Fishing Guide Vermont 2019 & Regulations - eRegulations
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F R O M T H E V E R M O N T F I S H & W I L D L I F E D E PA R T M E N T Vermont 2019 Fishing Guide & Regulations Why Do We Fish? The One That Didn’t Get Away Wood is Good for Backcountry Brook Trout NEW! How to Use This Guide www.vtfishandwildlife.com
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Quick
Reference
For complete fishing
regulations, see page 19.
Guide
Kurt Budliger
VERMONT FISHING SEASONS
Harvest Seasons
Trout and Landlocked Salmon....................................................................... Second Saturday in April to last day of October
Trout and Landlocked Salmon (Lake Champlain)................................................................................... No Closed Season
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass........................................................ Second Saturday in June to last day of November
Pickerel, Northern Pike, Yellow Perch, and Smelt.................................................................................. No Closed Season
Walleye (all waters except Chittenden Reservoir and the Connecticut River).......... First Saturday in May to March 15, 2020
Chittenden Reservoir.................................................................................... First Saturday in June to March 15, 2020
Connecticut River...........................................................................................................................See Table 4 (page 88)
Catch and Release (see pages 61–91 for exceptions, including closed waters)
Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass........................................................................................Year-round, open-water fishing
Trout...................................................................................................................................................Year-round, open-water fishing
Free Fishing Days
Summer Free Fishing Day.......................................................................................................................... Second Saturday in June
Winter Free Fishing Day.............................................................................................................................. Last Saturday in January
Note: 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 reference pages 61–91 for special season and regulation information for specific waters, including seasonally closed waters.
VERMONT FISHING LICENSES
Resident
Fishing (ages 18–65)............................................................................................................................................................$26.00
Youth Fishing (ages 15–17; under age 15, no license needed)......................................................................................... $8.00
Permanent Licenses (residents only, age 66 or older) ..................................................................................................$60.00
Five-Year Fishing License................................................................................................................................................$124.00
Three-Day Fishing (1)............................................................................................................................................................ $11.00
Combination Fishing and Hunting.................................................................................................................................$42.00
Five-Year Combination License.....................................................................................................................................$204.00
Youth Combination Fishing and Hunting (age 17 or under).......................................................................................$12.00
Nonresident
Fishing....................................................................................................................................................................................$52.00
Youth Fishing (ages 15–17; under age 15, no license needed)....................................................................................... $15.00
Five-Year Fishing License................................................................................................................................................$254.00
One-Day Fishing (1)............................................................................................................................................................... $21.00
Three-Day Fishing (1)............................................................................................................................................................$23.00
Seven-Day Fishing (1)............................................................................................................................................................ $31.00
Combination Fishing and Hunting...............................................................................................................................$138.00
Five-Year Combination License.....................................................................................................................................$684.00
Youth Combination Fishing and Hunting (age 17 or under)......................................................................................$30.00
(1)
Term Licenses: All dates are inclusive and consecutive.
ALL LICENSE FEES LISTED ARE FOR 2019.
2019 Fishing Guide & Regulations 1
Courtesy of Vermont Fish & Wildlife
10
Courtesy of Vermont Fish & Wildlife
6 22
Kurt Budliger
Features Reference Information
6 Why Do We Fish?
How the Vermont Master Angler Program 1 Quick Reference 30 General
is motivating anglers to fish more and Guide Requirements,
fish differently!
Basic fishing season Definitions, and
dates and license fees. Prohibitions
10 The One That Didn’t Get Away Understanding regulation
Celebrating a half-century of record 4 Commissioner’s terms, what’s allowed and
fish in Vermont Letter what’s not.
And Vermont’s
22 Wood is Good for Backcountry Online Fishing 37 Where the
Brook Trout Regulations Tool. Fish Are
An ambitious habitat restoration project Handy guide to what
has created excellent backcountry brook 16 License species are found in
trout fishing in northern Vermont Information waterbodies across
Types of licenses for
26 Get a Grip on Your Fish both residents and
Vermont.
Catch and release tips nonresidents, and 40 Fish Identification:
related rules. What a Difference
NEW! 19 General
a Fin Makes
How to Use This Guide
Brook or brown trout?
Regulations Smallmouth or largemouth
Basic regulations bass? Find out here.
See page 5 for a step-by-step method to know before
going fishing.
2 Vermont Fish & Wildlife
Courtesy of Lake Champlain Sea Grant
14 26
Kurt Budliger
37 44 86
Kurt Budliger
Kurt Budliger
Tom Rogers
s
44 Maps 86 Fish Regulation Fish & Wildlife Laws
Find Vermont’s fishing Tables Vermont’s fish and wildlife
spots, access areas, General fishing laws help protect, manage,
public lands, and special regulations for various control, and conserve the fish
fishing regulations. and wildlife of the state. Every
waterbodies as indicated
individual who hunts, fishes,
by the indexes of rivers
or traps is responsible for
61 Index of Rivers and streams and lakes knowing the fish and wildlife
and Streams and ponds. laws. This lawbook provides
Sections of rivers and the Vermont Fish & Wildlife
streams with specific 92 Fish & Wildlife Department’s interpretation
regulations, references Department of fishing laws. It is formatted
to maps, and regulation Contact to make the laws easier
tables. to read and understand.
Information For a complete wording of
Cover Photo:
Who to contact for
73 Index of Lakes help or additional
Vermont’s fish and wildlife
statutes and regulations,
Kurt Budliger
and Ponds information. consult Vermont Statutes
Listing of lakes and Annotated, Part 4, Title 10,
ponds with specific 94 Index available at town clerks’
regulations, references offices and on the internet at
to maps, and regulation https://legislature.vermont.
tables. gov/statutes/title/10. Any
questions you have regarding
these laws should be directed
to your local game warden.
2019 Fishing Guide & Regulations 3
A Special Message
INTERACTIVE,
From the
INSTANTANEOUS
Commissioner
Habitat protection and fishing opportunity have been
intrinsically tied since the early days of conservation. In
Vermont’s
Vermont this year, we not only celebrated a study that
showed our wild trout populations are as abundant as
they were 50 years ago, we also saw the first person,
Online
Drew Price, to catch all 33 species of the Master Fishing Regulations
Angler program after 8 years of angling effort. We
also noted the 50th anniversary of Vermont’s Record Tool
Fish program, with records still being set in 2018.
