Some of you may know that the DEEP had instituted a Trout Stamp for 2018. Currently if you go to the online licensing system there is no provision to buy a 2018 trout stamp with your 2018 fishing/hunting license. My wife is a town clerk and received the following email today. I had her ask two questions. I'm also disappointed that CT did not followed RI lead who has had trout stamps for years - making it not required for fishermen under 15 or over 65. Just not right.
From: Beauchene, Mike [mailto:Mike.Beauchene@ct.gov] Sent: Monday, December 04, 2017 12:25 PM
Subject: RE: Resources to help with customer questions about the proposed Trout Stamp
Very good questions and we will add them to our FAQ sheet.
1. On free fishing day (May 12, 2018) no trout stamp is needed as no license is needed. 2. On the 2 Free Fishing License days a trout stamp will be needed (as a license is needed, even though it is free) if the person is fishing in one of the 4 types of areas or would like to keep trout. 3. I will have to get back in touch with you on the border lake question.
Mike Beauchene Supervising Fisheries Biologist
CT Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) & Fisheries Program Support Fisheries Division Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106-5127 . P: 860.424.4185F: 860.424.4070 E: mike.beauchene@ct.gov
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Thank you so much for the information Mike. I have had a couple questions that have not been answered yet – or at least they are not on the FAQ sheet – and was wondering if you could answer them for me. 1. What about Free Fishing Days? Will a trout stamp be required? 2. What about the lakes that border other states? Colebrook, Congamond & Beach Pond are three examples. Currently, the state of Rhode Island (Beach Pond) does not require a trout stamp for that pond. Will Connecticut be the same? Looking forward to the answers at your convenience. Thanks again.
From: Beauchene, Mike [mailto:Mike.Beauchene@ct.gov] Sent: Monday, December 04, 2017 11:58 AM To: Beauchene, Mike <Mike.Beauchene@ct.gov> Subject: Resources to help with customer questions about the proposed Trout Stamp
Greetings- We have just put up a FAQ document and a brochure on the Fisheries web page (under FAQ link) to assist the public with understanding the proposed trout stamp for 2018 (text included below). Please feel free to share these links as you field inquiries from people as they begin to purchase their licenses for 2018.
Trout Stamp FAQ’s and Trout Stamp Brochure
Does Connecticut have a Trout Stamp? DEEP has recently proposed a number of changes to fishing regulations. One of these changes includes the establishment of a trout stamp. Upon review and approval of the Legislative Regulation Review Committee, the effective date of for the establishment of a trout stamp is expected to be January 2018. Please see the Trout Stamp FAQ’s and Trout Stamp Brochure for additional information.
A few very common points that have floated to the surface.
When does it take effect? The stamp does not go into effect until the Legislative Regulations Review Committee passes with approval (anticipated at their January 2018 meeting)
Does it apply to anglers 65+? Yes.
The stamp is required to fish in 4 types of waters: Trout parks, Trout Management Areas, Wild Trout Management Area, and Broodstock Atlantic Salmon Areas
The stamp is not required outside of these 4 waters, UNLESS, the angler will be keeping (harvesting or taking) trout.
Thank you for your support of CT Fishing
Mike Beauchene Supervising Fisheries Biologist
CT Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) & Fisheries Program Support Fisheries Division Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection 79 Elm Street, Hartford, CT 06106-5127 . P: 860.424.4185F: 860.424.4070 E: mike.beauchene@ct.gov
FYI - CT is going to require CT license holders to have the trout stamp on those waters
1. What about the lakes that border other states? Colebrook, Congamond & Beach Pond are three examples. Currently, the state of Rhode Island (Beach Pond) does not require a trout stamp for that pond. Will Connecticut be the same?
