The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) program continues its popular “Learn to Fish” classes and events into August. Hosted at waterside locations across the state, these sessions make it easy for prospective anglers to find an event close to home. Designed to introduce newcomers to angling while fostering environmental stewardship, the CARE program provides everything needed for a safe and rewarding day on the water.
These free, hands-on events welcome adults (ages 16 and older) as well as families with children ages 6 and up. To keep the sport accessible to everyone, the program supplies all the necessary tackle, including loaner rods, reels, fresh bait, and professional instruction on-site at no cost to participants.
Pre-registration is mandatory for all upcoming August dates. To sign up, every participant must have a Conservation Identification Number (CID), which can be obtained in minutes through Connecticut’s Online Licensing System. Anglers ages 16 and older are required to hold a valid Connecticut fishing license. Children aged 15 and under must also acquire a free CID prior to registering, with the option to sign up for a free Youth Fishing Passport. Because class sizes are limited to ensure quality instruction, hopeful participants are encouraged to register early.
August 4, 2026 • Fishing Trip: Saltwater
Fort Nathan Hale, New Haven
4:30PM-7:00PM • REGISTER HERE*
August 5, 2026 • Fishing Trip: Saltwater
Norwalk Pier, South Norwalk
5:00PM-7:30PM • REGISTER HERE*
August 6, 2026 • Fishing Trip
Eagle Landing State Park, Haddam
5:30PM-8:00PM • REGISTER HERE*
August 8, 2026 • Fishing Trip: Saltwater
NCLI Saltwater Fishing Day Fort Trumbull, New London
10:00AM-3:00PM • EVENT INFO
August 10, 2026 • Fishing Trip: Saltwater
Fort Trumbull, New London
4:00PM-6:30PM • REGISTER HERE*
August 16, 2026 • Fishing Trip: Saltwater
Fort Trumbull, New London
2:00PM-4:30PM • REGISTER HERE*
