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Fishing Regulations in Vermont

In addition to being the second least populous state in the United States, Vermont also holds a number of personal and national records, including having the least populous state capital in the entire country. Vermont is also the nation’s leading producer of maple syrup, and it was named the safest state in the country by the National Safety Council last year.

Vermont is also known as a wealthy state, with a plethora of luxurious properties owned by some of America’s wealthiest individuals. The state’s beautiful natural landscapes, combined with a pleasant climate, have led some of the wealthiest people in the United States to purchase large properties, villas, and country houses in the state.

Vermont is also a very popular fishing destination, thanks to the abundance of ponds and lakes that are home to a diverse range of fish species. Everything you need to know about fishing in this area can be found here:

 

 

Licenses and permits

Vermont, like every other license in the United States, charges fees for licenses and permits, both for residents and nonresidents alike. Depending on the age of the applicant and the type of license issued, the cost varies significantly.

For example, a five-year fishing license for residents costs approximately $124, whereas nonresidents will be required to pay twice as much, or $249, for the same license.

Residents can also purchase a three-day fishing license for $11; nonresidents, on the other hand, will have to pay $23 for the privilege. Nonresidents can also purchase a one-day fishing permit for $21 or a seven-day fishing permit for $31 if they live outside of the state. Because of the high prices, we recommend purchasing a one-week permit for short trips or even a single weekend to save money.

 

Fishing Seasons

The fishing season for each type of fish varies from year to year, and it is best to adhere to these regulations if you want to enjoy a peaceful fishing trip in Vermont. The trout and landlocked salmon fishing season runs from the beginning of April to the end of October on all lakes and ponds, with the exception of Lake Champlain, where the season is open year-round for both species.

During the months of June and November, largemouth and smallmouth bath fishing are permitted, while all catch-and-release fishing games for lakes and ponds are permitted between April 8 and June 9, respectively.

Please keep in mind that these dates are estimates and may vary from year to year. The information provided above is appropriate for the 2017 fishing season, while the new regulations for 2018 should be made public by the end of the current year, as previously stated.

Free fishing days

The state of Vermont, like every other state in the United States, provides two free fishing days per year. These days vary from year to year, and Vermont is unique in that, unlike many other states, it does not offer two consecutive free fishing days, as some do.

During the free fishing days, which were held on January 28 and June 10, all fishing was permitted for residents and nonresidents alike, and no fishing permit or valid license was required.

 

Fishing methods permitted

It is legal in Vermont to fish using any of the methods listed below (for certain fish species):

  • Angling
  • Ice fishing
  • Catch and release

Daily limits

The daily limit of fish bags varies from lake to lake and river to river in Vermont, so it is best to check with the local authorities before getting involved in fishing activities. Due to the fact that these daily bag limits apply only to Vermont state waters, private lakes and ponds may be subject to different restrictions and regulations.

You should always check the government’s own regulations before going fishing in national waters, and you should always talk to the owners or administrators of private ponds and lakes before going fishing in public waters. Keep in mind, however, that these daily limit fish bags are only applicable during open fishing seasons, and that you are not permitted to fish during closed fishing seasons.

The possession of more than double the equivalent quantity of one fishing daily limit bag is also prohibited under this rule.