Search
Close this search box.
River Rec

River Recreation

Respect the land, water, wildlife, plants, and other people.

Steep Rock offers a wide variety of recreation for the dedicated fisherman, a hobbyist or a family out looking for some quality time. Spend your day with us and enjoy the wettest part of nature.

Previous slide
Next slide

Fishing

Our Preserves offer a special place for both the solo angler seeking a peaceful retreat and the family excited to create lasting memories together. Help us continue to allow public fishing in our Preserves by following the rules listed below along with our preserve maps.

Fishing Season:

Per CT DEEP Trout Season for Rivers is now year-round.

Locations:

Boating

Steep Rock Association preserves land surrounds 6 miles of the Shepaug River.  The River provides a peaceful backdrop to hiking trails, and also the opportunity for a paddle when the water is high enough. Non-motorized boats can enter the river at a number of locations marked on our trail maps.

Locations:

Fishing Rules

Please note: 
By fishing in our Preserves, anglers acknowledge understanding of and adherence to these Fishing Rules.

  • Fishing privileges are at the continued discretion of Steep Rock Association.
  • Connecticut state fishing licenses and appropriate government issued identification are to be carried by all anglers in the Preserves.
  • Connecticut state fishing laws are in force.
  • Steep Rock Association’s daily creel limit is 1 fish. Catch & release fishing is encouraged.
  • Public fishing is allowed only in designated PUBLIC FISHING sections of the preserves.
  • Public fishing is NOT allowed in POSTED sections of the preserves, upstream of Reich Memorial Bridge or downstream of Hauser Bridge, where fishing is restricted to members of the Washington Rod & Gun Club. Visit www.washingtonrgc.org for membership information.
  • It is the angler’s responsibility to locate and observe posted signs.
  • Groups of more than two people in the PUBLIC FISHING sections require special access permission from Steep Rock Association.
  • Outings coordinated by nonprofit/community groups in the PUBLIC FISHING sections require a day use permit from Steep Rock Association.

Matching Gifts

 Did you know many companies match donations made by employees, employees’ spouses, and retirees, allowing employees to DOUBLE their generosity and impact? 

Contact your employer today to see if they will match your gift.

QCDs

 If you are 70½ years of age or older, you can take advantage of a popular gift option called a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) also known as a IRA charitable rollover.  QCDs offer simple ways to benefit Steep Rock and receive tax benefits in return.

To learn more, visit here.

Stock or Wire

If you’d like to give a gift via wire or stock, please reach out to gifts@steeprockassoc.org for our account information.

DAF

You can donate through your donor advised fund in just three clocks on our website
When granting through your donor-advised fund, please use the following information:

Our legal name: Steep Rock Association, Inc.
Tax ID: #06-6069060
Mailing address: PO Box 279, Washington Depot, CT 06794

Check Donations

Please make checks payable to Steep Rock Association. Our mailing address is:

Steep Rock Association
PO Box 279
Washington Depot, CT 06794