SubTitle26-112-1_26-112-48. Sport Fishing in the Inland District, Title26 Fisheries and Game, Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies

Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies (Last Updated: June 14,2023)

Title26 Fisheries and Game

SubTitle26-112-1_26-112-48. Sport Fishing in the Inland District

Sec. 26-112-1—26-112-20. [Repealed]

Latest version.

Repealed September 8, 1970.

Sec. 26-112-21. Application of regulations

Latest version.

These regulations concern sport fishing in all waters in the inland district, except fishing at licensed commercial hatcheries, in waters registered as private waters with the Department of Environmental Protection and in waters under association ownership or control and privately stocked as provided in section 26-132 of the General Statutes.

(Effective January 1, 1986)

Sec. 26-112-22. [Repealed]

Latest version.

Repealed January 1, 1986.

Sec. 26-112-23. Waters of the inland district

Latest version.

For the purpose of these regulations, the waters of the inland district are such waters as are established by the Commissioner under the provisions of Sections 26-108 and 26-109 of the general statutes and are defined as follows:

(a) "Streams" means all rivers, streams, brooks, creeks, and their flood waters, including temporary and seasonal pools resulting therefrom, and all coves, lagoons and canals contiguous thereto, but does not include that portion of impounded bodies of water on rivers, streams, brooks and creeks listed by the Secretary of the State as a lake, pond or reservoir.

(b) "Lakes and ponds" means all natural and artificial impounded bodies of water listed by the Secretary of the State as lakes, ponds and reservoirs, and includes their flood waters, including temporary and seasonal pools resulting therefrom and all coves and lagoons contiguous thereto.

(Effective January 1, 1987)

Sec. 26-112-24. [Repealed]

Latest version.

Repealed June 30, 2021.

(Effective January 1, 1985; Repealed June 30, 2021)

Sec. 26-112-25—26-112-38. [Repealed]

Latest version.

Repealed January 1, 1986.

Sec. 26-112-38a. [Repealed]

Latest version.

Repealed October 3, 1972.

Sec. 26-112-39. Conduct of fishermen

Latest version.

The following regulations relating to fishing and the behavior and conduct of fishermen apply throughout the inland district.

(a) Entrance and exit from streams, lakes and ponds is restricted to rights-of-way designated by posters or when consent has been obtained from the landowner or his agent.

(b) (1) All fishermen shall keep within a reasonable distance of the banks of streams, lakes and ponds and shall not trespass on lawns or posted property. (2) On stream open to fishing under leases, permanent fishing easements or formal agreements, all fishermen shall keep within ten feet of the stream bank or at such distance as specified under said leases, permanent fishing easements or formal agreements, as indicated by signs posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

(d) Swimming and/or picnicking is prohibited on any area when such prohibition is shown by posters erected by the Department or its agent.

(e) Fishing and/or trespassing is prohibited in fish spawning areas, refuge and closed areas and safety zones, when such prohibition is shown by posters erected by the Department or its agent.

(f) Fishing is prohibited in any state reservation area when such area is so posted by the Department of Environmental Protection.

(g) No motor vehicle shall be operated or parked upon any public or private road, parking area, lane, passageway, right-of-way, field or lot when such prohibition is shown by posters erected by the Department or its agent.

(h) Discarding of bottles, glass, cans, paper, junk, litter and trash is prohibited on any land and water open to fishing or otherwise under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environmental Protection.

(i) Vehicles using Department-controlled parking areas shall be parked only in authorized places as indicated by posters.

(Effective September 28, 1977; Amended December 27, 2022)

Sec. 26-112-40. [Repealed]

Latest version.

Repealed September 15, 1976.

Sec. 26-112-41. [Repealed]

Latest version.

Repealed January 1, 1986.

Sec. 26-112-42. Fishing tournaments/derbys

Latest version.

No person or club shall conduct, on waters open to public fishing, a fishing tournament or derby which is open to persons sixteen years of age or older without having first obtained a Fishing Tournament/Derby Permit as herein provided.

(a) Each person or club wishing to conduct a fishing tournament or derby on waters open to the public shall make application for such tournament or derby to the Commissioner on forms provided by him. Information required on such application may include, but need not be limited to: the full name and address of the applicant; name of the tournament or derby; sponsor; location; date(s); starting time(s); check-in time(s); check-in location(s); anticipated number of participants; daily bag limits; size limit; entry fee; and total value of awards.

(b) Permits for fishing tournaments or derbies on waters open to public fishing shall be issued at the discretion of the Commissioner.

(c) Each permittee shall, within seven days after conducting a tournament or derby, report to the Commissioner, on forms provided by him, information on the results of the tournament or derby. Such information shall include, but need not be limited to: total number of participants; total hours fished; total number of each species caught; total weight of each species caught; number of fish released after weigh-in; and number of fish retained after weigh-in.

(d) Representatives of the Commissioner may collect biological and statistical information on any or all fish caught by participants at any permitted tournament or derby.

(Effective January 1, 1984)

Sec. 26-112-43. Definitions and restrictions

Latest version.

As used in sections 26-112-21 to 26-112-48, inclusive, of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies:

(a) “Angling” means fishing with hook and line which shall be personally attended, but shall not include ice fishing or snagging or snatching. Not more than three lines, with or without rods, may be used at one time except in Trout Management Areas, Wild Trout Management Areas, Trout Parks, Sea-run Trout Streams and Trophy Trout Streams, as listed in section 26-112-46 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, where no more than two lines may be used at one time. Each line may have any combination of hooks, flies or lures, among which not more than three hooks may be baited.