We can only compel anglers who hold a CT fishing license to abide by the CT Trout Stamp requirement. As such, anglers legally fishing either Congamond or Colebrook (we stock both of these waters with trout) with a Massachusetts fishing license can do so without obtaining a CT trout stamp. The same holds true for Beach Pond (those legally fishing with a RI fishing license cannot be compelled to obtain a CT trout stamp.
trout tracker
Member
Registered: 04/15/04
Posts: 5682
Loc: Terryville
The stocked lakes are refered to as "trout management lakes" not "trout management areas" so I would not think that you would need a trout stamp on the stocked lakes and ponds. Rivers and streams are refered to as "trout management areas" and would need a stamp for these areas. So if I just fish lakes and ponds I interpret this as not needing a stamp.???? Very confusing!! So we are hit with another "tax" because I want to keep a trout. And yet the state cuts back on the stocking.
I noticed you stocked 37,000 trout in the trout parks this year. Is that really necessary?? there's no way all those trout get caught, they'll die in the summer months easily. 1/10th of that amount would suffice. highland and westhill got no where near that amount of fish. I know the kids want to fish, but you say it takes great money and resources to raise the fish. seems like a huge waste to me. toss more in the lakes and streams, there's still plenty of access for fishing even if you don't have a boat.
My only point to it is, we are opening up to being charged more and receiving less again. I'm not against it, but as sportsmen, I think we should have been smarter than just laying down and allowing this to happen with no plan that the Representatives in Hartford can go back on. I know the trout program has been greatly undermined by budget cuts, but our budget cuts are long from over. This State's long term fiscal prognosis is poor at best.
On to my point. We all pay for the trout program now, and the hatcheries have been under fire every year. When the stamp comes out, will all of that money be guaranteed to be spent on the hatcheries and trout stocking programs? Very unlikely, but if this becomes a cash cow, is there anything that mandates increased stocking and prevents DEEP from hiring people under the trout program, to use in other places?
Second, all of us pay for the trout we currently stock when we purchase our license. I wouldn't expect a dollar for dollar offset, but what is in it for us? Will license prices be slightly reduced for those that don't buy a trout stamp? Better yet, and what I would like to see is, are there any plans to offset it by increasing something like the walleye stocking program? I have no problem paying a few bucks more as a sportsman, but show me what you plan to do to make Connecticut more enjoyable for fishermen. More importantly, show me where it's cast in stone that those thieves in Hartford can't undermine us during future budget negotiations.
Lastly, I think this is the beginning of the end of the trout program in CT. The average trout fisherman that buys a stamp will go out and catch a couple limits early in the season when the fish population is high, and this will equate to far more than his/her $5 stamp.That is currently offset because every license holder pays into the trout porogram. Once we give non-trout fishermen an option to essentially "unfund" the trout program, I'm concerned there won't be enough $5 stamps sold to offset the change.
License sales have been dropping at a steady rate here in CT. I think part of that is because many people want to go fishing, and catch something they can take home and eat. (Imagine hunters spending hours in the woods, only to take home a "picture" of their game) If we remove trout from the list, and do nothing about increasing the walleye population, I worry much of CT will be full of panfish and overpopulated dink bass. That will only further hurt license sales, and reduce much needed revenue.
OK, rant over...... I know it won't help, but I had to get it out!
.
Edited by FarmerJay (12/29/1711:27 AM)
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Re: Chum Bucket......There's too much gross #*&! in those picture threads; I can't look at them. Doing so scars my soul.
If they consider West Hill, Highland and Twin trout management lakes, guess I’ll be getting that stamp since I fish those a three places for trout even though I’ll seldom keep the trout.
"Does Connecticut have a Trout Stamp? Yes. The Legislature’s Regulation Review Committee (LRRC) approved DEEP's proposed trout stamp proposal on February 27, 2018. The new regulations will become effective once they are published on the eRegulations system by the Secretary of State’s office. Please see the Trout Stamp FAQ’s and Trout Stamp Brochure for additional information."
Just renewed online my CT free old fart freshwater/marine fishing license, no option for trout stamp, sounds like that will be a town hall purchase. Oh, I absolutely believe all the funds will go to trout fisheries as stated in the DEEP brochure (like the current fishing license......oops, like the tobacco company liability protection money paid to states will go to smoking cessation and remediation....oops...)
