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.
Active striper tournament scene in Long Island Sound. Freshwater bass tournaments on Candlewood, Lillinonah, and Housatonic.
Housatonic River is excellent for trout and smallmouth. Candlewood Lake has quality largemouth. Thames River for stripers.
Good access on state-managed waters and Long Island Sound.
What you can target and when

Best Waters
Candlewood Lake · Lake Lillinonah · Bantam Lake

Best Waters
Connecticut River · Long Island Sound · Thames River
Lakes, rivers, bays, and coastal fisheries
Connecticut's premier bass fishery and largest lake.
Top Species
Best: Spring/Summer
Major striper spawning ground with excellent spring fishing.
Top Species
Best: Spring/Fall




Annual Resident Inland: $28. Marine: Free.
Annual Non-Resident Inland: $55. 3-Day: $22.
3-Day non-resident license available.
Free for residents under 16. Free for seniors 65+.
Required for motorized vessels.
Permits required for organized events.
Striped bass: 1 fish daily, 28-inch minimum. 6 bass daily limit freshwater.
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