Trout regulations in Connecticut

· Freshwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? A trout is a keeper today if it measures at least 9 inches, with a daily limit of 5.

Trout size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
Connecticut inland waters (statewide; managed lakes differ)	April 11 – February 28	9 inch minimum	5 per person per day

Notes

Catch and release only from March 1 until 6 a.m. on the second Saturday of April (Apr 11 in 2026).

Exact CT DEEP wording

Season: Open year-round; catch and release only March 1 until 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of April
Size: 9 inches
Limit: 5 fish
Inland waters — as printed: “Trout (Brook, Brown, Lake, Rainbow, Tiger and other hybrids): Season: Open year-round; Minimum Length: 9 inches; Daily Creel Limit: 5 fish from 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of April until the last day of February; 0 fish from March 1 until 6:00 a.m. on the second Saturday of April (catch and release only)”

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

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About the trout

Freshwater fish from subfamily Salmoninae

Trout is a generic common name for numerous species of carnivorous freshwater fishes belonging to the genera Oncorhynchus, Salmo, and Salvelinus, all of which are members of the subfamily Salmoninae in the family Salmonidae. The word trout is also used for some similar-shaped but non-salmonid fish, such as the spotted seatrout/speckled trout.

Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Trout in Connecticut?

9 inch minimum in Connecticut state waters.

How many Trout can you keep per day in Connecticut?

5 per person per day.

When is Trout season in Connecticut?

April 11 – February 28.

Is my Trout a keeper today?

A trout is a keeper today if it measures at least 9 inches, with a daily limit of 5.