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American Lobster regulations in Connecticut

Lobsters · Shellfish & crabs · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? The american lobster season is closed today. It is open November 29 – September 7.

American Lobster size limit, season and daily limit

WhereSeasonSize limitDaily limit
Long Island Sound (Connecticut waters)November 29 – September 73.375–5.25 inch slotNo daily limit in state waters (personal use license); 6 per person in federal waters

Notes

Exact CT DEEP wording

Season
Open except closed season September 8 – November 28 (all gear out of the water)
Size
Carapace at least 3-3/8 inches and not greater than 5-1/4 inches
Limit
No daily limit in Connecticut waters (6 per person in federal waters); personal use only
Long Island Sound (Connecticut waters) — as printed
“The body shell (carapace) is at least 3-3/8 inches in length and not greater than 5-1/4 inches. Possessing any lobster bearing external eggs is prohibited; keeping a female with a V-notch mark is prohibited. The closed season for lobster in Long Island Sound is September 8 through November 28. License holders may not set, haul, or have in the water more than ten pots per day.”

Source: CT DEEP, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).

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About the american lobster

American lobster

Lobster of the western North Atlantic

The American lobster is a species of lobster found on the Atlantic coast of North America, chiefly from Labrador to New Jersey. It is also known as Atlantic lobster, Canadian lobster, northern lobster, Canadian Reds, or Maine lobster. It is sometimes called the true lobster or common lobster, but those names are ambiguous. It can reach a body length of 64 cm (25 in), and a mass of over 20 kilograms (44 lb), making it not only the heaviest crustacean in the world, but also the heaviest of all living arthropod species. Its closest relative is the European lobster Homarus gammarus, which can be distinguished by its coloration and the lack of spines on the underside of the rostrum. American lobsters are usually bluish green to brown with red spines, but several color variations have been observed.

Read more about American lobster on Wikipedia →

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from CT DEEP, not Wikipedia.

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Frequently asked

What is the size limit for American Lobster in Connecticut?

3.375–5.25 inch slot in Connecticut state waters.

How many American Lobster can you keep per day in Connecticut?

No daily limit in state waters (personal use license); 6 per person in federal waters.

When is American Lobster season in Connecticut?

November 29 – September 7.

Is my American Lobster a keeper today?

The american lobster season is closed today. It is open November 29 – September 7.