CT Fishin' Tips
   Your source for Connecticut fishing news, pointers and tips


E-Tackle Box
(links to fishing info)
Mystery Fish
Do you recognize this fish?

Email your guess to [email protected]

The August mystery fish was the Butterfish (Peprilus triacanthus). This marine species can be found up and down the Atlantic coast.  

The Butterfish lives about 4 years and grows to an average size of about 6-8 inches. They can max out at about 12 inches and 1 pound. 

Butterfish are a schooling fish so if you are at the right place at the right time, fishing can be fast and furious (as many anglers at our Fort Trumbull saltwater fishing event can attest).  Butterfish feed on jellyfish and a variety of worms and invertebrates. Try catching Butterfish on rigs baited with squid and bits of sandworm.
Have a Tip or Photo You Would Like to See in CT Fishin' Tips?
Email your tip to [email protected] 
Budding Angler in Your Family?
Youth Fishing Passport


Wondering what's new in fisheries?  
Get the latest in fisheries through our quarterly reports.

or 
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License Fees Fund Fishing and Hunting Programs
100% of the fees collected from the sale of fishing and hunting licenses, tags, permits, and stamps goes to support fish and wildlife conservation, preservation, and recreation programs administered by the Bureau of Natural Resources. 

Each time you purchase a license your contribution goes to support fishing, hunting, and open space right here in CT.  

So the next time you catch a Walleye, Brown Trout, or Striped Bass, see a Bald Eagle, harvest a white-tail, pheasant, or turkey, give yourself and your fellow sportsmen a pat on the back!

You are making a difference and we thank you for your support!
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Connecticut Wildlife Magazine

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.

Report a Violation
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
Are you 16-17 years old? 
Get 50% off fishing and hunting licenses
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!
Need a Permit?
Planning 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). 

Missed an Issue of CT Fishin' Tips?
Find every issue in our archives.
Latest Bites
Hunting & Fishing Day: On September 26, 2015 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, the DEEP Bureau of Natural Resources and the sporting community will be at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area celebrating the many benefits hunting and fishing have to offer (details).  See you there!
Fall Trout Stocking Has Begun!  DEEP is now stocking selected Trout Management Areas, Trout Parks, and some lakes, rivers, and streams (as water temperature, water quantity, and water quality permit).  

Stay tuned to Facebook and Twitter for our daily fall trout stocking updates.  If you miss a post, check out the weekly stocking updates on our webpage. Subscribe now to have our weekly fishing report sent directly to your inbox.
Time is winding down!  November 1, 2015 is the deadline to get your potential cover shot to us 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 [email protected]
Can You Name These Marine Visitors?
September fishing in Long Island Sound and the mouth of our tidal rivers can have some interesting and strange catches. Can you name these fish that have recently been reported to DEEP?  (Answers at the bottom of the newsletter).
Pumpkinseed Sunfish
'Tis the season for pumpkin everything, including fishing. Pumkinseeds (AKA Johnny Roach) are one of our native sunfish (family Centrachidae).  These very colorful fish inhabit almost every lake and pond in Connecticut.  Easily identifiable by the turquoise markings on the face and a bright red spot on the gill cover, these fish are easy to catch when using a variety of small lures, jigs, and live bait.  As we transition into Autumn, take a break from raking leaves to sit on the shore and cast a line into your local pond! (Check out the latest edition of CT Wildlife Magazine for an article featuring the Pumpkinseed).  
   
CT Trophy Fish Awards Program
Do you recognize this angler with his trophy White Catfish from the Podunk River in 1983?

The trophy fish awards program has been recognizing angler's accomplishments since 1965. 

Anglers whose fish meet the trophy fish criteria are awarded a pin.  Those who capture the greatest number of trophy fish are recognized at our annual Trophy Fish Awards Ceremony held during the Northeast Hunting and Fishing show. 
   
Big time B.A.S.S. fishing in CT
Twenty-two year old Alex Wetherell of Middletown, CT, came-from-behind last Friday to win the 2015 Old Milwaukee B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional on his home waters, the Connecticut River.  

Congratulations to Doug Marino and Noah Winslow (the CT high school championship team) who also won the B.A.S.S. Nation Eastern Divisional High School title. Great fishing guys!

Alex will now compete in the BASS Nation Championship in Louisiana with a chance to qualify for the BASS Master Classic.

Get the whole story and more on the B.A.S.S. Nation website.  
Have You Fished Here?
Crescent Lake in Southington is a hidden gem centrally located and just a few minutes off of Routes 84 and 72.  The lake is within a town park and offers amenities such as a boat ramp, fishing piers (as pictured), and several hiking trails.  Fish species commonly caught include; Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill and Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Pickerel, and Yellow Perch.  

Southington has partnered with CT BASS Nation and together they have installed several artificial fish habitat structures close to shore with the intent to improve fishing for those without a boat.

Please remember that you are a guest and carry out what you carry in.  This autumn season take a ride to Crescent Lake, cast a line, and enjoy the fall foliage (GPS address: 495 Shuttle Meadow Road, Southington).  Directions.
By purchasing a fishing license, you help to support conservation and improvement of Connecticut's fisheries.  Thank you!
Long Island Sound Mystery Fish Answers:
1. Banded Rudderfish
2. Butterfish
3. Northern Puffer
4. Striped Burrfish
5. Yellow Jack
6. Spotfin Butterfly Fish