Fishing & Crabbing

Yes, you can fish at Rocky Neck State Park. The jetty to the right of the beach is open to fishing all year, and from September 15 to Memorial Day the entire beach opens to fishing too. DEEP lists blackfish, winter flounder, bluefish and striped bass off the jetty, and crabbing is allowed in designated areas. Anyone 16 or older needs a Connecticut marine waters fishing license ($10 a year for residents, $15 for non-residents).

The Jetty

DEEP places the jetty to the right of the beach, and it is open to anglers year-round. In summer the beach itself is for swimmers; from September 15 to Memorial Day the whole beach opens to fishing too.

What You Can Catch

DEEP's list for the jetty is blackfish (tautog), winter flounder, bluefish and striped bass. Its seasonal notes add mackerel. In spring, schools of alewives run up Bride Brook to spawn, and DEEP notes ospreys, the fish hawks, arriving in early summer. Bride Brook.

Crabbing

Crabbing is allowed in designated areas. DEEP's park map marks a crabbing deck near the mouth of Bride Brook, at the East Beach end of the park. Bring a line, bait and a bucket, and check DEEP's size and limit rules for crabs before you keep any.

Night Fishing

The park closes to the public at sunset, but you can fish after dark with a night-fishing permit from the park. DEEP issues it on the day of the trip only. Call the park during business hours at (860) 739-5471 for details.

Do You Need a License?

Yes, if you are 16 or older. Connecticut requires a Marine Waters Fishing License for anyone 16 or older fishing from shore or from a boat in the state's marine district, which includes Rocky Neck.

• Connecticut resident, 18 to 64: $10
• Connecticut resident, 16 or 17: $5
• Connecticut resident, 65 or older: free (you still need the license)
• Non-resident, 16 or older: $15, or $8 for three consecutive days

A Connecticut marine license is also honored in the marine waters of Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York. Buy one online through DEEP's licensing site.

Sizes, Limits and Seasons

Connecticut sets minimum sizes, daily limits and seasons for striped bass, blackfish, flounder, bluefish and other species, and they change. Check DEEP's current saltwater regulations before keeping a fish; DEEP links them from the park page along with its saltwater fishing map.

Paddling and the Four Mile River

DEEP's map shows a Four Mile River water launch on the west side of the park, with its own lot. Four Mile River. Tides matter for both the river and the jetty: tides.

More Fishing in Niantic

The Town of East Lyme's Cini Memorial Park, at the east end of the Niantic Bay Boardwalk, has a handicap-accessible fishing pier and a fishing jetty. Town beach rules and passes apply in summer. Niantic Bay Boardwalk.

Before You Go

Out-of-state cars pay to park in season; Connecticut cars are free (parking). Park hours are 8 a.m. to sunset (hours).