Fishing

Fisheries biologists may tag and release certain fish species collected during fish population surveys or research projects.

Currently, department fisheries biologists are tagging Lake Champlain trout and salmon with individually numbered plastic anchor tags.

Whether you’re organizing a fishing tournament or want to find one, here are the answers to many of the questions asked about fishing tournaments.

Anyone holding a fishing tournament in Vermont must obtain a permit from the department.

A tournament is defined as a contest in which anglers pay a fee to enter and compete for a prize based on the quality or size of the fish they catch.

Each year, Vermont hosts about 150 fishing tournaments of all kinds, including big and small, open water and ice, streams and lakes.

Many of the tournaments are held on Lake Champlain, Lake Bomoseen and the Connecticut River. Other lakes and streams also host smaller numbers of events. Most of the tournaments held in Vermont are catch-and-release bass tournaments.

These FREE clinics are open to people of all ages and levels of experience, including those who are completely new to fishing.

Participants should dress for the weather.

Kids, families, and fishing enthusiasts are invited to join in the many department-sponsored fishing events happening throughout the year.

Below you’ll find a link to our calendar listing the Let’s Go Fishing clinics and Children’s Fishing Program opportunities that are open to the public. These programs encourage everyone to join in the fishing fun!