Fishing in Connecticut
Connecticut packs a lot of variety into a small state. The Housatonic and Farmington rivers are storied trout fisheries, with the Farmington's Trout Management Area producing year-round dry-fly action. Candlewood Lake gives up trophy smallmouth and largemouth. Long Island Sound is a striped-bass and bluefish factory through the warm months, with fluke, scup, and black sea bass rounding out the saltwater menu. The Connecticut River system holds shad, stripers, and panfish.
License Types & Fees
| License | Fee |
|---|---|
| Resident Inland Annual (18–64) | $28.00 |
| Resident Inland Annual (16–17) | $14.00 |
| Resident Inland Senior (65+) | Free |
| Resident Marine Waters (18–64) | $10.00 |
| Resident All-Waters (18–64) | $32.00 |
| Non-Resident Inland Annual | $55.00 |
| Non-Resident Inland 3-Day | $22.00 |
| Non-Resident Marine Annual | $15.00 |
| Non-Resident Marine 3-Day | $8.00 |
| Non-Resident All-Waters Annual | $63.00 |
| Trout & Salmon Stamp (Resident 18+) | $5.00 |
Fees are subject to change. Confirm current pricing on the Connecticut DEEP website before purchasing.
Log Your Connecticut Catches
CatchVault is available on iOS. Identify species with AI, measure with LiDAR, and keep a private journal of every fish you land in Connecticut.
Connecticut Fishing License FAQ
How much does a Connecticut fishing license cost?
A resident inland annual (18–64) fishing license in Connecticut costs $28.00. Fees vary by residency, age, and license type, see the full breakdown above for short-term, non-resident, and senior options.
Where can I buy a Connecticut fishing license?
Connecticut fishing licenses are sold online by Connecticut DEEP, and are also available from authorized retailers, bait shops, and sporting goods stores across the state.
Who issues fishing licenses in Connecticut?
Fishing licenses in Connecticut are issued by Connecticut DEEP.