Photo : Forest Service - Northern Region, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons
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Connecticut
State, United States. Authority : Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) – Fisheries Division.
2026 rules, checked on 23 September 2026.
- Licence
- US$63Nonresident All Waters (16+)
- Calendar lines open on
- 223 September 2026
- Minimum sizes
- 66 cmNorthern pike and tiger muskie
Useful gear for this area
Chosen from the species and size limits regulated in this area.
Responsible gearFish Unhooking Mat with 100 cm RulerTo check the minimum size: Northern pike 66 cm here.
€48.90£24.90Not shipped to the United States
Jointed 4-Section Lure 12.5 cm, SinkingFor : northern pike, zander, walleye · crankbait and hard-lure fishing
€28.90£15.90Not shipped to the United States
Hard Swimbaits 13.3 cm, Pack of 3For : northern pike, zander, walleye · crankbait and hard-lure fishing
€29.90£15.90Not shipped to the United States
Where to fish
© OpenStreetMap
2026 season calendar
catch-and-release only from March 1 until 6:00 am on the second Saturday of April; special areas differ
statewide default season
Solid bars: fishing allowed. Yellow line: today.
Minimum sizes
| Species | Minimum size | 0–70 cm |
|---|---|---|
| Black bass (largemouth, smallmouth) – lakes/ponds/CT River2 no minimum in rivers/streams | 30.5 cm | |
| Walleye2 statewide default | 45.7 cm | |
| Northern pike and tiger muskie2 statewide default | 66 cm | |
| Trout2 new statewide minimum 2026 | 22.9 cm | |
| Chain pickerel – lakes/ponds2 statewide default | 38.1 cm |
To check the minimum size: Northern pike 66 cm here. Fish Unhooking Mat with 100 cm Ruler €48.90£24.90Not shipped to the United States
Bag limits
| Species | Fish you may keep |
|---|---|
| Black bass (largemouth + smallmouth, aggregate)2 statewide default; different in Bass Management Lakes | 6 per day |
| Walleye2 statewide default | 2 per day |
| Northern pike and tiger muskie2 statewide default | 2 per day |
| Trout2 Trout and Salmon Stamp required to keep | 5 per day |
Licence
| Licence | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Inland Waters Fishing License (age 18-64)1 | calendar year (expires Dec 31) | US$28 |
| Resident Inland Waters (18-64)1 | annual (calendar year) | US$28 |
| Resident Inland Waters (16-17)1 | annual (calendar year) | US$14 |
| Resident Inland Waters (65+, annual renewal)1 | annual (calendar year) | US$0 |
| Nonresident Inland Waters (16+)1 | annual (calendar year) | US$55 |
| Nonresident Inland Waters – three consecutive days (16+)1 | 3-day | US$22 |
| Resident All Waters (inland + marine, 18-64)1 | annual (calendar year) | US$32 |
| Nonresident All Waters (16+)1 | annual (calendar year) | US$63 |
| Trout and Salmon Stamp – resident 18+ / nonresident 16+ (to keep trout or salmon)1 | annual (calendar year) | US$5 |
| Trout and Salmon Stamp – resident 16-171 | annual (calendar year) | US$3 |
Buy the licence on ct.aspirafocus.com
- Ages and exemptions1
- Inland fishing license required for anyone 16 years of age or older (under 16 exempt). Residents 65+ get a free license (annual renewal required). Free Fishing Day May 9, 2026; Free Fishing License Days June 21 and Aug 8, 2026.
Good to know
2026 changes effective Jan 1, 2026 (guide now freshwater only); new 9 in statewide trout minimum. Licenses on calendar-year basis. Bass 12 in in lakes/ponds and CT River; walleye 18 in / 2 per day; pike 26 in / 2 per day with special rules at Bantam Lake and Little Pond.
What the authority does not publish
Points we could not find in the official texts: check with the authority.
- License fee page shows no explicit year (calendar-year licenses, 2026 free days listed): prices taken as 2026
- No 1-day or 7-day license (nonresident 3-day only)
Rules change every year and can be amended during the season. Before fishing, check the text in force with the authority listed.
Where to fish
Fishing places listed in the official sources.
- Candlewood Lake lake, Danbury - New Milford View on the map
- Saugatuck Reservoir reservoir, Easton, Redding, Weston View on the map
- Colebrook Reservoir reservoir, Colebrook View on the map
- East Twin Lake lake, Salisbury View on the map
- Gardner Lake lake, Salem, Bozrah
Walleye View on the map - Highland Lake lake, Winchester View on the map
- Lake Saltonstall lake, Branford, East Haven
Walleye View on the map - Mashapaug Pond lake, Union
Walleye View on the map - Rogers Lake lake, Lyme, Old Lyme View on the map
- Wononskopomuc Lake lake, Salisbury View on the map
- Squantz Pond lake, New Fairfield, Sherman View on the map
- Bashan Lake lake, East Haddam View on the map
- Farmington River Trout Management Area river, Avon / Burlington View on the map
- Housatonic River Trout Management Area river, Salisbury / Canaan / Cornwall / Sharon View on the map
Frequently asked questions
How much is a fishing licence in Connecticut in 2026?
The “Nonresident All Waters (16+)” licence costs US$63 (annual (calendar year)). Other options and prices are in the table above, with the official source.
What is the minimum size for northern pike in Connecticut?
Northern pike: 66 cm. Any smaller fish must be released immediately.
Official sources
- CT DEEP Fisheries Licenses, Permits, and Related Products (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- 2026 Connecticut Freshwater Fishing Guide (PDF) (accessed on 23 September 2026)
- CT DEEP Fishing Regulations (accessed on 23 September 2026)
Last checked : 23 September 2026.