Connecticut - Fishing Locations

Connecticut fishing licenses and regulations for 2008

Opening Day of trout fishing season in Connecticut is April 21. Connecticut fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 years of age or older fishing in the Inland District. Licenses are issued on a calendar year basis and expire on December 31. Non-resident season fishing licenses are $40. Non-resident three-day fishing licenses are $16. Licenses may be purchased at any Connecticut town hall, designated tackle shop, or on line at www.ct.gov/dep.

A Connecticut Angler's Guide can be obtained anywhere you can purchase a fishing license. Generally, fishing licenses are not required for anyone fishing in the marine district. A personal use lobster license is required for lobsters; it costs $60.

Connecticut has more than 180 public lakes and ponds and thousands of miles of rivers and streams filled with gamefish and panfish including bass, trout, large walleye, pike or bluegills. The Farmington and Housatonic Rivers are two prized fishing waters.

Trout parks are Connecticut ponds or streams that will be stocked weekly with trout from the state’s fish hatcheries. Eleven water bodies in Connecticut have been designated as Trout Parks. Trout parks are located in easily accessible areas to enhance trout fishing opportunities for young anglers and novice anglers as well as for those with mobility challenges.

For more fishing information contact the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection at 860-424-3700.

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Connecticut Tide Charts

Indian Well State Park
Shelton, CT

State park with boating, fishing, swimming area, picnicking and hiking trails.

Cockaponset State Forest
Route 148
Haddam, CT
Phone: 860-566-2304

The second largest forest in the state, set on 15,652 acres. Areas for fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, hiking and cross-country ski trails, fresh water swimming and picnic areas.

Devil's Hopyard State Park
3 miles north of Route 82 and Route 156
East Haddam, CT
Phone: 860-873-8566

Open: April 15 - September 30

The centerpiece of this beautiful park are the 60 foot Chapman Falls. A popular hiking and camping area, the park also has areas for fresh-water fishing, as will as some scenic picnic spots.

Gillette Castle State Park
67 River Road, off Route 82
East Haddam, CT  06423
Phone: 860-526-2336

Open: Mansion is open Memorial Day weekend - December, hours vary; park open year-round

See Map

One of the most remarkable parks in the state, Gillette Castle State Park features a mansion built in 1919 for actor William Gillette, who was famous for his role as Sherlock Holmes. Tours are given on days that the mansion is open (call for exact times). The park itself is set on the Connecticut River and features canoeing (with rentals available), fishing areas, short hiking trails and picnic spots.

Haddam Meadows State Park
Route 154
Haddam, CT
Phone: 860-566-2304

A meadowland park along the banks of the Connecticut River. Visitors will find areas for fishing, boating, cross-country skiing, sports fields and toilet facilities.

Hurd Park
Route 151
East Hampton, CT
Phone: 860-526-2336

An 884 acre park on the east bank of the Connecticut River. Canoeing, including facilities for canoe camping, fishing, hiking and cross-country ski trails, and picnic areas are available.

Wharton Brook State Park
Route 5
Wallingford, CT
Phone: 203-269-5308

This 96 acre park offers visitors a wooded environment for swimming, hiking, fishing, winter ice skating and more. A food concession and full toilet facilities are also found on the site. The is an entrance fee.

American Legion State Forest
West River Road
Barkhamsted, CT

The rocky terrain of this state forest is home to a small campsite, picnic areas, fishing, sports areas, hunting, and trails for hiking and cross-country skiing.

Black Rock Park
Route 6
Thomaston, CT
Phone: 860-677-1819

Park is on the site of a colonial era graphite mine. Visitors here can enjoy swimming, stream fishing, pond fishing, boating, hiking and cross-country ski trails, and winter ice skating.

Burr Pond State Park
Route 8
Torrington, CT
Phone: 860-482-1817

Visitors can enjoy hiking and cross-country ski trails, a seasonal ice skating pond, boating, and various nature programs. There is an admission fee

Campbell Falls
Route 272
Norfolk, CT

Cascading waters are the centerpiece of this park, which features fishing, hiking trails and picnic areas.

