ATLANTIC SALMON OPEN SEASON, DAILY CREEL LIMIT, MINIMUM LENGTH AND METHOD OF TAKING
Under the authority of Section 26-112 of the Connecticut General Statutes and Section 26-112-45(c) of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, I hereby declare open fishing seasons, daily creel limits, minimum lengths and legal methods for taking Atlantic salmon in the following stream sections and lakes: that portion of the Naugatuck River extending from the confluence of the East and West Branches of the Naugatuck River (Torrington) downstream to its confluence with the Housatonic River; that portion of the Housatonic River extending from the Derby Dam (Derby-Shelton) downstream to its confluence with Long lsland Sound (Stratford-Milford); and that portion of the Shetucket River extending from the Scotland Dam (Windham) downstream to the Water Street Bridge (Norwich); Beach Pond (Voluntown), Chrystal Lake (Ellington), Long Pond (Ledyard, North Stonington), Mashapaug Lake (Union), Mount Tom Pond (Morris, Litchfield, Washington) and Nells Rock Reservoir (Shelton Reservoir, Shelton). The taking of Atlantic salmon remains prohibited in all other areas of the State of Connecticut.
The open seasons and daily creel limits for Atlantic salmon in open areas of the Naugatuck River, Housatonic River, and Shetucket River will be as follows:

(1) From April 1, 2012, to 6:00 AM on April 21, 2012, the fishing season for Atlantic salmon is closed.

(2) From 6:00 AM on April 21, 2012 through September 30, 2012, the daily creel limit for Atlantic salmon is one.

(3) From 6:00 AM on October 1, 2012, through November 30, 2012, angling will be restricted to catch-and-release only in all areas. The daily creel limit is zero and all Atlantic salmon shall be immediately returned, without avoidable injury, to the waters from which taken.

(4) From December 1, 2012, through March 31, 2013, the daily creel limit for Atlantic salmon is one.

(5) From April 1, 2013, to 6:00 AM on April 20, 2013, the fishing season for Atlantic salmon is closed.

(6) From 6:00 AM on April 20, 2013 through September 30, 2013, the daily creel limit for Atlantic salmon is one.

The open seasons and daily creel limits for Atlantic salmon in Beach Pond, Long Pond, Mashapaug, Lake, Mount Tom Pond and Nells Rock Reservoir will be as follows:

(1) From April 1, 2012, to 6:00 AM on April 21, 2012, the fishing season for Atlantic salmon is closed.

(2) From 6:00 AM on April 21, 2012 through February 28, 2013, the daily creel limit for Atlantic salmon is one.

(3) From March 1, 2013, to 6:00 AM on April 20, 2013, the fishing season for Atlantic salmon is closed.

(4) From 6:00 AM on April 20, 2013 through September 30, 2013, the daily creel limit for Atlantic salmon is one.

The open seasons and daily creel limits for Atlantic salmon in Crystal Lake will be as follows:

(1) From April 1, 2012, to 6:00 AM on April 21, 2012, the fishing season for Atlantic salmon is closed.

(2) From 6:00 AM on April 21, 2012 through March 31, 2013, the daily creel limit for Atlantic salmon is one.

(3) From April 1, 2013, to 6:00 AM on April 20, 2013, the fishing season for Atlantic salmon is closed.

(4) From 6:00 AM on April 20, 2013 through September 30, 2013, the daily creel limit for Atlantic salmon is one.

There shall be no minimum length for Atlantic salmon in all areas open to the taking of Atlantic salmon, except for Crystal Lake, where the minimum length for Atlantic salmon is sixteen inches.

During the open season, the legal method for taking Atlantic salmon in open areas of the Naugatuck River, Housatonic River, and Shetucket River is limited to angling using a single fly, or an artificial lore with a single fiee swinging hook. Additional weight may not be added to the line.

During the open season, the legal methods for taking Atlantic salmon in Beach Pond, Crystal Lake, Long Pond, Mashapaug Lake, Mount Tom Pond and Nells Rock Reserwoir are limited to angling and ice fishing.

If you are fishing for bass or trout and you catch a salmon, immediately release it. Posing for photos with it does not constitute immediate release.