Special Events

Special Events for both State of Connecticut + Fort Friends posted here.

FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA –

9 pm SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2024 (see more details at https://sailfest.org/)

Some quick background; come early, bring chairs and a picnic. Members (with membership cards) including those who join at the gift shop before 9 pm on 7/13.2024 will have access to the Fort to see the fireworks from a spectacular location. 

Mystic River Brass Ensemble 2-3:30 pm Sunday 21 July 2024 

The Friends of Fort Trumbull announced their 2024 Program Series and can be viewed here.  The Public is welcome to attend.

The planning of America 250 CT is a Special Event for the year 2025. Check here for our future involvement status and state updates.

Saturday May 11, 2024 is Free Fishing Day. No fishing license is required.

Sunday June 16, 2024 is Free Fishing License Day 1. Must get a free 1-day license from the licensing system. The free 1-day license is available starting 3 weeks prior to the date.

Saturday August 10, 2024, is Free Fishing License Day 2. Must get a free 1-day license from the licensing system. The free 1-day license is available starting 3 weeks prior to the date.

FREE Salt Water Fishing Day with Fish with CARE on August 10th at Fort Trumbull State Park (on the fishing pier) in New London, Connecticut.  Enjoy time out on the fishing pier with friends and family.  Fish with CARE staff and volunteers will be there with fishing poles, bait and will provide fishing instruction, if needed.

Fisheries Licenses, Permits, and Related Products

The CARE program offers a variety of “Learn to Fish” classes and events year-round. Fishing events are designed for adults ages 16 and up, as well as families with children 6 years old and above. The CARE program will provide loaner fishing equipment, bait, and expert instruction. A Conservation Identification Number (CID) is required to register. Participants ages 16 and up must have a valid CT fishing license. Participants ages 15 and below must also obtain a free CID before registering and have the option to register for a YOUth Fishing Passport. A Conservation ID or a Youth Fishing Passport can be obtained by creating an account in the Online Licensing System (directions here). 

July 18, 2024 • Saltwater Fishing Trip

Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

4:30PM - 7:00PM • REGISTER HERE* 

July 27, 2024 • Saltwater Fishing Trip

Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

10:30AM - 1:00PM • REGISTER HERE* 

July 31, 2024 • Saltwater Fishing Trip

Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

4:00PM - 6:30PM • REGISTER HERE* 

August 4, 2024 • Saltwater Fishing Trip

Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

1:00PM - 4:00PM • REGISTER HERE* 

August 10, 2024 • No Child Left Inside Event

Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

10:00AM - 3:00PM • REGISTER HERE 

August 13, 2024 • Saltwater Fishing Trip

Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

5:00PM - 7:30PM • REGISTER HERE* 

September 8, 2024 • Fishing Trip

Fort Trumbull State Park, New London

11:00AM - 2:00PM • REGISTER HERE* 

Please contact the CARE Program with any questions. 

Phone: 860-663-1656
E-mail: deep.learntofish@ct.gov

Dates for FREE fishing:

No Fishing License is required on Saturday May 13, 2023; however, all other rules and regulations still apply.

 A free one-day license is valid on

Sunday June 18, 2023

Saturday August 12, 2023

The free one day license is available through the online license system three weeks prior to each date.

Connecticut’s No Child Left Inside® (NCLI) Program is celebrating its joyous 18th anniversary! To mark this special occasion, Connecticut State Parks is introducing exciting new events throughout the state. Prepare to embark on a delightful mix of new events and cherished favorites, while also having the opportunity to meet new partners.  Be sure to use #CTNCLI2023 and/or #CTStateParks when posting any photos on social media.

Registered families will be provided with weekly information and an agenda regarding the upcoming Families in the Parks Program.  Our NCLI Mascot Nuts 2 and his friends will again this year be sharing their photos on social media through our DEEP State Parks Facebook Page and DEEP State Parks Instagram page every Wednesday.

No Child Left Inside® Library Pass

Visit your local library to pick up a No Child Left Inside® Library Pass.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is delighted to announce its continued partnership with the Connecticut Library Consortium. As part of this collaboration, CT State Parks’ Centers and Historic Buildings Day Passes will be available at the main library branch in each Connecticut town. This initiative allows Connecticut residents traveling in a Connecticut registered vehicle to enjoy state parks and forests without the need to pay a parking fee. It’s a wonderful opportunity for residents to explore and appreciate the natural beauty of their state without any additional costs.

For questions, please email DEEP.NoChildLeftInside@ct.gov 

Saturday May 11, 2024 is Free Fishing Day. No fishing license is required.

Sunday June 16, 2024 is Free Fishing License Day 1. Must get a free 1-day license from the licensing system. The free 1-day license is available starting 3 weeks prior to the date.

Saturday August 10, 2024, is Free Fishing License Day 2. Must get a free 1-day license from the licensing system. The free 1-day license is available starting 3 weeks prior to the date.

For questions, please email forttrumbullfriends@gmail.com