R.C.S.A. § 26-112-46
Special management areas
Cite as Conn. Agencies Regs. § 26-112-46
(a) Boundary Waters. Boundary waters are defined as those lakes and ponds forming a common boundary between
Connecticut and an adjoining state. Connecticut sport fishing regulations shall apply,
except as provided in this section.
(1) Beach Pond, Voluntown - Rhode Island. The closed season for fishing shall be from
midnight on the last day in February through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April.
Connecticut or Rhode Island fishing license legal on entire pond. Connecticut and
Rhode Island regulations apply as follows: Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth):
the daily creel limit shall be five and the minimum length shall be twelve inches.
Chain pickerel: the daily creel limit shall be five and the minimum length shall be
fourteen inches. Trout: the daily creel limit shall be five and there shall be no
minimum length. Not more than six tip-ups may be used when ice fishing.
(2) Breakneck Pond, Union-Massachusetts. Connecticut or Massachusetts license legal on
entire pond.
(3) Colebrook Flood Control Impoundment. The closed season for fishing shall be from midnight
on the last day in February through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April. Connecticut
or Massachusetts fishing license legal on entire impoundment. Upstream demarcation
line posted by Massachusetts.
(4) Congamond Lakes (South Pond, Middle Pond and North Pond), Suffield - Massachusetts.
There shall be no closed season for fishing. Connecticut or Massachusetts fishing
license legal on all three lakes. Massachusetts regulations apply as follows: Trout:
the daily creel limit shall be six, during the period from the Saturday next preceding
the third Monday in April, one hour before sunrise, through the Sunday following the
third Saturday in October. Trout: the daily creel limit shall be three, during the
period from the Monday following the third Saturday in October to the Saturday preceding
the third Monday in April. Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth): the daily creel
limit shall be five and the minimum length shall be ten inches. Chain pickerel: the
daily creel limit shall be five and the minimum length shall be fourteen inches. Not
more than two hooks may be used during periods of open water fishing and not more
than five hooks may be used when ice fishing.
(5) Hamilton Reservoir, Union - Massachusetts. There shall be no closed season for fishing.
Connecticut or Massachusetts fishing license legal on entire pond. Massachusetts regulations
apply as follows: Trout: the daily creel limit shall be six, during the period from
the Saturday next preceding the third Monday in April, one hour before sunrise, through
the Sunday following the third Saturday in October. Trout: the daily creel limit shall
be three, during the period from the Monday following the third Saturday in October
to the Saturday preceding the third Monday in April. Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth):
the daily creel limit shall be five and the minimum length shall be ten inches. Chain
pickerel: the daily creel limit shall be five and the minimum length shall be fourteen
inches. Not more than two hooks may be used during periods of open water fishing and
not more than five hooks may be used when ice fishing.
(6) Hazard Pond, Voluntown - Rhode Island. No closed season. Connecticut or Rhode Island
fishing license legal on entire pond. Connecticut and Rhode Island regulations apply
as follows: Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth): the daily creel limit shall be
five and the minimum length shall be twelve inches. Chain pickerel: the daily creel
limit shall be five and the minimum length shall be fourteen inches. Not more than
six tip-ups may be used when ice fishing.
(7) Indian Pond, Sharon -New York. The closed season for fishing shall be from midnight
on March thirty-first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April. Connecticut
or New York license legal on entire pond. New York regulations apply as follows: Black
bass (largemouth and smallmouth): the closed season for the taking of black bass shall
be from midnight on November thirtieth through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in
April, the daily creel limit shall be six and the minimum length shall be twelve inches.
Not more than five tip-ups and two hand held jigs may be used for ice fishing.
(8) Keach Pond, Thompson - Putnam - Rhode Island. Connecticut or Rhode Island license
legal on entire pond. Rhode Island regulations apply.
(9) Killingly Pond, Killingly - Rhode Island. No closed season. Connecticut or Rhode Island
fishing license legal on entire pond. Connecticut and Rhode Island regulations apply
as follows: Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth): the daily creel limit shall be
five and the minimum length shall be twelve inches. Chain pickerel: the daily creel
limit shall be five and the minimum length shall be fourteen inches. Not more than
six tip-ups may be used when ice fishing.
(10) Muddy Pond, Woodstock-Massachusetts. Connecticut or Massachusetts fishing license
legal on entire pond.
(11) Perry Pond, Thompson - Massachusetts. Connecticut or Massachusetts fishing license
legal on entire pond.
(b) Fly Fishing Only Areas. In the following waters or portions thereof, as indicated by posters, fishing is
restricted to fly fishing only.
Bantam River (outlet), Morris, Litchfield.
Hewitt Flyfishing Pond (Gallup Pond), North Stonington.
Housatonic River, Cornwall, Sharon.
