Get Your Pole: Trout Fishing Season Opens Early In CT

CONNECTICUT — As it did in 2020, trout fishing season will come a little early this year.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced that he has signed an executive order 10B, removing closed seasons for fishing on all inland waters in Connecticut, and opening additional lakes, ponds, as well as rivers and streams to fishing statewide, effective Thursday. The governor signed a similar order last year to open the state's fishing season early at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic.

Trout season would normally begin Apr. 21. The governor said that opening the fishing season early permits anglers to enjoy additional access to outdoor recreation, which has been a help to residents' mental and physical health.

"Opening the fishing season early helps to reduce opening day crowds and limit the potential for spread of COVID-19," Lamont said.

The state saw a 17 percent increase in new fishing and hunting license sales last year, an indication of the sports' popularity during the pandemic.

"Anglers are encouraged to continue to practice social distancing, and we encourage fishing to be enjoyed only with members of your immediate household and not as a group activity,” Lamont said.

While the new executive order opens water to fishing, all other fishing laws and regulations, including requirements for a fishing license and trout and salmon stamp when needed, and all methods, creel limits and length limits remain in effect.

Residents may purchase 2021 fishing license, Trout & Salmon Stamp, and Youth Fishing Passports online from either the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's main website or its mobile-friendly portal.