Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Deputy Commissioner Susan Whalen, today joined students from Regan Elementary School, Waterbury, to stock trout at Fulton Park, Upper Pond, in preparation for Opening Day of trout fishing season on Saturday, April 8.

“At DEEP, it is a real tradition to stock trout for Opening Day with schoolchildren around Connecticut, instilling the importance of protecting and preserving our natural resources while introducing them to the rewarding sport of fishing and of being outdoors,” said Deputy Commissioner Susan Whalen.  “We’ve done this all over the state, in the rain, dealing with cold weather and even in the snow as memories were created while stocking trout with their classmates.  Today’s stocking is at Waterbury’s Fulton Park, Upper Pond, one of Connecticut’s Community Fishing Waters – where great fishing spots are readily accessible in highly populated areas, making it easier than ever to go out and fish.”

As one of Connecticut’s Community Fishing Waters, upper Fulton Park Pond is stocked with trout in the spring providing high quality fishing opportunities for all anglers.  This initiative provides a unique fishing experience for many of the state’s urban residents by stocking fish in convenient and easily accessible locations right in their neighborhoods.

In all, DEEP expects to stock over 306,000 trout in waters across the state in time for Opening Day of the 2017 trout fishing season April 8th. Nearly 100 lakes and ponds and 190 rivers and streams are scheduled for stocking.

Regan Elementary School recently partnered with DEEP’s No Child Left Inside® program for a Family Outdoor Discovery Program. Funded by a grant from the US Forest Service, the 4th graders and their families participated in a field trip to Black Rock State Park. Students and their families played field games, paddled canoes around the lake, and learned how to pitch a tent and prepare food for campfire cooking. No Child Left Inside® continues to partner with Regan Elementary for trout stocking at the pond at Fulton Park.

 The DEEP’s No Child Left Inside® initiative continues to be one of the highlights for the DEEP and fishing has become an integral part of this program.  Join DEEP on May 13 for Family Fishing Day at Chatfield Hollow State Park, Killingworth, from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. May 13 is also FREE fishing day where anyone can fish, inland or marine waters, for free the entire day – no license required.  All other fishing rules and regulations, including length and harvest limits still apply.  This is an excellent opportunity for avid anglers to share their passion by introducing a friend or relative to the many benefits of fishing.

Anglers under 16 years old are invited to participate in Youth Fishing Passport Program.  Free to all, the program enables a young angler and their family to participate in fun fishing activities and receive benefits from various sponsors from the fishing industry.    Details about the program can be found at www.ct.gov/DEEP/YFP.  For those over the age of 16, fishing licenses are available on-line at:  www.ct.gov/deep/sportsmenlicensing.  

 All of the fees collected from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, tags, permits, and stamps supports fish and wildlife conservation, preservation, and recreation programs administered by the Bureau of Natural Resources (Connecticut General Statutes 26-15, 20-15(a), 26-15 (b)).

“The fees from various sportsman licenses are critical to the support of environmental conservation programs,” added Deputy Commissioner Whalen.

The 2017 Connecticut Angler’s Guide is a source for fishing related information, including the current regulations that apply to Connecticut waters.  Excellent trout fishing can be found across the state, including in one of many Trout Management Areas, Trout Parks, Trophy Trout Streams, Sea-Run Trout Streams, and Wild Trout Management Areas. 

 The Angler’s Guide is available at most Town Clerks Offices, DEEP offices and at tackle stores selling fishing licenses and can also be accessed on the DEEP web site at: www.ct.gov/deep/anglersguide.