Vermont § 122 - Fish Management Regulation [Effective until January 1, 2026] 1.0 Authority

§ 122. Fish Management Regulation [Effective until January 1, 2026] 1.0 Authority

• (a) This rule is adopted pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 4081(b). In adopting this rule, the Fish and Wildlife Board is following the policy established
  by the General Assembly that the protection, propagation, control, management, and
  conservation of fish, wildlife and furbearing animals in this state is in the interest
  of the public welfare and that the safeguarding of this valuable resource for the
  people of the state requires a constant and continual vigilance. (b) In accordance with 10 V.S.A. § 4082, this rule is designed to maintain the best health, population and utilization levels
  of Vermont’s fisheries. (c) In accordance with 10 V.S.A. § 4083, this rule establishes open seasons; establishes daily, season, possession limits
  and size limits; prescribes the manner and means of taking fish; and prescribes the
  manner of transportation and exportation of fish. 2.0 Purpose It is the policy of the State that the protection, propagation control, management
  and conservation of fish, wildlife, and furbearing animals in this State is in the
  interest of the public welfare, and that safeguarding of this valuable resource for
  the people of the State requires a constant and continual vigilance. 3.0 Open-Water Fishing, legal methods of taking fish 3.1 Definitions 3.1.1 Department — Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife. 3.1.2 Commissioner — Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife Commissioner. 3.1.3 Open-water fishing — Fishing by means of hook and line in hand or attached to a rod
  or other device in open water. Fishing by casting or trolling baited hooks, artificial
  flies or lures is considered open-water fishing. 3.1.4 Baited Hook — A single shank hook with 1, 2, or 3 points which may be baited with
  natural or artificial bait or both. 3.1.5 Lure — A man-made device designed to catch only 1 fish at a time, to include a spoon,
  plug, spinner, bait harness, tandem hook streamer or lead head jig. 3.1.6 Fly — A single pointed hook dressed with feathers, hair, thread, tinsel, or any similar
  material wound on or about the hook to which no hooks, spinners, spoons, or similar
  devices have been added. 3.1.7 Handheld Spear — A manually powered spear used from above the water’s surface. 3.1.8 Speargun — A pneumatic or rubber band powered device, with a line not to exceed 20
  feet attached to a spear, used from below the water’s surface. 3.1.9 Cull Fish — Carp, tench, rudd, shad (alewife and gizzard shad), and goldfish. Additional
  invasive/exotic fish species may be designated by the Commissioner as “cull fish.” 3.1.10 Immediate Control — Such constant control as would enable the angler to respond forthwith
  to a fish taking their bait, lure or fly promptly and without any delay. 3.1.11 Snagging — Snagging shall mean the intentional hooking of a fish in a place other
  than the inside of the fish’s mouth. No person shall pull, jerk or otherwise purposefully
  and/or repeatedly manipulate a hook, or hooks and line to snag or hook a fish in any
  method other than to entice a fish into taking, by mouth, a hook, lure or fly. Repeated
  and/or exaggerated jerking or pulling of the fishing line and/or hooks in any attempt
  to snag fish, whether it results in physically snagging a fish or not, shall be prima
  facie evidence that snagging has taken place. This shall not apply to the use of a
  gaff to land a fish that has been legally hooked. 3.2 Whether still fishing, casting, or trolling in Vermont waters, a person may take fish
  only by using not more than two lines over which he or she has immediate control and
  to each of which lines is attached not more than two baited hooks, or more than three
  artificial flies, or more than two lures with or without bait. 3.3 A person shall not take any fish pursuant to subsection (3.2) unless it is hooked
  in the mouth. Any fish taken under subsection (3.2) that is not hooked in the mouth
  shall be immediately released pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 4602. A fish hooked in any part of the body other than in the mouth shall be considered
  to be foul hooked, and shall be prima facie evidence of foul hooking. 3.4 Taking or attempting to take fish by snagging is prohibited in all Vermont Waters. 3.5 Catch and Release: For species with defined harvest seasons, targeted C&R angling
  with immediate release can occur outside of harvest season, using artificial lures
  and flies. 4.0 Ice Fishing 4.1 Definitions — The definitions of section 3 are applicable to this section. (a) Ice Fishing — Ice fishing is defined as fishing by means of hook and line in hand
  or attached to a rod, tip-up, jack or bob, where the angler is fishing through a hole
  in the ice, from the ice or on an object supported by the ice. Fishing by casting
  or trolling baited hooks, artificial flies or lures shall not be considered ice fishing. 4.2 Fish may be taken through the ice with not more than eight lines, except on Lake Champlain
  where no more than fifteen lines may be operated. Each line shall not have more than
  two baited hooks, or more than three artificial flies, or more than two lures with
  or without bait. 4.3 A person ice fishing shall have at all times, immediate control over all lines they
  operate. A person ice fishing shall be able to visually observe lines they operate.
  Any line that indicates a fish shall be tended within 30 minutes. 4.4 A person shall not take any fish pursuant to subsection (4.2) unless it is hooked
  in the mouth. Any fish taken under subsection (4.2) that is not hooked in the mouth
  shall be immediately released pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 4602. A fish hooked in any part of the body other than in the mouth shall be considered
  to be foul hooked, and shall be prima facie evidence of foul hooking. 4.5 Taking or attempting to take fish by snagging is prohibited in all Vermont Waters. 4.6 Catch and Release (C&R): For species with defined harvest seasons, targeted C&R angling
  with immediate release can occur outside of harvest season, using artificial lures
  and flies. 5.0 Lake Champlain Boundaries Lake Champlain proper shall be considered to include the setback at the same level
  and the major tributaries to the lake to the following boundaries: Dead Creek to Panton Road bridge in Panton; East Creek to the falls in Orwell (downstream of Mount Independence Road); Lamoille River to the top of first dam (Peterson Dam) in Milton; LaPlatte River to the falls in Shelburne (under Falls Road bridge); Lewis Creek to falls in North Ferrisburgh (just upstream of Old Hollow Road); Little Otter Creek to falls in Ferrisburgh Center (downstream of Little Chicago Road); Malletts Creek to the first falls upstream of Roosevelt Highway (US 2 and US 7) in
  Colchester; Mill River in Georgia to the falls in Georgia (just upstream of Georgia Shore Road
  bridge); Missisquoi River to the top of Swanton Dam in the Village of Swanton; Mud Creek to the dam in Alburg (just upstream of Route 78 bridge); Otter Creek to the top of the dam in the city of Vergennes; Poultney River to Central Vermont Power Dam at Carver Falls in West Haven; Rock River to first Canadian border crossing; Winooski River to the Winooski One hydropower dam west of Main Street (US 7) in Winooski
  and Burlington; 6.0 Seasonally Closed Waters 6.1 Lakes and Ponds — The following lakes and ponds or portions thereof are hereby designated
  seasonally closed waters and shall be closed to all fishing except between Second
