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Trout Fishing In Connecticut

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Guide to fishing for rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout in area lakes and streams.

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Connecticut is renowned for its trout fishing opportunities, with a variety of trout species found in its lakes and rivers. Anglers can target three main trout species: rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about trout fishing and identify trout fishing waters in the state.

Rainbow trout are widely stocked in Connecticut's lakes, ponds, and rivers, offering excellent fishing opportunities. These acrobatic fish are known for their vibrant colors and strong fights. Popular trout fishing locations include the Farmington River, Housatonic River, and various stocked lakes such as Mashapaug Pond and Mount Tom Pond.

Brown trout, another prized species, can be found in many of Connecticut's rivers and lakes. Known for their elusive nature and challenging behavior, brown trout provide a rewarding fishing experience for dedicated anglers. The Farmington River, Naugatuck River, and West Branch Farmington River are popular destinations for targeting brown trout.

Brook trout, Connecticut's only native trout species, inhabit several small streams and remote locations throughout the state. These beautiful fish with their vibrant colors and speckled patterns can be found in cool, pristine waters. Fishing for brook trout often involves exploring remote areas and hiking to secluded streams, offering a sense of adventure to anglers seeking a unique trout fishing experience.

Connecticut boasts a strong tradition of trout fishing and has a history of producing impressive catches. The state record for rainbow trout stands at over 14 pounds, while the brown trout record exceeds 18 pounds. These impressive catches highlight the potential for trophy-sized trout in Connecticut's waters.

When trout fishing in Connecticut, anglers can use a variety of techniques such as fly fishing, spin fishing, or bait fishing, depending on personal preference and fishing conditions. It's important to check and adhere to fishing regulations, including catch limits and size restrictions, to protect the trout populations and ensure sustainable fishing practices.

Connecticut's lakes and rivers provide anglers with a diverse range of trout fishing opportunities. From stocked lakes and popular rivers to remote streams, the state offers something for every trout angler. Whether you're a seasoned fly fisherman or a beginner looking to catch your first trout, Connecticut's trout fishing scene promises a memorable and rewarding fishing experience.

Trout Waters

Trout fishing in Connecticut

The cold waters in Connecticut make a haven for trout. You can find populations of trout in most rivers and streams plus major lakes like Alexander Lake, Amos Lake, Bantam Lake, Bashan Lake, Beach Pond, Black Pond, Candlewood Lake, Cedar Lake, Colebrook River Lake, Crystal Lake, Gardner Lake, Green Falls Pond, Highland Lake, Lake McDonough, Lake Quassapaug, Lake Saltonstall, Lake Zoar, Mashapaug Lake, Pinewood Lake, Quinebaug Pond, Rogers Lake, Saugatuck Reservoir, Squantz Pond, Tyler Lake, Washining Lake, West Hill Pond, West Thompson Lake and Wononscopomuc Lake. Numerous lakes in the state offer ice fishing in winter.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Connecticut

Trout Species In The State

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout

World record: 42 lbs 2 oz

State Record: 14 lbs 10 oz

Brook Trout

Brook trout

World record: 14 lbs 8 oz

State Record: 9 lbs 3 oz

Brown Trout

Brown trout

World record: 40 lbs 4 oz

State Record: 19 lbs 0 oz

Lake Trout

Lake trout

World record: 72 lbs 0 oz

State Record: 29 lbs 13 oz

Click the images and links above for species details.

Select the best trout lures and baits

Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.

Connecticut State Record Trout

The state record rainbow trout was caught from Mansfield Hollow Lake.

The state record brook trout was taken out of Blackwells Brook.

The state record brown trout came from West Hill Pond.

The state record lake trout was caught in Wononscopomuc Lake.

The state record tiger trout was taken out of Quassapaug Lake.

Robert Pochesci with his opening day brown trout 7lbs 7 oz, 25 1/2 inches long.


Brown Trout
Brown trout being released.

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts.

Visit the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection website for information regarding trout distribution and stocking in Connecticut.

Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.

Additional trout information

Trout Conservation
Trout Unlimited

 

Trout locations and info, by state.

AK Trout Fishing AL Trout Fishing AR Trout Fishing AZ Trout Fishing CA Trout Fishing CO Trout Fishing CT Trout Fishing DE Trout Fishing GA Trout Fishing HI Trout Fishing IA Trout Fishing ID Trout Fishing
IL Trout Fishing IN Trout Fishing KS Trout Fishing KY Trout Fishing MA Trout Fishing MD Trout Fishing ME Trout Fishing MI Trout Fishing MN Trout Fishing MO Trout Fishing MS Trout Fishing MT Trout Fishing
NC Trout Fishing ND Trout Fishing NE Trout Fishing NH Trout Fishing NJ Trout Fishing NM Trout Fishing NV Trout Fishing NY Trout Fishing OH Trout Fishing OK Trout Fishing OR Trout Fishing PA Trout Fishing
RI Trout Fishing SC Trout Fishing SD Trout Fishing TN Trout Fishing TX Trout Fishing UT Trout Fishing VA Trout Fishing VT Trout Fishing WA Trout Fishing WI Trout Fishing WV Trout Fishing WY Trout Fishing
 

The habits of trout.

Trout are considered some of the most difficult fish to fool. Once you locate Connecticut waters with a population of trout, the challenge becomes identifying trout flies and lures that will trigger strikes. Visit the trout fishing page to learn more about the habitat each of the trouts prefer.