Vermont Fishing Regulations
Not legal advice. Compiled from official government summaries. Regulations change each year — always check the official source before relying.
General Rules (barbless hooks are the #1 cause of fines)
- ⚠ Daily limits cannot be combined between rivers/streams and lakes/ponds.
- ⚠ For species with defined harvest seasons, targeted catch-and-release angling allowed outside harvest season with artificial lures and flies.
- ⚠ Lake sturgeon, sauger, anadromous Atlantic salmon: no open season.
- ⚠ American shad: catch and release only (no harvest).
- ⚠ Muskellunge: catch and release with artificial lures and flies only.
Species Limits
| Species | Limit | Size / Season |
|---|---|---|
| Brook, brown & rainbow trout (combined) | Rivers/streams: 8; Lakes/ponds: 6 | No minimum (harvest 2nd Sat Apr - Oct 31; lakes also Jan 1 - Mar 15) |
| Lake trout & landlocked salmon (combined) | 2 | Lake trout min 18 in; landlocked salmon min 17 in |
| Largemouth & smallmouth bass (combined) | 5 | Min 10 in (2nd Sat Jun - Mar 15) |
| Walleye | 3 | Min 18 in (1st Sat May - Mar 15) |
| Northern pike | 5 | Min 20 in |
| Panfish (bluegill, bullhead, crappie, pumpkinseed, rock bass, yellow perch) | 50 total (max 25 crappie) | Crappie min 8 in |
| Bowfin, redhorse, gar | 5 of any one species | |
| Rainbow smelt | No limit | |
| Carp, suckers, cull fish | No limit | |
| All other species | No limit |
Waterbody-Specific Rules
Connecticut River
- Season:: Open to fishing all year, except no fishing Oct. 16–Dec. 31 from the confluence of the Upper Ammonoosuc River and the Connecticut River in Northumberland, New Hampshire, to the northern boundary of the town of Canaan, Vermont. | Devices:: No more than six ice fishing devices shall be used to take fish while ice fishing. When fishing in open water, no more than two lines may be used. Lead sinkers and lead jigs one ounce or less, regardless of length, are prohibited. | Species Rules:: The rules below apply during the open season. | American Shad: Catch and release only. | Atlantic Salmon: No open season for Atlantic salmon until declared by the Connecticut River Atlantic Salmon Commission. | Brook, Brown and Rainbow Trout: The season for taking brook, brown, or rainbow trout by all legal methods shall open on Jan. 1 and close Oct. 15. | (Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass): No closed season for black bass. | Carp: May be taken by any legal method, and by bow and arrow with cord attached, in that part of the river beginning at the point on the northern boundary of Grafton County in New Hampshire, which is directly opposite the town of Concord, Vermont, south to the Massachusetts border. | Horned Pout: The daily limit is 25 fish. | Northern Pike: The daily limit is 1 fish; minimum total length 28”. | Pickerel: The daily limit is 10 fish. | River Herring: Closed to the taking of alewives and blueback herring. | Walleye: No person shall take walleye 16”–18”; the daily limit is 4 fish, of which only 1 can be larger than 18”. | All Other Species: The daily limit for black crappie, white perch, yellow perch, and sunfish is 25 fish for each species.
Lake Champlain
- Lake trout + landlocked salmon: 2 combined (18 in/17 in min); bass 5 @ 10 in min; walleye 3 @ 18 in; pike 5 @ 20 in; panfish 50. See Table 2 for full rules.
Clyde River
- Catch and Release for salmon between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31 using artificial flies and lures only
- Closed to fishing from November 1 to the Friday before the second Saturday in April.Newport City Orleans 1
- Closed to FishingNewport City Orleans 1
- Catch and Release for salmon between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31 using artificial flies and lures only
- Closed to fishing from November 1 to the Friday before the second Saturday in April.Newport City, Derby, and Charleston Orleans 1
Willoughby River
- Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout:length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout Barton Orleans 1
- Closed to Fishing: March 15 through May 31
- Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout:length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout Barton Orleans 1
- Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout:length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout Brownington/ Barton/ Westmore Orleans 1
Winooski River
- Lake Champlain Boundaries Winooski/ Burlington Chittenden 2 EW
- Closed to Fishing: March 16–May 31 Winooski/ Burlington Chittenden 2
- Trout:length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit, 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”Bolton/ Duxbury/ Waterbury Chittenden/ Washington 1
- Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Saturday in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, no more than 2 Duxbury/ Waterbury Washington 1
Adams Reservoir
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Austin Pond
- Bass Open Season for Harvest: Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30.
Bald Hill Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see table 1 for regulations on specific species)
Beaver Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Beck Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Beebe Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Berlin Pond
- Panfish:daily limit, 50 fish total, up to 10 of which can be Yellow Perch, and up to 25 of which can be Black and White Crappie. 8" minimum length on crappie.
