Anglers must release striped bass during Connecticut's winter fishing season

Anglers must return caught striped bass to the water right away. This applies to all striped bass fishing in Connecticut waters. The fish must be returned without avoidable injury. The seasonal rule takes effect October 1, 2026.

People who violate striped bass fishing rules must pay a fine or may plead not guilty. This applies to violations of striped bass fishing rules in marine and inland state waters. The fine is $150 for a first offense, $350 for a second, and $500 for a third or later offense. When a municipal officer issues the infraction in Derby, Shelton, Orange, Milford, or Stratford, the fine goes to that town. The fine rule takes effect upon passage.

Anyone may petition the environmental commissioner to review fish passage at certain hydroelectric dams. This petition process covers hydroelectric dams outside the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The commissioner must assess passage for migratory fish at all life stages, both upstream and downstream of the dam and its reservoir. If passage does not meet the stated standards, the commissioner must order conditions to address the problem. These may include fishways, removing obstructions, or maintaining minimum water flows. The department must allow at least 30 days for public comment and hold a hearing before a final decision. Within 180 days after a petition, the commissioner must publish a tentative decision. A final decision follows public comment and a hearing.

A legislative working group must recommend how to fund and carry out the wildlife conservation program. The group studies funding and implementation of the state's conservation program for species not traditionally harvested. The group includes representatives from state agencies, conservation and land groups, colleges, local government, utilities, recreation businesses, farming, and forestry. The group must submit its report by January 15, 2027, and ends when it submits the report or on that date, whichever is later.

The environmental commissioner may establish a program to sell wildlife goods. The goods may include stamps, prints, posters, calendars, publications, or other items. Revenue from sales and money donated to support the conservation program must go into the General Fund and be allocated to that program. This provision takes effect October 1, 2026.