The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department today announced that trout originally planned for stocking at Sugar Hill Reservoir, also known as Goshen Dam, in Goshen will be added to other area waterways for anglers. The shift is being made to ensure there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy Vermont’s waterways, while safety enhancements are made to the Goshen dam.
Recreation, like swimming, will still be open at Sugar Hill Reservoir while the water level is reduced so Green Mountain Power, which owns and operates the dam, can safely make improvements.
“Goshen Dam has always been a popular place for anglers. The yearling and trophy-sized brook trout we stock there attract anglers from all over the area,” said Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department fisheries biologist Shawn Good. “It’s in a beautiful setting in the Green Mountain National Forest, and the fishing platform and access facilities Green Mountain Power and the National Forest provide and maintain make it a great fishing destination.”
The reservoir was slated to receive an April stocking of 1,350 yearling brook trout averaging nine inches and 450 two-year old “Trophy Brook Trout” averaging thirteen inches in length, according to Good. The trout are being reallocated to Lefferts Pond in Chittenden, Smith Pond in Pittsford, Silver Lake in Leicester, and Prentiss Pond in Dorset.
Good says the 58-acre waterbody is expected to be maintained at a low water level for the rest of the year, reducing the maximum depth of the reservoir to only about ten feet and the total surface area to around 18 acres.
“We believe that this year, the trout will be better utilized elsewhere, because with the planned lowering of water levels, we felt trout wouldn’t survive well,” said Good. “We’re glad these fish will provide anglers with increased opportunities at other area waterways.”
U.S. Forest Service biologist Jeremy Mears says local anglers can still find plenty of fishing opportunities in the area’s National Forest.
“There are still many places for anglers to enjoy fishing on the National Forest. Stream fishing for native brook trout is abundant throughout the area, and there also are opportunities for shore fishing at Chittenden Reservoir, Blueberry Lake, or Silver Lake. Please be sure to check the Green Mountain National Forest website (https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/gmfl/home) for updates before you go.”
“As warm spring weather arrives, it is important for Vermonters to know that Governor Scott’s current “Stay Home, Stay Safe Order” exempts outdoor recreational activities, provided they are done while taking certain precautions,” added Good. “Fishing and other outdoor activities are essential for our mental and physical health and well-being.”
The Fish and Wildlife Department urges anglers to use good judgement to keep everyone safe and reduce the spread of the coronavirus:
Don’t leave the house if you are feeling ill.
Only travel and fish with those in your immediate household.
Maintain at least a six-foot distance at boat ramps and shore-fishing locations (about the length of a fishing rod when held out at arm’s length).
Avoid congregating in congested areas like fishing platforms, ramps and docks, and popular shore fishing locations like bridges or culverts.
Don’t pull your boat on shore next to another boat while loading and unloading.
Avoid unnecessary stops on the way to and from fishing or boating.
Don’t share fishing gear with others. Each angler should have their own fishing gear (rod and reels, bait, lures, towels, pliers, and other personal items).
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
Clean your gear well after using it.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water after fishing.
For helpful information on finding fishing locations near you, visit the department’s access area and family fishing pages at:
https://vtfishandwildlife.com/fish/boating-in-vermont/fishing-access-areas
https://vtfishandwildlife.com/fish/fishing-opportunities
For Immediate Release: April 21, 2020
VTFWD Contact: Shawn Good 802-786-3863
GMNF Contact: Jeremy Mears 802-767-4261