Shoreline Fishing in Coastal State Parks

During regular hours, a vehicle parking fee is required to enter most of the state parks. Parking fees are collected from 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. on weekends and holidays, and 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m. during the week except at state parks marked with an asterisk. For more information please see the coastal state parks website.

* Parking Fees subject to change.

  Camping

Night Fishing Rules

Anglers entering a park by vehicle must obtain a vehicle permit in order to park and fish. No vehicle will be admitted into the day-use area of the park from 6:30 a.m.–8 a.m. Individuals entering the park without a vehicle do not require a permit, but must possess fishing tackle (rod & reel, bait, light, etc.) and engage in fishing.

Bluff Point State Park & Coastal Reserve, Groton

Fishing is allowed 24 hrs.

• Fish to be caught: Winter flounder and snapper bluefish can be caught at Poquonnock Cove. Bluefish, striped bass, hickory shad, summer flounder, little tunny and tautog can be caught from the beach.
• Directions: I-95, Exit 88 to Route 117 south, right onto Route 1, left onto Depot Road. Follow to end.
• Parking Fees: None.

Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

Fishing access (handicapped accessible), 24 hour pedestrian access from Riverfront Walk to Fishing Pier on the Thames River.

• Fish to be caught: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, hickory shad, scup, tautog, winter flounder and weakfish.
• Directions: I-95N, Exit 83 (Huntington Street). I-95S, Exit 84.
• Parking Fees: None. Telephone: 860-444-7591.

Ferry Landing State Park, Old Lyme

Fishing access (handicapped accessible) consists of a fenced bulkhead area and a fishing/crabbing boardwalk. Parking is available inside the park after hours for fishing/crabbing only.

• Fish to be caught: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, catfish, tomcod, winter flounder, hickory shad, and white perch.
• Directions: I-95, Exit 70 to Route 156. After ¼ mile make a right onto Ferry Road. Follow to end. Telephone: 860-434-6043.
• Parking Fees: None.

Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison     

Fishing is allowed only at the Meigs Point Jetty (south end) and at West Beach Jetty during the peak season from 8 a.m. to sunset. Night fishing is permitted along the entire beach (2 miles). The entire beach (2 miles) is not open to night fishing during the off-season (October–May).

• Fish to be caught: Tautog, winter flounder, bluefish, summer flounder, scup, weakfish and striped bass.
• Directions: I-95, Exit 62. Telephone: 203-245-2785.
• Parking Fees*
• — Weekdays: resident—$9.00, non-resident—$15.00
• — Weekend/Holiday: resident—$13.00, non-resident—$22.00

Harkness Memorial State Park, Waterford

Fishing is allowed along the beach. No swimming allowed.

• Fish to be caught: Tautog, bluefish, and striped bass can be caught off the rocky point and summer flounder off the beach.
• Directions: I-95, Exit 75. Take Route 1 North to Avery Lane on right. Follow Avery Lane to Route 213. Follow Route 213 to the park. Telephone: 860-443-5725.
• Parking Fees*
• — Weekdays: resident—$6.00, non-resident—$10.00
• — Weekend/Holiday: resident—$9.00, non-resident—$15.00
• — After 4pm any day: resident—$6.00, non-resident— $7.00

Rocky Neck State Park, Niantic  

Fishing is allowed on the jetty year round. The entire beach and jetty is open to fishing during the off-season. Jetty located on right side of beach. Please note: When no night rangers are on staff and on major holiday weekends, no vehicles are permitted in park for night fishing.

• Fish to be caught: Tautog, winter flounder, bluefish, and striped bass can be caught off the jetty. Crabbing is allowed at designated areas.
• Directions: I-95, Exit 72 to Route 156. Telephone: 860-739-5471.
• Parking Fees*
• — Weekdays: resident—$9.00, non-resident—$15.00
• — Weekend/Holiday: resident—$13.00, non-resident—$22.00

Sherwood Island State Park, Westport

Fishing is allowed at Sherwood Point, East and West Jetty during the open season (April 15–Sept. 30). The entire beach is open to fishing during the off-season from 8 a.m. to sunset only.

• Fish to be caught: Tautog, bluefish, scup, summer flounder, winter flounder and striped bass can be caught off Sherwood Point.
• Directions: I-95, Exit 18. Telephone: 203-226-6983.
• Parking Fees*
• — Weekdays: resident—$9.00, non-resident—$15.00
• — Weekend/Holiday: resident—$13.00, non-resident—$22.00

Silver Sands State Park After Hours Fishing Parking/Charles Island, Milford

Fishing is open throughout the area including the sand spit which extends about a mile from the mainland to Charles Island. Caution is advised when fishing or walking the tombolo. Swift tidal currents during a flood tide can make passage dangerous and persons unfamiliar with the area may be stranded on Charles Island until low tide.

• Fish to be caught: Bluefish, striped bass, summer flounder, hickory shad and weakfish.
• Directions: I-95, Exit 35. Follow Schoolhouse Road south to Route 1 (Bridgeport Avenue). Turn left onto Route 1 then right at first light (Silver Sands Park Way). Follow Park Way and turn left at next light (Meadowside Road). Follow Meadowside 0.7 mile and turn right at Robert Treat Parkway which then becomes Surf Avenue. Follow Surf Avenue to end at East Broadway and turn right. The After Hours Fishing Parking Lot is at the end of East Broadway.
• Parking Fees: None.