(b) “Bait” means any animal, bait species as defined in section 26-112-45(d) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, fish eggs, insect or vegetable, or parts thereof, living or dead, except for certain nuisance aquatic invertebrates as provided for in section 26-55-5 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, used with a hook for the purpose of attracting and catching fish. Any fish legally acquired, except black bass (largemouth and smallmouth), chain pickerel, northern pike, trout, salmon, carp and goldfish may be used as bait, except as provided in section 26-112-48(b) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(c) “Bait fishing” means taking or attempting to take bait species, for personal use as bait or food, by use of a bait seine, bait trap, umbrella net, scoop net or by hand.

(d) “Bait seine” means a seine or net which, for the purpose of this regulation, does not exceed fifteen feet in length and four feet in depth and is used for the taking of bait species.

(e) “Bait trap” means a glass, wire or wooden device which does not exceed twenty inches in length and fifteen inches in diameter and is used for the taking of bait species.

(f) “Barbless hook” or “barbless fishhook” means a curved, pointed device, without a barb, used to catch fish and includes single, double or treble hooks provided each point is without a barb and hooks manufactured with a barb if the barb has been bent down to the hook, broken off or otherwise made ineffective.

(g) “Bobbing” means fishing with a ball or mass of worms or other bait attached to a line held in the hand or a line attached to a rod held in the hand to which no hooks are attached.

(h) “Bow and arrow fishing” means fishing by use of a compound bow, longbow, recurved bow or crossbow by which an arrow is propelled. Arrows shall have barbed heads and be attached to the bow, or to a fishing reel attached to the bow. Any fish taken by bow and arrow shall be part of the possession limit of the individual taking such fish and shall not be released to the waters where taken.

(i) “Children’s stream” and “children’s pond” means waters that are set aside in whole or in part as children’s fishing areas when such restriction is indicated by posters. Angling in such areas is restricted to children under sixteen years of age.

(j) “Closed season” means that period of time during which fishing for any species of fish, except for trout, is prohibited.

(k) “Daily creel limit” means the quantity or number of fish of a species or species group that can be taken by an individual during the period from 12:01 a.m. to midnight. In the inland district an individual that has attained their daily creel limit of fish for a species or species group may continue fishing for said fish provided all fish so taken are immediately returned, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken.

(l) “Persons with Disabilities Fishing Area” means an area set aside for the exclusive use by persons with physical disabilities when such restriction is indicated by posters.

(m) “Downrigger” means a device, supplemental to a fishing line, used to deploy, via an electric or handpowered winch, reel or spool that projects over the side or stern of a boat and is used as a hoist, main line and terminal weight, one or more fishing lines to a desired depth in the water column.

(n) “Gaff” means a spear or hook, with or without a handle, used for holding or lifting fish. The use of a gaff to land or assist in landing a fish is prohibited in the inland district.

(o) “Hook” or “fishhook” means a curved, pointed device, with or without barb, used to catch fish. Hooks may be single, double or treble and each point shall be considered as a single hook.

(p) “Fishing” or “sport fishing” means taking or attempting to take fish in the inland district, except for commercial purposes, and is restricted to angling, bow and arrow fishing, bobbing, ice fishing, snagging or snatching, spearing, scoop netting, and taking or attempting to take fish by hand.

(q) “Float” or “bobber” means any buoyant object attached to a fishing line. No such float shall be used unless the line is personally attended.

(r) “Fly” means a single or double hook dressed with hair, feathers, tinsel, thread, yarn or similar material to which no bait, spinner, spoon, plug or other device is added.

(s) “Fly fishing” means angling with the use of a fly reel, fly rod, fly line, leader and a fly or flies, except that Tenkara fishing shall also be considered fly fishing. Additional weight may be built into the fly in its construction, as in a weighted nymph, and additional weight may be attached to the leader. The use of strike indicators, as defined in this section, is permitted.

(t) “Hand-held jig” means a rod, jig stick or line held in the hand, used for fishing through the ice.

(u) “Ice fishing” means fishing through the ice with tip-ups, bobbers or floats, similar devices or hand-held jigs. The following restrictions shall apply to ice fishing:

(1) Except as provided in section 26-112-46(d) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, an individual may use, at one time, tip-ups, bobbers or floats, similar devices or hand-held jigs in any combination thereof, not exceeding six in the aggregate.

(2) Each line shall be restricted to not more than three baited hooks, with or without attractors, or three ice flies or three artificial lures or any combination thereof, not exceeding three in the aggregate.

(3) All tip-ups, bobbers or floats or similar devices shall have the name and address of the person using the same legibly printed thereon or attached thereto.

(4) No tip-ups, bobbers or floats or similar devices shall be used unless they are personally attended.

(v) “Leadcore line” means a fishing line constructed with a metal core.

(w) “Minimum length” means the smallest total length of a species or species group that may be legally possessed, measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. No person shall possess any fish less than the lengths specified and any fish less than the minimum length shall, without avoidable injury, be immediately returned to the water from which taken.

