Connecticut Fishing Opportunities !

By Wayne G. Barber

EASTON–The Aquarion Water Company is giving back to the community for the seventh year in a row.
The public water supply company will issue free fishing permits to any unemployed person over the age of 18, as well as any veterans and active duty service members.
The anglers’ permits will be issued on Wednesday, April 22 and Wednesday, May 6 from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Aquarion Aspetuck Environmental Center, which is located at 714 Black Rock Rd. in Easton.
You should bring a valid Connecticut fishing license and official proof of unemployment or a military ID.
Three Aquarion reservoirs are open for fishing by permit:

• The Saugatuck, in Redding and Weston. At this reservoir we offer a fishing dock accessible to wheelchair users, located in Weston at the intersection of Valley Forge and Davis Hill Roads.
   
• The Far Mill, in Shelton.
   
• The West Pequonnock, in Monroe.

Fishing season begins the second Saturday of April and ends on the last day of December. Ice fishing is prohibited. During fishing season, you may fish daily, including holidays, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

• Anglers 16 years of age or older must have a valid State fishing license to apply for an Aquarion Water Company fishing permit. Anglers under the age of 16 are not required to have a permit, but must be accompanied by an adult permit-holder.
   
• Anglers 65 years of age or older are eligible for a lifetime permit.
   
• Non-residents and Connecticut residents with valid State fishing licenses may purchase a season or daily permit. Nonresidents, with a valid three-day non-resident fishing license, may only purchase daily permits.
   
• Fishing is permitted only from the shoreline. Boating, flotation devices and waders are prohibited.
   
• To help us protect the public water supply from contamination, the introduction of alewives into the water is prohibited. Also, please do not empty bait containers into the reservoir to help us protect the public water supply from contamination.
   
• Cleaning fish on the shoreline or elsewhere on the Conservation Lands property is prohibited.

How to obtain a permit

To purchase a permit you will need a valid Connecticut fishing license. Season permit fees are $25
one-day permits are $5.00, and permits for senior citizens and physically challenged anglers are free.

Permits can be obtained at:

Watershed & Environmental
Management Office
714 Black Rock Road (Rt. 58)
Easton, CT 06612-1146
(203) 452-3511

Or from:

Town Clerks
Easton Town Clerk 225 Center Road Easton, CT 06612 (203) 268-6291	Monroe Town Clerk 7 Fan Hill Road Monroe, CT 06468 (203) 452-5400	Redding Town Clerk Lonetown Road Redding, CT 06875 (203) 938-2377
Trumbull Town Clerk 5866 Main Street Trumbull, CT 06611 (203) 452-5000	Weston Town Clerk 56 Norfield Road Weston, CT 06883