Code of Massachusetts Regulations
325 CMR - CONNECTICUT RIVER ATLANTIC SALMON COMMISSION
Title 325 CMR 2.00 - Atlantic Salmon Management In The Connecticut River
Section 2.04 - Seasons, Methods and Limits

(1) Closed Season. No person shall take or attempt to take from the River or possess on the waters or shores of the River any Atlantic salmon except that the Commission, acting under Article VIII, Section 6 of its Statement of Practices and Procedures, when it has evidence that sufficient numbers of Atlantic salmon have returned to the River, may declare an open season in the River or in specified sections of the River for such periods as it deems appropriate and may close such season for cause.

(2) Notice. Notice of an open season shall be published in the Massachusetts Register.

(3) Open Season. Upon the declaration of an open season for Atlantic salmon in the River, the Commission shall provide to the Division, Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Tags to be issued, at no additional cost, to holders of the Connecticut River Basin Atlantic Salmon License in a number determined by the Commission to be the individual season creel limit. Any person taking any Atlantic salmon in the main stemof the Connecticut River shall immediately attach thereto a Connecticut River Salmon Tag.

(4) Prohibition. The possession of any Atlantic salmon on the waters or shores of the River without such tag attached or the removal of such tag prior to preparation for consumption is prohibited.

(5) Method. During any open season declared by the Commission and published in the Massachusetts Register Atlantic salmon may be taken by fly fishing only.

(6) Minimum Length. The minimum length for At lanticsalmons hall be 15 inches .

(7) Limits. The daily and seasonal creel limit shall be as determined by the Commission upon declaration on an open season and upon publication in the Massachusetts Register.

(8) Inspection. Any Atlantic salmon taken under the provisions of this section must be presented for inspection within 48 hours to any officer authorized to enforce this 325 CMR 2.00.

(9) Snagging. The snagging of Atlantic salmon is prohibited.

(10) Light. The taking of Atlantic salmon with the aid of an artificial light is prohibited.

(11) Dam restriction. No Atlantic salmon may be taken within 250 feet of any dam or fish way.

(12) Gaffs. The use of a gaff to land Atlantic salmon is prohibited.

(13) Return. All Atlantic salmon taken contrary to 325 CMR 2.04 shall be immediately returned, without avoidable injury, to the water from which taken.