Big Mud Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Black Pond
- Bass Open Season for Harvest: Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30.
Blake Pond
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Bourn Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Branch Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Breese Pond
- Bass Open Season for Harvest: Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30.
Bullhead Pond
- Bass Open Season for Harvest: Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30.
Cary Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Caspian Lake
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
Champlain, Lake
- (aka Chittenden Reservoir (Including all tributaries to fist barrier)Chittenden Rutland 1 702 St)
Chittenden Reservoir (Including all tributaries to fist barrier)
- Walleye: open season, June 1–March 15; Length limit: 18 to 20 inches. All walleye under 18 inches and over 20 inches must be released. Daily Limit: 1 walleye
Clyde Pond
- Catch and Release for salmon between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31
Comerford Reservoir (CT River)
- (aka Cow Mountain PondGranby Essex 1 10 Mf)
Cow Mountain Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Crystal Lake
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
Duck Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
Dunmore, Lake
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
East Long Pond
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
Echo Lake
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
Elligo, Lake
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
Gale Meadows Pond
- Bass Open Season for Harvest: Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30.
Great Averill Lake (Big Averill Lake)
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
Griffith Lake
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Half Moon Pond
- Bass Open Season for Harvest: Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30.
Harveys Lake
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
Holland Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
Jobs Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see below and [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
Levi Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
Lewis Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Lily Pond
- Bass Open Season for Harvest: Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30.
Little Averill Lake
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
Little Rock Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Little Salem Lake
- Catch and Release for salmon between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31
Long Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
Lowell Lake
- Bass Open Season for Harvest: Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30.
Maidstone Lake
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
Marl Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
Martins Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see below and [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
Memphremagog, Lake (including South Bay)
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate. Lake Trout Minimum length 24"
Mill Pond
- Bass Open Season for Harvest: Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30.
Moore Dam Reservoir (Ct River)
- (aka Morey, LakeFairlee Orange 1 547 St EW)
Morey, Lake
- Bass: length limit, minimum length 14”; daily limit, bag limit 5 bass
Mud Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited.
Nichols Pond
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
North Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Notch Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Pigeon Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
Pleiad Lake
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Raponda Lake
- Bass Open Season for Harvest: Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30.
Red Mill Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Retreat Meadows
- Bass Open Season for Harvest: Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30.
Roach Pond
- Bass Open Season for Harvest: Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30.
Runnemede Lake
- Bass Open Season for Harvest: Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30.
Sadawga Pond
- Bass Open Season for Harvest: Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30.
Seymour Lake
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
Shadow Lake
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
Sherman Reservoir
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow Trout: Open Season, second Saturday in April to Oct. 31, daily limit 6 trout
Silver Lake
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
South America Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
South Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
Spring Lake
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see below and [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
Stannard Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
Sterling Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Stiles Pond
- Panfish:daily limit, 50 fish total, up to 10 of which can be Yellow Perch, and up to 25 of which can be Black and White Crappie. 8" minimum length on crappie.
Stoughton Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
Stratton Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Sunset Lake
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
Unknown Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Vernon Hatchery Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
Weatherhead Hollow
- Bass Open Season for Harvest: Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30.
West Mtn. Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
- Use of fish (alive or dead) as bait is prohibited
Wheeler Pond
- Only open to fishing from second Saturday in April to Oct. 31 (see [table 1](https://www.eregulations.com/vermont/fishing/table-1-general-fishing-regulations) for regulations on specific species)
Willoughby, Lake
- Brook, Brown, Rainbow, and Lake Trout, and Landlocked Salmon:daily limit, total of brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and landlocked salmon must not be more than 2 in aggregate
Barton River
- Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout:length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout Barton/ Coventry/ Irasburg Orleans 1
Batten Kill River (R-BK)
- All trout must be released immediately
- Closed to fishing from November 1 to the Friday before the second Saturday in April.Arlington/ Sunderland/ Manchester Bennington 1 WD
- Trout: Oct. 1–Oct. 31: Catch and Release (includes tributaries: Green River, Roaring Branch, Warm Brook) fishing only, all trout must be released immediately.Manchester and Dorset Bennington 1 WD
Black River (Connecticut River Tributary)
- Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout:length limit, none; daily limit, 2 trout aggregate Weathersfeld/ Cavendish Weathersfeld/ Cavendish 1
Black River (Memphremagog Tributary)
- Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout:length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout Coventry Orleans 1
- Closed to Fishing: March 15 through May 31
- Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout:length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout Coventry Orleans 1
- Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout:length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout Newport City, Coventry Orleans 1
Blodgett/Tarbox Brook
- Closed to Fishing: March 15 through May 31 Barton Orleans 1
Brownington Branch of Willoughby River
- Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout:length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout Brownington Orleans 1
Chase Brook
- Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31 Berlin Washington County 1
Dead Creek
- Lake Champlain Boundaries Panton Addison 2 EW, WC
Deerfield River
- Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout:length limit, none; daily limit, 2 trout aggregate Searsburg All Applicable Counties 1
Dog River
- Trout: All trout must be released immediately. Fishing may only be done with artificial flies and lures. Anglers 14 years old and younger may use natural baits.