Moosup River, Plainfield.
Salmon River, Colchester.
Saugatuck River, Westport, from Dorr's Mill Dam to Merritt Parkway.
Willimantic River, Tolland, Willington.
Yantic River, Lebanon, above Johnsons Bridge and Bozrah.
(c) Trout Management Areas.
(1) The Housatonic River Trout Management Area shall be that portion of the Housatonic
River in Salisbury, Canaan, Sharon, and Cornwall from the bridge at Route 112 downstream
to the bridge at Routes 4 and 7. There shall be no closed season for trout in the
Housatonic River Trout Management Area, except that those portions of this trout management
area within one hundred feet of signs indicating such closure posted by the Department
of Energy and Environmental Protection at or near the mouths of tributary streams
shall be closed to all fishing during the period June fifteenth through September
fifteenth, inclusive. Fishing within a portion of the Housatonic River Trout Management
Area as indicated by signs posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
is restricted to fly fishing only. The daily creel limit for trout in the Housatonic
River Trout Management Area is zero and all trout caught shall be immediately returned,
without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken. Possession of trout in the
waters or on the shores of the Housatonic River Trout Management Area is prohibited.
(2) The Willimantic River Trout Management Area shall be that portion of the Willimantic
River in Tolland and Willington from the mouth of Roaring Brook downstream to the
bridge at Route 74. Fishing in the Willimantic River Trout Management Area is restricted
to fly fishing only. There shall be no closed season for trout in the Willimantic
River Trout Management Area. The daily creel limit for trout in the Willimantic River
Trout Management Area is zero and all trout caught shall be immediately returned,
without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken. Possession of trout in the
waters or on the shores of the Willimantic River Trout Management Area is prohibited.
(3) The Mianus River Trout Management Area shall be that portion of the Mianus River in
Stamford, from Merrybrook Road to the dam approximately one mile upstream, as indicated
by signs posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. There shall
be no closed season for trout in this area and the minimum length for trout taken
shall be nine inches. From September first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday
in April, fishing in this area is restricted to single hook flies and artificial lures
only, the daily creel limit for trout is zero, and all trout caught shall be immediately
returned, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken. During said time
period from September first through 6:00 A.M. on the second Saturday in April, possession
of trout in the waters or on the shores of the Mianus River Trout Management Area
is prohibited. From 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through August thirty-first,
the daily creel limit in the Mianus River Trout Management Area for any combination
of trout is two.
(4) The Farmington River Trout Management Area shall be the West Branch Farmington River
in Hartland, Barkhamsted, and New Hartford and that portion of the Farmington River
from the junction of the East and West Branches of the Farmington River in New Hartford
downstream to the Route 177 Bridge in Unionville. There shall be no closed season
for trout in the Farmington River Trout Management Area except that the portion of
such trout management area from the intersection of Hogback Road and Route 20 in Hartland,
as indicated by signs posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection,
downstream to the gas pipeline crossing approximately four-tenths miles downstream
of the confluence with the Still River in Barkhamsted, as indicated by signs posted
by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, shall be closed to all fishing
during the period April first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April. The
daily creel limits for trout in the Farmington River Trout Management Area shall be
as follows:
(A) In that portion of the Farmington River Trout Management Area from the Goodwin Dam
in Hartland downstream to the foot bridge abutments approximately one and four-tenths
miles downstream of the confluence with the Still River in Barkhamsted, as indicated
by signs posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the daily
creel limit for trout in any combination shall be two and the minimum length for any
trout taken shall be twelve inches during the time period from 6:00 a.m. on the second
Saturday in April through August thirty-first. During said time period, possession
of trout less than twelve inches or possession of more than two trout on such waters
or their shores is prohibited. From September first through 6:00 a.m. on the second
Saturday in April, the daily creel limit for trout is zero and all trout caught shall
be immediately returned, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken.
During said time period from September first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday
in April, possession of trout in the waters or on the shores of this portion of the
Farmington River Trout Management Area is prohibited.
(B) In that portion of the Farmington River Trout Management Area from the foot bridge
abutments approximately one and four-tenths miles downstream of the confluence with
the Still River in Barkhamsted, downstream to the bridge at Route 219 in New Hartford,
as indicated by signs posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection,
fishing is restricted to the use of barbless hooks only, the daily creel limit for
trout is zero and all trout caught shall be immediately returned, without avoidable
injury, to the waters from which taken. Possession of trout in the waters or on the
shores of this portion of the Farmington River Trout Management Area is prohibited.
