Through the YOUth Fishing Passport, the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) is taking steps to see that today’s youth gets more involved in outdoor activities such as fishing. The Youth Fishing Passport Program is free to all under the age of 16. The program is designed to have fishing activities that will offer a challenge to all anglers from newbies to experienced.
The YOUth Fishing Passport is your invitation to many great fishing destinations in Connecticut. By registering for free in the CT DEEP Online Sportsmen Licensing System, you will be issued a lifetime Conservation ID number and be able to print your Passport. Passport holders will have the opportunity to participate in fishing activities specifically designed for them. In addition, passport holders may receive a variety of benefits from supporting organizations and participating stores.

ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE TO YOUth FISHING PASSPORT HOLDERS:

Fishing Challenge - Try to catch at least one of every type of fish on the official list. Catch the most and be recognized at the Annual Trophy Fish Award Ceremony. Eligible species include Atlantic salmon, brown trout, channel catfish, northern pike, smallmouth bass, brook trout, largemouth bass, kokanee salmon, rainbow trout and walleye. YOUth anglers are encouraged to catch as many species on the list, and the angler that lands the most fish will be recognized at the annual Trophy Fish Awards Ceremony. Participating YOUth anglers need to take a photograph of the fish with a recognizable landmark at the waterbody, send it in to the Inland Fisheries Department. These fish are also eligible for Trophy Fish Awards.

Geo-"Catching" - Fish Geo-"Catching" encourages YOUth anglers to experience a variety of fishing locations throughout Connecticut and expand their angling knowledge. The 27 locations and featured fish can be found at www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp. Try to catch the featured fish from each official location and visit the most locations and be recognized at the annual Trophy Fish Award Ceremony.

YOUth Fishing Passport anglers can also receive special gifts from program sponsors when they show their passport. Current sponsors include Berkley (A bag of power bait for the first 1,000 YOUth who register), Candlewood Bait & Tackle (10% off regular priced tackle) and Connecticut Outfitters (Six worms or six bait fish for free).

Please contact the Inland Fisheries Office with any questions.
Phone: 860-424-FISH (3474)
E-mail: deep.inland.fisheries@ct.gov