(x) “Possession limit” means the total number of fish of any species or species group that may be legally possessed by one person, either on the person, on the waters of the inland district, or the shores of such waters, or in any type of vehicle. Any fish placed on a stringer, in a container, cooler, live well or similar device, or otherwise not immediately released to the water shall count against the possession limit. An individual that has attained their possession limit of fish for a species or species group may continue to fish for said fish provided all fish so taken are immediately returned, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken. Possession limit in the field shall not exceed the daily creel limit. Any fish in possession shall be intact to the extent that neither the heads nor the tails have been removed but gills and viscera may be removed. Possession limit shall not be construed to restrict the number of legally acquired fish that may be kept in storage in the home or in other storage facilities.

(y) “Scoop net” or “scap net” means a net attached to a handle which, for the purpose of this regulation, shall be not over thirty-six inches across the widest point of the single hoop or have a mesh bag more than thirty-six inches in depth at its deepest point. Such net shall be constructed of flexible mesh material and shall be manually operated by a single individual. The use of any such net constructed of metal mesh or stiff plastic mesh is prohibited.

(z) “Set line” means a line with one or both ends secured to the shore or to a fixed or buoyant object in the water which is used for fishing and is not personally attended. Set lines shall not be used in the inland district.

(aa) “Snagging” or “snatching” means the taking of fish by foul hooking, that is, hooking fish in any part of the body other than inside the mouth. Snagging or snatching is prohibited in all waters in the inland district for all species of fish and any fish so taken shall be released immediately, except, in tidal waters and tributaries, as provided in section 26-112-46 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, menhaden, alewives and blueback (glut) herring may be taken by snagging or snatching.

(bb) “Spearing” means the use of any pointed instrument, with or without barbs, which is propelled by hand. The use of spears is prohibited in lakes and ponds and in streams, or sections of streams, stocked with trout and salmon. Spears may be used only for taking carp, bowfin, tench, suckers, eels and sea lampreys. In the inland district, fish shall not be taken by underwater spear fishing and the use of any type of spear gun in fishing is prohibited.

(cc) “Strike indicator” means a brightly colored, highly visible tab, sleeve or bead or similar material used in fly fishing. Such devices may be attached to the line or leader when used in areas restricted to fly fishing only.

(dd) “Take” or “taking” means killing, capturing or otherwise rendering into possession, any fish or bait species, or attempting to kill, capture or render into possession, or assisting in taking or attempting to take any fish or bait species.

(ee) “Bubble float” means a type of float that is attached to a fishing line or leader and can be filled with water to adjust its buoyancy.

(ff) “Maximum length” means the largest total length of a species or species group that may be legally possessed, measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. No person shall possess any fish greater than the lengths specified and any fish greater than the maximum length shall, without avoidable injury, be immediately returned to the water from which taken.

(gg) “Tenkara fishing” is a traditional form of sport fishing and means angling with the use of a tenkara rod, tenkara line and a fly or flies, without the use of a reel of any type.

(hh) “Culling” or “high-grading” means discarding or returning a previously retained fish to the water in order to retain a more desirable fish of the same species or species group. In the inland district culling is prohibited except that an individual fishing for black bass in a fishing tournament or derby that has been permitted under the provisions of section 26-112-42 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies may cull provided said individual has not yet attained their possession limit for black bass.

(ii) “Inline circle hook” means a fishing hook on which the point and barb are not offset from the plane of the shank and bend of such hook, and such point is perpendicular to such shank.

(jj) ” Cast net” means a circular or conical net with a round weighted opening that is cast and then retrieved by hand using lines attached to its margins, and is used to take fish or bait species. The use of cast nets to take fish or bait species in the inland district is prohibited, except that in tidal waters and tributaries, as provided in section 26-112-46 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, bait species may be taken by cast net.

(Effective January 1, 1995; Amended January 30, 1998; Amended January 30, 2007; Amended October 4, 2011; Amended March 6, 2015; Amended March 9, 2018; Amended June 30, 2021; Amended December 27, 2022)

Sec. 26-112-44. Closed seasons

Latest version.

(a) Streams. Fishing is allowed throughout the year in streams except as provided in sections 26-112-46 and 26-112-48 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(b) Lakes and Ponds. Fishing is allowed throughout the year at lakes and ponds.

(Effective January 1, 1997; Amended January 30, 1998; Amended December 11, 2001; Amended April 4, 2005; Amended January 30, 2007; Amended October 4, 2011; Amended March 6, 2015; Amended March 9, 2018; Amended June 30, 2021; Amended December 27, 2022)

Sec. 26-112-45. Species limitations

Latest version.

(a) Alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus) and blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis).

(1) Alewives and blueback herring may be taken only by angling or scoop net, except that in tidal waters and tributaries, as provided in section 26-112-46 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, alewives and blueback herring may also be taken by snagging or snatching.

(2) The taking of alewives and blueback herring by scoop net from June sixteenth through March thirty-first, both dates inclusive, is prohibited.

(3) In rivers and streams, the taking of alewives and blueback herring by angling and snagging or snatching from June sixteenth through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April is prohibited.

(4) The taking of alewives and blueback herring from the section of Brides Brook, East Lyme, extending from the dam at Brides Pond downstream to Brides Brook Road is prohibited.

(5) Alewives and blueback herring shall not be taken from Saturday 12:00 midnight to Tuesday 12:00 midnight except in lakes and ponds, the main body of the Connecticut River, the main body of the Housatonic River, and the main body of the Thames River including the Shetucket River to the base of the Greenville Dam.

(6) The daily creel limit for alewives and blueback herring shall be twenty-five in the aggregate.

(b) American shad (Alosa sapidissima) and hickory shad (Alosa mediocris).

