New year means new licenses

The start of the new year means it’s time to get a new fishing license in Connecticut.

Licenses run Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, regardless of when they are purchased. An inland license with a trout and salmon stamp is required to fish special waters such as trout management areas, and a marine license is required to fish salt water (south of the first bridge upstream from the Long Island Sound. A combination license is available, and also requires a trout stamp.

Anglers 65 and older can get a license free of charge, but must renew it every year.

Any active, full-time member of the armed forces may be issued a fishing and/or small game firearms license for the resident fee. Credentials indicating active full-time membership or separation subsequent to the issuance of the license and prior to its expiration date must be carried while fishing or hunting.

Issuance of a free license to the blind or intellectually disabled requires proof of disability in the form of a certificate provided by any person licensed to practice medicine in this state.

Any resident with the loss of a limb or the loss of the use of a limb and a doctor’s certificate may be issued a free license. Qualified nonresidents who are residents of states which allow CT residents the same privileges are also eligible.

Click here to visit the state Department of Environmental Protection site and purchase a licenses if you have not done so.

All of the money from sales of fishing licenses and trout stamps supports the DEEP and conservation.