(C) In that portion of the Farmington River Trout Management Area from the bridge at Route
219 in New Hartford downstream to the Route 177 Bridge in Unionville, the daily creel
limit for trout in any combination shall be two and the minimum length for any trout
taken shall be twelve inches during the time period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday
in April through August thirty-first. During said time period, possession of trout
less than twelve inches or possession of more than two trout on such waters or their
shores is prohibited. From September first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday
in April, the daily creel limit for trout is zero and all trout caught shall be immediately
returned, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken. During said time
period from September first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April, possession
of trout in the waters or on the shores of this portion of the Farmington River Trout
Management Area is prohibited.
(5) The Hammonasset River Trout Management Area shall be that portion of the Hammonasset
River in Killingworth and Madison, from the Lake Hammonasset Dam downstream to Chestnut
Hill Road. From September first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April,
the daily creel limit for trout is zero and all trout caught shall be immediately
returned, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken. During said time
period from September first through 6:00 A.M. on the second Saturday in April, possession
of trout in the waters or on the shores of the Hammonasset River Trout Management
Area is prohibited. From 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last
day in August, the daily creel limit in the Hammonasset River Trout Management Area
for any combination of trout is two and the minimum length for any such trout taken
shall be nine inches.
(6) The Mill River Trout Management Area shall be that portion of the Mill River in Fairfield,
from the Merritt Parkway Bridge downstream to Lake Mohegan. There shall be no closed
season for trout in the Mill River Trout Management Area. The daily creel limit for
trout is zero and all trout caught shall be immediately returned, without avoidable
injury, to the waters from which taken. Possession of trout in the waters or on the
shores of the Mill River Trout Management Area is prohibited.
(7) The Moosup River Trout Management Area shall be that portion of the Moosup River in
Plainfield from the bridge at Route 14 downstream to the junction with the Quinebaug
River. Fishing within a portion of the Moosup River Trout Management Area as indicated
by signs posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is restricted
to fly fishing only. There shall be no closed season for trout in the Moosup River
Trout Management Area. The daily creel limit for trout in the Moosup River Trout Management
Area is zero and all trout caught shall be immediately returned, without avoidable
injury, to the waters from which taken. Possession of trout in the waters or on the
shores of the Moosup River Trout Management Area is prohibited.
(8) The Salmon River Trout Management Area shall be that portion of the Salmon River in
Colchester and East Hampton, from the junction of the Blackledge and Jeremy Rivers
downstream to the Route 16 bridge. Fishing within a portion of the Salmon River Trout
Management Area is restricted to fly fishing only as indicated by signs posted by
the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. There shall be no closed season
for trout in the Salmon River Trout Management Area. From 6:00 a.m. on the second
Saturday in April through the last day in August, the daily creel limit for trout
in any combination shall be two and the minimum length for any trout taken shall be
nine inches. From September first to 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April, the
daily creel limit for trout is zero and all trout caught shall be immediately returned,
without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken. During said time period
from September first through 6:00 A.M. on the second Saturday in April possession
of trout in the waters or on the shores of the Salmon River Trout Management Area
is prohibited.
(9) The Naugatuck River Trout Management Area shall be that portion of the Naugatuck River
from Route 118 in Harwinton and Litchfield, downstream to the Thomaston Dam in Thomaston.
There shall be no closed season for trout in the Naugatuck River Trout Management
Area, except that those portions of this trout management area within one hundred
feet of signs indicating such closure posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental
Protection at or near the mouths of tributary streams shall be closed to all fishing
during the period June fifteenth through September fifteenth, inclusive. From October
first through March thirty-first, fishing is restricted to those methods specified
by the Commissioner for the taking of Atlantic salmon in accordance with section 26-112-45(c)
of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. The daily creel limit for trout
is zero and all trout caught shall be immediately returned, without avoidable injury,
to the waters from which taken. Possession of trout in the waters or on the shores
of the Naugatuck River Trout Management Area is prohibited.
(10) The Bulls Bridge Trout Management Area shall consist of (A) the portion of the Housatonic
River from Bulls Bridge Dam downstream to the Gaylordsville Bridge (Route 7) and (B)
the Ten Mile River from the New York State border downstream to the confluence with
the Housatonic River. There shall be no closed season for trout in the Bulls Bridge
Trout Management Area, except that those portions of this trout management area within
one hundred feet of signs indicating such closure posted by the Department of Energy
and Environmental Protection at or near the mouths of tributary streams shall be closed
to all fishing during the period June fifteenth through September fifteenth, inclusive.
The daily creel limit for trout is zero and all trout caught shall be immediately
returned, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken. Possession of
trout in the waters or on the shores of the Bulls Bridge Trout Management Area is
prohibited.
