Warmwater Fisheries
Bass Management Waters
Bass fishing is very popular in Connecticut and Largemouth or Smallmouth can be found in almost every lake or pond. In most waters, bass are managed through statewide regulations (a standard 12-inch minimum length limit, 6-fish possession limit). However, in some “Bass Management Lakes” special length and creel limits designed to improve fishing by restricting harvest and allowing more bass to reach a memorable size have been put into place. Slot limits are designed to protect larger, more desirable fish from harvest, while allowing anglers to harvest smaller fish that are often overabundant (at the waters with slot limits for bass, remember that you can keep fish under 12 inches in length). Harvesting surplus small bass reduces competition for food and allows the remaining bass to grow faster and larger.
|
Category |
Protected size |
Daily Creel Limit |
| Trophy Bass (slot limit) |
12–18 Inches |
6 Bass; Only 1 fish 18 inches or over |
| Trophy Bass (minimum) |
Less than 18 inches |
1 Bass |
| Big Bass (slot limit) |
12–16 Inches |
6 Bass; Only 2 bass 16 inches or over |
| Big Bass (minimum length) |
Less than 16 inches |
2 Bass |
| Riverine Bass (Stanley Tract Area) |
None |
6 Bass |
| Riverine Bass (Bulls Bridge Area and Tenmile River) |
Catch and Release only |
|
Walleye and Northern Pike
Walleye and Northern Pike Fisheries offer a unique opportunity to catch a very large predatory fish. Stocked as juveniles to help control over-abundant forage fish, Walleye and Pike take a few years to grow to impressive size. Over the years, anglers have enjoyed catching quality size fish, especially through the ice.
Protecting both the resource and your access to the resource requires more than simply knowing and following the fishing regulations!
Respect Private Property
- Do not cast onto docks or into permitted swim areas (when in doubt, cast elsewhere).
- Ask permission before fishing from shore, or wading on private property.
Don’t Litter, Don’t Pollute
- Keep your boat and motor properly maintained.
- Retrieve all lures and gear.
- Don’t release live bait.
- Leave your fishing area cleaner than you found it!
Be A Safe Boater
- Obey boating regulations, and check your safety gear frequently! Call 1-800-842-4357 to report violations.
Be A Good Neighbor
- Treat fellow anglers, other recreational users and property owners with courtesy.
- Always be willing to share both the resource and your knowledge.
Do Your Part For Wetland Conservation — Buy A Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp!
The Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp Program is a great example of how conservation works—concerned citizens paying into a program that was formed to protect and enhance vital habitat. All revenue from the sale of Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamps goes into a dedicated account that is used solely for wetland habitat management and acquisition or for improving hunter access. Over 3,145 acres of critical wetlands have been protected in Connecticut using stamp funds. These wetlands benefit not only waterfowl, but also a multitude of other wildlife species like herons, egrets, fish, and amphibians. All migratory bird hunters are required to purchase a Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Stamp. However, anyone interested in supporting wetland conservation is encouraged to purchase a stamp for $17 online at https://portal.ct.gov/CTOutdoorLicenses (you will need to get a Conservation ID) or by sending a check to DEEP License and Revenue, 79 Elm St., Hartford, CT 06106 and requesting a stamp or stamps (ordered stamps will be sent through the mail).