Our Online Fishing Regulations Tool
These notable achievements uses technology to make accessing
could not have occurred without regulation information quick and simple,
our staff’s commitment to whether you’re at home planning your
the health of the waters that next Vermont fishing trip or out
Vermont’s fish call home and on the water!
to restoring fish populations,
Features of the Fishing Regulations Tool
such as brook trout on the
Courtesy of Vermont Fish & Wildlife
Nulhegan River and salmon Interactive Map
in Lake Champlain. This System: Allows users ••••• 10:00 AM
work, in turn, is supported to select any waterbody
in the state and have
by conscientious anglers,
instantaneous access
whose license fees, boat
to fishing regulations
registrations, habitat stamp specific to that body
purchases, and purchases of fishing equipment, of water.
underwrite much of the conservation work done
in Vermont, and by landowners, who graciously Current Location
partner with us in protecting habitat on their land.
Feature: The map
works in coordination
Together we can ensure another half-century and more with the Global
of good fishing and clean waters across Vermont. Positioning System (GPS) in many
mobile devices, allowing users to view
fisheries regulations for their current
location.
Louis Porter, Commissioner, Vermont Fish & Wildlife
Lookup Tables: Allows users to view
regulations by selecting a waterbody,
www.vtfishandwildlife.com/fish town, or county from a comprehensive
lookup list.
Visit Vermont Fish & Wildlife online to learn more about
Regardless of the pathway, the final
result is a simple and clear list of fisheries
regulations for all of Vermont’s great
Fishing Opportunities Boating fishing spots!
Visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com
to use the tool!
Fishing Regulations Fishing Events/Programs
4 Vermont Fish & Wildlife
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Step by Step
If you’re new to fishing in Vermont or just checking out the latest regulations,
follow these steps to make using this guide quicker and easier.
Step 1 Do you know where you’re going to fish?
Yes NO
Step 2 Go to the main Map Guide on page 45.
Locate the general area of the state where you want to fish
(from Maps 1 to 15).
Step 3 Go to the individual Maps 1 to 15 on pages 46 to 60 and
determine the waterbody on which you want to fish.
The Maps will also help you identify important points of interest
such as access points, boat ramps, and boundaries. It will also show
stream section numbers (blue) and lakes (tan) that point to specific
regulations in the Indexes. Almost all the stream section numbers
and related regulations are in alphabetical order in the Indexes if
not noted in the footer.
Step 4 Go to the alphabetical Index of Rivers and Streams on pages 61 to 72 or the
Index of Lakes and Ponds on pages 73 to 85.
If you only know the waterbody by name (for example, Dog River) but not which towns the
waterbody is in, this will point you to the right Map and you’ll be able to identify the town.
Step 5 Identify any special regulations for that waterbody, including those for
specific stream sections or lakes, in the Index. Special regulations override
general regulations and must be followed.
The Index lists the correct Open Water and Ice Fishing Regulations Tables for
that waterbody.
Step 6 Go to the Table for the waterbody you are planning to fish on pages 86 to 91.
Note length rules, legal methods, daily limits, and open seasons. These include:
If your waterbody — a river or stream — does not appear in a specific Index, go to
page 86 Table 1: General Regulations for Rivers and Streams as this covers all
the others except the Connecticut River.
If your waterbody — a pond or lake — does not appear in a specific Index, go to
page 87, Table 2: General Regulations for Lakes and Ponds as this covers all the
others except Lake Champlain.
You can also visit the department website, www.vtfishandwildlife.com, for the Online Fishing
Regulations Tool or call for more information, 802-828-1000.
2019 Fishing Guide & Regulations 5
Why Do We Fish?
How the Vermont Master Angler Program is
motivating anglers to fish more and fish differently!
Kurt Budliger
6 Vermont Fish & Wildlife
T
By Shawn Good horeau’s insightful
Fisheries Biologist
Vermont Fish & Wildlife observation of why
people fish is more than
160 years old, but deep down all
anglers know this quote is still true
“Many men go fishing all of
today. We fish for nearly as many
their lives without knowing that
reasons as there are anglers. For
it is not fish they are after.”
the excitement and enjoyment. To
– Henry David Thoreau, 1853 connect with nature. For peace and
tranquility. To relax and unwind.
To spend quality time with family.
For healthy, locally sourced food.
How about self-discovery and life-
long learning? Or fishing for the
challenge it can provide?
Enter the Master Angler Program. In 2010, the
Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department introduced the
Vermont Master Angler Program to motivate anglers
by challenging them to fish for and catch a wider
variety of trophy size species. With a challenging list
of 33 fish species and a minimum “trophy length”
for each qualifying entry, the program motivates
people to get out fishing more or to take up fishing
again. With so many species to target, the program
inspires anglers to “fish outside the box” to target
and succeed at catching types of fish they’ve never
Courtesy of Vermont Fish & Wildlife
caught before.
This process also creates learning and growth
opportunities for anglers. To be successful in the
program and catch a variety of species, anglers must
research and learn about different fish species, what
Yarrow Gombar caught this 31-inch freshwater drum while out habitats they can be found in, what they eat, and
fishing with his grandfather on Lake Champlain in June 2018. then figure out what tackle to use to catch them.
2019 Fishing Guide & Regulations 7
In eight years, the program has served as a source of
enjoyment for more than 1,000 anglers.
The Master Angler
For example, Colchester angler Steve Mongeon says the
Program was created to Master Angler Program got him out fishing again, now
motivate people to fish with his 7-year-old grandson Yarrow tagging along:
more, try new things, “The Program has given Yarrow something even more to
and create lasting motivate him to fish, as if that was even necessary, and
family memories. I’ve found an excuse to go out with him and try different
techniques. Now we look for all kinds of fish to catch like
sheepshead, carp, largemouth, bowfin ... there are so
many options!”
