Can I Keep?Atlantic Menhaden (Bunker) Regulations in Connecticut (2026)
Recreational atlantic menhaden (bunker) rules in Connecticut saltwater, as published by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Marine Fisheries Program. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Size limit
Minimum length: None
Bag limit
Daily creel limit: 50 fish per angler or 5 gallons (whichever is the…
Season
Open Season: Open Year Round
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Atlantic Menhaden (Bunker) rules in Connecticut
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Minimum length: None
- Bag limit
- Daily creel limit: 50 fish per angler or 5 gallons (whichever is the greater amount)
- Season
- Open Season: Open Year Round
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Bag limit
- 12,000lb (Call-in required when in possession of more than 6,000 lb. Encon Police: 860-424-3503); 120,000 (Taken from outside of CT waters.)
- Possession
- (a) Commercial Fishery Possession Limits. (1) No person engaged in commercial fishing outside of Connecticut state waters shall possess or land Atlantic menhaden while in Connecticut state waters in excess of the following possession limits that are based on Connecticut’s annual Atlantic menhaden quota specified in the Atlantic Menhaden Fishery Management Plan of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Beginning January 1, the posse ssion limit shall be 120,000 pounds until 75% of the annual quota has been landed, at which time the possession limit shall be 20,000 pounds until 90% of the annual quota has been landed, at which time the possession limit in the directed fishery shall be 0 pounds. Directed fishing means fishing for or landing of Atlantic menhaden with gears other than small scale or non-directed gears as defined in the Atlantic Menhaden Fishery Management Plan of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. (2) No person engaged in commercial fishing in Connecticut state waters shall possess or land Atlantic menhaden in excess of the following possession limits. Beginning January 1, the possession limit shall be 12,000 pounds until 90% of the annual quota
- The directed fishery is closed. The incidental fishery remains open with a 6,000-pound possession limit.
Quick answers
What is the atlantic menhaden (bunker) size limit in Connecticut?
Minimum length: None.
How many atlantic menhaden (bunker) can I keep in Connecticut?
Daily creel limit: 50 fish per angler or 5 gallons (whichever is the greater amount).
When is atlantic menhaden (bunker) season in Connecticut?
Open Season: Open Year Round. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.
More offshore & pelagic in Connecticut
All Connecticut saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), Marine Fisheries Program. Most anglers need a Connecticut saltwater license or registry: get one here.