Family-Friendly Fishing

Chances are your kids won’t remember their best day of watching television, but take them fishing and you’ll make memories you can share for a lifetime. All the where, when and how info you need for a great experience is right here.

We Make it Easy

• Kids under the age of 15 can fish without a license.
• Special fishing license for youths 15 to 17 years old.
• Vermont has two Free Fishing Days every year: 
  •  Summer Free Fishing Day is the second Saturday in June.
  • Winter Free Fishing Day is the last Saturday in January.
• We offer one, three and seven-day fishing licenses as well as annual and 5-year licenses.

Where to Go? Our Experts Know!

We’ve asked our experts, our fish biologists, to compile a list of family-friendly fishing opportunities. We’ve chosen locations across the state where kids can take their parents fishing and have an excellent chance of catching fish using simple techniques.

All the destinations provide opportunities to fish from shore and, at some, you can rent a boat or launch your vessel. Some locations offer other fun activities like swimming and playgrounds when it's time for a fishing break.  Vermont State Parks hold some of the best family-friendly spots -- plan an overnight camping trip and bring your fishing tackle.