What the Trout and Salmon Stamp Covers

Connecticut's Trout and Salmon Stamp is a separate permit you buy in addition to your fishing license if you want to fish for trout or salmon in state waters. It does not replace your regular license — you need both. The stamp costs vary by residency and age, and it gives you the legal right to keep trout and salmon you catch during the open season.

The stamp applies to all trout species (rainbow, brown, and brook trout) and Atlantic salmon in Connecticut's rivers, streams, and lakes. Without it, you can fish for trout and salmon, but you cannot legally keep them — you must release any you catch. The stamp is required whether you fish in stocked waters or wild populations.

Key Takeaways

  • You must hold both a valid Connecticut fishing license and a Trout and Salmon Stamp to legally keep trout or salmon; the stamp does not stand alone.
  • The stamp cost depends on whether you are a resident or non-resident and your age, with discounts for seniors and youth.
  • You can buy the stamp online through the Connecticut DEEP website, by mail, or at authorized vendors including bait and tackle shops.
  • The stamp is valid for one calendar year and must be in your possession while you fish, along with your license.

Who Needs the Stamp and Who Does Not

Any angler 16 years or older who wants to keep trout or salmon must have the stamp. Connecticut residents, non-residents, and visitors all need it. The only exceptions are children under 16 — they can keep trout and salmon with a valid fishing license but do not need the separate stamp.

If you hold a lifetime fishing license, you still need to buy the annual Trout and Salmon Stamp each year. The lifetime license covers your right to fish; the stamp covers your right to keep these specific species. Disabled veterans and certain other groups may receive discounts or waivers on the license itself, but the stamp rules remain the same for everyone.

Cost and How to Buy

Resident stamps cost less than non-resident stamps. Senior residents (age 65 and older) pay a reduced rate. Youth stamps (ages 16–17) also cost less than the full adult rate. Non-residents pay a higher fee, and there is no age discount for non-resident youth. Exact dollar amounts change year to year, so check the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) website for current pricing before you buy.

You can purchase the stamp online through the Connecticut DEEP licensing portal, which is the fastest method. You can also buy it by mail by sending a check or money order to DEEP, or in person at authorized vendors — bait and tackle shops, sporting goods stores, and some town clerk offices sell stamps. When you buy online, you receive a confirmation number immediately; for mail orders, allow two to three weeks for processing.

When the Stamp Is Valid

The Trout and Salmon Stamp runs on a calendar-year basis, from January 1 through December 31. If you buy the stamp in June, it remains valid through the end of that year and does not carry over into the next year. You must buy a new stamp each January if you plan to fish for trout or salmon again.

Trout season in Connecticut typically opens in mid-April and runs through mid-October, though exact dates vary by water body. Salmon season has its own dates, usually shorter and concentrated in fall. The stamp must be valid during the dates you fish, not just during the season itself — buying a stamp in November for fishing in April of the following year requires a new stamp purchase.

What to Carry While Fishing

You must have your fishing license and your Trout and Salmon Stamp in your possession at all times while you are actively fishing for these species. A confirmation number from an online purchase is acceptable proof; you do not need a printed stamp. If you buy the stamp in person at a vendor, you will receive a physical stamp or receipt — keep it with you.

Connecticut fisheries officers check licenses and stamps during routine patrols. If you are keeping trout or salmon without a valid stamp, you can be cited and fined. The fine is separate from any other violations, so it is worth the small cost to buy the stamp before you fish.

Trout and Salmon Waters in Connecticut

Connecticut stocks trout in many rivers and streams across the state, particularly in the northwest highlands and along the Housatonic River. Popular stocked waters include the Naugatuck River, the Still River, and numerous smaller streams. Wild trout populations exist in some cold-water tributaries, especially in Litchfield County.

Atlantic salmon are present in the Connecticut River and a few other major waterways. Salmon fishing is less common than trout fishing in the state, and seasons are more restrictive. Check the Connecticut DEEP fishing guide for a complete list of waters open to trout and salmon fishing, because not every stream or lake allows harvest of these species — some are catch-and-release only.

Regulations Beyond the Stamp

Owning a Trout and Salmon Stamp lets you keep trout and salmon, but it does not override other state rules. Connecticut sets daily catch limits (the number of fish you can keep per day), size minimums, and gear restrictions that vary by water body. Some streams allow only fly fishing; others allow all methods. Some waters have a one-fish-per-day limit; others allow more.

The Connecticut DEEP fishing guide lists regulations for each major water body. Before you fish, look up your target stream or lake to confirm the daily limit, minimum size, and allowed methods. Violating these rules carries separate fines from not having a stamp, so reading the guide is worth the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish for trout without the stamp if I release everything I catch?

Yes. The stamp is only required if you want to keep trout or salmon. If you practice catch-and-release, you need only your regular fishing license. However, if you are unsure whether you will keep fish, buying the stamp beforehand is simpler than deciding on the water.

Do I need a separate stamp for salmon, or does one stamp cover both?

One Trout and Salmon Stamp covers both species. You do not buy separate stamps for trout and for salmon. The single stamp permits you to keep any combination of trout and salmon, subject to the daily limits for each water.

What happens if I lose my confirmation number or receipt?

Contact Connecticut DEEP with your name, date of birth, and the approximate date you bought the stamp. They can look up your purchase and provide a replacement confirmation number. Keep the new number with you while fishing.

Can I buy a stamp for just one month or one week?

No. Connecticut sells only annual stamps that run January through December. There is no short-term or daily stamp option. If you fish for trout or salmon at any point in a calendar year, you need the full-year stamp.

Do I need the stamp if I fish on private land with the owner's permission?

Yes. The stamp requirement applies to all Connecticut waters, whether public or private. Permission from the landowner covers your right to be on the land; the stamp covers your right to keep trout and salmon under state law.