trout, often seek cool-water refuge by congregating at the mouths of tributary streams where cooler water is entering. A number of these cool-water refuges on the Housatonic River, Naugatuck River, and Salmon River have been identified and under current regulations are closed to all fishing from June 15 through September 15, inclusive. These closures are intended to protect fish from any additional stress during periods of very warm water temperatures. In 2016 due to high water temperatures and low river flows, DEEP issued emergency declarations temporarily closing eight locations on the West Branch and mainstem Farmington Rivers and extending the closure at one location on the Housatonic River. The closed areas are delineated by signs posted by DEEP.

How’s my waterway (accessible at www.epa.gov/mywaterway) helps users quickly find information on the condition of their local waters using a smart phone, tablet, or desktop computer. This tool provides results within seconds using EPA’s water quality assessment data. Check out the condition of your local waterbody today!