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Fishing regulations at East Branch, CT
Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
Fishing regulations in Connecticut can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.
Regulations for top species
Striped bass
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
No person shall harvest any individual fish greater than the maximum size except as permitted.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
Spears
Harvest of this species by "spearing" is prohibited. Spearing includes the catching or taking of a fish by bow hunting, gigging, spearfishing, or by any device used to capture a fish by piercing the body.
Recreational harvest is permitted year round. Any striped bass less than 28-inches or greater than or equal to 31-inches shall, without avoidable injury, be returned immediately to the water from which taken.
You must use an inline circle hook while using bait to fish for striped bass. For more information, see Striped Bass and Circle Hooks
Striped bass may only be taken by angling. No spearing or gaffing striped bass!
No person shall land or possess on the waters of this state or on any parcel of land, structure, or portion of a roadway abutting tidal waters of this state any striped bass from which the head or tail has been removed or which has otherwise been rendered unidentifiable as a striped bass or unable to be measured.
Tautog
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
Open Season: April 1 - April 30; bag limit = 2 fish per angler
Open Season: July 1 - August 31; bag limit = 2 fish per angler
Open Season: October 10 - Nov. 28; bag limit = 3 fish per angler
Black sea bass
The maximum number of individual fish legally harvested per harvester per day. Bag limits are only for properly licensed anglers actively harvesting the species. People who are not actively harvesting or are not properly licensed (if a license is required) may NOT be counted for the purpose of bag limits.
No person shall harvest any individual fish less than the minimum size limit.
Total length means the straight line distance from the most forward point of the head with the mouth closed, to the farthest tip of the tail with the tail compressed or squeezed, while the fish is lying on its side.
2026 Recreational Black Sea Bass Regulations (Private Angler)
- Minimum Length: 15.5 inches (excluding tail fin filament).
- Daily Creel Limit: 4 fish.
- Open Season: May 16 – November 25.
Party/Charter Vessel Regulations (Paying Passengers)
- Minimum Length: 15.5 inches.
- Season: May 16 – December 31.
- Bag Limit (May 16 – August 31): 4 fish.
- Bag Limit (September 1 – December 31): 6 fish.
- Note: Daily logbook reporting is required for operators
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