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Permits

Inland Fishing Tournament/Derby Permit

(Traditional paper applications will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.)

Required to conduct a fishing tournament or derby on waters open to public fishing involving anglers 16 years of age and older. Open water catch-and-release-only tournaments can be granted an exemption from Bass Management Area special regulations (exemptions available for all Bass Management lakes from September 1 through June 30, exemptions granted only for Gardner Lake and Mansfield Hollow Reservoir from July 1 to August 31).

A Marine Fishing Tournament/Derby Registration

is required to conduct a marine fishing tournament or derby in Connecticut that is open to persons 16 years of age and older as described under section 26-159a-26 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. There is no charge for the permit.

Import Live Fish - For Bait Dealers Only

(Traditional paper applications will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.)

(Bait Dealers Reporting Form - must be submitted annually by licensed bait dealers)

Required for commercial fish hatcheries and bait dealers to import live fish or live fish eggs into the state.

  • No permit is required to import common aquarium species.
  • It is illegal to release any aquarium fish into public or private waters.
  • Possession or importation of a number of fish species is prohibited. These prohibited species include piranha, walking catfish, black, silver and bighead carp, gizzard shad and all species of the family Channidae (snakeheads).
  • For further information and a complete listing, contact Inland Fisheries at 860-424-3474.

Importation Permit (General)

(Traditional paper applications will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.)

Authorizes the importation of live fish or live fish eggs from out-of-state.

Liberation (Stocking) Permit

(Traditional paper applications will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.)

Authorizes the liberation (stocking) of live fish or live fish eggs into Connecticut waters.

  • A liberation permit is necessary whenever an individual or organization stocks live fish or fish eggs into any pond, lake or stream in Connecticut.
  • List of Private Hatcheries

Importation and/or Liberation Permit for Triploid Grass Carp

Authorizes the importation, possession and liberation of triploid grass carp into inspected/approved ponds for the control of nuisance aquatic vegetation.

Private Waters Designation Word Form / PDF

The registration of private waters is required for any owner of private waters who desires to remove fish from such waters.

Scientific Collector's Permit Word Form / PDF

This permit allows individuals to collect fish and crustaceans for scientific & educational purposes.

Special Regulations on Association Controlled Waters

(Traditional paper applications - Word Form / PDF - will still be accepted, but on-line filing is preferred.)

A permit for any association owning or controlling the fishing rights in any stream or pond to have special open and closed seasons, daily creel and season limits, and legal lengths of species taken from such waters.

Sportsmen and women are able to purchase licenses, permits, and stamps online 24/7 through Connecticut's Online Outdoor Licensing System. If you do not have a way to print your license after purchase, you can display your license on a mobile device (be sure to have it with you while out in the field). Licenses and permits can also be purchased directly from many town clerks and retail agents.

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