(11) The William Doc Skerlick Trout Management Area shall be that portion of the Saugatuck
River in Westport from the Dorr’s Mill Dam to the Merritt Parkway bridge. Fishing
within the William Doc Skerlick Trout Management Area is restricted to fly fishing
only. There shall be no closed season for trout and in this area. From 6:00 A.M. on
the second Saturday in April through August thirty-first, the daily creel limit in
the William Doc Skerlick Trout Management Area for any combination of trout is two
and the minimum length for trout taken shall be nine inches. From September first
through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April, the daily creel limit for trout
is zero and all trout caught shall be immediately returned, without avoidable injury,
to the waters from which taken. During said time period from September first through
6:00 A.M. on the second Saturday in April, possession of trout in the waters or on
the shores of the William Doc Skerlick Trout Management Area is prohibited.
(12) The Hockanum River Trout Management Area shall be the portion of the Hockanum River
from I-84 in Vernon downstream to where the river crosses under I-84 at the Manchester/East
Hartford town line as indicated by signs posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental
Protection. There shall be no closed season for trout in the Hockanum River Trout
Management Area. The daily creel limit for trout is zero and all trout caught shall
be immediately returned, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken.
Possession of trout in the waters or on the shores of the Hockanum River Trout Management
Area is prohibited.
(13) The Pequabuck River Trout Management Area shall consist of (A) that portion of the
Pequabuck River in Bristol and Plainville from King Street (Route 229 & 72) downstream
to Route 177 and (B) that portion of Coppermine Brook in Bristol from Artisan Street
downstream to the confluence with the Pequabuck River. There shall be no closed season
for trout in the Pequabuck River Trout Management Area. The daily creel limit for
trout is zero and all trout caught shall be immediately returned, without avoidable
injury, to the waters from which taken. Possession of trout in the waters or on the
shores of the Pequabuck River Trout Management Area is prohibited.
(14) The Yantic River Trout Management Area shall be that portion of the Yantic River from
Barstow Road in Lebanon, downstream to the bridge crossing at the intersection of
Fitchville Road and Schwartz Road in Bozrah. Fishing within portions of the Yantic
River Trout Management Area as indicated by signs posted by the Department of Energy
and Environmental Protection is restricted to fly fishing only. There shall be no
closed season for trout in this area. From 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April
through August thirty-first, the daily creel limit in the Yantic River Trout Management
Area for any combination of trout is two and the minimum length for trout taken shall
be nine inches. From September first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April,
the daily creel limit for trout is zero and all trout caught shall be immediately
returned, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken. During said time
period from September first through 6:00 A.M. on the second Saturday in April, possession
of trout in the waters or on the shores of the Yantic River Trout Management Area
is prohibited.
(15) The Upper Saugatuck River Trout Management Area shall be that portion of the Saugatuck
River in Redding from Diamond Hill Pond Dam downstream to Saugatuck Reservoir, as
indicated by signs posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
There shall be no closed season for trout in the Upper Saugatuck River Trout Management
Area. The daily creel limit for trout is zero and all trout caught shall be immediately
returned, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken. Possession of
trout in the waters or on the shores of the Upper Saugatuck River Trout Management
Area is prohibited.
(16) The Aspetuck River Trout Management Area shall consist of (A) that portion of the
Aspetuck River in Easton, Redding and Newtown upstream from the bridge at Valley Road
in Easton and (B) those portions of the unnamed inflow and outflow streams to Lyons
Swamp in Easton and Redding from North Park Avenue downstream to the confluence with
the Aspetuck River. There shall be no closed season for trout in the Aspetuck River
Trout Management Area. The daily creel limit for trout is zero and all trout caught
shall be immediately returned, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which
taken. Possession of trout in the waters or on the shores of the Aspetuck River Trout
Management Area is prohibited.
(17) The Sleeping Giant Trout Management Area shall be that portion of the Mill River within
Sleeping Giant State Park located between Tuttle Avenue and Mount Carmel Avenue, Hamden.
There shall be no closed season for trout in the Sleeping Giant Trout Management Area
and the minimum length for trout taken shall be nine inches. From September first
through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April, the daily creel limit for trout
is zero and all trout caught shall be immediately returned, without avoidable injury,
to the waters from which taken. During said time period from September first through
6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April possession of trout in the waters or on
the shores of the Sleeping Giant Trout Management Area is prohibited. From 6:00 a.m.
on the second Saturday in April through August thirty-first, the daily creel limit
in the Sleeping Giant Trout Management Area for any combination of trout is two.
(d) Trout Management Lakes. In the following lakes during the period March first through March thirty-first
the daily creel limit for trout shall be one and the minimum length limit shall be
sixteen inches, except as otherwise specified herein. For the purposes of this subsection
“slot limit lengths” shall mean the lengths between which fish may not be retained
and all fish equal to or greater than the lower limit but less than the upper limit
must be released, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken.