  Saturday in April through October 31: Bald Hill Pond, Westmore Beaver Pond, Holland Beck Pond, Newark Beebe Pond, Sunderland Big Mud Pond, Mt. Tabor Bourn Pond, Sunderland Branch Pond, Sunderland Cary Pond, Walden Cow Mountain Pond, Granby Duck Pond, Sutton Forest Lake, Averill Griffith Lake, Mt. Tabor Holland Pond, Holland Jobs Pond, Westmore Lake Pleiad, Hancock Levi Pond, Groton Lewis Pond, Lewis Little Rock Pond, Wallingford Long Pond, Westmore Marl Pond, Sutton Martins Pond, Peacham North Pond, Chittenden Notch Pond, Ferdinand Noyes (Seyon) Pond, Groton Perch Pond (Zack Woods Pond), Hyde Park Pigeon Pond, Groton Red Mill Pond, Woodford Silver Lake, Leicester South America Pond, Ferdinand South Pond, Marlboro Spring Lake, Shrewsbury Stannard Pond, Stannard Sterling Pond, Cambridge Stoughton Pond, Weathersfield Stratton Pond, Stratton Unknown Pond, Averys Gore Unknown Pond, Ferdinand Vail Pond, Sutton Vernon Hatchery Pond, Vernon West Mountain Pond, Maidstone Wheeler Pond, Barton and Sutton Zack Woods (Perch Pond), Hyde Park 6.2 Rivers and Streams — All rivers and streams are hereby designated seasonally closed
  waters except as listed in all the sections below. For species with defined harvest
  seasons, targeted C&R angling with immediate release can occur outside of harvest
  season, using artificial lures and flies. 7.0 Fish — Open Seasons, Size Restrictions and Daily Bag Limits 7.1 Fish of the species named or described in the tables set forth below may be taken: (a) In the waters specified in column 1, by the method specified in column 2, during the
  open season specified in column 3. (b) Provided they meet any size restrictions specified in column 4., and only in numbers
  listed under daily bag limits specified in column 5., under no circumstances may a
  person take in one day, more than the daily bag or weight limit from a listed body
  of water. No person may take in aggregate more than the daily State-wide aggregate
  limit for any species listed. (c) Businesses may buy lawfully taken fish, with the approval of Commissioner, pursuant
  to the Commercial angling rules set forth in 10 V.S.A. App. 123. 7.2 Possession limits are equal to twice the daily bag limits. Fish species with limit
  restrictions may not be possessed in excess of the possession limits at any time. (a) No person shall have live fish in their possession that are transported in a manner
  which attempts to keep them alive when leaving waters of the State (10 V.S.A. § 1251(13)), except as follows: (1) a person may transport approved baitfish species pursuant to the baitfish rules set forth in 10 V.S.A. App. § 141. (2) the person has been issued a scientific collection permit by the Commissioner which
  specifically approves of the activity, (3) the person has been issued a fish transportation permit by the Commissioner which
  specifically approves of the activity, (4) the person has been issued a fish breeders permit or fish importation permit by the
  Commissioner which specifically approves of the activity. 7.3 The daily bag limit for a fish species on a water body with a closed season for that
  fish species is zero during the closed season. 7.4 “General waters” restrictions are the provisions applicable to all waters of the State,
  except the waters specifically named or described. 7.5 Unless otherwise specifically provided, fish not listed in this regulation may be
  taken at any time and without size or catch limit, in waters not listed as seasonally
  closed waters in Section 6 of these regulations. 7.6 Open Seasons, Size Restrictions and Daily Bag Limits Tables (a) STATEWIDE AGGREGATE DAILY BAG LIMITS (Maximum number of a fish species that may be taken in one day) FISH SPECIES DAILY AGGREGATE LIMITS Brook and Brown and Rainbow Trout — Streams/ Rivers Maximum Combination of 8 fish Brook and Brown and Rainbow Trout — lakes and ponds Maximum Combination of 6 fish Lake Trout 2 fish, (3 if taken from Lake Champlain) Salmon 2 fish Large and Smallmouth Bass Maximum combination of 5 fish Northern Pike 5 fish Chain Pickerel 10 fish Muskellunge 0 fish Walleye 3 fish Black and White Crappie 25 fish American Shad 0 fish Yellow Perch 50 fish Yellow Perch exception Lake Champlain — No daily limit Sauger 0 fish Sturgeon 0 fish (b) BROOK, BROWN AND RAINBOW TROUT 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit Lakes and Ponds Open-water and ice fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 January 1, through March 15 No restriction 6 trout Lake Champlain Open-water and ice fishing No closed season Minimum length of 12 inches 3 trout Rivers and Streams Open-water fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 No restriction 8 trout Sherman Reservior, Whitingham Open-water fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 No restriction 6 trout (c) TROPHY TROUT STREAMS 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit Listed Below: Open-water fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 No restriction 2 trout in aggregate Black River along Rt. 131 in Weathersfield and Cavendish, - from Downers covered bridge upstream (approximately 4 miles) to the next bridge across the river, the Howard Hill Bridge. East Creek in Rutland City — From the confluence with Otter Creek upstream (approximately 2.7 miles) to the top of the Patch Dam in Rutland City. Lamoille River — From the downstream edge of the bridge on Route 104 in the Village of Fairfax upstream (approximately 1.6 miles) to the top of the Fairfax Falls Dam in Fairfax Little River — From the confluence with Winooski River in Waterbury upstream to the top of the Waterbury Reservoir Dam in Waterbury. Missisquoi River in Enosburg and Sheldon — From the downstream edge of Kane Road (TH-3) bridge upstream (approximately 5.7 miles) to the top of the Enosburg Falls Dam in Enosburg Falls. Otter Creek in Danby and Mt. Tabor — From the Vermont Railway Bridge north of the fishing access upstream (approximately 2 miles) to the Danby-Mt. Tabor Forest Rd. Bridge (Forest Road # 10). Passumpsic River in the Village of St. Johnsbury — From the top of the Gage Dam in St. Johnsbury upstream (approximately 2.4 miles) to the top of the Arnold Falls Dam Moose River — From the confluence with the Passumpsic River upstream (approximately 350 feet) to the downstream edge of the Concord Avenue bridge in the Village of St. Johnsbury. Walloomsac River in Shaftsbury and Bennington — From the Vermont/New York border inShaftsbury upstream to the top of the former Vermont Tissue Plant Dam (downstream of Murphy Road) in Bennington. Winooski River in Duxbury and Waterbury — From the top of the Bolton Dam in Duxbury and Waterbury upstream to the Route 2 Bridge (east side of Waterbury Village). (d) RAINBOW TROUT (Including STEELHEAD) / BROWN TROUT 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit Listed Below: Open-water fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 Minimum length of 10 inches 2 trout Rivers and Streams: Orleans County: Barton River — From Lake Memphremagog upstream to the downstream side of the US Route 5 bridge southernmost and closest to the Village of Barton in Barton. Black River — From Lake Memphremagog upstream to the downstream side of the VT Route 14 / 58 bridge in Irasburg. Browning Branch of the Willoughby River — From its confluence at the Willoughby River extending upstream to the second road crossing on Brownington Chilafonx Road (TH #15). Crossing is located approximately 2.4 miles from Browington Center on Chilafoux Road (TH #15). Johns River — From the downstream edge of the first bridge (culvert) upstream of Lake Memphremagog on North Derby Road (TH #6) upstream to U.S. 5, in Derby. Willoughby River — The entire Willoughby River, from confluence with Barton River in Barton upstream to the Willoughby Lake outlet in Westmore. (e) BROOK, BROWN, RAINBOW, LAKE TROUT AND SALMON — 2 FISH AGGREGATE LIMITS 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit Listed below: Open-water and Ice fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 January 1 through March 15 See regulations for specific bodies of