(1) American shad and hickory shad may be taken only by angling.

(2) The daily creel limit for American shad and hickory shad shall be six fish of both species in the aggregate, except as provided in subdivision (3) of this subsection.

(3) In all areas of the inland district except for the Connecticut River and those portions of its tributaries designated as tidal waters and tributaries as provided in section 26-112-46 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, the daily creel limit for American shad shall be zero, and all American shad caught shall be immediately returned, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken. Possession of American shad on the waters or on the shores of the inland district, except for the waters and shores of the Connecticut River and those portions of its tributaries designated as tidal waters and tributaries as provided in section 26-112-46 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, is prohibited.

(4) The open season for taking American shad from the Pawcatuck River, North Stonington- Stonington-Rhode Island, shall be as provided by Rhode Island regulations authorized by section 20-1-12 of the General Laws of Rhode Island.

(1) The taking of Atlantic salmon is prohibited, except that the Commissioner may, by an annual declaration, allow the taking of Atlantic salmon during a specified period in specified waters as indicated by signs posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection shall inform the public of open seasons and angling regulations for Atlantic salmon by annually posting notice on the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s website and social media accounts, posting signs, and by printing notice in the fishing guide.

(2) During any period during which the taking of Atlantic salmon is allowed, the Commissioner may, by declaration, specify the angling methods allowed for the taking of Atlantic salmon.

(3) During any period during which the taking of Atlantic salmon is allowed, the Commissioner may, by declaration, specify the daily creel limit and the minimum length for Atlantic salmon.

(4) The taking of Atlantic salmon in the main stem Connecticut River shall be as provided by regulations of the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission, as authorized by Chapter 494 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(d) Bait species. Bait species include the following species of fish, amphibians, aquatic insects and crustaceans to the exclusion of all other species: golden shiner or “pond shiner” (Notemigonus crysoleucas), common shiner (Luxilus cornutus), fallfish (Semotilus corporalis), creek chub (Semotilus atromaculatus), spottail shiner or “river bait” (Notropis hudsonius), blacknose dace (Rhinichthys atratulus), longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae), pearl dace (Semotilus margarita), bluntnose minnow (Pimephales notatus), fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), cutlips minnow (Exoglossum maxillingua), chub sucker (Erimyzon oblongus), white sucker (Catostomus commersonii), banded killifish (Fundulus diaphanus), mummichug (Fundulus heteroclitus), striped killifish (Fundulus majalis), tidewater silverside (Menidia beryllina), Atlantic silverside (Menidia menidia), sand lance or “sand eels” (Ammodytes spp.), frogs (except the northern leopard frog, Rana pipiens), crayfish (except rusty crayfish, Faxonius rusticus), perch bugs, helgramites, and mayfly nymphs. Bait species may be taken only for personal use as bait and food, except as provided in section 26-55-5 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, and shall not be sold or offered for sale, except as provided in sections 26-142a-1 to 26-142a-6 inclusive, 26-142a- 12 and 26-142a-15 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(1) Bait species may be taken by bait seine, bait trap, umbrella net, by hand, by scoop net, by angling and by cast net, as provided below:

(A) In all inland waters, except those lakes and ponds where the use of fish (dead or alive) as bait is prohibited, bait species may be taken at any time by bait traps not to exceed twenty inches in length and fifteen inches in diameter and by umbrella nets not to exceed four feet in length by four feet in width.

(B) In all streams bait species may be taken at any time with bait seines not to exceed fifteen feet in length and four feet in depth. Bait seines shall not be used in lakes and ponds, except in those lakes and ponds designated by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection as open to the commercial taking of bait. In such lakes and ponds bait seines not exceeding fifteen feet in length and four feet in width may be used to take bait species at any time of year.

(D) In tidal waters and tributaries, as provided in section 26-112-46 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, bait species may be taken by cast net.

(e) Black bass. Black bass include largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu).

(1) Black bass may be taken only by angling and ice fishing.

(2) The daily creel limit for black bass shall be six, except in Boundary Waters and Bass Management Areas as specified in section 26-112-46 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and except as specified in section 26-112-48 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(3) There shall be no minimum length for black bass taken in streams, except in the Connecticut River, and its coves, where the minimum length shall be twelve inches. The minimum length for black bass taken in lakes and ponds shall be twelve inches, except in Boundary Waters and Bass Management Areas as specified in section 26-112-46 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies and except as specified in section 26-112-48 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(f) Common carp (Cyprinus carpio), bowfin (Amia calva), tench (Tinca tinca), white suckers (Catostomus commersonii), American eels (Anguilla rostrata), and sea lampreys (Petromyzon marinus).

(1) Common carp, bowfin, tench, suckers, eels and sea lampreys may be taken by angling, bobbing, ice fishing, bow and arrow fishing and spearing, except that, in streams or sections of streams stocked with trout and/or salmon, these species may be taken only by angling or ice fishing. Spearing is prohibited in all lakes and ponds.

(2) The daily creel limit for American eel shall be twenty-five.

(3) The minimum length for American eel shall be nine inches.

(4) The daily creel limit for common carp shall be five, not more than one of which may exceed thirty inches in length, except as provided in subdivision (5) of this subsection or in Trophy Carp Waters as specified in section 26-112-46 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. The commissioner may grant an exemption from the daily creel limit or length requirements specified for common carp in this subsection to any person issued a permit under section 26-112-42 to conduct a fishing tournament or derby provided that all fish caught shall be released, without avoidable injury, to the waters where taken.

