Guide · Connecticut
Rain, rules & gear — CT
Connecticut only. For Long Island, see the New York guide.
Rainfall closures
Recreational areas are subject to reclassification and to temporary closures after rainfall; you must call the hotline daily before harvesting Source ↗. Only the CT Department of Agriculture Bureau of Aquaculture can open or close beds; Fairfield notes rainfall closures typically last at least 7 days Source ↗. Harvest only in Approved and Conditionally Approved-Open areas, never in leased or franchised beds Source ↗.
Gear & how-to
- Carry a 1½″ measuring ring (required in Greenwich) Source ↗.
- Hand, foot or rake; dredges prohibited in Branford, Madison and Groton; Groton also bans shovels and bull rakes and requires a peck basket or 2-gallon bucket (no 5-gallon buckets) Source ↗.
- Footwear matters around oysters; a float-supported basket helps; low tide in warm weather is easiest Source ↗.
- Keep the catch on ice and refrigerate right away Source ↗.
- Your permit doesn’t let you cross private land; private property ends at mean high water Source ↗.
- Recreational shellfish can’t be sold or bartered Source ↗.
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