Father-daughter duo Robert and Lily Burnett of Alburgh
have also created precious memories while fishing
together. After Lily earned her Master Angler pin by
catching her fifth trophy-sized fish of the year in 2016,
Robert wrote:
“Most of [this summer] has been just fishing for fishing’s
sake and stumbling onto youth qualifying fish. Once Lily
made it to four species we came up with a specific plan
to catch the fifth. We had never caught nor fished for
bowfin before but … we researched how to catch them
and tried our best to recreate what we learned. Worked
like a charm! She was in tears when I netted her bowfin,
and when we measured it and saw it qualified for size, she
couldn’t stop hugging me. Thanks for helping to create a
great set of memories for the two of us!”
Courtesy of Vermont Fish & Wildlife
Make 2019 YOUR year to take up the challenge. Look
through the Master Angler gallery and annual reports and
use them as sources of inspiration and motivation. Take
your friends and family and try to catch something you’ve
Lily Burnett caught her 5th Master Angler fish species to
never caught before. Remember what it’s like to be hooked
earn her pin in 2016 by reading up on how to target bowfin on fishing and create memories that will last a lifetime!
— a species she had never caught. This 26-inch beauty was
caught on Lake Champlain while fishing with her father. www.vtfishandwildlife.com/fish
The diverse and abundant sport fishing opportunities enjoyed each year by anglers across
Vermont are a direct result of fisheries management and restoration activities conducted by
the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. These activities are funded through the Federal Aid in
Sport Fish Restoration Program — money generated by user purchases of fishing equipment and
motor boat fuels. The department’s fisheries management and restoration projects help maintain
and restore healthy aquatic ecosystems, clean water, and good habitat, benefiting anglers by
supporting and providing quality sport and recreational fishing opportunities across Vermont.
8 Vermont Fish & WildlifeA Master Among Anglers
Courtesy of Drew Price
Drew Price proudly displays his Master Angler pike-pickerel hybrid — marking his 33rd and final fish species. In 2018,
Drew became the first angler to catch all 33 Master Angler fish species.
For one die-hard Vermont angler, the Master Angler Program became a personal quest. Drew
Price of Colchester began participating in the program in its first year and quickly came to
realize he enjoyed the challenge of learning about and targeting species he’d never caught.
Drew had been exclusively a fly angler, and he increasing his skills and knowledge, and became a
challenged himself to catch ALL 33 Master Angler consummate Master Angler.
species using only fly gear. In the first year of the
Program he caught 12 species, and by the end of One by one, he worked his way through the
2013 he had hit 24 species — all on the fly. remaining nine species with non-fly-fishing gear.
The pike-pickerel hybrid was the last one that
However, Drew soon realized the 9 species left eluded him, being that they are relatively random
would be nearly impossible to catch while fly and rare. But Drew never gave up. He contacted
fishing. He had to switch gears — literally. With people on forums who mentioned catching one and
the winter of 2014 passing rapidly, Drew tried focused his efforts in areas where chain pickerel
something completely new to him — ice fishing. and northern pike overlap.
Through his friends and other anglers he met on In June 2018, Drew finally caught his “white
fishing forums, Drew borrowed tip-ups and an ice whale” — a 30” pike-pickerel hybrid.
auger, and he bought a cheap ice fishing jigging rod.
Deciding to start with burbot, he read up on how to Drew’s journey exemplifies the spirit of the
target them, and headed to Lake Willoughby to try Vermont Master Angler. Designed to inspire and
his hand at catching one. In March 2014 he caught a challenge anglers, the program motivates them
Master Angler–sized burbot and became hooked on to fish more often and for new species, learning
ice fishing in the process! and growing as anglers along the way while
taking advantage of all the wonderful angling
From ice fishing to open water spin-fishing with opportunities Vermont offers.
live bait, Drew kept at it, adapting his techniques,
2019 Fishing Guide & Regulations 9The One That
Didn’t Get Away
Celebrating a half-century of record fish in Vermont
Courtesy of Vermont Fish & Wildlife
10 Vermont Fish & WildlifeBy Shawn Good
Fisheries Biologist
Vermont Fish & Wildlife
I
n the 1950s and 60s,
This fishing bonanza results from Vermont’s unique
as Americans enjoyed geographic features — being sandwiched between
increased prosperity and Lake Champlain to the west and the Connecticut
River to the east, with the Green Mountains and
free time, recreational angling rolling valleys running down the middle full of
grew as a favorite pastime beautiful streams, rivers, lakes and ponds.
nationwide and in Vermont. Then and now. In 1969, the first year the
department kept track, only 13 record fish were
Stories of huge fish being caught
entered. Those numbers quickly grew, however,
circulated across the state, and and during the next decade, record fish catches
came fast and furious. From 1969 through 1978,
department staff recognized
68 fish records were set for 23 different species.
the importance of documenting New records were set quickly as they were
surpassed by larger fish. Of course, 50 years ago,
these so-called record fish.
the entries were dominated by popular game fish
In 1969, the Vermont Fish such as brook, brown and rainbow trout, large and
and Game Department (as smallmouth bass, pike, walleye, and perch.
it was then called) began the
Number of Records Set
Vermont Record Fish Program
70
to document the quality and 68
diversity of fishing across 60
the state. 50
40
That foresight has proven
lucky, because now, after 50 30
29
years of keeping fish records, 20
21
many anglers recognize what 10
15 15
the department knew all
0
along — that Vermont has the 1969 – 1979 – 1989 – 1999 – 2009–
1978 1988 1998 2008 2018
highest quality and variety of
freshwater fish in New England.
2019 Fishing Guide & Regulations 11In 1969, the department first started keeping track of “record
fish” as a way of documenting the quality and diversity of
fishing across the state.