(5) The daily creel limit for common carp taken by bow and arrow fishing shall be twelve, not more than three of which may exceed thirty inches in length, in the following areas: West Thompson Lake, the Thames River and its coves, including the Shetucket River downstream from Greenville Dam and the Yantic River downstream of the falls at Indian Leap in Norwich, the Connecticut River and its coves downstream of the Arrigoni Bridge, the Mattabesset River (Sebethe River) downstream of Route 3, including the Cromwell Meadows Wildlife Management Area, the Coginchaug River downstream of Route 3, the Quinnipiac River downstream of Route 40 and the Housatonic River downstream of the Derby Dam.

(g) Chain pickerel (Esox niger).

(1) Chain pickerel may be taken only by angling or ice fishing.

(2) There shall be no daily creel limit for chain pickerel taken in streams and the daily creel limit for chain pickerel taken in lakes and ponds shall be six, except in Boundary Waters as specified in section 26-112-46 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(3) There shall be no minimum length for chain pickerel taken in streams and the minimum length for chain pickerel taken in lakes and ponds shall be fifteen inches, except in Boundary Waters as specified in section 26-112-46 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(h) Northern pike (Esox lucius). Northern pike includes tiger muskie, the hybrid of a northern pike and muskellunge (Esox masquinongy).

(1) Northern pike may be taken only by angling and ice fishing.

(2) The taking of northern pike from March first through April thirtieth, both dates inclusive, is prohibited in Bantam Lake, Little Pond (Little Bantam Lake), and their tributaries, Litchfield-Morris.

(3) The daily creel limit for northern pike shall be two, except that in Lake Lillinonah the daily creel limit shall be one, and, during the period December first through the last day of February, the daily creel limit for northern pike in Bantam Lake, Little Pond (Little Bantam Lake), and their tributaries, Litchfield-Morris, shall be one.

(4) The minimum length for northern pike shall be twenty-six inches, except that in Lake Lillinonah the minimum length for northern pike shall be thirty-eight inches, in the Connecticut River and its coves the minimum length for northern pike shall be twenty four inches and, during the period December first through the last day of February, the minimum length for northern pike in Bantam Lake, Little Pond (Little Bantam Lake), and their tributaries, Litchfield- Morris, shall be thirty-six inches.

(i) Panfish. Panfish include yellow perch (Perca flavescens), white perch (Morone americana), calico bass (Pomoxis spp.), rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris), and all species of sunfish (Lepomis spp.) except banded sunfish (Enneacanthus obesus). Panfish may be taken only by angling, bobbing and ice fishing.

(j) Smelt (Osmerus mordax)

(1) Smelt may be taken in lakes and ponds only by angling and ice fishing.

(2) The taking of smelt in rivers and streams is prohibited.

(3) The daily creel limit for smelt taken in lakes and ponds shall be fifty fish.

(k) Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) regulations governing the taking and possession of striped bass in the inland district shall be as specified in sections 26-159a-2, 26-159a-4, 26-159a-7, and 26-159a- 20 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

(l) Sturgeon (Acipenser spp.). The taking of sturgeon is prohibited.

(m) Trout and kokanee. Trout and kokanee include brown trout (Salmo trutta), rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), lake trout (Savelinus namaycush), kokanee (Oncorhynchus nerka), and their hybrids.

(1) Trout and kokanee may be taken only by angling and ice fishing.

(2) The daily creel limits for trout and kokanee, except in boundary waters, Trout Management Areas, Wild Trout Management Areas, Trout Parks, Sea-Run Trout Streams, Trophy Trout Streams and Trout Management Lakes as listed in section 26-112-46 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies as specified therein; in tidal waters and tributaries as listed in section 26-112-46 and as specified in section 26-112-48 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, shall be as follows:

(A) During the time period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last day in February, inclusive, the daily creel limit for trout shall be five and the daily creel limit for kokanee shall be five.

(B) During the time period from March first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April, inclusive, the daily creel limit for trout is zero, the daily creel limit for kokanee is zero, and all trout and kokanee caught shall be immediately returned, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken. During said time period from March first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April, possession of trout or kokanee in the waters or on the shores of the waters from which taken is prohibited.

(3) The minimum length for lake trout shall be twenty inches.

(4) There shall be no minimum length for trout (except lake trout) and kokanee except:

(A) In Trout Management Lakes, Wild Trout Management Areas, Trophy Trout Streams, Sea-Run Trout Streams and Trout Management Areas listed in section 26-112-46 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies as specified therein.

(B) In tidal waters and tributaries, as provided in section 26-112-46 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, where the minimum length shall be fifteen inches.

Belden Brook, Hartland, Granby- that portion downstream from Fuller Road in Hartland.

Blackledge River, Glastonbury, Marlborough- that portion downstream from Route 94.

Burlington Brook, Burlington- that portion downstream from Covey Road.

Center Brook, Colebrook- that portion downstream from Route 183.

Cherry Brook, Canton- that portion downstream from Route 179.

Colebrook Brook, Winchester, Colebrook.

Dickinson Creek, Colchester, Marlborough- that portion downstream from Route 66.

East Branch Salmon Brook, Granby- that portion downstream from the Connecticut-Massachusetts state line.

East Branch Eightmile River, Salem, East Haddam, Lyme- that portion downstream from Witch Meadow Road in Salem.