(1) Amos Lake, Preston. The closed season for fishing in this area shall be from midnight
on March thirty-first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April.
(2) Candlewood Lake (including Squantz Pond), New Fairfield, Danbury, New Milford, Sherman,
Brookfield. The closed season for fishing in this area shall be from midnight on March
thirty-first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April.
(3) Crystal Lake, Ellington, Stafford. The closed season for fishing in this area shall
be from midnight on March thirty-first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in
April. During the period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the
last day of February, the slot limit lengths for trout shall be from twelve inches
to sixteen inches total length and the daily creel limit for trout shall be five,
not more than one of which may equal or exceed sixteen inches in total length.
(4) East Twin Lake, Salisbury. The closed season for fishing in this area shall be from
midnight on March thirty-first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April.
(5) Highland Lake, Winchester. The closed season for fishing in this area shall be from
midnight on March thirty-first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April.
During the period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last
day of February, the slot limit lengths for trout shall be from twelve inches to sixteen
inches total length and the daily creel limit for trout shall be five, not more than
one of which may equal or exceed sixteen inches in total length.
(6) Quonnipaug Lake, Guilford. The closed season for fishing in this area shall be from
midnight on March thirty-first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April.
(7) Rogers Lake, Lyme, Old Lyme. The closed season for fishing in this area shall be from
midnight on March thirty-first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April.
(8) West Hill Pond, New Hartford, Barkhamsted. The closed season for fishing in this area
shall be from midnight on March thirty-first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday
in April.
(e) Special use of streams by disabled persons. The Department of Environmental Protection is authorized to set aside sections of
streams for temporary use by groups of disabled persons from state institutions, veteran
or similar organizations, upon written request, and under conditions as specified
by the department.
(f) Bass Management Areas. In addition to the provisions of section 26-112-45 of the Regulations of Connecticut
State Agencies, the following provisions shall apply in the following listed waters.
For the purposes of this subsection, "slot limit lengths" are the lengths between
which fish may not be retained. Measurements shall be from the tip of the snout to
the end of the tail and all fish equal to or greater than the lower length limit and
less than the upper length limit shall be released, without avoidable injury, to the
waters from which taken.
(1) The slot limit lengths for black bass shall be from twelve to sixteen inches in length
and the daily creel limit for black bass shall be six, not more than two of which
may equal or exceed sixteen inches in length, in: Bashan Lake (East Haddam), Billings
Lake (North Stonington), Black Pond (Meriden-Middlefield), Bolton Lakes (Upper, Middle,
Lower; Bolton, Coventry, and Vernon), Lake Chamberlain (Bethany), Colebrook Flood
Control Impoundment (Colebrook), Coventry Lake (Coventry), Halls Pond (Eastford and
Ashford), Hayward Lake (East Haddam), Lake Kenosia (Danbury), Maltby Lakes (#1, #2,
#3; New Haven, Orange-and West Haven), Mamanasco Lake (Ridgefield), Mansfield Hollow
Reservoir (Mansfield, Chaplin, and Windham), Mashapaug Lake (Union), Pickerel Lake
(Colchester and East Haddam), West Side Pond (Goshen) and Wononscopomuc Lake (Salisbury).
(2) The minimum length for black bass shall be sixteen inches and the daily creel limit
for black bass shall be two, in: Gardner Lake (Salem, Montville, and Bozrah), Highland
Lake (Winchester), Housatonic Lake (Shelton, Derby, Monroe, Oxford, and Seymour),
Mohegan Park Pond (Norwich), Quinebaug Lake (Killingly), Taftville Reservoir (Norwich),
and Wyassup Lake (North Stonington).
(3) The slot limit lengths for black bass shall be from twelve to eighteen inches; and
the daily creel limit for black bass shall be six, not more than one of which may
equal or exceed eighteen inches in length, in: Amos Lake (Preston), Moodus Reservoir
(East Haddam), Mudge Pond (Sharon), and Pataganset Lake (East Lyme).
(4) The minimum length for black bass shall be eighteen (18) inches and the daily creel
limit for black bass shall be one, in: Lake Saltonstall (Branford and East Haven).
(5) The Commissioner may grant an exemption from minimum length and daily creel limit
requirements of this section to any person issued a permit under section 26-112-42
of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies to conduct a fishing tournament or
derby on Gardner Lake or Mansfield Hollow Reservoir, provided that all fish caught
shall be released without avoidable injury to the waters where taken, and that each
participating boat shall be furnished with live wells with aerators or circulating
pumps.
(6) The Commissioner may grant an exemption from minimum length and daily creel limit
requirements of this section to any person issued a permit under section 2-112-42
of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies to conduct a fishing tournament or
derby in any Bass Management Area between September 1 and June 30, provided that all
fish caught shall be released, without avoidable injury, to the waters where taken,
and that each participating boat shall be furnished with live wells with aerators
or circulating pumps.
