E-Tackle Box
(links to fishing info)
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Mystery Fish
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Do you recognize these fish?
Email your guess to DEEP.inland.fisheries@ct.gov
The March mystery fish was a Tiger Trout; a sterile hybrid that is produced when the eggs of a brown trout are fertilized by the milt (sperm) of a brook trout.
Tiger Trout can occur naturally in the wild where there is good spawning habitat and reproducing populations of both brook and brown trout. Natural "Tigers" rarely grow above eight inches. The CT DEEP produces a limited number of Tiger Trout at our State Fish Hatcheries. The typical size of stocked "tigers" is between 10-12 inches.
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Pack Your Camera
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We are accepting your high quality digital photos of your great CT fish catches for the 2016 Angler's Guide. Ideal photos are sharp, well focused, high resolution images representing the great fishing opportunities in Connecticut. Email your entries to deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov.
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Are you 16-17 years old?
Get 50% off fishing and hunting licenses
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All 16 and 17 year old Connecticut residents can purchase 2015 fishing and hunting licenses, tags, permits, and/or stamps at 50% of the full resident cost. Get your license now!.
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Wondering what's new in fisheries?
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Get the latest in fisheries through our quarterly reports.
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Budding Angler in Your Family?
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Connecticut Wildlife Magazine
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Every issue of this bi-monthly publication includes great wildlife photography, in-depth feature articles written by DEEP biologists, information about hunting and fishing, and natural history articles.
Connecticut Wildlife Magazine is published six times each year.
Subscriptions are $8 for one year, $15 for two, or $20 for three years.
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Report a Violation
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Help to protect our natural resources for future outdoor sports enthusiasts. Report suspected violations by calling DEEP Environmental Conservation Police at 1-800-842-HELP
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Need a Permit?
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P lanning a fishing tournament or derby? Would you like to stock some fish in your pond? You can now take advantage of our new on-line permit application system, ezFile. To get started, download Google Chrome, create your user account, and submit an application. If you have questions, give us a call at 860-424-FISH (3474).
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Missed an Issue of CT Fishin' Tips?
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Have a Tip or Photo You Would Like to See in CT Fishin' Tips?
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Email your tip to DEEP.Inland.Fisheries@ct.gov
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Caught a Big One?
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Be proud of your catch! By meeting the minimum size requirements and rules, you can earn a trophy fish award pin. View the details.
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Even with the combination of the prolonged ice and snow cover and moving opening day 1 week earlier, DEEP was able to stock over 340,000 trout into almost all of our traditional stocking locations. We hope you were able to take advantage of the added week of trout season, especially if you have school aged children who were on vacation. Thanks for posting your catches and fishing adventures on our Facebook page. We enjoy seeing all of the smiles. The fishing forecast for May promises great family fun and continued great fishing. See you on the water. |
Get your Bonus Striped Bass Tag now at DEEP offices. One tag will be issued per conservation ID. The season begins on May 1, 2015. Visit our web page for details.
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Free Fishing Day: May 9, 2015
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Saturday May 9, 2015 is FREE FISHING DAY. On this date anyone can fish inland or marine waters without a fishing license (all other regulations including minimum size and creel limits remain in effect).
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 Hebron: A "Family Fishing Day" is scheduled as part of DEEP's "Great Park Pursuit Connecticut State Parks Family Adventure" at Gay City State Park. Open to families and children, this free event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and there will be plenty of activities including fishing on the pond, fish sampling, fish stocking, a fish fry, and fun activities for all ages. Join the DEEP CARE program's certified fishing instructors and the Hammonasset Chapter of Trout Unlimited for some fun family fishing.
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Barkhamsted: "Day on the Farmington River", Whittemore State Recreation Area, East River Road, - Come enjoy a day on the river with the Farmington Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited beginning at 10:00 a.m. Fish, hang out and have lunch. If you are new to the sport, there will be plenty of experienced anglers there - ready and willing to take you on the river. If there is inclement weather please check Farmington Trout Unlimited website at: http://fvtu.org/?p=593
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Meriden: "Carl D'Addaraio Children's Fishing Derby", Mirror Lake, Hubbard Park. Annual children's fishing event sponsored by the Meriden Rod and Gun Club and the City of Meriden with prizes in various age groups for biggest fish and most fish caught. Each child also gets a free hotdog and soft drink. This event is rain or shine with registration beginning at 9:00 a.m. The derby starts at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 12:00 noon. For more information contact Mike Roberts at michaelroberts@mindspring.com
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Free Fishing License Days: New this year are two free fishing license days, June 21 and August 15, 2015. On each of these days, anyone can fish for FREE provided they have obtained a 1-day free fishing license. These licenses will be available approximately 3 weeks prior to each date through our convenient online sportsmen licensing system (now mobile friendly!).
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Community Fishing Waters are local neighborhood ponds found in municipal parks or recreation areas. Most of the shoreline is clear of obstruction and readily accessible. Many are located along public transportation routes, making them easy to get to. Community Fishing Waters are stocked with Trout, Channel Catfish, or both. The daily limit for trout is 5 fish per angler: View locations.
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Crappie or Calico Bass provide great early spring action, especially on a ultra light weight rod. |
Big Browns
Grant G. of Newington, scored this 15.27 lb Brown Trout on East Twin Lake on 04/25/2015 (on his birthday). Caught in less than 4 feet of water on a swim bait. The fish was 32.5 inches long, 17.5 inch girth. It took us over 30 minutes to land it. And it towed us half the length of the island. The weight on the scale was bouncing between 15.27 and 15.8 (because the fish was bouncing). We took some pics and released it quickly back into the water. It swam off after we revived thoroughly.
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Alex F. with a nice jumbo brown caught in Highland Lake, Winsted, and released. |
A 30" 12 pound 4 oz brown caught at West Hill Pond, Barkhamsted by my daughter Brianna. |
 Fish Fish
John G. took his girlfriend Rose Marie trout fishing for her first time at the Shunock River in North Stonington and on her first cast she caught her first trout. Way to go Rose Marie. John says, "I think she's hooked." |
YOUth Fishing Passport Activities |
DEEP's free Youth Fishing Passport is your family's ticket to great fishing adventures. Available to youth 15 years old or younger, the Youth Fishing Passport can be obtained through DEEP's online sportsmen licensing system. The printable certificate is a favorite among kids as it provides a tangible connection to our outdoor resources.
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Get a printed copy of the 2015 CT Angler's Guide at your favorite local bait and tackle shop, town hall, or any DEEP office. It is also available on our website
In addition to the updated rules and regulations section, this year's Angler's Guide includes a key with photos of common freshwater fish, a listing of places with public access, and is packed with helpful fishing related information. Get your copy today!
Please note any reference to the 3rd Saturday in April (especially in the River & Stream section) should be the 2nd Saturday in April. We apologize for this typographical error. |
By purchasing a fishing license, you help to support conservation and improvement of Connecticut's fisheries. Thank you!
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