HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio)—Connecticut's waters are now open for trout fishing season in an effort to encourage social distancing among anglers.
Governor Ned Lamont signed an executive order that advanced the opening day of trout season from April 10 to March 4.
The move to open up fishing season early was done last year amid the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to help mitigate opening day crowds.
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Fisheries Biologist Mike Beauchene said though there's hope that the pandemic is coming to an end in the near future, the pandemic isn't over yet, so there were discussions early on about taking that same action again this year to limit the potential spread of COVID-19.
Especially as the weather begins to warm up, DEEP and state officials continue to encourage social distancing while out fishing.
Last year, Connecticut saw a 17% increase in new fishing license sales, Beauchene said.
"We kind of attribute that to a spring season when there was so much uncertainty and so many lockdowns. Really just about the only thing people could do was to go out and enjoy the natural resources," Beauchene said.
The fishing season typically opens on the second Saturday of April, Beauchene said, to allow the Fisheries Division to stock waters with trout.
Though there are other fish available, Beauchene explained that certain bodies of water would be closed due to the stocking of trout.
"The waters were closed to fishing so that the hatcheries could put the trout in and then give everyone an equal shot on opening day when it started again," he said.
However, Lamont said that opening the fishing season early gives anglers an opportunity to enjoy additional access to outdoor recreation which, in turn, offers a big help to the mental and physical health of residents.
DEEP Fisheries will continue stocking trout through mid-May while anglers are out fishing, Beauchene said.
Beauchene encourages residents to take advantage of the opportunity and enjoy the state's natural resources. He also reminds residents that there's other fish to find out there, such as bass, pike, carp, walleye and catfish.
Information on 2021 fishing licenses, Youth Fishing Passports and other resources are available on DEEP's main fishing website.