waters Two fish in aggregate Big Averill Lake, Norton and Averill Caspian Lake, Greensboro Crystal Lake, Barton East Long Pond, Woodbury Echo Lake, Charleston Elligo Lake, Craftsbury and Greensboro Forest Lake (Nelson Pond), Calais and Woodbury Harveys Lake, Barnet Jobs Pond, Westmore (Seasonally Closed) Lake Dunmore, Salisbury Lake Memphremagog (including South Bay), Coventry, Derby, Newport City and Newport Little Averill Lake, Averill Maidstone Lake, Maidstone Martins Pond, Peacham (Seasonally Closed) Nelson Pond (Forest Lake), Calais and Woodbury Nichols Pond, Woodbury Seymour Lake, Morgan Shadow Lake, Glover Spring Lake, Shrewsbury Sunset Lake, Benson Willoughby Lake, Westmore. (f) LAKE TROUT AND SALMON 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit General Waters (except as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31January 1 through March 15 Salmon - Minimum length of 17 inches Lake Trout - Minimum length of 18 inches 2 Lake Trout or 2 Salmon or 1 of each Lake Champlain Open-water and ice fishing No Closed Season Lake Trout and Salmon - Minimum length of 15 inches 3 Lake Trout and 2 Salmon Clyde Pond, Derby Little Salem Lake, Derby Salem Lake, Derby Clyde River from Lake
  Memphremagog upstream to Citizen’s Charleston Dam (Lubber Lake), West Charleston Open-water fishing Second Saturday in April through August 31 Lake Trout - Minimum length of 18 inches Salmon - Minimum length of 17 inches 2 Lake Trout or 2 Salmon or 1 of each Lake Memphremagog (including South Bay) Open-water and ice fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 January 1 through March 15 Lake Trout - Minimum length of 18 inches Salmon - Minimum length of 17 inches 2 Lake Trout or 2 Salmon or 1 of each Listed Below: Open-water fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 Lake Trout— Minimum length of 18 inchesSalmon - Minimum length of 17 inches 2 Lake Trout or 2 Salmon or 1 of each Orleans County: Barton River — From Lake Memphremagog upstream to the downstream side of the US Route 5 bridge southernmost and closest to the Village of Barton in Barton. Black River — From Lake Memphremagog upstream to the downstream side of the VT Route 14 / 58 bridge in Irasburg. Johns River — From the downstream edge of the first bridge (culvert) upstream of Lake Memphremagog on North Derby Road (TH #6) upstream to U.S. 5, in Derby. Willoughby River — The entire Willoughby River, from confluence with Barton River in Barton upstream to the Willoughby Lake outlet in Westmore. (g) SPECIAL REGULATION TROUT STREAMS 1. Waters 2. Method 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit White River — From the confluence with Lilliesville Brook in Stockbridge downstream 3.3 miles to
  220 ft. downstream of the confluence with Cleveland Brook in Bethel. Open-water fishing, with artificial lures and flies only. Second Saturday in April through October 31. Minimum length of 18 inches 1 trout Winooski River Tributaries — Listed Below Open-water fishing June 1 through October 31 10 to 16 inches protected slot: (all fish 10 to 16 inches must be released) 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16 inches Winooski River Tributaries Joiner Brook, Bolton — From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately 1900 feet to the
  first falls. Pinneo Brook, Bolton — From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately 100 feet to the
  railroad crossing. Preston Brook, Bolton — From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately 2600 feet to the
  first falls. Ridley Brook, Duxbury — From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately 1700 feet to the
  first falls. Listed Below: Open-water fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 10 to 16 inches protected slot: (all fish 10 to 16 inches must be released) 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16 inches New Haven River — From Munger Street Bridge in New Haven upstream (approximately 4.1 miles) to the
  South Street bridge in Bristol. Mettawee River — From the downstream edge of the Route 153 bridge in Pawlet upstream (approximately
  16 miles) to the downstream edge of first bridge on Dorset Hollow Road and including
  tributary: Flower Brook upstream (approximately 1000ft) to the downstream edge of
  the Route 30 bridge in Pawlet. Winooski River — From Preston Brook mouth upstream (approximately 4.4 miles) to the Ridley Brook
  mouth. Listed below: Open-water fishing Second Saturday in April through September 30 No size restriction. 8 trout Open-water fishing October 1, through October 31 All trout must be immediately released. Zero, all trout must be immediately released. Batten Kill (East Branch) — In towns of Manchester and Dorset from the downstream side of Depot Street Bridge (Route 11/30) in Manchester upstream (approximately 5.0 miles) to the downstream side of the US Route 7 Bridge south of East Dorset. Green River — In the towns of Arlington and Sandgate from its confluence with Batten Kill upstream (approximately 8.5 miles) to the confluence with Moffitt Hollow Brook in Beartown. Roaring Branch In the towns of Arlington and Sunderland from its confluence with the Batten Kill upstream (approximately 3.0 miles) to the downstream side of the Bridge #14 on Sunderland TH# 3 in East Kansas. Warm Brook — In the town of Arlington from its Confluence with the Roaring Branch upstream (approximately 0.8 miles) to the base of the so-called Hale Company Dam in East Arlington. (h) ANADROMOUS ATLANTIC SALMON 1. Waters 2. Method 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit Connecticut River and tributaries No person shall take or attempt to take an anadromous Atlantic salmon, any salmon
  unintentionally taken shall be immediately released in accordance with section 4602 No open season All fish must be immediately released Zero — All Anadromous Atlantic salmon must be immediately released (i) AMERICAN SHAD 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit Connecticut River, including Vermont river tributaries Open-water fishing No closed season All shad must be released. Zero — All shad must be immediately released. (j) BOWFIN, REDHORSE SUCKER (MULLET), LONGNOSE GAR. 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit General Waters (and as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing No closed season No restriction No more than 5 of any one species General Waters (Except seasonally closed waters and as listed below Speargun, bow and crossbow all with line attached to arrow No closed season No restriction No more than 5 of any one species Lake Champlain, not to include tributaries Open-water and ice fishing, speargun, bow and crossbow all with line attached to arrow No closed season No restriction No more than 5 fish of any one species Lake Champlain, not to include tributaries Shooting and Handheld Spear March 25 through May 25, Title 10 4606(e) No restriction No more than 5 of any one species (k) SUCKER (LONGNOSE AND WHITE), and CULL FISH 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit General Waters (and as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing No closed season No restriction No Limit General Waters (Except seasonally closed waters and as listed below) Speargun, bow and crossbow all with line attached to arrow No Closed Season No restriction No Limit Lake Champlain, not to include tributaries Open-water and ice fishing, speargun, bow and crossbow all with line attached to arrow No closed season No restriction No Limit Lake Champlain, not to include tributaries Shooting and Handheld Spear March 25 through May 25, Title 10 4606(e) No restriction No Limit (l) BULLHEAD 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit General Waters (and as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing No closed season No restriction No Limit Lake Champlain, not to include tributaries Open-water and ice fishing No closed season No restriction