Atlantic Salmon & River Herring
Atlantic Salmon: Seasons, Creel Limits & Methods for the period from December 1, 2020 –March 31, 2022 |
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Rivers |
Open Season |
Daily Creel Limit |
Legal methods (all seasons) |
December 16, 2020 through March 31, 2021 |
One (1) salmon per day* |
Fishing for, or keeping Atlantic Salmon is limited to use of a single fly, or an artificial lure with a single free-swinging hook. Additional weight may not be added to the line. Snagging is strictly prohibited. |
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April 1, 2021 to 6:00 a.m., April 10, 2021 |
Salmon fishing closed |
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6:00 a.m., April 10, 2021 through August 31, 2021 |
One (1) salmon per day* |
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September 1, 2021 through December 15, 2021 |
Catch and release only |
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December 16, 2021 through March 31, 2022 |
One (1) salmon per day* |
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Lakes |
Seasons and Methods in lakes stocked with Atlantic salmon are the same as for trout in that water body except that the Daily Creel Limit is One (1) salmon per day*. See specific water body listing in the Lakes & Ponds section. |
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Atlantic Salmon Fishing
Fishing for Atlantic Salmon in rivers is allowed only in the following areas:
- Naugatuck River: From the confluence of the East and West Branches (Torrington) downstream to the Housatonic River.
- Housatonic River: Entire river downstream of the Derby Dam.
- Shetucket River: Downstream from the Scotland Dam (Windham) to the Water Street Bridge (Norwich).
Salmon are Stocked Into Three Designated "Management" Areas:
- Naugatuck River:
- From Route 118, Litchfield-Harwinton, downstream to the Thomaston Dam (Upper section).
- From Prospect Street, Naugatuck, downstream to Pines Bridge Road, Beacon Falls (Lower section).
- Shetucket River: From the Scotland Dam, Scotland, downstream to the Occum Dam, Norwich.
Designated “Atlantic Salmon Management” Area Fishing Restriction
From September 1 to March 31, angling for all species in the designated salmon “broodstock” areas on the Naugatuck and Shetucket Rivers is restricted to fishing methods that are legal for Atlantic Salmon (a single fly, or a lure with a single free-swinging hook only). Additional weight may not be added to the line. Don't forget, if you are fishing for, or catch and plan to keep an Atlantic Salmon, even if outside one of the “Management” Areas, you must be using the legal gear for Atlantic Salmon. Anglers are reminded that the season is closed from March 1st to the 2nd Saturday in April for all species other than Atlantic Salmon except in the upper Naugatuck River “Management” Area. This area is within the Naugatuck River TMA, which is open year-round for trout (catch-and-release only). A Trout & salmon stamp is required to fish the designated “Atlantic Salmon Management” Areas.Important Note
Adult Atlantic Salmon returning from saltwater to freshwater in the Connecticut River system are no longer being captured, removed, and held at a hatchery. There is a possibility that an angler could catch one of these large returning fish. These salmon are protected and it is illegal to fish for them and any fish accidently captured must be released to the water immediately. We would appreciate the reporting of any such accidental captures to Tim Wildman at 860-447-4315.Alewife & Blueback Herring
Emergency Fishery Closure is in effect:
Landlocked Alewife
Landlocked alewife populations are established in several Connecticut lakes and ponds. Landlocked alewife may be taken by angling or scoop net only from the following lakes:- Amos Lake
- Ball Pond
- Beach Pond
- Candlewood Lake
- Crystal Lake (Ellington)
- Highland Lake
- Mount Tom Pond
- Quassapaug Lake
- Quonnipaug Lake
- Squantz Pond
- Uncas Lake
- Waramaug Lake