(7) The Bulls Bridge Bass Management Area shall consist of (A) the portion of the Housatonic
River from Bulls Bridge Dam downstream to the Gaylordsville Bridge (Route 7) and (B)
the Ten Mile River from the New York state border downstream to the confluence with
the Housatonic River. The daily creel limit for smallmouth bass and largemouth bass
is zero and all smallmouth bass and largemouth bass caught shall be immediately returned,
without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken. Possession of smallmouth
bass or largemouth bass in the waters or on the shores of the Bulls Bridge Bass Management
Area is prohibited.
(g) Wild Trout Management Areas.
(1) There shall be no closed season for trout in class one Wild Trout Management Areas.
Fishing in these areas is restricted to barbless single-hook artificial lures and
barbless single-hook flies. The daily creel limit for trout in these areas is zero
and all trout caught shall be immediately returned, without avoidable injury, to the
waters from which taken. Possession of trout on the waters or shores of these Wild
Trout Management Areas is prohibited. The following are class one Wild Trout Management
Areas:
(A) The Belding-Tankerhoosen Wild Trout Management Area, which shall consist of (i) those
portions of the Tankerhoosen River and its tributaries contained within the Belding
Wildlife Management Area in Vernon and (ii) those portions of the Tankerhoosen River
and its tributaries contained within the Tankerhoosen Wildlife Management Area, as
indicated by signs posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
(B) Deep Brook Wild Trout Management Area, which shall consist of (i) that portion of
Deep Brook in Newtown from Wasserman Way downstream to the confluence with the Pootatuck
River and (ii) that portion of the Pootatuck River upstream and downstream of the
confluence with Deep Brook as indicated by signs posted by the Department of Energy
and Environmental Protection.
(C) Eightmile River Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be the Eightmile River in
Southington.
(D) Hawleys Brook Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of Hawleys Brook
in Easton and Weston within the Trout Brook Valley property that is owned by the State
of Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Aspetuck Land Trust,
and the town of Weston.
(E) Merrick Brook Wild Trout Management Area, which shall consist of (i) that portion
of Merrick Brook and Beaver Brook in Scotland within the Talbot Wildlife Management
Area and (ii) that portion of Merrick Brook upstream of the Talbot Wildlife Management
Area as indicated by signs posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
(F) Mill River Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of the Mill River
in Easton and Fairfield from upstream of the first bridge crossing below Easton Reservoir
(South Park Avenue) as indicated by signs posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental
Protection to downstream of the third bridge crossing the Merritt Parkway as indicated
by signs posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
(G) Quinnipiac River Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of the Quinnipiac
River in Cheshire and in Southington upstream of Cheshire Street.
(H) Wachocastinook Brook Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of Wachocastinook
Brook on Mt. Riga Corporation property in Salisbury as indicated by signs posted by
the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
(I) Upper Mill River Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of the Mill
River in Easton and Monroe from Route 59 downstream to Judd Road.
(J) Lower Macedonia Brook Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of Macedonia
Brook in Kent from the confluence with Bog Hollow Brook downstream to Route 341.
(2) In class two Wild Trout Management Areas the daily creel limit for any combination
of trout shall be two and the minimum length for trout shall be twelve inches. Possession
of more than two trout or possession of trout less than twelve inches on the waters
or shores of these Wild Trout Management Areas is prohibited. The following are class
two Wild Trout Management Areas:
(A) Heather Reaves Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of Furnace
Brook in Cornwall Bridge upstream of the Housatonic River as indicated by signs posted
by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
(B) Salmon Brook (Glastonbury) Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion
of Salmon Brook in Glastonbury downstream of Addison Pond.
(3) In class three Wild Trout Management Areas the daily creel limit for trout shall be
five, as provided for in section 26-112-45(m)(3) of the Regulations of Connecticut
State Agencies, and the minimum length for trout shall be nine inches. Possession
of trout less than nine inches on the waters or shores of these Wild Trout Management
Areas is prohibited. The following are class three Wild Trout Management Areas:
(A) Beacon Hill Brook Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of Beacon
Hill Brook in Naugatuck and Beacon Falls from Route 63 downstream to the confluence
with the Naugatuck River.
(B) Blackberry River Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of the Blackberry
River in Canaan downstream of the Whiting River to the confluence with the Housatonic
River.
(C) East Aspetuck River Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of the
East Aspetuck River in New Milford and in New Preston downstream of Lake Waramaug
to the confluence with the Housatonic River.
(D) East Branch Naugatuck River Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion
of the East Branch Naugatuck River in Torrington from Newfield Road downstream to
the confluence with the West Branch Naugatuck River.
