Fishing is a great way to connect with nature and is a fun activity to share with friends and family. Check below to see what fishing opportunities are available throughout the year.
FREE Fishing Days - Saturday, January 25, 2020 and Saturday, June 13, 2020.
A day when anyone, resident or non-resident, can go fishing statewide without a fishing license!
| Fish Species | Season Dates |
|---|---|
| Trout & Landlocked Salmon (on Lake Champlain) | NO CLOSED SEASON |
| Trout & Landlocked Salmon | April 11, 2020 - October 31, 2020 |
| Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass | June 13, 2020 – Nov. 30, 2020 |
| Pickerel, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch | NO CLOSED SEASON |
| Rainbow Smelt | NO CLOSED SEASON |
| Walleye (all waters except Chittenden Reservoir & Connecticut River) | May 4, 2019 - March 15, 2020 May 2, 2020 - March 15, 2021 |
| Walleye fishing on Chittenden Reservoir | see Index of Lakes & Ponds in Regulations |
| Walleye fishing on Connecticut River | see Table 4 in the Tables section of Regulations |
Catch and Release*
See Index of Rivers & Streams, Index of Lakes & Ponds, and Tables 1- 10 in Regulations for exceptions, including closed waters.
| Fish Species | Season Dates |
|---|---|
| Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass | |
| Bass Catch & Release, Lakes and Ponds | April 11, 2020 – June 12, 2020 |
| Bass Catch & Release, Lake Champlain only | December 1, 2019 – June 7, 2020 |
| Trout (see streams open to year-round trout fishing) | Year-round, open-water fishing |
*The season dates listed above are for some of Vermont's general fishing seasons. They apply to most Vermont waters, but not all. Prior to fishing, please check Index of Rivers & Streams, Index of Lakes & Ponds, and Tables 1- 10 for special season and regulation information for specific waters, including seasonally closed waters.
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