Conn. Agencies Regs. § 26-112-46

Current through September 27, 2024

Section 26-112-46 - Special management areas

(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

bysigns 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.

(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. 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.

(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 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.

Conn. Agencies Regs. § 26-112-46

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 6/30/2021; amended 12/27/2022