Smooth Dogfish Fishing in Connecticut
When smooth dogfish are caught across Connecticut, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Smooth Dogfish catch through the year
Recreational catch in Connecticut by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching smooth dogfish in Connecticut
Smooth Dogfish catches in Connecticut run hardest around May-Jun, with the strongest two-month windows in May-Jun and Jul-Aug. Anglers keep about 2% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Connecticut fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch smooth dogfish in Connecticut?+
Catches peak around May-Jun (May and June). The strongest two-month windows are May-Jun and Jul-Aug. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release smooth dogfish in Connecticut?+
Across Connecticut, about 2% of the smooth dogfish caught are kept and 98% are released. That works out to roughly 1,914 kept and 114K released in 2024.
How many smooth dogfish are caught in Connecticut?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 116K smooth dogfish caught by recreational anglers in Connecticut in 2024, making it the #11 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this smooth dogfish data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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