Connecticut § 26-119 - Use of explosives or poisons.

Full text of Connecticut Connecticut General Statutes § 26-119 — Use of explosives or poisons., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 26-119. Use of explosives or poisons.

Sec. 26-119. Use of explosives or poisons. Fish shall not be taken by means of any explosive. Except for mining or mechanical purposes, no dynamite or any other explosive shall be used in any of the waters of the state or possessed upon any shore or island of any inland water thereof, and possession thereof by any person on any shore or island of any inland water shall be prima facie evidence that the same is possessed for use in violation of the provisions of this section. No person shall place in any lake, pond or stream any lime, creosote or cocculus indicus or any other drug or poison injurious to fish; provided the persons or corporations supplying water to the inhabitants of any town, city or borough may apply copper sulphate to the waters of any lake, pond or reservoir under their control within such limits as may be established by the Department of Public Health. The provisions of this section shall not affect the authority of the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to issue permits for the addition of chemicals to any inland water for the control of vegetation, fish populations or other aquatic organisms. Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be fined not more than one hundred dollars. Each fish taken or possessed in violation of any provision of this part shall constitute a separate offense.

(1949 Rev., S. 4938; February, 1965, P.A. 271, S. 3; P.A. 77-614, S. 323, 610; P.A. 93-381, S. 9, 39; P.A. 95-119, S. 7; 95-257, S. 12, 21, 58; P.A. 11-80, S. 1.)

History: 1965 act deleted proviso which had allowed director of fisheries and game to issue permit for addition of copper sulphate to waters for controlling algae and specified that section does not affect board's authority to issue permits for “addition of chemicals to any inland water for the control of vegetation, fish populations or other aquatic organisms”; P.A. 77-614 replaced department of health with department of health services, effective January 1, 1979; P.A. 93-381 replaced department of health services with department of public health and addiction services, effective July 1, 1993; P.A. 95-119 added a fine of $100 for violation of this section and specified that each fish taken in violation shall constitute a separate offense; P.A. 95-257 replaced Commissioner and Department of Public Health and Addiction Services with Commissioner and Department of Public Health, effective July 1, 1995; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, “Commissioner of Environmental Protection” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection”, effective July 1, 2011.

See Sec. 22a-66z re permits for use of pesticides in state waters.

See Sec. 26-22 re measures to control aquatic plants and animals.

Source: official Connecticut text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Connecticut § 26-119

What does Connecticut General Statutes § 26-119 cover?

Section 26-119 ("Use of explosives or poisons.") is part of the Connecticut General Statutes, the codified statutory law of Connecticut. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Connecticut § 26-119?

A common citation format is "Connecticut General Statutes § 26-119" (Connecticut). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Connecticut law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Connecticut official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Connecticut attorney.

How does Connecticut § 26-119 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Connecticut can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

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