Connecticut Considers Winter Catch-and-Release Rule for Striped Bass

Proposed legislation aims to curb poaching and protect the state's prized recreational fish

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:10pm

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic striped bass repeated in a tight grid pattern, utilizing flat, vibrant, and unnatural neon color palettes overlapping with heavy black photographic outlines to turn the everyday recreational fish into modern pop art.A vibrant pop art interpretation of the striped bass, a prized recreational fish in Connecticut that officials hope to protect through new catch-and-release regulations.Naugatuck Today

Connecticut lawmakers are considering a proposal that would require anglers to release any striped bass they catch in Long Island Sound and other state waters from December through March. The goal is to deter illegal poaching, which has been a persistent issue, especially in the lower Housatonic River where stripers gather in large numbers during the winter months.

Why it matters

Striped bass are Connecticut's most sought-after saltwater fish and a vital part of the state's recreational fishing industry. However, the species has faced declining populations in recent years due to overfishing and poaching. This proposed regulation aims to help sustain the striped bass population by making it easier to enforce restrictions and increasing penalties for violations.

The details

The bill would make it an infraction to keep any striped bass caught during the winter months, with fines starting at $150 for a first offense and increasing for repeat violations. This would simplify enforcement, as any fisherman found with a striped bass during the closed season would be in clear violation of the law. The state's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection believes the regulation could have a 'modest' conservation benefit, but most agree it would help deter illegal poaching.

  • The state House of Representatives approved the bill 133-10 this week and sent it to the Senate.
  • If the Senate approves the bill and Gov. Ned Lamont signs it, the new fines would take effect immediately, while the winter catch-and-release rule would start on October 1.

The players

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)

The state's top environmental agency, which oversees fishing regulations and enforcement.

Fisheries Advisory Council

A group that provided testimony supporting the proposed legislation to address illegal striped bass poaching.

Patrick Callahan

A Republican state representative and ranking member of the Environment Committee, who spoke in favor of the bill on the House floor.

John-Michael Parker

A Democratic state representative and co-chair of the Environment Committee, who discussed the rationale behind the proposed fine structure.

William Hyatt

Vice chair of the Fisheries Advisory Council, who wrote testimony supporting the bill to address persistent poaching issues.

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What they’re saying

“We do have a problem in the state with poaching for striped bass. This bill attempts to deal with that and attempts to deal with the striped bass population.”

— Patrick Callahan, State Representative

“The concern is that if you make a fine that's too high, that it won't actually get enforced, so trying to get to that sweet spot with the $150 and then the escalation.”

— John-Michael Parker, State Representative

“Clearly greater deterrence is needed.”

— William Hyatt, Vice Chair, Fisheries Advisory Council

What’s next

If the Senate approves the bill and Gov. Ned Lamont signs it, the new fines would take effect immediately, while the winter catch-and-release rule would start on October 1.

The takeaway

This proposed regulation aims to help sustain Connecticut's prized striped bass population by cracking down on persistent poaching issues, especially during the winter months when the fish gather in large numbers. While the conservation benefit may be modest, the increased fines and simplified enforcement could serve as a stronger deterrent to illegal fishing activities.