East Branch Farmington River, Barkhamsted, New Hartford– that portion downstream from the dam at Lake McDonough.

Eightmile River, East Haddam, Lyme- that portion from Foxtown Road downstream to the dam at Mt. Archer Road.

Farmington River, Farmington, Avon, Simsbury, East Granby, Bloomfield, Windsor- that portion downstream from Route 177.

Fawn Brook, Marlborough, Hebron- that portion downstream from Slocum Road.

Indian Meadow Brook, Winchester.

Jeremy River, Colchester- that portion downstream from Greyville Road.

Judd Brook, Colchester, Hebron- that portion downstream from Old Colchester Road.

Mad River, Norfolk, Winchester- that portion downstream from Grantville Road in Norfolk.

Meadow Brook, Colchester- that portion downstream from Route 16.

Mill Brook, Winchester- that portion downstream from Hannifin Road.

Morgan Brook, Barkhamsted- that portion downstream from the dam on West Hill Pond.

Mountain Brook, Granby- that portion downstream from the Route 20 bridge located between the Route 20 intersections with Case Street and Enders Road.

Pequabuck River, Plymouth, Bristol, Plainville, Farmington - that portion downstream from Canal Street in Plymouth.

Pine Brook, East Hampton, Haddam- that section downstream from Sexton Road in East Hampton.

Ratlum Brook, Canton, New Hartford- that portion downstream from the confluence with Spruce Brook.

Raymond Brook, Hebron- that portion downstream from Old Colchester Road.

Safstrom Brook, East Hampton- that portion downstream from Tartia Road.

Salmon River, Colchester, East Hampton, East Haddam, Haddam- that portion from the confluence of the Blackledge and Jeremy rivers downstream to Route 151.

Salmon Brook, East Granby, Granby.

Sandy Brook, Colebrook, Norfolk- that portion downstream from the Connecticut-Massachusetts state line.

Still River, Barkhamsted, Colebrook- that portion downstream from the confluence with the Mad River.

West Branch of Fawn Brook, Marlborough, Hebron- that portion downstream from Slocum Road.

West Branch of Salmon Brook, Granby- that portion downstream from Route 179.

(n) Any fish or bait species taken contrary to this section shall be immediately returned, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken.

(o) Marine finfish. Unless otherwise specified by this section, the species limitations for marine finfish taken by sport fishing from the waters of this state shall be as specified in regulations adopted under authority of section 26-159a of the Connecticut General Statutes.

(p) Walleye (Sander vitreus).

(1) Walleye may be taken only by angling and ice fishing.

(2) The daily creel limit for walleye shall be two.

(3) The minimum length for walleye shall be eighteen inches except that in Lake Pocotopaug, East Hampton, the minimum length for walleye shall be twenty inches.

(q) Banded sunfish (Enneacanthus obesus). The taking of banded sunfish is prohibited.

(r) American brook lamprey (Lethenteron appendix). The taking of American brook lamprey is prohibited.

(s) Catfish and bullheads.

(1) All species of catfish (Ameiurus spp. and Ictalurus spp.), including bullheads, may be taken by hand, angling, bobbing and ice fishing.

(2) The daily creel limit for channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and white catfish (Ameiurus catus) shall be six fish of both species in the aggregate, except as provided in subdivision (3) of this subsection.

(3) The daily creel limit for channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and white catfish (Ameiurus catus) shall be three fish in the following lakes and ponds:

Beaver Park Lagoon, New Haven

Birge Pond, Bristol

Bunnells Pond (Beardsley Park Pond), Bridgeport

Center Springs Park Pond, Manchester

Colony Pond (Abe Stone Park Pond), Ansonia, Shelton

Crescent Lake, Southington

Freshwater Pond, Enfield

Keney Park Pond, Hartford

Lake Wintergreen, Hamden

Lakewood Lake, Waterbury

Mirror Lake (Hubbard Park Pond), Meriden

Picketts Pond, Derby

Rogers Park Pond, Danbury

Rowans Pond (Butternut Park Pond), Middletown

Mohegan Park Pond (Spaulding Pond), Norwich

Stanley Quarter Pond, New Britain.

(Effective January 1, 1997; Amended January 30, 1998; Amended September 29, 1999; Amended March 8, 2001; Amended October 9, 2001; Amended December 11, 2001; Amended April 4, 2005; Amended January 30, 2007; Amended October 4, 2011; Amended March 6, 2015; Amended March 9, 2018; Amended June 30, 2021; Amended December 27, 2022)

Sec. 26-112-46. Special management areas

Latest version.

(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. 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 and kokanee: the daily creel limits shall be five for trout and five for kokanee 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 (Indian Lake), Sharon -New York. 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. 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 signs posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, 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.

(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. No person shall fish in those portions of the Housatonic River Trout Management Area within one hundred feet of signs indicating such prohibition posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection at or near the mouths of tributary streams 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. 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 Merriebrook Lane to the dam approximately one mile upstream, as indicated by signs posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The minimum length for trout taken in the Mianus River Trout Management Area 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. 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. . The daily creel limit in the Mill River Trout Management Area 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. 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. 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 in the Salmon River Trout Management Area 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. No person shall fish in those portions of the Naugatuck River Trout Management Area within one hundred feet of signs indicating such prohibition posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection at or near the mouths of tributary streams during the period June fifteenth through September fifteenth, inclusive. From September 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. No person shall fish in those portions of the Bulls Bridge Trout Management Area within one hundred feet of signs indicating such prohibition posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection at or near the mouths of tributary streams 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. 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. The daily creel limit for trout is zero in the Hockanum River Trout Management Area 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. The daily creel limit for trout is zero in the Pequabuck River Trout Management Area 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. 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. The daily creel limit for trout is zero in the Upper Saugatuck River Trout Management Area 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. The daily creel limit for trout is zero in the Aspetuck River Trout Management Area 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. The minimum length for trout taken in the Sleeping Giant Trout Management Area 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 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April, inclusive, 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.