No Limit Lake Champlain, not to include tributaries Shooting and Handheld Spear March 25 through May 25, Title 10 4606(e) No restriction No Limit (m) NORTHERN PIKE 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit General Waters (except as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing No closed season Minimum length of 20 inches 5 Fish Lake Champlain Open-water and ice fishing No closed season Minimum length of 20 inches 5 Fish Lake Champlain Shooting and handheld spearing March 25 through May 25, 10 VSA 4606 Minimum length of 20 inches 5 Fish (n) CHAIN AND REDFIN PICKEREL 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limits General Waters (except as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing No closed season No restriction No Limit Lake Champlain Open-water and ice fishing No closed season No restriction 10 fish Lake Champlain Shooting and handheld spearing March 25 through May 25 No restriction 10 fish (o) MUSKELLUNGE 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limits General Waters (except as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing; Catch and release with artificial lures and flies only No closed season All muskellunge must be released Zero - All muskellunge must be immediately released Lake Champlain Open-water and ice fishing; Catch and release with artificial lures and flies only No closed season All muskellunge must be released Zero - All muskellunge must be immediately released Lake Champlain Shooting and handheld spearing March 25 through May 25, 10 VSA 4606(e) Zero Fish (p) SMELT 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit All waters Open-water and ice fishing No closed season No restriction No limit (q) BLACK AND WHITE CRAPPIE 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limits All waters Open-water and ice fishing No closed season Minimum length of 8 inches 25 fish, Combined (r) YELLOW PERCH 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limits General Waters (except as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing No closed season No restriction 50 fish Lake Champlain Open-water and ice fishing No closed season No restriction No Limit Businesses may buy lawfully taken fish, with the approval of the Commissioner, pursuant to the Commercial angling rule set forth in 10 V.S.A. APP § 123. (s) LARGEMOUTH AND SMALLMOUTH BASS 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit General Waters (except as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing Second Saturday in June through March 15. Minimum length of 10 inches 5 fish Lake Champlain Open-water fishing Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30 Minimum length of 12 inches 5 fish Lakes, Ponds and reservoirs (seasonally closed) Open-water fishing Second Saturday in June through October 31. Minimum length of 10 inches 5 Fish Lakes, Ponds and reservoirs (seasonally closed) Open-water fishing: Catch and release with artificial lures and flies only Second Saturday in April through the Friday before the Second Saturday in June, both
  dates inclusive. All bass must be released Zero — All bass must be immediately released Lake Morey, Fairlee Open-water and ice fishing Second Saturday in June through March 15 Minimum length of 14 inches 5 Fish Listed below: Open-water fishing Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30. Minimum length of 10 inches 5 fish Catch and release with artificial lures and flies only Dec. 1 through the Friday before the second Saturday in June, both dates inclusive All bass must be released Zero — All bass must be immediately released. Austin Pond, Hubberton Black Pond, Hubberton Blueberry Lake (Warren Lake), Warren Breese Pond, Hubberton Bullhead Pond, Manchester Gale Meadows, Londonderry Half Moon Pond, Hubberton Lily Pond, Vernon Lowell Lake, Londonderry Mill Pond, Windsor Raponda Lake, Wilmington Retreat Meadows, Brattleboro Roach Pond, Hubberton Runnemede Lake, Windsor Sadawga, Whitingham Weatherhead Hollow, Guilford (t) WALLEYE 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit General Waters and Lake Champlain (except as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing First Saturday in May through March 15 Minimum length of 18 inches 3 Fish Lake Carmi, Franklin Open-water and ice fishing First Saturday in May through March 15 Minimum length of 15 inches Protected lengths — 17 to 19 inches (all fish between 17 & 19 inches must be released) 5 fish, provided only 1 is over 19 inches Chittenden Reservoir, Chittenden including all tributaries upstream to the first barrier
  impassable to upstream fish movement Open-water and ice fishing June 1 through March 15 Minimum length of 22 inches 2 fish (u) SAUGER 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit General Waters and Lake Champlain Open-water and ice fishing No open season Any fish taken must be immediately released. Zero — All Sauger taken must be immediately released. 7.7 Spawning grounds for game fish generally (a) The below listed waters are declared spawning grounds for game fish and are hereby
  closed to the taking of fish from second Saturday in April through May 31 annually. Chittenden County Joiner Brook, Bolton — From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately
  1,900 feet to the first falls. Pinneo Brook, Bolton — From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately
  100 feet to the railroad crossing. Preston Brook, Bolton — From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately
  2,600 feet to the first falls. Orleans County Black River, Coventry — From 600 feet below the falls at Old Harman Mill in Coventry
  upstream to the top of falls at Old Harman Mill in Coventry. Willoughby River, Orleans — From the downstream edge of bridge on Tarbox Hill Road
  in Orleans Village upstream to the top of the natural falls upstream of the bridge
  on Tarbox Hill Road in Orleans Village. Dorin, Wells, Myers, Schoolhouse and Mill Brooks, all in Westmore — From mouth of brooks at Lake Willoughby upstream approximately ¾ mile in Dorin Brook, all of Wells Brook, ½ mile in Myers Brook, ¼ mile in the Schoolhouse Brook and ¼ mile in Mill Brook and tributaries, all in Westmore. For identification purpose these brooks are arranged in order from north to south, and flow through Vermont Agency of Transportation structures on Route 5A number 10, 9, 8, 7 and 6, respectively. Porter Brook, Greensboro — From Caspian Lake upstream to its headwaters. (1987, Fish
  and Wildlife Commissioner’s Reg. No. 970, eff. April 1, 1987.) Washington County Chase Brook, Berlin — From its confluence with the Dog River upstream approximately ½ mile to the top of the natural falls in Berlin. Ridley Brook, Duxbury — From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately
  1,700 feet to the first falls. Windsor County Lilliesville Brook, Stockbridge — From its confluence with the White River upstream
  to the 2nd bridge on the Lilliesville Brook Road. Locust Creek, Bethel — From its confluence with the White River upstream to the 2nd
  bridge on Rt. 12. (b) The below named waters are closed from March 16 through May 31. Chittenden County Lamoille River, Milton — From the downstream edge of the bridge on Bear Trap Road
  in Milton (referred to as the West Milton Bridge upstream to the top of first dam
  (Peterson Dam) in Milton. Winooski River,Winooski and Burlington — From theWinooski One Hydro dam west of Main
  Street (US 7) in Winooski and Burlington and extending downstream to the downstream
  side of the first railroad bridge. Franklin County Missisquoi River, Swanton — From the top of the Swanton dam in the Village of Swanton
  downstream approximately 850 feet to the water treatment plant on the west side of
  the river, and down- stream approximately 850 feet to the upstream end of the cement
  breakwater on the east side of the river. (1988, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No.
