Fishing Locations
Connecticut has lots of fishing places to cast a line and enjoy
Opening Day of trout fishing season in Connecticut is late April. Free fishing dates are May 7 (no license needed), June 19 and August 6 (free license days - you may apply online three weeks in advance of each date). State fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 years of age or older fishing in the Inland District. Licenses are issued for the calendar year and expire on December 31. Non-resident fishing licenses are $63 for a year and $22 for a three-day inland waters license. Licenses may be purchased at any Connecticut town hall, designated tackle shop, or online from the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (860-424-3105).
Connecticut has more than 180 public lakes and ponds and thousands of miles of rivers and streams filled with game fish and pan fish 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. Boat ramps are plentiful throughout the state.
22 places to visit
Hamden, CT
Sleeping Giant State Park
Trout fishing is done in the Mill River at this park, and at nearby Clark's Pond. Sleeping Giant State Park is a designated Trout Management Area. - Hiking Map (PDF)200 Mount Carmel Avenue 203-287-5658
Torrington, CT
Burr Pond State Park
Boating and fishing are done on this pond. Visitors may rent canoes and kayaks. - Trail Map (PDF)384 Burr Mountain Road 860-482-1817
Chester, CT
Cockaponset State Forest and Pattaconk Lake Recreation Area
Fishing at Stevenson Pond, Tower Hill Lake, Deep River, Horse Pond, Turkey Hill and Pattaconk Reservoirs, and other bodies of water at this large state forest. - List of Park MapsCedar Lake Road 860-424-3200
Sharon, CT
Housatonic Meadows State Park
The Housatonic River is famous for its fly fishing. Housatonic Meadows offers many outdoor activities, with an emphasis on fly fishing for trout and bass. A two-mile stretch of river is reserved for fly fishing. - Hiking Map (PDF)US Route 7 860-927-3238
Kent, CT
Kent Falls State Park
Fishing is done in the streams leading to this series of waterfalls and in the Housatonic River, into which the falls drain. - Hiking Map (PDF)462 Kent Cornwall Road (Route 7) 860-927-3238
Route 219 860-379-3036
Southbury, CT
Kettletown State Park
Fishing and swimming are popular sports at this park, on Housatonic River and near to Lake Zoar. - Trail Map (PDF)1400 George's Hill Road (Off I-84 at Exit 15) 860-424-3200
East Haddam, CT
Devil's Hopyard State Park
Freshwater fishing along Hopyard Road on Eightmile River. - Park Map (PDF)366 Hopyard Road 860-873-8566
Barkhamsted, CT
American Legion & Peoples State Forests
All manner of water sports, including fishing, are done at these adjacent state forests. - Trail Map (PDF) - Campground Map (PDF)Between Center Hill Road (CT Route 181) and East River Road 860-379-2469
Madison, CT
Hammonasset Beach State Park
Saltwater fishing is done from this vast shoreline park on Long Island Sound.1288 Boston Post Road 203-245-2785
Shelton, CT
Indian Well State Park
Visitors enjoy fishing at this park on the Housatonic River. A boat ramp is accessible in the summer season. - Park Map (PDF)1 Indian Well Road 203-735-4311Watertown, CT
Black Rock State Park
Black Rock is an all-around park for almost all outdoor activities. It is a designated trout-fishing location. - Hiking Map (PDF)2065 Thomaston Road 860-283-8088
Westport, CT
Sherwood Island State Park
Salt-water fishing is done from the shore at this state beach a short drive from New York. Beach is rocky; wear protective shoes. - Hiking Map (PDF)Interstate 95 at Exit 18 203-226-6983
Pomfret Center, CT
Mashamoquet Brook State Park
Fishing, swimming, and boating are done at this state park. - Trail Map (PDF)276 Mashamoquet Road 860-928-6121
Voluntown, CT
Pachaug State Forest (Chapman & Green Falls areas)
Beachdale Pond, within this large state forest near the Rhode Island border, is stocked with trout and has natural bass, pickerel and bullhead. There is a fishing platform with wheelchair accessibility off of Route 49. - Chapman Area Map (PDF) - Green Falls Area Map (PDF)Entrance off Route 49 860-376-4075
East Lyme, CT
Rocky Neck State Park
Visitors enjoy salt water fishing and crabbing at this beautiful park bounded by a tidal river and a salt marsh. Other activities include swimming from a sandy beach, interesting walks, and observing sea birds. - Hiking Map (PDF)244 West Main Street (Route 156) 860-739-5471
Mansfield, CT
Mansfield Hollow Park
Fishing is allowed at Mansfield Hollow Lake; there is a boat ramp. Parking is free. - Park Map (PDF)31 Old Willimantic Road
Simsbury, CT
Stratton Brook State Park
Stratton Brook is a designated trout fishing area. Anglers of all skill levels can fish here, and the water is stocked weekly with trout. Daily creel limit (with license) is two fish per day. - Park Map (PDF)149 Farms Village Road - CT Route 309 860-242-1158
Middlebury, CT
Hop Brook Lake Recreation Area
This easy-to-reach day-use park is centered upon Hop Brook Lake, which is stocked with brown, brook, and rainbow trout. The lake also is home to bass and panfish.4 Straits Turnpike 203-729-8840
New Fairfield, CT
Squantz Pond State Park
This year-round park is open for fishing. - Hiking Map (PDF)178 Short Woods Road 203-312-5023Hebron, CT
Gay City State Park
Fishing is done at this rural park, also filled with many multi-use paths. See a full description on our State & Local Park page.Route 85 860-295-9523Branford, CT
Lake Saltonstall Recreation Area
Lake Saltonstall has nine miles of trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife watching, and it also is a great freshwater fishing locations. The lake is stocked. A wheelchair-accessible floating pier is located on site. A fish shack is located just off Hosley Avenue. Boats are available for rent. The shack is staffed during fishing season.
Permitted Uses: This site requires a Regional Water Authority permit. No motored vehicles allowed. Fishing is allowed by state permit. Swimming are dogs are prohibited.
Directions: Lake Saltonstall can be reached via I-95 Exit 52 to Route 1. There are two gated entrances off Hosley Avenue.entrances off Hosley Avenue 203-401-2654