Species guide · Connecticut

Haddock fishing in Connecticut

Melanogrammus aeglefinus, a bottom species also called haddie and scrod. Listed for the New England region. Peak season, about 2 more weeks.

Right now it scores best in Long Island Sound East of New Haven CT/Port Jefferson NY to the Mouth of the Connecticut River at 71, one of 2 Connecticut bay systems where the Waterlands engine is scoring it.

Season now

Peak season

Where it's scoring now All Connecticut waters

Season by month

From the Waterlands saltwater species research: when the fish are present and biting, not whether retention is open.

New England

Peak season, about 2 more weeks

Jan: Off season
Feb: Off season
Mar: Off season
Apr: Shoulder season
May: Peak season
Jun: Peak season
Jul: Peak season
Aug: Peak season
Sep: Peak season
Oct: Shoulder season
Nov: Shoulder season
Dec: Off season

Peak: May to Sep. In season (shoulder or peak): Apr to Nov.

Research notes, New England region

The main Gulf of Maine party-boat fish out of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine ports, caught on the same ledges and banks as cod. In fishing year 2026 Gulf of Maine haddock are open all year except March (15 fish, 17 inches); outside the Gulf of Maine regulated mesh area retention is unlimited at 18 inches. Winter catch depends on the few fishable weather days.

Seasons and limits in these notes are background. The regulations below and the regulator’s own page govern.

Where it's scoring now · 2

Connecticut bay systems ranked by the Waterlands engine's haddock score this hour.

71Great

Long Island Sound East of New Haven CT/Port Jefferson NY to the Mouth of the Connecticut River

Best window today 8-9 PM (71) · Best day Wed, Sep 16 at 5 PM (75) · 76 named spots

66Great

Long Island Sound East of the Mouth of the Connecticut River

Best window today 11 PM-12 AM (68) · Best day Wed, Sep 16 at 5 PM (76) · 89 named spots

How and where it feeds

Water temperature: Feeds from 35°F to 54°F, best between 38°F and 47°F.
Water depth: 100 to 450 ft of water.
Structure: Bank, ledge, shoal and wreck, in that order of preference.
Tide and current: Prefers moving water, with light current.Same drift fishing as cod: a light current lets small baits stay on the bottom. Strong tides and wind against current push lines off bottom in deep water.
Light: Little tied to dawn and dusk.
Pressure: Little response to pressure changes.
Wind and sea limits: 20 kt of wind and 6 ft of sea. The Waterlands engine scores hours down as conditions pass them.

Tackle and technique

Haddock feed on gravel, sand and clay bottom along the edges of banks and ledges, mostly in 120 to 400 feet. They have small, soft mouths, so fish clam or squid on small hooks on a high-low rig, or a light jig with teasers, right on the bottom. Set the hook gently and keep steady pressure on the way up.

Methods: bait fishing, jigging, drift fishing
Lures: small diamond jigs, teaser flies, small soft plastic grubs
Bait: sea clams, skimmer clams, squid, herring

Regulations

CT DEEP saltwater regulations Buy a Connecticut fishing license License types

Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Synced with CT DEEP Sep 16, 2026.

No reviewed haddock rule for Connecticut is on file yet. Check with CT DEEP before you keep one.