(E) Farm River Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of the Farm River
from Mill Road in North Branford downstream to the I-95 Bridge in East Haven.
(F) Fenton River Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be the Fenton River in Mansfield
and in Willington.
(G) Little River Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of the Little
River in Oxford from Towner Lane downstream to Park Road.
(H) Macedonia Brook Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be those portions of Macedonia
Brook in Kent within Macedonia Brook State Park.
(I) Morgan Brook Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be Morgan Brook in Barkhamsted.
(J) Sessions Woods Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of Negro Hill
Brook in Burlington upstream of Route 69.
(K) Norwalk River Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of the Norwalk
River in Wilton and in Ridgefield upstream of Wolf Pit Road.
(L) Pease Brook Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of Pease Brook
in Lebanon within the Pease Brook Wildlife Management Area.
(M) Eric C. Schluntz Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be the portion of Roaring
Brook in Glastonbury from Route 94 downstream to the confluence with the Connecticut
River.
(N) Roaring Brook (Stafford) Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be the portion of
Roaring Brook in Stafford and in Willington from Route 190 downstream to the confluence
with the Willimantic River.
(O) Salmon Brook (Granby) Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of Salmon
Brook and East Branch of Salmon Brook in Granby and in East Granby from Route 20 downstream
to the confluence with the Farmington River.
(P) Shunock Brook Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be Shunock Brook in North Stonington.
(Q) Stony Brook Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be Stony Brook in Montville.
(h) Atlantic salmon broodstock areas. From September first through March thirty-first, angling for all species in the following
areas is restricted to those methods specified by the commissioner for the taking
of Atlantic salmon in accordance with section 26-112-45(c) of the Regulations of Connecticut
State Agencies:
(1) The Upper Naugatuck River Atlantic salmon broodstock area is that portion of the Naugatuck
River from Route 118, Harwinton and Litchfield, downstream to Thomaston Dam, Thomaston.
(2) The Lower Naugatuck River Atlantic salmon broodstock area is that portion of the Naugatuck
River from Prospect Street, Naugatuck, downstream to Pines Bridge Road, Beacon Falls.
(3) The Shetucket River Atlantic salmon broodstock area is that portion of the Shetucket
River from the Scotland Dam, Windham, downstream to the Occum Dam, Norwich and Sprague.
(i) Trout Park Areas.
Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, in the following waters the
daily creel limit for trout shall be two and possession of more than two trout on
such waters or their shores is prohibited:
(1) Black Rock pond and Branch Brook within Black Rock State Park (Watertown).
(2) Schreeder pond and Chatfield Hollow Brook within Chatfield Hollow State Park (Killingworth).
(3) Natchaug River within Natchaug State Forest (Eastford).
(4) Allen Brook Pond (Wharton Pond) within Wharton Brook State Park (Wallingford).
(5) Eight Mile Brook and Papermill Pond within Southford Falls State Park (Oxford).
(6) Day Pond (Colchester).
(7) Stratton Brook ponds and Stratton Brook as indicated by signs posted by the Department
of Environmental Protection within Stratton Brook State Park (Simsbury).
(8) Valley Falls Pond within Valley Falls Park (Vernon).
(9) Mohegan Park Pond (Spaulding Pond, Norwich).
(10) Great Hollow Lake within Wolfe Park (Monroe).
(11) Kent Falls Brook within Kent Falls State Park (Kent).
(12) Pasture Pond (Quinebaug Valley Trout Hatchery), Plainfield.
(j) Sea-run trout streams.
(1) In the Eightmile River (East Haddam and Lyme): There shall be no closed season for
fishing downstream of the dam at Mt. Archer Road. The daily creel limit for any combination
of trout is two (2) and the minimum length limit for trout shall be fifteen (15) inches
downstream of the dam at Mt. Archer Road. Possession of trout less than fifteen (15)
inches or possession of more than two (2) trout on such waters or their shores is
prohibited.
(2) In the Farm River (North Branford and East Haven): There shall be no closed season
for fishing downstream of the I-95 bridge. The daily creel limit for any combination
of trout is two (2) and the minimum length for trout shall be fifteen (15) inches
downstream of the I-95 bridge. Possession of trout less than fifteen (15) inches or
possession of more than two (2) trout on such waters or their shores is prohibited.
(3) In the Hammonasset River (Clinton, Killingworth, and Madison): Except as provided
in subsection (c) of this section, downstream of the Hammonasset Dam (at the outlet
of Hammonasset Reservoir) to the I-95 bridge the daily creel limit for any combination
of trout is two (2) and the minimum length for trout shall be nine (9) inches. Possession
of trout less than nine (9) inches or possession of more than two (2) trout on such
waters or their shores is prohibited. There shall be no closed season for fishing
downstream of the breached dam located approximately 300 feet above River Road. The
daily creel limit for any combination of trout is two (2) and the minimum length for
trout shall be fifteen (15) inches downstream of the breached dam located approximately
300 feet above River Road. Possession of trout less than fifteen (15) inches or possession
of more than two (2) trout on such waters or their shores is prohibited.
