HARTFORD, CT — Heavy rainfall and flood conditions across Connecticut limited access to streams and rivers this week, prompting the state to shift its trout stocking efforts to lakes and ponds, according to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Between May 1 and May 7, biologists stocked approximately 12,300 trout across dozens of stillwater locations, prioritizing safer waters amid continued storm activity. “We are expecting or experiencing flooding in many areas,” the agency stated in its weekly update. “So, it’s lakes and ponds today and likely most of this week.”
The shift to flatwater stocking follows poor conditions for stream access last Friday, which also delayed the department’s usual public update. The stocked sites include Amos Lake in Preston, Black Pond in Meriden/Middlefield, and Wononskopomuc Lake in Salisbury, which received 500 rainbow trout.
According to DEEP, the stocked sites spanned multiple counties and included both trout parks and management lakes. Several urban community fishing waters, such as Bunnells Pond in Bridgeport and Keney Park Pond in Hartford, also received fish.
In total, 12,300 trout were released into more than 60 named locations. Among the stocked rivers when flows permitted were the Yantic River (Bozrah, Lebanon, Norwich), Pomperaug River TTA (Woodbury/Southbury), and the Farmington River between Route 4 and Tariffville.
Biologists said they are monitoring conditions daily and will resume river and stream stocking as water levels allow. Anglers targeting moving water are advised to use caution. “Please use extra caution, mind your footing, consider going with a friend, and wearing a wading belt,” DEEP advised. “Fish are still accessible and willing to eat, particularly in the softer water and margins.”
DEEP encourages catch-and-release anglers to follow proper practices to minimize fish mortality and shared a link to its C.A.R.E. instructional video on safe release techniques.
The agency continues to track conditions using the National Weather Service River Level Forecast and USGS stream flow data. Both tools are available online for public monitoring.
Anglers can follow up-to-date stocking data through the Interactive Trout Stocking Map and weekly PDF report. Reports of poaching should be made to the Environmental Conservation Police at 1-860-424-3333.