Housatonic Meadows State Park
Route 7
Sharon, CT
Phone: 860-927-3238

Along the banks of the Housatonic River, this park features fly-fishing, hiking and cross-country skiing trails, canoeing and a public camping site.

John A. Minetto State Park
Route 272
Torrington, CT

Set on the site of the one of the first homes built in the area, this park has fishing and swimming areas, as well as sports fields, picnic areas and trails for hiking and cross-country skiing.

Kent Falls State Park
Route 7
Kent, CT
Phone: 860-927-3238

One of the most visually stunning places in Connecticut, Kent Falls features a 200-foot, cascading waterfall. Along the falls visitors can utilize a staired path which allows views from top to bottom. The park also has picnic areas, hiking trails and fishing areas. There is a charge for admission on weekends and holidays.

Kettletown State Park
Off I-84 at Exit 15
Southbury, CT
Phone: 203-264-5169

Visitors can enjoy nature programs, fishing, hiking trails (including one for the handicapped), swimming and picnic areas. Campers can rent a site in the park. The name Kettletown comes from the history of the parkland: Settlers purchased the territory from the natives for the price of one brass kettle.

Lake McDonough Park
Route 219
Barkhamsted, CT

This park on the lake features rentals of row boats and paddleboats, as well as fishing areas and hiking trails.

Lake Waramaug State Park
Route 45
New Preston, CT
Phone: 860-868-2592

Park is set entirely on the lake. Visitors can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, fishing, boat rentals, sports fields, hiking trails and more. In season nature programs are scheduled. A 78 site camping area is available for a fee.

Macedonia Brook State Park
CT State Route 342
Kent, CT
Phone: 860-927-3238

Park set on 2,300 acres. Trails for hiking and cross-country skiing, fishing, sports fields, camping. Views of the Taconic and Catskill Mountains.

Mohawk State Park
Route 4
Cornwall, CT
Phone: 860-927-3238

Mohawk State Park features 1,683 foot Mohawk Mountain. The Mohawk trail is available for hiking, there are cross-country ski trails, snowmobiling, fishing and picnic areas. There is a charge for skiing.

Osbornedale State Park
Hawthorne Avenue
Derby, CT

State park features fishing areas, winter ice skating and cross-country skiing, hiking trails and a picnic area.

Peoples State Forest
East River Road
Barkhamsted, CT
Phone: 860-379-2469

Along the Farmington River, this forest features hunting areas, fishing areas, hiking and cross-country ski trails, snowmobiling, and sports fields. Of particular interest is the Mathies Grove picnic area, set among great pines that are over 2 centuries old. Hiking trails include the Beaver Swamp Loop, which leads visitors past the remains of 18th and 19th century charcoal pits and ancient Indian villages, as well as the ruins of a colonial home. Another trail also forks off to the site of an ancient Indian soapstone quarry. A campground is also available.

Chatfield Hollow State Park
Route 80
Killingworth, CT
Phone: 860-566-2304

A 375 acre wooded hollow, featuring fascinating caves and rocky ledges. Visitors here will enjoy fishing, winter ice-skating, hiking trails and swimming. There are a telephone and restrooms on the site. An Admission fee is charged to enter the park.

Hammonasset State Park
Route 1
Madison, CT
Phone: 203-245-1817

The largest beach in Connecticut also has one of the state's largest public campsites. Full-facility camping with 550 sites. There is a camping fee and a fee to use the beach at the park.
William F. Miller Campground. 558 open sites. Concession, dumping station, bathrooms, showers. Salt water swimming and fishing. Individual fireplaces not provided. No pets. Cost: $15/night/campsite plus a processing fee. Open May through October.

Sleeping Giant State Park
Hamden, CT

Hiking and fishing are the main reasons to visit this park. Picnic areas.

Wadsworth Falls State Park
Route 157
Middlefield, CT
Phone: 860-566-2304

285 acre park with a waterful and laurel groves. Picnic areas, fishing, hiking and cross-country ski trails, swimming are all available to visitors. The park also has toilet facilities and telephones. There as a daily admission charge to enter.

West Rock Ridge Park
Hamden, CT

Small state park with fishing area and hiking and cross country ski trails.