Valley Falls In Vernon Part Of DEEP Trout Stocking Day

VERNON, CT — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is inviting all residents and their families to Valley Falls Park in Vernon to celebrate Spring Fishing Day on Saturday.

Every spring, the second Saturday in April is the start of the “catch and keep” seasonal trout program in Connecticut.

Starting at 6 a.m. on April 12, anglers are allowed to keep the trout they catch, though the permissible numbers and size of fish that can be kept varies by body of water. While trout fishing is open year-round, it is “catch and release” fishing only from March 1 until 6 a.m. on April 12 on most waterways in the state (the exceptions are Trout Management Lakes, Sea-Run Trout Streams, and waters designated as Tidal Waters and Tributaries).

To celebrate Spring Fishing Day, the DEEP plans to conduct several trout stocking events throughout the state on April 12, including Valley Falls Pond art 8 a.m. The pond is a designated trout park, meaning it is tailored to easily accessible, family-friendly fishing opportunities.

"Connecticut is home to some of the best fishing in the Northeast, which is why fishing and boating are the top contributors to our outdoor recreation economy," DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said. "Thanks to our hatchery system, we’re able to offer exceptional fishing experiences—even in a densely populated state with an avid angling community."

The DEEP has been stocking trout at various locations since February and overall will release more than 500,000 trout this spring into more than 100 lakes and ponds and 135 rivers and streams.

"We look forward to our annual Come Stock With DEEP day every year. It’s obvious that the simple act of carrying trout in a bucket of water to the water’s edge and watching them swim away can create lasting memories for our younger generations," said Pete Aarrestad, the director of thew DEEP's Fisheries Division. "Our Trout Parks and Community Fishing Waters are key to providing equitable access to trout fishing to Connecticut’s residents. We hope to see you at one of our stocking locations on Saturday, April 12.'

It is recommended that those heading to Valley Falls for the stocking Saturday arrive by 7:45 a.m. at the latest.