(4) In Latimers Brook (East Lyme): There shall be no closed season for fishing downstream
of the I-95 bridge. Downstream of the I-95 bridge the daily creel limit for any combination
of trout is two (2) and the minimum length for trout shall be fifteen (15) inches.
Possession of trout less than fifteen (15) inches or possession of more than two (2)
trout on such waters or their shores is prohibited.
(5) In Oil Mill Brook (Waterford, East Lyme): Downstream of the I-95 bridge the daily
creel limit for any combination of trout is two (2) and the minimum length for trout
shall be fifteen (15) inches. Possession of trout less than fifteen (15) inches or
possession of more than two (2) trout on such waters or their shores is prohibited.
(6) In the Mianus River (Greenwich and Stamford): Except as provided in subsection (c)
of this section, the daily creel limit for any combination of trout is two (2) and
the minimum length for trout shall be nine (9) inches. Possession of trout less than
nine (9) inches or possession of more than two (2) trout on such waters or their shores
is prohibited.
(7) In Whitfords Brook (Groton, Ledyard, and Stonington): There shall be no closed season
for fishing downstream of the Route 184 bridge. Downstream of the Route 184 bridge
the daily creel limit for any combination of trout is two (2) and the minimum length
for trout shall be fifteen (15) inches. Possession of trout less than fifteen (15)
inches or possession of more than two (2) trout on such waters or their shores is
prohibited.
(8) In the Saugatuck River (Danbury, Redding, Weston, and Westport): There shall be no
closed season for fishing downstream of Wood Dam. The daily creel limit for any combination
of trout is two (2) and the minimum length for trout shall be fifteen (15) inches
downstream of Wood Dam. Possession of trout less than fifteen (15) inches or possession
of more than two (2) trout on such waters or their shores is prohibited.
(k) Trophy Trout Streams.
(1) In the Natchaug River (Eastford, Chaplin, and Windham), the daily creel limit for
any combination of trout shall be two. Possession of more than two trout on such waters
or their shores is prohibited.
(2) In the Naugatuck River (Torrington, Harwinton, Plymouth, Watertown, Waterbury, Naugatuck,
Beacon Falls, Seymour, and Ansonia), except as provided in subsection (c) of this
section, the daily creel limit for any combination of trout shall be two. Possession
of more than two trout on such waters or their shores is prohibited. Those portions
of the Naugatuck River within one hundred feet of signs indicating such closure posted
by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection at or near the mouths of
tributary streams shall be closed to all fishing during the period June fifteenth
through September fifteenth, inclusive.
(3) In that portion of the Pequonnock River in Trumbull, from the Whitney Avenue Bridge
Crossing downstream to the Daniels Farm Road Bridge Crossing, the daily creel limit
for any combination of trout shall be two. Possession of more than two trout on such
waters or their shores is prohibited.
(4) In the Pomperaug River (Woodbury and Southbury), the daily creel limit for any combination
of trout shall be two. Possession of more than two trout on such waters or their shores
is prohibited.
(5) In the Salmon River (Colchester, East Haddam, East Hampton, and Haddam), except as
provided in subsection (c) of this section, the daily creel limit for any combination
of trout shall be two. Possession of more than two trout on such waters or their shores
is prohibited.
(6) In the Shetucket River (Windham, Scotland, Sprague, and Norwich), the daily creel
limit for any combination of trout shall be two. Possession of more than two trout
on such waters or their shores is prohibited. Those portions of the Shetucket River
within one hundred feet of signs indicating such closure posted by the Department
of Energy and Environmental Protection at or near the mouths of tributary streams
shall be closed to all fishing during the period June fifteenth through September
fifteenth, inclusive.
(l) Trophy Carp Waters. The maximum length for common carp shall be twenty-six inches and the daily creel
limit for common carp shall be one in: Batterson Park Pond (Farmington, New Britain),
the Connecticut River, its coves, and those portions of its tributaries open to fishing
throughout the year, as provided in section 26-112-44(a)(1) of the Regulations of
Connecticut State Agencies, Squantz Pond (New Fairfield), and West Thompson Reservoir
(Thompson). The commissioner may grant an exemption from maximum length and daily
creel limit requirements of this subsection to any person issued a permit under section
26-112-42 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies to conduct a fishing tournament
or derby in any Trophy Carp Water provided that all fish caught shall be released,
without avoidable injury, to the waters where taken.