  975, eff. April 7, 1988.) (c) The below named waters are closed from March 16 to the Friday before the 1st Saturday
  in May, both dates inclusive: Franklin County Missisquoi River, Swanton — From the top of the Swanton Dam in the Village of Swanton
  extending downstream 5,120 feet to the Northwest corner (downstream) of the Riverside
  Cemetery and across the river to a pole on the Northeast bank. (d) The below named waters are closed to fishing year-round: Orleans County Clyde River, Newport City — From 260 feet below the top of the abandoned Mill Dam
  immediately upstream of the Number 1, 2, 3 hydroelectric powerhouse in Newport City,
  upstream to the top of the abandoned Mill Dam immediately upstream of the Number 1,
  2, 3 hydroelectric powerhouse in Newport City. (e) The below named water is only open to fishing using artificial flies and lures from
  September 1 to October 31. All salmon caught must be released. Lake Trout may be harvest
  during this period. The daily limit is 2 lake trout with a minimum length of 18 inches Clyde River — From Lake Memphremagog upstream to Charleston Dam (Lubber Lake), West
  Charleston (f) The below named water is catch and release for trout from Second Saturday in April
  to October 31. All trout must be immediately released. Batten Kill River — From the New York State line upstream (approximately 20.6 miles)
  to downstream side of Depot Street Bridge (Route 11/30) in Manchester (g) The below named water is catch and release for trout with artificial lures and flies
  only, anglers less than 15 years old may use live bait from Second Saturday in April
  to October 31. All trout must be immediately released. Dog River — From the downstream edge of the Junction Road Bridge in Berlin/Montpelier
  upstream to the top of the Northfield Falls Dam in Northfield. (h) The below named waters are closed to fishing from November 1 to the Friday before
  the second Saturday in April. Batten Kill River — From the New York State line upstream (approximately 20.6 miles)
  to downstream side of Depot Street Bridge (Route 11/30) in Manchester. Clyde River — From Lake Memphremagog upstream to Charleston Dam (Lubber Lake), West
  Charleston Dog River — From the downstream edge of the Junction Road Bridge in Berlin/Montpelier
  upstream to the top of the Northfield Falls Dam in Northfield. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 2, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1963, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. —, eff. Aug. 23, 1963; 1966, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. —, eff. Jan. 1, 1967; 1968, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. —, eff. Jan. 1, 1969; 1971, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 840, eff. March 19, 1971; 1971, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. —, eff. June 21, 1971; 1973, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 866, eff. Jan. 20, 1973; 1974, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 892, eff. Dec. 26, 1974; 1975, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 895, eff. Jan. 1, 1976; 1976, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 899, eff. Jan. 1, 1977; 1977, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 904, § 5, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; 1977, No. 245 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Apr. 17, 1978; 1978, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 906, eff. Oct. 21, 1978; 1979, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 913, eff. Nov. 21, 1979; 1980, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 915, eff. June 30, 1980; 1980, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 926, §§ 1-7, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; 1983, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 936, §§ 1, 5, eff. Jan. 1, 1983; 1983, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 942, eff. June 9, 1983; 1983, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 946, eff. Oct. 17, 1983; 1984, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 950, eff. Sept. 17, 1984; 1984, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 951, eff. Sept. 17, 1984; 1985, No. 953, eff. Jan. 1, 1985; 1985, No. 49; 1986, No. 962, eff. June 6, 1986; 1987, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 971, eff. Sept. 17, 1987; 1990, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 980, eff. Feb. 23, 1990; 1991, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 982, eff. Jan. 5, 1991; 1991, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 990, eff. Sept. 1991; 1993, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 998, eff. March 23, 1993; 1995, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Jan. 2, 1996; 1997, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Nov. 1, 1997; 1999, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. March 13, 1999; 2000 Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Oct. 7, 2000; 2003, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Dec. 6, 2002; 2004, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. June 4, 2004; 2005, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. July 21, 2005; 2005A, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. March 31, 2006; 2007, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Sept. 1, 2006; 2008, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Jan. 1, 2009; 2010 Fish and Wildlife Reg. effective Jan. 1, 2011; 2013 Fish and Wildlife Reg. eff. Jan. 1, 2014; 2015 Fish and Wildlife Reg. eff. Jan. 1, 2016; 2017 Fish and Wildlife Reg. eff. Jan. 1, 2018; 2018 Fish and Wildlife Reg. eff. Jan. 1, 2019; 2021 Fish and Wildlife Reg. eff. Jan. 1, 2022.) § 122. Fish Management Regulation [Effective January 1, 2026] 1.0 Authority (a) This rule is adopted pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 4081(b). In adopting this rule, the Fish and Wildlife Board is following the policy established
  by the General Assembly that the protection, propagation, control, management, and
  conservation of fish, wildlife and furbearing animals in this state is in the interest
  of the public welfare and that the safeguarding of this valuable resource for the
  people of the state requires a constant and continual vigilance. (b) In accordance with 10 V.S.A. § 4082, this rule is designed to maintain the best health, population and utilization levels
  of Vermont’s fisheries. (c) In accordance with 10 V.S.A. § 4083, this rule establishes open seasons; establishes daily, season, possession limits
  and size limits; prescribes the manner and means of taking fish; and prescribes the
  manner of transportation and exportation of fish. 2.0 Purpose It is the policy of the State that the protection, propagation control, management
  and conservation of fish, wildlife, and furbearing animals in this State is in the
  interest of the public welfare, and that safeguarding of this valuable resource for
  the people of the State requires a constant and continual vigilance. 3.0 Open-Water Fishing, legal methods of taking fish 3.1 Definitions (a) Department — Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife. (b) Commissioner — Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife Commissioner. (c) Open-water fishing — Fishing by means of hook and line in hand or attached to a rod
  or other device in open water. Fishing by casting or trolling baited hooks, artificial
  flies or lures is considered open-water fishing. (d) Baited Hook — A single shank hook with 1, 2, or 3 points which may be baited with
  natural or artificial bait or both. (e) Lure — A man-made device designed to catch only 1 fish at a time, to include a spoon,
  plug, spinner, bait harness, tandem hook streamer or lead head jig. (f) Fly — A single pointed hook dressed with feathers, hair, thread, tinsel, or any similar
  material wound on or about the hook to which no hooks, spinners, spoons, or similar
  devices have been added. (g) Handheld Spear — A manually powered spear used from above the water’s surface. (h) Speargun — A pneumatic or rubber band powered device, with a line not to exceed 20
  feet attached to a spear, used from below the water’s surface. (i) Cull Fish — Carp, tench, rudd, shad (alewife and gizzard shad), and goldfish. Additional
  invasive/exotic fish species may be designated by the Commissioner as “cull fish.” (j) Immediate Control — Such constant control as would enable the angler to respond forthwith
  to a fish taking their bait, lure or fly promptly and without any delay. (k) Snagging — Snagging shall mean the intentional hooking of a fish in a place other
  than the inside of the fish’s mouth. No person shall pull, jerk or otherwise purposefully
  and/or repeatedly manipulate a hook, or hooks and line to snag or hook a fish in any
  method other than to entice a fish into taking, by mouth, a hook, lure or fly. Repeated
  and/or exaggerated jerking or pulling of the fishing line and/or hooks in any attempt
  to snag fish, whether it results in physically snagging a fish or not, shall be prima
  facie evidence that snagging has taken place. This shall not apply to the use of a
  gaff to land a fish that has been legally hooked. 3.2 Whether still fishing, casting, or trolling in Vermont waters, a person may take fish
  only by using not more than two lines over which he or she has immediate control and
  to each of which lines is attached not more than two baited hooks, or more than three
  artificial flies, or more than two lures with or without bait. 3.3 A person shall not take any fish pursuant to subsection (3.2) unless it is hooked
  in the mouth. Any fish taken under subsection (3.2) that is not hooked in the mouth
  shall be immediately released pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 4602. A fish hooked in any part of the body other than in the mouth shall be considered
  to be foul hooked, and shall be prima facie evidence of foul hooking. 3.4 Taking or attempting to take fish by snagging is prohibited in all Vermont Waters. 3.5 Catch and Release: For species with defined harvest seasons, targeted C&R angling
  with immediate release can occur outside of harvest season, using artificial lures
  and flies. 4.0 Ice Fishing 4.1 Definitions — The definitions of section 3 are applicable to this section. (a) Ice Fishing — Ice fishing is defined as fishing by means of hook and line in hand
  or attached to a rod, tip-up, jack or bob, where the angler is fishing through a hole
  in the ice, from the ice or on an object supported by the ice. Fishing by casting
  or trolling baited hooks, artificial flies or lures shall not be considered ice fishing. 4.2 Fish may be taken through the ice with not more than eight lines, except on Lake Champlain
  where no more than fifteen lines may be operated. Each line shall not have more than
  two baited hooks, or more than three artificial flies, or more than two lures with
  or without bait. 4.3 A person ice fishing shall have at all times, immediate control over all lines they
  operate. A person ice fishing shall be able to visually observe lines they operate.
