Public Land: Hunting and Fishing in Connecticut

While less than six percent of Connecticut is public land, there is a modest array of public areas ranging in size from just a few hundred acres to several thousand, offering respectable public hunting and fishing access.

Natchaug State Forest

• 13,454 acres

• Noted for excellent fishing opportunities and designated trout park

• Deer and turkey hunting options are plentiful

Nipmuck State Forest

• 9,289 acres

• Miles of hiking trails for easy access

• Deer and turkey hunting opportunities

Tunxis State Forest

• 9,518 acres

• Boat launch on Howells Pond for warm-water species fishing

• Deer and turkey hunting opportunities in forestlands

Thomaston Dam

• Operated by U.S. Corps of Engineers

• Waterfowl hunting is popular at the dam

• Stocked pheasants provide upland hunting opportunities

Salmon River State Forest

• 6,980 acres

• Ample fishing opportunities on Salmon River

• Deer, turkey and small game hunting

Roraback WMA

• 1,975 acres

• Designated archery-only for deer hunting

• Leadmine brook offers brook trout fishing

Quinebaug River WMA

• 1,646 acres

• Some portions designated bow-only for deer hunting

• Excellent turkey hunting

Find more public land access opportunities with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Hunt Planner.

Photo: Nipmuck State Forest

Photo credit: flickr