In Connecticut, Free Fishing License Days are held annually, allowing anyone who wishes to fish in fresh or saltwater to obtain a free 1 day license through the state’s Online Sportsmen Licensing System. These licenses can be obtained up to three weeks prior to the date of the fishing day and the process of signing up is fast and simple.
Connecticut will hold two of these free license days this summer, the other falls on August 9, the purpose of these special fishing days is to encourage state residents and visitors to get outside and enjoy the incredible fishing that Connecticut has to offer. Along with familiarizing new anglers with the online licensing system so that they might be more inclined purchase a full season license in the future. All anglers aged 16 or over are required to hold a fishing license before making a cast. For those who would like to take their younger children fishing on this free license day may do so, as all children (under the age of 16) may fish free all year long and only their older guardians are required to hold a license.
The state will typically conduct a special round of trout stockings ahead of these events, so keep an eye on the Connecticut Fish & Wildlife’s social media pages for stocking news and details regarding where the trout were released. All individuals who hold one of these special, one-day licenses are bound by all of the state’s fresh and saltwater fishing regulations. Connecticut has just about every type of fishing within 25 miles of every resident including trout, bass, pike, panfish, and saltwater species including striped bass, fluke, porgy or bluefish, so there’s something for every angler and all skill levels.
If you need to brush up on the fishing rules, English and Spanish versions of the states Fishing Guide can be found online at https://portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/general-information/fishing-guide and print versions are available at more than 350 locations statewide, including many town halls, bait & tackle shops, DEEP facilities, commercial marinas and campgrounds, or by contacting DEEP’s Fisheries Division (860-424-FISH).
Those who are 15 or younger do not need a fishing license but can register using the same online system to obtain a “Youth Fishing Passport.” The Youth Fishing Passport provides access to the year-long fishing challenge. Saltwater Fishing Day is a good way to check off several species on the “Fishing Challenge Scorecard,” a year-long fishing checklist where young anglers can keep track of all of the different types of fish they catch. Visit https://portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/care/fishing-challenge for details.