  Any line that indicates a fish shall be tended within 30 minutes. 4.4 A person shall not take any fish pursuant to subsection (4.2) unless it is hooked
  in the mouth. Any fish taken under subsection (4.2) that is not hooked in the mouth
  shall be immediately released pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 4602. A fish hooked in any part of the body other than in the mouth shall be considered
  to be foul hooked, and shall be prima facie evidence of foul hooking. 4.5 Taking or attempting to take fish by snagging is prohibited in all Vermont Waters. 4.6 Catch and Release (C&R): For species with defined harvest seasons, targeted C&R angling
  with immediate release can occur outside of harvest season, using artificial lures
  and flies. 5.0 Lake Champlain Boundaries Lake Champlain proper shall be considered to include the setback at the same level
  and the major tributaries to the lake to the following boundaries: Dead Creek to Panton Road bridge in Panton; East Creek to the falls in Orwell (downstream of Mount Independence Road); Lamoille River to the top of first dam (Peterson Dam) in Milton; LaPlatte River to the falls in Shelburne (under Falls Road bridge); Lewis Creek to falls in North Ferrisburgh (just upstream of Old Hollow Road); Little Otter Creek to falls in Ferrisburgh Center (downstream of Little Chicago Road); Malletts Creek to the first falls upstream of Roosevelt Highway (US 2 and US 7) in
  Colchester; Mill River in Georgia to the falls in Georgia (just upstream of Georgia Shore Road
  bridge); Missisquoi River to the top of Swanton Dam in the Village of Swanton; Mud Creek to the dam in Alburg (just upstream of Route 78 bridge); Otter Creek to the top of the dam in the city of Vergennes; Poultney River to Central Vermont Power Dam at Carver Falls in West Haven; Rock River to first Canadian border crossing; Winooski River to the Winooski One hydropower dam west of Main Street (US 7) in Winooski
  and Burlington; 6.0 Seasonally Closed Waters 6.1 Lakes and Ponds — The following lakes and ponds or portions thereof are hereby designated
  seasonally closed waters and shall be closed to all fishing except between Second
  Saturday in April through October 31: Bald Hill Pond, Westmore Beaver Pond, Holland Beck Pond, Newark Beebe Pond, Sunderland Big Mud Pond, Mt. Tabor Bourn Pond, Sunderland Branch Pond, Sunderland Cary Pond, Walden Cow Mountain Pond, Granby Duck Pond, Sutton Forest Lake, Averill Griffith Lake, Mt. Tabor Holland Pond, Holland Jobs Pond, Westmore Lake Pleiad, Hancock Levi Pond, Groton Lewis Pond, Lewis Little Rock Pond, Wallingford Long Pond, Westmore Marl Pond, Sutton Martins Pond, Peacham Mud Pond, Hyde Park North Pond, Chittenden Notch Pond, Ferdinand Noyes (Seyon) Pond, Groton Perch Pond (Zack Woods Pond), Hyde Park Pigeon Pond, Groton Red Mill Pond, Woodford Silver Lake, Leicester South America Pond, Ferdinand South Pond, Marlboro Spring Lake, Shrewsbury Stannard Pond, Stannard Sterling Pond, Cambridge Stoughton Pond, Weathersfield Stratton Pond, Stratton Unknown Pond, Averys Gore Unknown Pond, Ferdinand Vail Pond, Sutton Vernon Hatchery Pond, Vernon West Mountain Pond, Maidstone Wheeler Pond, Barton and Sutton Zack Woods (Perch Pond), Hyde Park 6.2 Rivers and Streams — All rivers and streams are hereby designated seasonally closed
  waters except as listed in all the sections below. For species with defined harvest
  seasons, targeted C&R angling with immediate release can occur outside of harvest
  season, using artificial lures and flies. 7.0 Fish — Open Seasons, Size Restrictions and Daily Bag Limits 7.1 Fish of the species named or described in the tables set forth below may be taken: (a) In the waters specified in column 1, by the method specified in column 2, during the
  open season specified in column 3. (b) Provided they meet any size restrictions specified in column 4., and only in numbers
  listed under daily bag limits specified in column 5., under no circumstances may a
  person take in one day, more than the daily bag or weight limit from a listed body
  of water. No person may take in aggregate more than the daily State-wide aggregate
  limit for any species listed. (c) Businesses may buy lawfully taken fish, with the approval of Commissioner, pursuant
  to the Commercial angling rules set forth in 10 V.S.A. App. 123. 7.2 Possession limits are equal to twice the daily bag limits. Fish species with limit
  restrictions may not be possessed in excess of the possession limits at any time. (a) No person shall have live fish in their possession that are transported in a manner
  which attempts to keep them alive when leaving waters of the State (10 V.S.A. § 1251(13)), except as follows: (1) a person may transport approved baitfish species pursuant to the baitfish rules set forth in 10 V.S.A. App. § 141. (2) the person has been issued a scientific collection permit by the Commissioner which
  specifically approves of the activity, (3) the person has been issued a fish transportation permit by the Commissioner which
  specifically approves of the activity, (4) the person has been issued a fish breeders permit or fish importation permit by the
  Commissioner which specifically approves of the activity. 7.3 The daily bag limit for a fish species on a water body with a closed season for that
  fish species is zero during the closed season. 7.4 “General waters” restrictions are the provisions applicable to all waters of the State,
  except the waters specifically named or described. 7.5 Unless otherwise specifically provided, fish not listed in this regulation may be
  taken at any time and without size or catch limit, in waters not listed as seasonally
  closed waters in Section 6 of these regulations. 7.6 Open Seasons, Size Restrictions and Daily Bag Limits Tables (a) STATEWIDE AGGREGATE DAILY BAG LIMITS (Maximum number of a fish species that may be taken in one day) FISH SPECIES DAILY AGGREGRATE LIMITS Brook and Brown and Rainbow Trout — Streams/ Rivers Maximum Combination of 8 fish Brook and Brown and Rainbow Trout — lakes and ponds Maximum Combination of 6 fish Lake Trout 2 fish, (3 if taken from Lake Champlain) Salmon 2 fish Large and Smallmouth Bass Maximum combination of 5 fish Northern Pike 5 fish Chain Pickerel 10 fish Muskellunge 0 fish Walleye 3 fish American Shad 0 fish Sauger 0 fish Sturgeon 0 fish Panfish, defined as: Bluegill, Bullhead, Black and White Crappie, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Yellow Perch 50 fish total, no more than 25 of which can be Black and White Crappie Exception for Bluegill, Bullhead, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass, Yellow Perch Lake Champlain – no daily limit (b) BROOK, BROWN AND RAINBOW TROUT 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit Lakes and Ponds Open-water and ice fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 January 1, through March 15 No restriction 6 trout Lake Champlain Open-water and ice fishing No closed season Minimum length of 12 inches 3 trout Rivers and Streams Open-water fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 No restriction 8 trout Sherman Reservior, Whitingham Open-water fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 No restriction 6 trout (c) TROPHY TROUT STREAMS 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit Listed Below: Open-water fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 No restriction 2 trout in aggregate Black River along Rt. 131 in Weathersfield and Cavendish, - from Downers covered bridge upstream (approximately 4 miles) to the next bridge across the river, the Howard Hill Bridge. Deerfield River in Searsburg and Somerset – from the downstream edge of the East Branch Trailhead bridge upstream 4 miles to the downstream edge of the bridge on Somerset Rd. near junction with Forest Rd. 71. East Creek in Rutland City — From the confluence with Otter Creek upstream approximately 2.7 miles) to the top of the Patch Dam in Rutland City. Lamoille River — From the downstream edge of the bridge on Route 104 in the Village of Fairfax upstream (approximately 1.6 miles) to the top of the Fairfax Falls Dam in Fairfax Little River — From the confluence with Winooski River in Waterbury upstream to the top of the Waterbury Reservoir Dam in Waterbury. Missisquoi River in Enosburg and Sheldon — From the downstream edge