Pay lakes in Connecticut

It depends. A state fishing license is required unless the pond is registered with DEEP as 'private waters', in which case the owner's guests may fish without a license; ask the operator whether the pond is registered.

"Any owner of private waters which have been so registered may take, or permit guests to take, any species of fish from such waters at any season of the year, without a license, provided such waters have not been stocked at expense to the state"

Source: Connecticut General Statutes § 26-131, Registration of private waters. Taking of fish without license, checked November 2026. Compare every state on our pay lake license rules page.