MikeDero
Good things come to those who bait
Registered: 05/01/07
Posts: 3111
Loc: Plainville CT
Trout Stamp Summary: Thank you for all of the comments and questions to yesterday's post about our 2018 Inland Fishing Regulation updates. I hope I answered your question (there were lots). Here is a brief summary of the most often asked questions. We have an FAQ and brochure on our web page with lots of detail (A few highlights below).
1. Applies to everyone age 16 and up including age 65+
2. 100% of the funds come to Fish and Wildlife - not the general fund - see CTGS 26-15, 26-15a and 26-15b 3. It is an optional product (meaning not everyone will need to get it).
4. There is no physical stamp. It will be an add on to your license.
5. If you already bought a license you MAY need to add it.
6. It should be available via our license system in about 2 weeks
It is needed for either of these situations:
1. To FISH in a Trout Management Area, Wild Trout Management Area, Trout Park, or Broodstock Atlantic Salmon Area.
OR
2. If you wish to KEEP any trout or salmon from anywhere (except for places stocked at no expense to the state, like a fish and game club pond).
Trout management lakes and trophy trout areas are not included in the list of places where it is required. So, in Candlewood Lake (and others) you do not need a trout stamp to FISH, only to KEEP trout.
MikeDero
Good things come to those who bait
Registered: 05/01/07
Posts: 3111
Loc: Plainville CT
Inland Fisheries 2018 Regulation Update: Here is a very long post but gives you an update on today's events. In summary the proposed regulation package (including the trout and salmon stamp) was approved. It may take a few weeks to finish the process and for the new Regs to take effect.
The Fisheries regulations proposal that included a trout & salmon stamp was approved by the Legislature’s Regulation Review Committee (LRRC) at their meeting on Tuesday, 2/27. The new regulations will become effective once they are published on the eRegulations system by the Secretary of State’s office (SOTS). This will occur several days to a week or so after approval by LRRC as there are several additional steps required to formalize the regulations prior to posting by SOTS.
TROUT & SALMON STAMP A $5.00 trout & salmon stamp is required for any angler 16 years of age and older fishing in a Trout Management Area (TMA), Wild Trout Management Area (WTMA), Trout Park, or Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Area; or keeping trout, Kokanee Salmon or broodstock Atlantic Salmon anywhere statewide.
FARMINGTON RIVER TMA A small portion of the West Branch Farmington River in the Riverton area from the intersection of Hogback Road and Route 20 in Hartland downstream to the gas pipeline crossing approximately four-tenths miles downstream of the confluence with the Still River in Barkhamsted will now be closed to all fishing from April First to 6:00 am on the second Saturday in April.
MILL RIVER WTMA & MILL RIVER TMA (Easton-Fairfield) The Mill River WTMA is extended downstream to the Merritt Parkway and the Mill River TMA is now catch-and-release year round.
FISHING SEASONS Alexander Lake is open to fishing year round. Baldwins Pond and Green Falls Reservoir are open to fishing from 6:00 am Opening Day through the last day of February.
CATFISH There is now a creel limit of 6 Channel Catfish and White Catfish in aggregate per day, except in Beaver Park Lagoon, Birge Pond, Bunnells Pond, Center Springs Park Pond, Freshwater Pond, Keeney Park Pond, Lake Wintergreen, Lakewood Lake, Mirror Lake, Picketts Pond, Rowans Pond, Mohegan Park Pond and Stanley Quarter Pond where the creel limit is 3 catfish per day.
COMMON CARP There is now a creel limit of 5 common carp per day, with no more than 1 fish greater than 30 inches in length, except in Trophy Carp Waters.
TROPHY CARP WATERS Batterson Park Pond, Connecticut River (including the portions of tributaries open year-round), Squantz Pond and West Thompson Reservoir are designated as Trophy Carp Waters with a one carp per day creel limit and a 26 inch maximum length for Common Carp.