Despite the old saying that “fishing isn’t as good as If you’re looking for a new challenge, and a way to
it used to be,” Vermont’s record-setting pace has get your name into the record books, spend some
been fairly consistent during the last 40 years. For time looking through the Record Fish Program
example, the first State Record smallmouth bass listings on the department website. You’ll soon
was established in 1969 at 6.44-lbs. That record has recognize that Vermont truly is an anglers’ paradise
been broken three times since then, with the most that is matched by very few locations elsewhere!
recent and current State Record being a 6.81-lb fish
https://anrweb.vt.gov/FWD/FW/
caught in 2003. The first bluegill State Record was Vermontfishrecords.aspx
established in 1985 (0.75-lbs) and has been bested
8 times since then, with the current State Record
being caught in 2016 at 1.98-lbs.
On the other hand, some records have been harder
to break. While the first recognized State Record
largemouth bass was set in 1969 at 5.63-lbs and has
been surpassed 8 times since then (1970, 1975, 1976,
1977, 1982, 1985, and 1986), the current record set in
1988 is holding steady 31 years later. The first northern
pike record was also set in 1969 at 19-lbs, beaten the
next year in 1970 by a 26-lb fish, and lastly in 1977 by
a monstrous 30.5-lb pike. That was 42 years ago. Can
that pike be topped in these modern times?
Despite these holdouts, fishing undoubtedly
continues to be excellent across Vermont, and trophy
fish are being caught with great frequency. In just the
last 10 years alone, 21 new all-time fish records have
been broken for 13 different species! No other state in
the northeastern U.S. has broken as many records in
Courtesy of Vermont Fish & Wildlife
recent years in the same amount of time!
Anglers are taking advantage of many of the
overlooked fishing opportunities we have in our
state, and while fishing remains excellent for more
traditional species such as trout, salmon, bass, pike
Dennis Harwood hooked this gigantic native brook trout in Paran
and others, there are many other species out there that Creek in April 1977. At 5 pounds, 12 ounces and 22.5 inches
can provide amazing action with real trophy potential. long, this fish is still the record brook trout taken in Vermont.
12 Vermont Fish & WildlifeNOTABLE STATE RECORDS FROM THE LAST 10 YEARS
2010
Rich Levesque 2011
Bob Scott
SPECIES: Walleye (Caught through the ice.)
WEIGHT: 14.5-lbs WATERBODY: Lake Champlain SPECIES: Channel Catfish
WEIGHT: 35.9-lbs WATERBODY: Lake St. Catherine
2015 2016
Keith Sherwood
Joe Whalen
SPECIES: Yellow Perch (Knocking out a 34 year record!)
WEIGHT: 2.4-lbs WATERBODY: Caspian Lake
SPECIES: Freshwater Drum
WEIGHT: 25.5-lbs WATERBODY: Lake Champlain
2017
Chase Stokes 2017 2018 and
Mike Elwood
SPECIES: Carp
WEIGHT: 33.25-lbs WATERBODY: Otter Creek
SPECIES: Redhorse Sucker (Back-to-back records.)
WEIGHT: 9.9-lbs/10.8-lbs WATERBODY: Winooski River
Photos Courtesy of Vermont Fish & Wildlife
2019 Fishing Guide & Regulations 13Aquatic Invasive Species Laws
On June 8, 2017, the Vermont Legislature enacted new rules regarding aquatic invasive
species. The changes include the following:
PROHIBITED SPECIES: In addition to zebra mussels, quagga mussels, and all aquatic plants, the
possession of rusty crayfish, Asian clam, spiny water flea, and fishhook water flea is now prohibited.
VESSEL INSPECTIONS: All watercraft operators are now required to inspect their own vessels
and trailers and remove and dispose of all aquatic plants and aquatic invasive species prior to
launching and upon leaving a state water.
DRAINING OF VESSELS: Prior to leaving state waters, all watercraft operators are now required to
drain their vessels, trailers, and all other equipment of water, including water in live wells, ballast
tanks, and bilge areas. When transporting vessels on the road, all drain plugs, bailers, valves,
and other devices that are used to control the draining of water must be removed or placed in
the open position. Bait buckets, water hauling, and emergency-response vehicles are exempted
from this requirement.
MANDATORY BOAT INSPECTIONS: Boat inspections are now mandatory whenever a Vermont
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) authorized inspection station is present, is
open/staffed, and one’s vessel is identified as requiring inspection. Refusing to comply with a
mandatory inspection and decontamination is now considered a violation of state law.
NOTE: the term “vessel” means any type of watercraft that can be used as a means of transportation on water,
including boats, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, personal watercraft, and so on.
Aquatic Invasive Species Identification
It is illegal to possess or transport the following aquatic invasive species found in Vermont:
Rusty Crayfish Alewife Water Chestnut
North American Native Fishes Association B. Smorgans
Asian Clam Variable-Leaf Watermilfoil
Jeff Gunderson, Minnesota Sea Grant
GB Nonnative Species Secretariat Dennis Roberge, Courtesy of Maine VLMP
A new invasive crayfish species that Eurasian Watermilfoil Zebra Mussel
can displace native crayfish and
destroy aquatic habitat has been
found in Vermont. Rusty crayfish
can reach 5 inches in length and
can be identified by dark reddish Alison Fox, University of Florida, Bugwood.org U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
spots on either side of their shell Spiny Water Flea
and large, strong, smooth claws Note: Transporting any aquatic plant
that can be a brownish-olive color or aquatic plant part, zebra mussel,
or a reddish-brown color with black or quagga mussel on the outside of a
vehicle, boat, personal watercraft, trailer,
or orange tips. or other equipment is illegal. Violators
Jeff Gunderson, Minnesota Sea Grant are subject to a penalty of up to $1,000.
14 Vermont Fish & WildlifeAlways Open, Always Free
Fishing access areas offer an easy way onto the water
Kurt Budliger
Vermont Fish & Wildlife manages 196 fishing access areas
that are free and open to anglers, hunters, trappers, and
boaters — 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Included in the department’s
access program are
BEFORE YOU BACK
171
fishing access areas that provide DOWN THE RAMP:
boat launches for watercraft
1. “Load before you launch” — put
Fishing
access areas on more than 130 all gear into your boat while in the
unique bodies of water parking lot, not on the ramp;
34
fishing access areas on Lake
Champlain alone 2. Loosen any tie-downs, insert plug;
7
fishing access areas along the 3. Help STOP aquatic hitchhikers:
Connecticut River CHECK, DRAIN, DRY. Make it a habit
Use our helpful interactive fishing access area
BEFORE launching and BEFORE
map at www.vtfishandwildlife.com to plan leaving to carefully inspect and clean
your next trip on the water! your vessel;
4. Back down ramp, launch and secure
your boat to dock or on shore;
The state’s 196 fishing access 5. Immediately move and park your
areas are identifiable by signs vehicle in the appropriate location.
like this. They are always free
and open to anglers, hunters, Remember: SWIMMING OR SUNBATHING
trappers, and boaters. at access areas is prohibited.