of Kane Road (TH-3) bridge upstream (approximately 5.7 miles) to the top of the Enosburg Falls Dam in Enosburg Falls. Otter Creek in Danby and Mt. Tabor — From the Vermont Railway Bridge north of the fishing access upstream (approximately 2 miles) to the Danby-Mt. Tabor Forest Rd. Bridge (Forest Road # 10). Passumpsic River in the Village of St. Johnsbury — From the top of the Gage Dam in St. Johnsbury upstream (approximately 2.4 miles) to the top of the Arnold Falls Dam Moose River — From the confluence with the Passumpsic River upstream (approximately 350 feet) to the downstream edge of the Concord Avenue bridge in the Village of St. Johnsbury. Walloomsac River in Shaftsbury and Bennington — From the Vermont/New York border inShaftsbury upstream to the top of the former Vermont Tissue Plant Dam (downstream of Murphy Road) in Bennington. Winooski River in Duxbury and Waterbury — From the top of the Bolton Dam in Duxbury and Waterbury upstream to the Route 2 Bridge (east side of Waterbury Village). (d) RAINBOW TROUT (Including STEELHEAD) / BROWN TROUT 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit Listed Below: Open-water fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 Minimum length of 10 inches 2 trout Rivers and Streams: Orleans County: Barton River — From Lake Memphremagog upstream to the downstream side of the US Route 5 bridge southernmost and closest to the Village of Barton in Barton. Black River — From Lake Memphremagog upstream to the downstream side of the VT Route 14 / 58 bridge in Irasburg. Browning Branch of the Willoughby River — From its confluence at the Willoughby River extending upstream to the second road crossing on Brownington Chilafonx Road (TH #15). Crossing is located approximately 2.4 miles from Browington Center on Chilafoux Road (TH #15). Johns River — From the downstream edge of the first bridge (culvert) upstream of Lake Memphremagog on North Derby Road (TH #6) upstream to U.S. 5, in Derby. Willoughby River — The entire Willoughby River, from confluence with Barton River in Barton upstream to the Willoughby Lake outlet in Westmore. (e) BROOK, BROWN, RAINBOW, LAKE TROUT AND SALMON — 2 FISH AGGREGATE LIMITS 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit Listed below: Open-water and Ice fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 January 1 through March 15 See regulations for specific bodies of waters Two fish in aggregate Big Averill Lake, Norton and Averill Caspian Lake, Greensboro Crystal Lake, Barton East Long Pond, Woodbury Echo Lake, Charleston Elligo Lake, Craftsbury and Greensboro Forest Lake (Nelson Pond), Calais and Woodbury Harveys Lake, Barnet Jobs Pond, Westmore (Seasonally Closed) Lake Dunmore, Salisbury Lake Memphremagog (including South Bay), Coventry, Derby, Newport City and Newport Little Averill Lake, Averill Maidstone Lake, Maidstone Martins Pond, Peacham (Seasonally Closed) Nelson Pond (Forest Lake), Calais and Woodbury Nichols Pond, Woodbury Seymour Lake, Morgan Shadow Lake, Glover Spring Lake, Shrewsbury Sunset Lake, Benson Willoughby Lake, Westmore. (f) LAKE TROUT AND SALMON 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit General Waters (except as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31January 1 through March 15 Salmon - Minimum length of 17 inches Lake Trout - Minimum length of 18 inches 2 Lake Trout or 2 Salmon or 1 of each Lake Champlain Open-water and ice fishing No Closed Season Lake Trout and Salmon - Minimum length of 15 inches 3 Lake Trout and 2 Salmon Clyde Pond, Derby Little Salem Lake, Derby Salem Lake, Derby Clyde River from Lake
  Memphremagog upstream to Citizen’s Charleston Dam (Lubber Lake), West Charleston Open-water fishing Second Saturday in April through August 31 Lake Trout - Minimum length of 18 inches Salmon - Minimum length of 17 inches 2 Lake Trout or 2 Salmon or 1 of each Lake Memphremagog (including South Bay) Open-water and ice fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 January 1 through March 15 Lake Trout - Minimum length of 24 inches Salmon - Minimum length of 17 inches 1 Lake Trout or 2 Salmon or 1 of each Listed Below: Open-water fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 Lake Trout— Minimum length of 18 inchesSalmon - Minimum length of 17 inches 2 Lake Trout or 2 Salmon or 1 of each Orleans County: Barton River — From Lake Memphremagog upstream to the downstream side of the US Route 5 bridge southernmost and closest to the Village of Barton in Barton. Black River — From Lake Memphremagog upstream to the downstream side of the VT Route 14 / 58 bridge in Irasburg. Johns River — From the downstream edge of the first bridge (culvert) upstream of Lake Memphremagog on North Derby Road (TH #6) upstream to U.S. 5, in Derby. Willoughby River — The entire Willoughby River, from confluence with Barton River in Barton upstream to the Willoughby Lake outlet in Westmore. (g) SPECIAL REGULATION TROUT STREAMS 1. Waters 2. Method 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit White River — From the confluence with Lilliesville Brook in Stockbridge downstream 3.3 miles to
  220 ft. downstream of the confluence with Cleveland Brook in Bethel. Open-water fishing, with artificial lures and flies only. Second Saturday in April through October 31. Minimum length of 18 inches 1 trout Winooski River Tributaries — Listed Below Open-water fishing June 1 through October 31 10 to 16 inches protected slot: (all fish 10 to 16 inches must be released) 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16 inches Winooski River Tributaries Joiner Brook, Bolton — From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately 1900 feet to the
  first falls. Pinneo Brook, Bolton — From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately 100 feet to the
  railroad crossing. Preston Brook, Bolton — From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately 2600 feet to the
  first falls. Ridley Brook, Duxbury — From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately 1700 feet to the
  first falls. Listed Below: Open-water fishing Second Saturday in April through October 31 10 to 16 inches protected slot: (all fish 10 to 16 inches must be released) 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16 inches New Haven River — From Munger Street Bridge in New Haven upstream (approximately 4.1 miles) to the
  South Street bridge in Bristol. Mettawee River — From the downstream edge of the Route 153 bridge in Pawlet upstream (approximately
  16 miles) to the downstream edge of first bridge on Dorset Hollow Road and including
  tributary: Flower Brook upstream (approximately 1000ft) to the downstream edge of
  the Route 30 bridge in Pawlet. Winooski River — From Preston Brook mouth upstream (approximately 4.4 miles) to the Ridley Brook
  mouth. Listed below: Open-water fishing Second Saturday in April through September 30 No size restriction. 8 trout Open-water fishing October 1, through October 31 All trout must be immediately released. Zero, all trout must be immediately released. Batten Kill (East Branch) — In towns of Manchester and Dorset from the downstream side of Depot Street Bridge (Route 11/30) in Manchester upstream (approximately 5.0 miles) to the downstream side of the US Route 7 Bridge south of East Dorset. Green River — In the towns of Arlington and Sandgate from its confluence with Batten Kill upstream (approximately 8.5 miles) to the confluence with Moffitt Hollow Brook in Beartown. Roaring Branch In the towns of Arlington and Sunderland from its confluence with the Batten Kill upstream (approximately 3.0 miles) to the downstream side of the Bridge #14 on Sunderland TH# 3 in East Kansas. Warm Brook — In the town of Arlington from its Confluence with the Roaring Branch upstream (approximately 0.8 miles) to the base of the so-called Hale Company Dam in East Arlington. (h) ANADROMOUS ATLANTIC SALMON 1. Waters 2. Method 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit Connecticut River and tributaries No person shall take or attempt to take an anadromous Atlantic salmon, any salmon
