CONNECTICUT FISHING LAWS AND REGULATIONS
Since fishing regulations help protect and preserve fish populations in our state, it is important for every angler to check the current set of regulations before each fishing trip. Each state has its distinct set of regulations, which are often updated seasonally or monthly.
IT’S NOT A FEE, IT’S A CONTRIBUTION
Imagine what lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, or the ocean would be like without fishing regulations in place. Aside from standard catch and release best practices, deep-water fish can require special treatment since they are subject to the effects of decompression. If you are fishing for cod or black sea bass off the coast of Connecticut, you can help with conservation by learning how to release these deep-water species safely.
FISHING LICENSE INFORMATION
In Connecticut, a fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older for fishing, both inland and on marine waters, whether fishing from the shore or a boat.
Those exempt from needing a Connecticut fishing license are the legally blind and mentally disabled individuals, as well as anglers with the loss of a limb or use of a limb.
Residents 65 and older can receive a free lifetime fishing license, which needs to be renewed each year at no cost. Active duty members of the military can receive a fishing license for the resident fee.
Licenses are issued for the calendar year and expire on December 31.
WHERE TO PURCHASE
Connecticut fishing licenses can be purchased online, at DEEP offices, and from many stores. Licenses purchased online do not need to be printed and can be displayed on any mobile device.
FISHING RESIDENTS
A resident inland fishing license is $28 for anglers aged 18 to 64 and $14 for anglers aged 16 and 17. All-water fishing permits are available for $32 and $16, respectively.
Combination hunting and fishing licenses are also available.
Trout and salmon stamps are required in addition to the fishing license. For anglers age 18 and older, the stamp costs $5. Seniors are also required to purchase the stamp. For anglers aged 16 and 17, the stamp costs $3.
For a resident marine fishing permit, the cost is $10 for anglers aged 18 to 64 and $5 for anglers aged 16 and 17. One-day marine fishing permits can be purchased for $5 and $3, respectively.
FISHING NONRESIDENTS
For nonresidents to fish in Connecticut waters, the seasonal permit costs $55, and the all-waters permit costs $63.
Nonresidents can purchase a three-day inland fishing permit for $22. Combination fishing and hunting licenses are also available.
Marine fishing licenses for nonresidents cost $15. A three-day permit is available for $8 for nonresidents.
For armed forces members, the inland fishing permit costs $28, the all-waters permit costs $40, and the marine permit costs $10.
OTHER LICENSES
Personal use lobster licenses are available for $60. Lobsters caught with this permit cannot be sold, and the limit is 10 pots.
For a personal use gillnet license, the cost is $100, and there is a 60-foot limit. Gillnets cannot be resold with this permit.
A commercial license is required to sell any fish, lobsters, blue crabs, squid, sea scallops, and bait species from both inland and marine districts. For further information on commercial fishing, contact DEEP Fisheries Division at 860-434-6043 or write to Marine Fisheries Office, P.O. Box 719, Old Lyme, CT 06371 or email at [email protected].
The Youth Fishing Passport is a free printable certificate available through the DEEP Online Sportsmen Licensing System or by phone (860-424-3474) to any person who is under the age of 16. For more information, please visit the Youth Fishing Passport page.