CT Trout Fishing Is Catch-And-Release Only Until April 11

Trout photo courtesy CT Fish & Wildlife.

Now that it’s March, trout fishing in Connecticut is catch-and-release only until 6 a.m. on Saturday, April 11.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule, including trout management lakes, sea run trout streams, and waters with the designation “tidal waters and tributaries.”

Anglers should check Connecticut’s annual Fishing Guide for each waterbody’s specific regulations.

Connecticut Fish and Wildlife officials put the catch-and-release rule in place each spring to help the state’s trout population.

Anglers can minimize the potential for release mortality by following these tips:

♦ Keep your hands to yourself: Handle fish as little as possible, keeping the fish in the water when removing the hook, not letting the fish flop around on the ground. When taking a photo, prep the camera first then take the fish out of the water.

♦ Go single and barbless: A single barbless hook is the best way to have a quick release. It is easy to swap a treble hook for a single hook.

♦ Be attentive when using bait: A deep hook set is more likely when using bait and not paying attention to subtle bites on your line.

♦ Don’t go digging for your hook: Should the fish have a deep hook set, simply cut the line as close to the hook as possible and release. The time spent trying to remove the hook is more likely to cause delayed mortality than the hook dissolving on its own.