Connecticut state waters, out to 3 miles
No take or possession of rainbow smelt from the marine district.
CT DEEP 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
How to tell it
Pencil-sized silver fish with an adipose fin and a fresh-cucumber smell; winter harbor runs. More on the rainbow smelt page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Rainbow smelt in other states4 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask2
Can you keep rainbow smelt in Connecticut?
No. Harvest is prohibited in Connecticut. Release it in the water where you can. No take or possession of rainbow smelt from the marine district.
How current is this Connecticut rainbow smelt rule?
Source: CT DEEP 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
In the appPoint the camera at a rainbow smelt in Connecticut and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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