Crystal Lake Gets Fresh Stock Of Salmon

STAFFORD/ELLINGTON, CT — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Tuesday announced that its 2023 autumn stockings of Atlantic salmon have begun.

The DEEP's Fisheries Division last week released 250 salmon into Crystal Lake as part of the program.

"Fall fishing is one of the many great ways to get outside in Connecticut, and our staff do an amazing job preparing a world-class recreational fishery for anglers," DEEP Commissioner Katie Dyke said. "As one of the most sought-after gamefish in the state, Atlantic salmon provides Connecticut residents and visiting tourists excellent outdoor recreational opportunities."

DEEP Fisheries Director Peter Aarrestad, said Atlantic salmon are known for their size, beauty and fighting ability.

He added, "The Atlantic salmon recreational fishery has become quite popular, and catching one of these large leapers provides a thrilling experience for anglers."

In all, DEEP expects to stock more than 1,500 Atlantic salmon this fall, which are specifically raised at DEEP's Kensington State Fish Hatchery. Most of these fish range in weight from 2-5 pounds each. Of the remaining fish to be stocked, approximately 275 will range in weight from 10 to 15 pounds each.

The 2023-24 Atlantic salmon fishing regulations for Crystal Lake are:

• Season: Sept. 1, 2023, through Aug. 31, 2024, inclusive.
• Legal Methods: Angling and Ice Fishing - Fishing with hook and line. May include fishing with bait, flies, or lures.
• Minimum Length: Salmon must be greater than or equal to 16 inches to keep.
• Daily Creel Limit: 1 Atlantic salmon.