METHODS Tenkara fishing (a traditional Japanese methodof fly-fishing without a reel) is now allowed in fly fishing areas.
ATLANTIC SALMON BROODSTOCK AREAS The period when broodstock salmon gear restriction applies to all species in broodstock areas is now from September 1 to March 31 (inclusive).
MikeDero
Good things come to those who bait
Registered: 05/01/07
Posts: 3111
Loc: Plainville CT
Originally Posted By: f250
If they consider West Hill, Highland and Twin trout management lakes, guess I’ll be getting that stamp since I fish those a three places for trout even though I’ll seldom keep the trout.
Trout management lakes and trophy trout areas are not included in the list of places where it is required. So, in Candlewood Lake (and others) you do not need a trout stamp to FISH, only to KEEP trout
So now that this past this, I have to spend an extra 5$ I guess in order to fish the Housatonic River legally. I will do a little bit of research and post up the legal stretches where you do and do not need this.
I have a question wishing someone could answer.I am over 65 and have my lic for 2018 and when I got it the trout stamp was not available. So to get one now I have to go to the DEEP site and get a new Lic. with the trout stamp on it and make a credit transaction for 5 dollars and give the state my credit card #.
FYI – Our regulations package became effective today, Friday, 3/9/2018. Attached are the new regulations. Among the notable changes are:
TROUT & SALMON STAMP - A $5.00 trout & salmon stamp is required for any angler 16 years of age and older fishing in a Trout Management Area (TMA), Wild Trout Management Area (WTMA), Trout Park, or Atlantic Salmon Broodstock Area; or keeping trout, Kokanee Salmon or broodstock Atlantic Salmon anywhere statewide (some exceptions for waters not stocked by DEEP that are stocked by another entity). The trout & Salmon stamp is now available for purchase on the Online Sportsmen’s Licensing system. FARMINGTON RIVER TMA - A small portion of the West Branch Farmington River in the Riverton area from the intersection of Hogback Road and Route 20 in Hartland downstream to the gas pipeline crossing approximately four-tenths miles downstream of the confluence with the Still River in Barkhamsted will now be closed to all fishing from April First to 6:00 am on the second Saturday in April.
MILL RIVER WTMA & MILL RIVER TMA (Easton-Fairfield) - The Mill River WTMA is extended downstream to the Merritt Parkway and the Mill River TMA is now catch-and release year round. FISHING SEASONS - Alexander Lake is open to fishing year round. Baldwins Pond and Green Falls Reservoir are open to fishing from 6:00 am Opening Day through the last day of February.
CATFISH - There is now a creel limit of 6 Channel Catfish and White Catfish in aggregate per day, except in Beaver Park Lagoon, Birge Pond, Bunnells Pond, Center Springs Park Pond, Freshwater Pond, Keeney Park Pond, Lake Wintergreen, Lakewood Lake, Mirror Lake, Picketts Pond, Rowans Pond, Mohegan Park Pond and Stanley Quarter Pond where the creel limit is 3 catfish per day.
COMMON CARP - There is now a creel limit of 5 common carp per day, with no more than 1 fish greater than 30 inches in length, except in Trophy Carp Waters (see below).
TROPHY CARP WATERS - Batterson Park Pond, Connecticut River (including the portions of tributaries open year-round), Squantz Pond and West Thompson Reservoir are designated as Trophy Carp Waters with a one carp per day creel limit and a 26 inch maximum length for Common Carp.
METHODS - Tenkara fishing (a traditional Japanese method of fly-fishing without a reel) is now allowed in fly fishing areas.
ATLANTIC SALMON BROODSTOCK AREAS - The period when broodstock salmon gear restriction applies to all species in broodstock areas is now from September 1 to March 31 (inclusive).
TROUT PARKS - Pasture Pond at the Quinebaug Valley State Trout Hatchery, Plainfield, is now a designated Trout Park with a 2 trout per day creel limit.
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