- Closed to fishing from November 1 to the Friday before the second Saturday in April.All Applicable Towns Washington 1
Dorin Brook
- Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31 Westmore Orleans 1
East Creek (Orwell)
- Lake Champlain Boundaries Orwell Addison 2 WC
East Creek (Rutland City)
- Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Saturday in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, no more than 2 Rutland City Rutland 1
Flower Brook
- Trout:length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit, 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”Pawlet Bennington 1
Green River (R-BK)
- Trout: Catch and Release between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31 — all trout must be immediately released Arlington/ Sandgate Bennington 1 WD
Hatchery Brook
- Closed To FishingGrand Isle Grand Isle
Johns River
- Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout:length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout Derby Orleans 1
Joiner Brook
- Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31
- Trout:length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit: 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”Bolton Chittenden 1
Lamoille River
- Lake Champlain Boundaries Milton Chittenden 2 EW
- ClosedtoFishing: March 16–May 31 Milton Chittenden 2 EW
- Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Saturday in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, no more than 2 Fairfax Franklin 1
Laplatte River
- Lake Champlain Boundaries Shelburne Chittenden 2 EW
Lewis Creek
- Lake Champlain Boundaries North Ferrisburgh Addison 2 EW
Lilliesville Brook
- Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31 Stockbridge/ Bethel Windsor 1
Little Otter Creek
- Lake Champlain Boundaries Ferrisburgh Center Chittenden 2
Little River
- Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Saturday in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, no more than 2 Waterbury Washington 1
Locust Creek
- Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31 Bethel/ Barnard Windsor 1
Malletts Creek
- Lake Champlain Boundaries Colchester Chittenden 2
Mettawee River
- Trout:length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit, 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”Pawlet Rutland 1
Mill Brook
- Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31 Westmore Orleans 1
Mill River
- Lake Champlain Boundaries Georgia Franklin 2
Missisquoi River
- Closed to Fishing: March 16 to the Friday before the first Saturday in May, both dates inclusive Highgate/ Swanton Franklin 2 EW
- Closed to Fishing: March 16–May 31 Highgate/ Swanton Franklin 2 EW
- Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Saturday in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, no more than 2 Sheldon and Enosburg Franklin 1
Moose River
- Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Saturday in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout, no more than 2 Village of St. Johnsbury Caledonia 1
Mud Creek
- Lake Champlain Boundary Alburgh Grand Isle 2
- Lake Champlain Boundary
- No shooting, spearing or bow and arrow for fish Alburgh Grand Isle 2
Myers Brook
- Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31 Westmore Orleans County 1
New Haven River
- Trout:length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit, 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”New Haven/ Bristol Addison 1
Otter Creek
- Lake Champlain Boundaries Vergennes Addison 2 EW, WC
- Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Saturday in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, no more than 2 Danby Rutland 1
Passumpsic River
- Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Saturday in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, no more than 2 St. Johnsbury Caledonia 1
Pinneo Brook
- Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31
- Trout:length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit, 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”Bolton Chittenden 1
Porter Brook
- Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31 Greensboro Orleans County 1
Poultney River
- Lake Champlain Boundaries West Haven Rutland 2 EW, WC
Preston Brook
- Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31
- Trout:length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit, 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”Bolton Chittenden 1
Ridley Brook
- Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31
- Trout:length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit, 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”Duxbury Washington 1
Roaring Branch (R-BK)
- Trout: Catch and Release between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31 — all trout must be immediately released Arlington/ Sunderland Bennington 1
Rock River (R-LC)
- Lake Champlain Boundaries Highgate Franklin 2 EW
Schoolhouse Brook
- Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31 Westmore Orleans County 1
Walloomsac River
- Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Sat in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, no more than 2 Bennington and Shaftsbury Bennington 1
Warm Brook
- Trout: Catch and Release between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31 — all trout must be immediately released Arlington/ Sunderland Bennington 1
Wells Brook
- Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31 Westmore Orleans 1
White River
- Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout:length limit, 18” minimum length; daily limit, 1 trout; gear restriction, artificial lures and flies only Stockbridge/ Bethel All Applicable Counties 1
Seasons
Trout: 2nd Sat Apr - Oct 31 (lakes also Jan 1 - Mar 15); bass: 2nd Sat Jun - Mar 15; walleye: 1st Sat May - Mar 15.
Licence Fees
Vermont fishing license required (resident/non-resident); fees per VTF&W.
Edition: 2026 Vermont Fishing Regulations (VTF&W) · Effective: 2026 season · Source: Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. (vtfishandwildlife.com)
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