2019 Fishing Guide & Regulations 15License
Information
Tom Rogers
Buying Your License 2. Visit one of our district offices or archery deer season, muzzleloader deer
authorized license agents. A list of season, and turkey seasons (each with
Anyone can apply for a fishing license. license agents is available at their own tags).
There is no requirement to have had a www.vtfishandwildlife.com, or you
previous fishing license. can call us at (802) 828-1190 for Resident Status
Important things to remember: an agent closest to you.
In order to obtain resident annual
Fill in your information as you wish 3. Print a license application from licenses, a person must have lived in
it to appear on your license. Your www.vtfishandwildlife.com, fill out, Vermont for the six months immediately
printed license and a photo ID should and send in with your payment. prior to applying for a license and NOT
be carried whenever you go fishing, claimed residence elsewhere for any
hunting, or trapping. Licenses Are Required other reason.
If you are purchasing a term fishing Any person engaged in fishing, hunting, An applicant for a resident lifetime
license (a fishing license for a shorter or taking any wild animals must be license must have been a resident for at
properly licensed, except as listed below
LICENSE INFORMATION
duration than the whole year), make least 12 months or must be a dependent
sure you specify the day you plan to under exceptions. Wild animals are of a resident.
start fishing. Term fishing licenses are defined by law as ALL animals, including
birds, amphibians, and reptiles, other A nonresident student who is enrolled in
for consecutive days. a high school, college, or university within
than domestic animals.
If you are purchasing a hunting, the state is entitled to a resident fishing,
combination, archery, or trapping hunting, or combination license.
license, you must have held a License Possession
To qualify, the student must have
previous hunting, combination, Appropriate licenses must be carried successfully completed two successive
archery, or trapping license in while hunting, fishing, trapping, or semesters at his or her Vermont school
Vermont, any other state, or Canada, transporting fish, game, or furbearers. or college, must present an admission
or have passed a state of Vermont– The licenses must be exhibited on card, and must pay the resident fee.
approved safety course. You may demand of a state game warden or other
complete the license affidavit form enforcement officer, or the owner of the
certifying that you have held this type land on which such person is hunting, Exceptions to License
of license previously or passed a state fishing, or trapping. See Title 10 V.S.A. Requirements
of Vermont–approved safety course. Section 4266. An electronic or digital A resident owner of land in Vermont, his
We offer three easy ways to purchase all copy of the license is acceptable, except or her spouse, and minor children may
fishing or combination licenses: for minor children who are hunting with hunt within the boundary of that land
rifle or bow must still carry a paper and take fish from a private pond within
1. Go online to license signed by their parent. the boundary of that land without a
www.vtfishandwildlife.com. license within season (except if their
You will need the following: FREE Fishing Days right to obtain a license is under
A printer to print your license. The second Saturday in June and suspension). A nonresident owner of
Printing requires Adobe Acrobat the last Saturday in January are Free land has equal privilege if his or her land
Reader on your computer. Fishing Days in Vermont. Residents and is NOT posted (except if their right to
You can download the free nonresidents may fish without a license. obtain a license is under suspension).
Acrobat Reader software from All legal fishing methods and limits apply. “Posted” means any signage that would
our website. lead a reasonable person to believe that
A credit card. We accept My License Covers What? hunting is prohibited on the land, except
for “Safety Zone” signs.
Visa, Discover, or MasterCard
for payment. Fishing licenses cover fishing throughout
Children under 15 never need a license
the year.
Nice to have ready if you have one: to fish.
Your Conservation Identification Combination licenses include a late-
Number or CID #. You can look season bear tag and a November- Military Personnel
up your Conservation ID on the season legal buck tag. They also cover
small-game hunting. Add-on licenses Any resident of Vermont who certifies
website or find it on your that he or she is serving on active duty
previous license. are required for early season bear,
in the armed forces of the United States
16 Vermont Fish & Wildlifeor is performing, or is under orders A Vermont resident who is a veteran of the Lifetime Licenses
to perform, a homeland defense or armed forces of the United States and who
stateside contingency operation for a is 60 percent disabled due to a service- A resident or nonresident lifetime fishing,
period of 120 or more consecutive days connected disability may receive a free hunting, or combination fishing and
may obtain at no cost a hunting or fishing fishing or combination license, if qualified, hunting license may be obtained from the
license or combination hunting and upon presentation of a certificate issued Fish & Wildlife Department. Applications
fishing license. by the Department of Veterans Affairs so are available on our website or from the
certified by Title 10 V.S.A. Section 4255. office. Fees are as follows:
A person who obtains a license under
this provision may keep the license until To see if you qualify for the license, call for children < 1 year old = 6x
it expires, whether or not the person Licensing at (802) 828-1190. If you current adult license price;
continues to serve in the armed forces. qualify for a combination license, you for children 1–15 years old = 16x
A nonresident member of the armed will also receive turkey and muzzleloader current adult license price;
forces of the United States who certifies deer licenses. If you qualify for an archery for adults 16–24 years old = 31x
that he or she is on active duty and license, you will receive one. current adult license price;
stationed at a military, air or naval post, Permanent licenses do not include duck for adults 25–64 years old = 26x
station or base within Vermont may buy a stamps or entries into the moose and current adult license price.
license to hunt or fish at the resident fee. antlerless lotteries or permits.
Any questions on eligibility for
military licenses?
Call (802) 828-1190 or email
fwlicensing@vermont.gov.
Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department VERMONT IS A MEMBER OF THE
Attn: Licensing
1 National Life Drive, Dewey Building
Interstate
Montpelier, VT 05620-3208
Permanent Licenses
Wildlife
LICENSE INFORMATION
Any Vermont resident who is 66 or
older may apply for and purchase a
permanent license on our website, at
Violator
an authorized license agent, at our
district offices, or by mail.
If a permanent license holder wishes to
hunt for a second archery deer, he/she
must purchase the additional archery
Compact
Bear Cieri
license. If waterfowl hunting, he/she
must also purchase state and federal
duck stamps and register with H.I.P.
each year. The Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC) ensures that, in
Permanent licenses do not include duck participating states, nonresident violators will receive the same
stamps or entries into the moose and treatment as resident violators. IWVC member states reciprocate
antlerless lotteries or permits.
in the suspension or revocation of licenses and permits resulting
Permanent Disability from violation of hunting, fishing, or trapping laws.
Licenses
If an individual’s license or permit privileges are revoked in
A legally blind person who is a Vermont
one compact member state, they are subject to suspension or
resident may apply for a free permanent
fishing license. Information is available revocation in all other member states. For example, if a Vermont
from the Fish & Wildlife office or resident has their hunting privileges suspended in Minnesota,
www.vtfishandwildlife.com. their privileges may also be suspended in Vermont and in all
A Vermont resident who is paraplegic other compact states. This helps prevent habitual violators from
or who is certified by a physician to relocating their illegal activities to other member states.
have permanent severe physical
mobility disability may receive a
free permanent fishing, hunting, or
The IWVC also has established procedures that cause a nonresident
combination license, if qualified, with violator who fails to comply with the terms of a citation issued in a
the proper proof of disability. participating state to face the possibility of the suspension of their
“Paraplegic” is a person with permanent wildlife license privileges in their home state until the terms of the
paralysis of the lower half of the body citation are met. The goal of the IWVC is to facilitate improved
with involvement or loss of both legs. A
enforcement of hunting, fishing, and trapping laws through the
Statement of Disability form is available
from the office or our website. cooperation of law enforcement units in member states.
2019 Fishing Guide & Regulations 17Lifetime and Permanent Asigned affidavit attesting to having Suspensions
a prior hunting, combination, archery,
License Renewal or trapping license from Vermont or
For 10 to 14 points accumulated in
five years: one-year suspension.
If you intend to hunt, fish, or trap this any other state or province.
year, you must update your lifetime, For 15 to 19 points accumulated in
A person under age 16 must have his or five years: two-year suspension.
permanent disability or permanent
her parent or guardian sign to obtain a
license regardless of whether or not For 20 points or more accumulated in
hunting license.
you used your tags. This statutory five years: three-year suspension.
requirement has been put in place to NOTE: Federal firearms laws, found at
Conviction of carelessly or negligently
allow the department to collect accurate 18 U.S.C. Sect. 922, prohibit certain
wounding a person by gunshot, or
harvest and licensing information for individuals, including those convicted
manslaughter by the careless and
lifetime licenses. There is no penalty for of felonies or any domestic violence
negligent use of firearms, will, by
the failure to renew. offense, those subject to a final relief
statute, revoke the hunting license
from abuse order, and unlawful users of
This updated license will include current privilege or the right to obtain such
controlled substances, from possessing
year tags. You may update your license at license for five years.
centerfire and rimfire firearms. For a
no cost online at www.vtfishandwildlife. It is illegal to hunt, fish, or trap while
complete list of prohibitions, contact the
com. If you are unable to go online, a license or right to obtain a license is
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms,
you can call (802) 828-1190 or go to under suspension in Vermont or any
and Explosives at (802) 865-4020.
any authorized license agent or Fish other state that is a member of the
& Wildlife office. A license agent may State Border Requirements Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact.
charge you up to $1.50 for a reprint.
A person with a resident Vermont Landowners may not hunt, fish,
or trap on their land if their license
Requirements for fishing license may take fish anywhere
in the Connecticut River, subject to is suspended.
Hunting, Combination the regulations of Vermont and New Fine: up to $2,000 and additional
Hunting and Fishing, Hampshire. Hunting licenses for suspension period.
Archery, and Trapping residents and nonresidents are only valid Remedial Course: A person whose
to the New Hampshire state boundary,
Licenses which is the low-water mark on the
license is revoked with 15 or more
points accumulated in five years must
An applicant for a hunting, combination Vermont side of the Connecticut River. successfully complete a remedial
LICENSE INFORMATION
hunting and fishing, archery, or trapping For Lake Champlain fishing license course designed to teach hunters,
license must present either information, see “Fishing Licenses” in trappers, and anglers correct legal
A previous or current hunting, the Fishing Information section, page 30. and ethical behavior while hunting,
combination, archery, or trapping License Revocation trapping, and fishing.
license from Vermont or any state or Suspension Per Family Court Orders:
Canadian province; or 10 V.S.A. Sect. 4502 — the “Uniform
Vermont hunting, fishing, and
Point System” — provides that hunting,
A certificate or a letter of proof showing trapping licenses and permits may be
fishing, and trapping licenses will be
satisfactory completion of an approved suspended for failure to comply with
revoked based on the number of points
hunter safety, archery, or trapping child support orders of the Family
received when a person is convicted of
education course from Vermont or any Court. 15 V.S.A. Sect. 798(b).
violating a fish or wildlife law.
other state or province; or
Green Mountain Conservation Camp
Canoeing, campfires, fishing, and fun.
What a great way to spend a week this Summer!
Discover Vermont’s wildlife and master outdoor
skills. Vermont Fish & Wildlife offers one-week
sessions for boys and girls, ages 12 to 14.
Sessions run from June through August
at two beautiful lake-side locations.
For more information, call (802) 828-1460 or visit
our website: www.vtfishandwildlife.com.
