Connecticut · Fishing license · Free days
Free fishing days in Connecticut
May 9, 2026 and June 21 and August 8, 2026
The three dates work differently. On May 9 nobody needs a licence at all. On June 21 and August 8 the licence is free but you still have to obtain it first, and DEEP releases it three weeks ahead. Nothing else changes: limits, sizes, seasons and closed waters all still apply.
Family Fishing Day: DEEP’s own guide says to invite someone along "on Family Fishing Day, May 9, 2026, when no license is required". Every other rule — seasons, limits, stamps — stands.
Confirmed on the agency's own page.
Free one-day licence days: "anyone can obtain a free one-day license for use on June 21, and August 8, 2026". This is a free licence rather than no licence — you have to get it through the licensing system before you fish.
Confirmed on the agency's own page.
What a free day does not cover
- Bag limits, size limits and closed seasons are unchanged.
- Waters that are closed stay closed.
- Separate permits can still be required — Connecticut charges for trout and salmon stamp, age 18 and over, trout and salmon stamp, ages 16 and 17. Check before you rely on a free day.
- A free day waives the license, not the rules the license comes with.
