Connecticut

New England's Hidden Gem — Stripers, Trout & Bass

Fishing in Connecticut

Connecticut offers excellent saltwater fishing for striped bass and bluefish in Long Island Sound, plus quality freshwater bass and trout fishing in its lakes and rivers.

Tournament Scene

Active striper tournament scene in Long Island Sound. Freshwater bass tournaments on Candlewood, Lillinonah, and Housatonic.

Local Tips

Housatonic River is excellent for trout and smallmouth. Candlewood Lake has quality largemouth. Thames River for stripers.

Local Circuits

Connecticut Bass FederationLong Island Sound Striper Circuit

Public Access

Good access on state-managed waters and Long Island Sound.

Species in Connecticut

What you can target and when

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass

good
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Candlewood Lake · Lake Lillinonah · Bantam Lake

SenkoJigCrankbaitTopwater
Striped Bass

Striped Bass

excellent
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Best Waters

Connecticut River · Long Island Sound · Thames River

Bucktail jigTopwater plugSwimbaitSpoon

Top Waters in Connecticut

Lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal fisheries

Candlewood Lake

lakePublic AccessBoat RampsKayak

Connecticut's premier bass fishery and largest lake.

Top Species

Largemouth BassSmallmouth BassWalleye

Best: Spring/Summer

Connecticut River

riverPublic AccessBoat RampsKayak

Major striper spawning ground with excellent spring fishing.

Top Species

Striped BassShadLargemouth Bass

Best: Spring/Fall

Upcoming Tournaments in Connecticut

45 tournaments found

Brown Trout
Fly Fishing

Ultimate New Haven Trout Showtime

New Haven, Connecticut
Apr 9, 2026 – Apr 11, 2026
Brown Trout
FreeDetails
Saltwater

Pathfinder Norwalk Mahi-Mahi Gauntlet

Norwalk, Connecticut
Apr 10, 2026 – Apr 12, 2026
Mahi-Mahi
$100Details
Yellowfin Tuna
Saltwater
Tomorrow

Steel Danbury Tuna Jamboree

Danbury, Connecticut
Apr 14, 2026 – Apr 16, 2026
Yellowfin Tuna
$125Details
Striped Bass
Saltwater
5 days

Lightning Mystic Bass Bash

Mystic, Connecticut
Apr 18, 2026 – Apr 19, 2026
Striped Bass
$50Details
Largemouth Bass
Freshwater
2 weeks

Open Norwalk Snook Shootout

Norwalk, Connecticut
Apr 24, 2026 – Apr 26, 2026
Largemouth Bass
$750Details
Saltwater

Masters Stamford Mahi-Mahi Gauntlet

Stamford, Connecticut
May 10, 2026 – May 11, 2026
Mahi-Mahi
$250Details

Fishing Licenses & Regulations

Resident License

Annual Resident Inland: $28. Marine: Free.

Non-Resident License

Annual Non-Resident Inland: $55. 3-Day: $22.

Short-Term License

3-Day non-resident license available.

Youth & Senior

Free for residents under 16. Free for seniors 65+.

Boat Registration

Required for motorized vessels.

Tournament Permit

Permits required for organized events.

Regulations Overview

Striped bass: 1 fish daily, 28-inch minimum. 6 bass daily limit freshwater.

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