18 Vermont Fish & WildlifeGeneral
Regulations
and
Definitions
Tom Rogers
“Take” and “Taking”: This means Violators: A person who drives, transports, penalties are capped at $42,500 for
pursuing, shooting, hunting, killing, scouts, counsels, or otherwise aids a single violation. The complete list of
capturing, trapping, disturbing, harrying, another person in a violation, or who threatened and endangered species is
worrying, wounding, snaring, or netting knowingly possesses, consumes, or available on the Fish & Wildlife website
fish, birds, or other animals. It includes otherwise shares in the proceeds of such (www.vtfishandwildlife.com). The list
placing, setting, drawing, or using any net a violation by receiving or possessing fish includes lake sturgeon, channel darter,
or other device commonly used to take or wild animals, or any parts thereof, shall eastern sand darter, stonecat, timber
fish or wild animals, whether they result be punished as a principal. rattlesnake, bald eagle, spruce grouse,
in taking or not. It includes every attempt beach heather, great laurel, Canada lynx,
to take and every act of assistance to Damage to Fish & Wildlife Property: marten, little brown bat, and Indiana bat.
GENERAL REGULATIONS AND DEFINITIONS
another person in taking or attempting to A person who damages or destroys a Federal penalties also may apply.
take fish or wild animals. wildlife facsimile (decoy) owned by the
Camping and Trespass: It is illegal
Fish & Wildlife Department shall pay Posted Property Under
restitution for its replacement or repair.
to park, drive, or camp on another
Whoever intentionally or recklessly
Fish & Wildlife Law
person’s land without permission of Hunting, fishing, or trapping on properly
damages, injures, interferes with, or
the landowner. You must immediately posted land is illegal without written
destroys any property, real or personal,
leave the property when the landowner permission. This includes land posted
belonging to or controlled by the state
requests it, whether the property is for hunting, fishing, or trapping by
for fish, game, or wildlife purposes shall
posted or not. Roadside or public permission only. Properly posted land will
be fined not more than $2,500 and
highway turnouts are not legal for have records filed with the town clerk and
pay restitution to repair or replace the
overnight camping. the Fish & Wildlife Department. See Title
damaged property.
Importation of Wildlife: It is illegal to bring 10, V.S.A., Sections 5201 to 5206.
live wild mammals, birds, amphibians, Reimbursement for Whether the property is posted or not, a
reptiles, or fish into Vermont without Illegally Taken Fish or hunter or angler shall show their license
previously obtaining an importation
permit from the Fish & Wildlife Wildlife if requested by the landowner.
Department. In addition to any court penalties, anyone It is illegal to damage or remove posters
convicted of illegally taking, destroying, prohibiting hunting, fishing, or trapping.
Interfering With Hunters, Anglers, and
Trappers: It is illegal to intentionally or possessing wild animals must pay, as A person must leave the land
interfere with someone who is lawfully restitution, into the fish and wildlife fund immediately on demand of the owner,
taking fish or wild animals, or to disrupt no more than the following amounts: whether the land is posted or not.
the taking of any fish or wild animal
by harassing or disturbing the fish or Big Game.......................... $2,000.00 Posting and By Permission
animal. Endangered Threatened Only Signs
Species (T10, 5401)...... $2,000.00 A landowner, or a person having the
Interstate Highways: No one may legally
Small Game...........................$500.00 exclusive right to take fish or wild
travel on foot within the right-of-way or
animals on land or the waters thereon
cross-boundary fences along interstate Fish............................................$25.00 may maintain signs stating that hunting,
highways. Rest areas and pullouts are
fishing, or trapping, or any combination
NOT access areas for hunting, fishing, or
entering on adjacent lands unless posted Threatened and of the three is prohibited or by
permission only.
as such. Endangered Species
See 10 V.S.A. Appendix Sect. 14 for
Private Roads and Lands: Law prohibits Anyone who takes or injures a Vermont fish stocking requirements to post
obstructing private driveways, barways, Threatened or Endangered Species is against fishing.
or gateways with motor vehicles. People subject to either civil enforcement or
shall not drive over private lands or enter criminal prosecution for a big game Permission Only signs shall state the
these lands for the purpose of camping violation. Criminal penalties include owner’s name and a method by which to
without the permission of the landowner. up to 60 days incarceration, a $500 to contact the owner or a person authorized
$2,000 fine, a $2,000 payment to the to provide permission to hunt, fish, or
Season Dates: All season dates in this
fish and wildlife fund, and restitution trap on the property.
book are inclusive.
costs. Agency civil enforcement
2019 Fishing Guide & Regulations 19Posting and Permission Only Signs supper. Contact the Law Enforcement Authorized Activities
The owner or person posting the Division of the Fish & Wildlife Department A. Hunting, fishing, trapping, target
land shall annually record the for a permit application. shooting at designated shooting
posting at the town clerk’s office ranges, and associated activities
for a fee of $5.00. Transportation of in accordance with all applicable
Signs must be not less than 8½ Fish or Game Vermont Fish & Wildlife laws and
inches by 11 inches. Transportation of fish or game is only regulations (where WMA maps
permitted in the presence of the person are referred to below, go to
Lettering and background on the
who took that fish or game. A person www.vtfishandwildlife.com
signs must be of contrasting colors. for more information);
shall not transport fish or game
Signs must be maintained at all times
B. Fish and wildlife viewing and
and dated each year. Taken by someone else unless
photography;
Signs must be erected on or near all the person who took the fish or
game accompanies it; C. Boating, including launching and
boundaries, at each corner, and not landing, for fish- and wildlife-based
over 400 feet apart. During closed season for that
activities where not otherwise
Signs shall not be considered void if fish or game;
prohibited by any other relevant
other language is added, as long as a If it exceeds the number or limit regulations or statutes;
reasonable person would understand of fish or game that may legally
D. Dispersed, wildlife-based pedestrian
that hunting, fishing, or trapping are be taken in a day.
activities, including walking,
prohibited. However, a person traveling on land snowshoeing, swimming, cross-
Safety Zone: A property owner may between a temporary abode, such as country skiing, and collection of
establish a 500-foot Safety Zone around a hunting camp, and his or her home shed antlers;
an occupied dwelling, residence, may transport in one day the number E. Noncommercial picking of berries,
barn, stable, or other building with of fish or game that may legally be nuts, fungi, and other wild edibles
signs provided by the Fish & Wildlife taken in two days.
