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E-Tackle Box
(links to fishing info)
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Mystery Fish
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Do you recognize this freshwater minnow? Hint- something about the tail.
Email your guess to DEEP.inland.fisheries@ct.gov
The September mystery fish was the Oyster Toadfish (Opsanus tau). This marine species can be found along the Atlantic coast from Maine to Florida. It prefers to live within crevices of rocky structure or in eel grass beds where it feeds upon oysters, crabs, shrimp, worms, and just about anything drifting past.
The Oyster Toadfish is an interesting fish as it has a very large mouth, does not have any scales, and the males attract females to their nest using very loud "fog-horn" like vocalizations.
The maximum size for the toadfish is about 15 inches. CT's current state record is 2.5 pounds. So, the next time you are out fishing for tautog, porgy, or Black Sea Bass, don't be surprised if you reel in a "toady".
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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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Budding Angler in Your Family?
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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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License Fees Fund Fishing and Hunting Programs
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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
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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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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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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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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. Visit our web page for details and email your entries to deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov
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Broodstock Atlantic Salmon have been stocked into the designated broodstock fishery areas on the Naugatuck River and Shetucket River as well as Mount Tom Pond and Crystal Lake. This is a unique opportunity to fish for and hopefully catch, an Atlantic salmon.
Note: The fishery is catch and release only until December 1, 2015 (in rivers only). Gear is limited to artificial flies or lures with a single free swinging hook (no treble hooks). For more information see page 24 of the 2015 Angler's Guide.
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Fall trout stocking has been completed. As Connecticut is currently experiencing a moderate drought (October 2015 is one of the driest on record), many of the streams and rivers we planned to stock do not have enough water. As a result, we have distributed these fish into some of our lakes and ponds, including trout parks. For more information check out the 2015 fall trout stocking report.
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Fisheries biologists spent the later part of October trapping adult Kokanee, which have undergone changes to their shape and color as they prepare to spawn. The crimson colored fish are captured from West Hill Lake and transported to the Burlington State Fish Hatchery. Their offspring will be stocked back to the lake in May as fry (recently hatched fish that have absorbed their yolk sac and are capable of feeding on their own). Get additional information about Connecticut's Kokanee fishery.
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When was the last time you caught a 20+ pound freshwater fish in Connecticut? Well if you are an avid "Carper", it was probably the last time you went fishing.
Common Carp (Cyprinius carpio) were first introduced into Connecticut in the late 1800's as a source of protein to feed a growing nation. Since that time the carp has become established in many waters throughout the state.
Highly sought after in Europe, Connecticut's virtually untapped Common Carp fishery is a diamond in the rough. Think catching one of these beauties is easy? Think again (check out CT Wildlife Magazine for our article on the Common Carp). |
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Shoreline Fishing Heating Up!
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Bluefish and Striped Bass are on the move, cruising the shoreline feeding on the abundance of bait fish. Now is the time to breakout your surf casting rod, find your favorite beach, and enjoy the crisp autumn air. Looking for a new place to fish? Check out our interactive saltwater fishing map and the Coastal Access Guide. |
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. |
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Big time CARP fishing in CT
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On October 12 -16, 2015, 21 teams (1 or 2 anglers) lined the banks of the Connecticut River from Hartford south to Lyme to compete in the 2015 CT CARP Open Tournament. As part of this tournament, a $100,000 prize was offered to the lucky angler/team that could land a new state record Common Carp. While many hefty fish were caught, the elusive new state record fish managed to evade capture.
A number of fixed locations (a peg) where the team must fish for the duration of the tournament were established along the river. On October 11, each of the teams drew their peg and fishing began on Monday October 12.
The Common Carp is the largest freshwater fish Connecticut has to offer. Many consider these giant members of the minnow family to be "trash". However, if you spend some time with a serious carp angler, you will have a new found respect for these powerful giants. All of the fish were returned to the river unharmed, immediately after being measured and weighed.
Wow - The largest single fish was 36 pounds 6 ounces and the greatest 4 fish total weight was 124 pounds 6 ounces. Pictured above is current state record holder Mike Hudak with a 33 pound carp captured in Middletown during the tournament.
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 By purchasing a fishing license, you help to support conservation and improvement of Connecticut's fisheries. Thank you! |
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