Valley Falls Part Of DEEP 2026 Spring Fishing Day

VERNON, CT — Valley Falls Pond in Vernon is set to be part of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Spring Fishing Day on Saturday, April 11.

As part of the celebration, DEEP will host public trout stocking events across Connecticut, giving families and young anglers a unique opportunity to work alongside DEEP staff releasing fish into waterbodies statewide.

Each year, the second Saturday in April marks the start of the “catch and keep” trout fishing season in Connecticut.

Beginning at 6 a.m. on April 11, anglers may keep the trout they catch, though the number and size of fish that can be kept varies by waterbody. Trout fishing is open year-round in Connecticut, but from March 1 until 6 a.m. on April 11, most waters are limited to catch-and-release fishing only (see DEEP’s Online Fishing Guide for complete details).

Between March and May, DEEP plans to release more than 500,000 trout into over 100 lakes and ponds and 135 rivers and streams statewide. Among the best places for families to fish are Connecticut’s 13 Trout Parks, which are family-friendly, easily accessible, and regularly stocked with trout during the spring fishing season, and the state's 16 Community Fishing Waters, which provide accessible fishing opportunities in cities and large towns.

"Connecticut's investment in our trout hatcheries produces hundreds of thousands of spectacular fish each year, helping position fishing and boating at the top of our outdoor recreation economy,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. "Thanks to our dedicated hatchery staff, we’re able to provide exceptional fishing experiences statewide for anglers of all skill levels."

As part of the Spring Fishing Day celebration, DEEP will host several public trout stocking events across the state. Attendees at the highly popular events get an opportunity to interact with DEEP staff, learn about DEEP’s trout program, and enjoy a hands-on experience releasing trout raised at our state’s hatcheries into their new homes.

“Our ‘Come Stock with DEEP’ events on Spring Fishing Day have become annual traditions for many families,” said Pete Aarrestad, the director of the DEEP's Fisheries Division. “It’s great to see the excitement and enthusiasm from young people who help stock the fish. Our Trout Parks and Community Fishing Waters help ensure equitable access to trout fishing across Connecticut, and we hope to see many families join us at these locations on April 11."

Public Trout Stocking Events – April 11, 2026

The public is invited to join DEEP staff members at the following state and municipal locations to help stock trout. Approximate stocking times are listed below:

• Allen Brook Pond in Wharton Brook State Park (Wallingford) - 10:15 a.m.
• Black Rock Pond in Black Rock State Park (Watertown) - 10:00 a.m.
• Day Pond in Day Pond State Park (Colchester) - 8:00 a.m.
• Great Hollow Lake at Wolfe Park (Monroe) - 10:00 a.m.
• Kent Falls Brook in Kent Falls State Park (Kent) - 8:30 a.m.
• McGovern Pond at Spice Bush Park (West Hartford) - 8:00 a.m.
• Mohegan/Spaulding Pond at Mohegan Park (Norwich) - 8:00 a.m.
• Papermill Pond in Southford Falls State Park (Oxford) - 8:00 a.m.
• Pasture Pond at Quinebaug Valley State Fish Hatchery (Plainfield) - 8:00 a.m.
• Schreeder Pond in Chatfield Hollow State Park (Killingworth) - 10:00 a.m.
• Stratton Brook Park Pond in Stratton Brook State Park (Simsbury) - 8:00 a.m.
• Valley Falls Pond at Valley Falls Park (Vernon) - 8:00 a.m.