(2) Candlewood Lake (including Squantz Pond), New Fairfield, Danbury, New Milford, Sherman, Brookfield.

(3) Crystal Lake, Ellington, Stafford. 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.

(A) During the period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last day of February the daily creel limit for trout shall be five, not more than one of which may be a brown trout, and the minimum length for brown trout shall be twenty-two inches. During the period from March first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April, inclusive, the daily creel limit for trout shall be one and the minimum length limit shall be twenty-two inches.

(B) Not more than two tip-ups, bobbers or floats, similar devices or hand-held jigs in any combination thereof, in the aggregate, may be used at any one time when ice fishing at East Twin Lake.

(5) Highland Lake, Winchester. 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.

(7) Rogers Lake, Lyme, Old Lyme.

(8) West Hill Pond, New Hartford, Barkhamsted.

(9) Black Pond, Woodstock. During the period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last day of February, the daily creel limit for trout shall be five, not more than one of which may be a brook trout that equals or exceeds fourteen inches in total length. During the period from March first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April, inclusive, the daily creel limit for trout shall be one and the minimum length limit shall be fourteen inches.

(10) Mohawk Pond, Cornwall, Goshen. During the period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last day of February, the daily creel limit for trout shall be five, not more than one of which may be a brook trout that equals or exceeds fourteen inches in total length. During the period from March first through 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April, inclusive, the daily creel limit for trout shall be one and the minimum length limit shall be fourteen inches.

(11) Long Pond, Ledyard, North Stonington.

(12) Wononskopomuc Lake, Salisbury.

(B) Not more than two tip-ups, bobbers or floats, similar devices or hand-held jigs in any combination thereof, in the aggregate, may be used at any one time when ice fishing at Wononskopomuc Lake.

(e) Special use of streams by persons with disabilities. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is authorized to set aside sections of streams for temporary use by groups of persons with disabilities 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 Pattagansett Lake (East Lyme).

(4) The minimum length for black bass shall be eighteen 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 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 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 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 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) Fishing in class one Wild Trout Management 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.

(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 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.

(K) Sessions Woods Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of Freeman Hill Brook in Burlington upstream of Route 69.

(2) In class two Wild Trout Management Areas during the time period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last day in February, inclusive, 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 during the time period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last day in February, inclusive, 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) 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.

(K) Pease Brook Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be that portion of Pease Brook in Lebanon within the Pease Brook Wildlife Management Area.

(L) 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.

(M) 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.

(N) 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.

(O) Shunock Brook Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be Shunock Brook in North Stonington.

(P) Stony Brook Wild Trout Management Area, which shall be Stony Brook in Montville.

(h) Atlantic salmon management 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 management 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 management 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 management 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 during the time period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last day in February, inclusive, 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.

(13) McGovern Pond, West Hartford.

(j) Sea-run trout streams.

(1) In the Eightmile River (East Haddam and Lyme): 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): 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): in the following waters during the time period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last day in February, inclusive, 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. 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): 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, during the time period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last day in February, inclusive, 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): 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): 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), during the time period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last day in February, inclusive, the daily creel limit for any combination of trout shall be two. Possession of more than two trout on such waters or their shores during said time period 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, during the time period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last day in February, inclusive, the daily creel limit for any combination of trout shall be two. Possession of more than two trout on such waters or their shores during said time period is prohibited. No person shall fish in those portions of the Naugatuck River within one hundred feet of signs indicating such prohibition posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection at or near the mouths of tributary streams 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, during the time period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last day in February, inclusive, the daily creel limit for any combination of trout shall be two. Possession of more than two trout on such waters or their shores during said time period is prohibited.

(4) In the Pomperaug River (Woodbury and Southbury), during the time period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last day in February, inclusive, 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), during the time period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last day in February, inclusive, the daily creel limit for any combination of trout shall be two. Possession of more than two trout on such waters or their shores during said time period is prohibited.

(6) In the Shetucket River (Windham, Scotland, Sprague, and Norwich), during the time period from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday in April through the last day in February, inclusive, the daily creel limit for any combination of trout shall be two. Possession of more than two trout on such waters or their shores during said time period is prohibited. No person shall fish in those portions of the Shetucket River within one hundred feet of signs indicating such prohibition posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection at or near the mouths of tributary streams during the period June fifteenth through September fifteenth, inclusive.

(l) Trophy Carp Waters.

(1) Except as provided in section 26-112-45(f)(5) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, 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 designated as tidal waters and tributaries as provided in this section of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, and Squantz Pond (New Fairfield).

(2) The Commissioner may grant an exemption from the 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.

(3) Any individual fishing in any Trophy Carp Water may, at any time, temporarily retain in their possession one common carp that exceeds the maximum length requirement of this section, for the purposes of measurement, provided such fish shall be released, without avoidable injury, to the waters where taken.

(m) Tidal waters and tributaries.

