KENT, Conn.—Undeterred by cold temperatures, cloudy skies and a covering of snow on the ground, several dozen people showed up at Kent Falls State Park on Saturday, April 12, to assist the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in the release of rainbow trout into Falls Brook.
Eager participants wait in line to receive fish to release into Falls Brook at Kent Falls State Park on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Photo by Andrea Schoeny 
The DEEP trout truck arrived to stock trout in Falls Brook at Kent Falls State Park on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Photo by Elyse Sadtler 
DEEP Fisheries Biologist Drew Ransom explained how the release would work before donning his rubber gloves to retrieve fish from the truck at Kent Falls State Park on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Photo by Elyse Sadtler 
Trout slide into a bucket to be released into Falls Brook at Kent Falls State Park on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Photo by Andrea Schoeny 
From left to right: new Kent residents Ginger, Billie, Barry and Bill Blake participate in their first trout release at Kent Falls State Park on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Photo by Andrea Schoeny 
Elyse and Felix Sadtler release trout into Falls Brook at Kent Falls State Park on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Photo by Andrea Schoeny 
Under the watchful eye of his grandfather, Bob Papsin, Evan Papsin casts his line after stocking trout at Kent Falls State Park on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Photo by Andrea Schoeny
“Come Stock With DEEP” is an annual public event that stocks trout in rivers, streams, lakes and ponds across the state.
Officials traveled to 12 locations on Saturday, releasing trout in areas designated as Trout Parks that offer easily accessible, family-friendly places to fish.
DEEP has been working since February to stock trout in more than 100 lakes and ponds and 135 rivers and streams across Connecticut. By spring’s end, they will have released over 500,000 fish.
Decked in rain and snow gear, individuals and families awaited the arrival of the trout truck with buckets in hand. When the truck arrived, DEEP Fisheries Biologist Drew Ransom directed everyone to line up to receive water and fish in their buckets.
Children shrieked with delight as trout thrashed and splashed within the confines of the buckets while being carried to the brook.
Once at the water’s edge, a quick tip of the bucket set the trout swimming along in the swift current of their new home.
“It’s the best day of the year,” remarked Ransom with a smile on his face as he surveyed the scene.
April 12 was the first day of catch-and-keep for trout season for most waters. The number and size of fish that anglers are allowed to keep varies by location. Check DEEP’s 2025 freshwater fishing guide for more information.
The catch-and-keep season spans over 10 months in most parts of the state, running through the last day of February. Year-round catch-and-release trout fishing is also permitted in the state of Connecticut pursuant to Public Act 21-12.
Among the eager anglers present with fishing rods at the ready were Bob Papsin and his grandson, Evan Papsin, both from the neighboring town of Washington, Conn.
“Every opening day, we go. Evan is an excellent fisherman,” said Papsin, noting that his grandson won the fishing derby at Washington Town Hall in May 2024.
Environmental Conservation (ENCON) police officer Jesse Nivolo was on site visiting with those present.
“Kids under 16 don’t need licenses. And 16- and 17-year olds can get discounted licenses,” Nivolo explained while watching from the bank near the parking lot.
“If adults are out here teaching their kids to fish, that’s what we want,” he went on.
Fishing licenses are required to fish in Connecticut. Licenses can be purchased online. Saturday, May 10, is a no-license-required free fishing day. Sunday, June 15, and Saturday, August 9, are free fishing license days. Free one-day fishing licenses are required to fish on these two days, and can be obtained starting three weeks prior to each date.