GENERAL REGULATIONS AND DEFINITIONS
except ginseng;
Department. These signs shall be placed While on the waters of the state, a
at each corner of the Safety Zone and no F. Guiding for purposes of fishing,
person may not transport more than one hunting, and trapping;
more than 200 feet apart. Shooting is day’s limit of fish unless the fish is frozen,
prohibited in the Safety Zone, and no wild G. Camping for purposes of hunting,
processed, and packaged for storage.
animal may be taken within it without fishing, or trapping:
permission from the owner.
Public Use of Nonprimitive camping with a
portable shelter equipped with a
Sale or Purchase of Fish & Wildlife Lands self-contained, portable, sanitary
Fish and Game Vermont Fish & Wildlife owns 92 Wildlife toilet on sites designated by the
Management Areas (WMAs), two department for this purpose, for
Sale and Purchase of Fish: A person conservation camps, five fish culture no more than 16 days during the
shall not buy or sell a salmon, trout, stations, and other conservation lands periods of May 1–31 and Sept.
lake trout, walleye, northern pike, totaling more than 135,000 acres 1–Dec. 15; see WMA maps for
muskellunge, black bass, or other fish throughout Vermont. A rule enacted in designated campsite locations.
specified by regulation, taken in this 2013 allows the department to better Primitive camping (occupying a
state, or imported from another state protect the public’s use of and interests site in a natural environment with
or country where sale of such fish is in these lands. WMAs were created for no developed facilities, leaving
prohibited, except such fish reared in the conservation of fish, wildlife, and the site in its original condition
licensed propagation farms within the their habitats, and to provide people so there is no or minimal
state. No person shall buy fish for resale with opportunities to enjoy these evidence of human visitation) on
without a Fish Buyer Permit issued by the resources through fish- and wildlife- the following WMAs for no more
commissioner. based outdoor activities such as fishing, than three consecutive nights;
Game Suppers: Game suppers may be hunting, trapping, and wildlife viewing campsites must be at least 200
held at any time by a church, volunteer and photography. Wildlife Management feet from any waterbody, property
fire department, fish and game club, or Area maps are available at line, or road. For a complete list
other nonprofit organization with a permit www.vtfishandwildlife.com or at Vermont of WMAs that allow primitive
issued by a state game warden. Fish & Wildlife District Offices. camping (and restrictions), see
Wild animals and fish legally taken in https://vtfishandwildlife.com/
Definitions hunt/find-a-place-to-hunt/find-
this state, or another state or country,
Commercial activity means any a-wildlife-management-area/
may be transported and sold as part of
activity or service that produces income authorized-and-prohibited-
a game supper authorized by permit.
for any person, group, business, or activities-on-fish-wildlife-lands.
Big game provided by the Fish & Wildlife
entity, including any activity or service
Department may also be sold at such Prohibited Activities
by any nonprofit entity where a fee is
suppers. Migratory waterfowl, cottontail
required or requested. The operation of any ATV, UTV, or any
rabbits, snowshoe hare, and anadromous
wheeled or tracked motorized vehicle
salmon may not be sold. Permits for Emergency situation means an
not registered for public highway use,
game suppers must state the name of unintended or unforeseen situation that
except as provided under special
the organization holding the supper, poses a risk to health or life of a person
permit from the commissioner to
as well as the date and location of the or animal.
accommodate a person with a
supper. A permit needs to be applied for
qualified disability pursuant to the
at least 10 days before the date of the
Americans With Disabilities Act;
20 Vermont Fish & Wildlife Use of motorized vehicles, except on
roads specifically designated for such
use (see WMA maps);
Snowmobiling, except as approved by
Shelburne Vermont Camping
Kitchenette
the department and on designated
corridors (see WMA maps);
Lodging
Horseback riding, dog sledding,
nonmotorized cycle riding, or use
of motorized vehicles, except on
Open All Year
designated corridors (see WMA maps);
Draft and pack animals, except for
retrieval of legally harvested moose,
deer, and black bear during the
respective hunting season(s);
Commercial activities, except for
4385 Shelburne Road
guiding for purposes of fishing, hunting,
and trapping, or wildlife viewing; Shelburne Vermont 05482 • 802-985-2540
Artifact or fossil collection;
Fires, except in emergency situations,
www.shelburnecamping.com
or for nonprimitive and primitive
camping as specified in this rule;
Abandoning or disposing of any
April-May 15th: All 2nd Nights 1/2 Price
animal carcass, or their parts, except
that portions of fish or game legally
April-June: Vermonters 3rd Night Free
Canadian Residents Money at Par
GENERAL REGULATIONS AND DEFINITIONS
harvested on the property may be
deposited on site during routine
field processing for preservation
Your Hosts The Bissonette Family - 4th Generation
and transport, or parts used in
conjunction with legal trapping;
Construction or placement of temporary
or permanent structures, except for tree
stands and ground blinds as specified
for use on state Wildlife Management
Areas under General Hunting SHELBURNE CAMPING
“Your Vermont Destination”
Information, and duck blinds as
Nice catch!
specified under the Game Bird Hunting
section of the Hunting/Trapping Guide;
Collection of plants, trees, evergreen
brush, or limbs, except wild edibles
when allowed under of this rule;
Use of any fireworks or pyrotechnic
devices, except signal flares in an
emergency situation;
Feeding or baiting of wildlife, except if
otherwise authorized by law;
Taking of fish from a fish culture
station, except during special events
established by the department,
including, but not limited to, fishing
derbies, clinics, and educational events;
Entering within 500 feet of any building
or other associated infrastructure that
is associated with a department fish
culture station or conservation camp
during times of the day other than
those times posted for public use;
Parking of vehicles, except while
engaged in an authorized activity;
All other activities not specifically With 29 waterfront campgrounds, Vermont State Parks
authorized by this rule, or authorized
in writing by the commissioner, offer an affordable and fun getaway for the whole family.
including, but not limited to, para-
sailing, hang gliding, recreational rock
Plan your vacation at vtstateparks.com.
climbing, and geocaching.
2019 Fishing Guide & Regulations 21You can also read