Fishing is allowed throughout the year in the following streams, or portions thereof, as specified:

(1) Coginchaug River, Middletown – downstream from Route 3 bridge to its junction with the Mattabesset River (Sebethe River).

(2) Connecticut River and its coves.

(3) Farmington River – downstream from the outlet of the Rainbow Dam Tailrace Canal to its confluence with the Connecticut River (all fishing is prohibited in the Rainbow Dam Tailrace Canal and in the Farmington River from the Tailrace Canal upstream to Rainbow Dam).

(4) Housatonic River – downstream from the dam on Lake Housatonic (the Derby Dam).

(5) Mattabesset River (Sebethe River), Middletown – downstream from the Route 372 bridge to its junction with the Connecticut River.

(6) Mystic River, Groton and Stonington – downstream from the confluence of Whitfords Brook and Haleys Brook.

(7) Naugatuck River – downstream from the Kinneytown Dam (Seymour) to its confluence with the Housatonic River.

(8) Niantic River, East Lyme and Waterford.

(9) Quinnipiac River – downstream from the highway bridge on Route 5 in North Haven to its junction with New Haven Harbor.

(10) Salmon River, Haddam and East Haddam – downstream from the bridge on Route 151 to its junction with the Connecticut River.

(11) Thames River and its coves, including the Shetucket River downstream from Greenville Dam and the Yantic River downstream of the falls at Indian Leap in Norwich.

(Effective January 1, 1997; Amended January 30, 1998; Amended October 9, 2001; Amended December 11, 2001; Amended February 4, 2003; Amended April 4, 2005; Amended January 30, 2007; Amended October 4, 2011; Amended January 1, 2012; Amended March 6, 2015; Amended March 9, 2018; Amended June 30, 2021; Amended December 27, 2022)

Sec. 26-112-47. [Repealed]

Latest version.

Repealed June 30, 2021.

(Effective January 1, 1986; Amended June 11, 2014; Repealed June 30, 2021)

Sec. 26-112-48. Miscellaneous restrictions

Latest version.

(a) In the following waters the indicated miscellaneous restrictions shall apply:

(1) Bog Meadow Pond, Norwich. The use of vessels is prohibited.

(2) Hewitt Pond (Lower Hewitt Pond), North Stonington. The operation of vessels with motors, except for electric motors, is prohibited.

(3) Housatonic River, Kent. No person shall fish in those portions of the Housatonic River within one hundred feet of signs indicating such prohibition posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection at or near the mouths of Kent Falls Brook and Macedonia Brook during the period June fifteenth through September fifteenth, inclusive.

(4) Isinglass Reservoir (Far Mill Reservoir), Shelton. Ice fishing is prohibited.

(5) Messerchmidt's Pond, Deep River, Westbrook. The operation of vessels with motors, except for electric motors, is prohibited.

(6) Quassapaug Lake, Middlebury, Woodbury. Ice fishing is prohibited. The daily creel limit for trout shall be one and the minimum length shall be eighteen inches. The daily creel limit for black bass shall be one and the minimum length shall be eighteen inches.

(7) Salmon River, East Haddam. No person shall fish in those portions of the Salmon River in East Haddam within one hundred feet of signs indicating such prohibition posted by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection at or near the spring entering the Salmon River, approximately 220 feet south of the paved boat ramp in Sunrise Resort State Park, during the period June fifteenth through September fifteenth, inclusive.

(8) Saugatuck Reservoir, Easton, Redding, Weston. Ice fishing is prohibited.

(9) Shelton Reservoir #2, Shelton. Ice fishing is prohibited.

(10) West Pequonnock Reservoir, Monroe. Ice fishing is prohibited.

(11) Factory Pond, Salisbury. Ice fishing is prohibited.

(12) Lake Chamberlain, Bethany. Ice fishing is prohibited.

(13) Lake Saltonstall, Branford, East Haven. Ice fishing is prohibited.

(14) Maltby Lakes (#1, #2, #3), Orange West Haven. Ice fishing is prohibited.

(15) Lake McDonough (Compensating Reservoir), New Hartford, Barkhamsted. Ice fishing is prohibited.

(16) Shenipsit Lake, Ellington, Tolland, Vernon. Ice fishing is prohibited.

(b) (1) In reclaimed waters the use of fish, alive or dead, as bait, is prohibited when so posted. The possession on such waters or the shores of such waters of any species of fish, alive or dead, except trout or salmon, is prohibited when so posted.

(2) In the following waters the use of alewives, blueback (glut or river) herring, gizzard, hickory or threadfin shad as bait is prohibited. The possession on such waters or the shores of such waters of any live individuals of said species, is prohibited.

Alexander Lake, Killingly.

Colebrook Flood Control Impoundment, Colebrook and Massachusetts.

East Twin Lake, Salisbury.

Lake Pocotopaug, East Hampton.

Saugatuck Reservoir, Easton, Redding, Weston.

Shenipsit Lake, Ellington, Tolland, Vernon.

Waumgumbaug Lake (Coventry Lake), Coventry.

West Branch Reservoir (Hogback), Hartland, Colebrook.

West Hill Pond, New Hartford, Barkhamsted.

West Twin Lake, Salisbury.

Wononscopomuc Lake, Salisbury.

(Effective January 1, 1997; Amended March 9, 2004; Amended April 4, 2005; Amended March 6, 2015; Amended March 9, 2018; Amended December 27, 2022)