  unintentionally taken shall be immediately released in accordance with section 4602 No open season All fish must be immediately released Zero — All Anadromous Atlantic salmon must be immediately released (i) AMERICAN SHAD 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit Connecticut River, including Vermont river tributaries Open-water fishing No closed season All shad must be released. Zero — All shad must be immediately released. (j) BOWFIN, REDHORSE SUCKER (MULLET), LONGNOSE GAR. 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit General Waters (and as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing No closed season No restriction No more than 5 of any one species General Waters (Except seasonally closed waters and as listed below Speargun, bow and crossbow all with line attached to arrow No closed season No restriction No more than 5 of any one species Lake Champlain, not to include tributaries Open-water and ice fishing, speargun, bow and crossbow all with line attached to arrow No closed season No restriction No more than 5 fish of any one species Lake Champlain, not to include tributaries Shooting and Handheld Spear March 25 through May 25, Title 10 4606(e) No restriction No more than 5 of any one species (k) SUCKER (LONGNOSE AND WHITE), and CULL FISH 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit General Waters (and as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing No closed season No restriction No Limit General Waters (Except seasonally closed waters and as listed below) Speargun, bow and crossbow all with line attached to arrow No Closed Season No restriction No Limit Lake Champlain, not to include tributaries Open-water and ice fishing, speargun, bow and crossbow all with line attached to arrow No closed season No restriction No Limit Lake Champlain, not to include tributaries Shooting and Handheld Spear March 25 through May 25, Title 10 4606(e) No restriction No Limit (l) PANFISH, defined as Bluegill, Bullhead, Black and White Crappie, Pumpkinseed, Rock
  Bass, Yellow Perch 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit General Waters (and as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing No closed season Minimum length of 8” for Black and White Crappie; No restriction for other species 50 fish total, no more than 25 of which can be Black and WhiteCrappie Lake Champlain Open-water and ice fishing No closed season Minimum length of 8” for Black and White Crappie; No restriction for other species 25 Black and Whit Crappie Combined; No limit for other species species Lake Champlain, not to include tributaries Bullhead only: Shooting and handheld Spear March 25 through May 25, Title 10 4606(e) Bullhead only: No restriction Bullhead only: No limit Berlin Pond Stiles Pond Open-water and ice fishing No closed season Minimum length of 8” for Black and White Crappie; No restriction for other species 50 fish total, no more than 10 of which can be Yellow Perch, and no more than 25 of
  which can be Black and White Crappie Businesses may buy lawfully taken fish, with the approval of the Commissioner, pursuant to the Commercial angling rule set forth in 10 V.S.A. APP § 123. (m) NORTHERN PIKE 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit General Waters (except as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing No closed season Minimum length of 20 inches 5 Fish Lake Champlain Open-water and ice fishing No closed season Minimum length of 20 inches 5 Fish Lake Champlain Shooting and handheld spearing March 25 through May 25, 10 VSA 4606 Minimum length of 20 inches 5 Fish (n) CHAIN AND REDFIN PICKEREL 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limits General Waters (except as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing No closed season No restriction No Limit Lake Champlain Open-water and ice fishing No closed season No restriction 10 fish Lake Champlain Shooting and handheld spearing March 25 through May 25 No restriction 10 fish (o) MUSKELLUNGE 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limits General Waters (except as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing; Catch and release with artificial lures and flies only No closed season All muskellunge must be released Zero - All muskellunge must be immediately released Lake Champlain Open-water and ice fishing; Catch and release with artificial lures and flies only No closed season All muskellunge must be released Zero - All muskellunge must be immediately released Lake Champlain Shooting and handheld spearing March 25 through May 25, 10 VSA 4606(e) Zero Fish (p) SMELT 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit All waters Open-water and ice fishing No closed season No restriction No limit (q) LARGEMOUTH AND SMALLMOUTH BASS 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit General Waters (except as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing Second Saturday in June through March 15. Minimum length of 10 inches 5 fish Lake Champlain Open-water fishing Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30 Minimum length of 12 inches 5 fish Lakes, Ponds and reservoirs (seasonally closed) Open-water fishing Second Saturday in June through October 31. Minimum length of 10 inches 5 Fish Lakes, Ponds and reservoirs (seasonally closed) Open-water fishing: Catch and release with artificial lures and flies only Second Saturday in April through the Friday before the Second Saturday in June, both
  dates inclusive. All bass must be released Zero — All bass must be immediately released Lake Morey, Fairlee Open-water and ice fishing Second Saturday in June through March 15 Minimum length of 14 inches 5 Fish Listed below: Open-water fishing Second Saturday in June through Nov. 30. Minimum length of 10 inches 5 fish Catch and release with artificial lures and flies only Dec. 1 through the Friday before the second Saturday in June, both dates inclusive All bass must be released Zero — All bass must be immediately released. Austin Pond, Hubberton Black Pond, Hubberton Blueberry Lake (Warren Lake), Warren Breese Pond, Hubberton Bullhead Pond, Manchester Gale Meadows, Londonderry Half Moon Pond, Hubberton Lily Pond, Vernon Lowell Lake, Londonderry Mill Pond, Windsor Raponda Lake, Wilmington Retreat Meadows, Brattleboro Roach Pond, Hubberton Runnemede Lake, Windsor Sadawga, Whitingham Weatherhead Hollow, Guilford (r) WALLEYE 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit General Waters and Lake Champlain (except as listed below) Open-water and ice fishing First Saturday in May through March 15 Minimum length of 18 inches 3 Fish Lake Carmi, Franklin Open-water and ice fishing First Saturday in May through March 15 Minimum length of 15 inches Protected lengths — 17 to 19 inches (all fish between 17 & 19 inches must be released) 5 fish, provided only 1 is over 19 inches Chittenden Reservoir, Chittenden including all tributaries upstream to the first barrier
  impassable to upstream fish movement Open-water and ice fishing June 1 through March 15 Minimum length of 22 inches 2 fish (s) SAUGER 1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size Restrictions 5. Daily Bag Limit General Waters and Lake Champlain Open-water and ice fishing No open season Any fish taken must be immediately released. Zero — All Sauger taken must be immediately released. 7.7 Spawning grounds for game fish generally (a) The below listed waters are declared spawning grounds for game fish and are hereby
  closed to the taking of fish from March 16 through May 31 annually. Chittenden County Joiner Brook, Bolton — From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately
  1,900 feet to the first falls. Pinneo Brook, Bolton — From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately
  100 feet to the railroad crossing. Preston Brook, Bolton — From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately
  2,600 feet to the first falls. Lamoille River, Milton — From the downstream edge of the bridge on Bear Trap Road in Milton (referred to as the West Milton Bridge upstream to the top of first dam (Peterson Dam) in Milton. Winooski River, Winooski and Burlington — From the Winooski One Hydro dam west of Main Street (US 7) in Winooski and Burlington and extending downstream to the downstream side of the first railroad bridge. Franklin County Missisquoi River, Swanton — From the top of the Swanton dam in the Village of Swanton downstream approximately 850 feet to the water treatment plant
  on the west side of the river, and downstream approximately 850 feet to the upstream
  end of the cement breakwater on the east side of the river. (1988, Fish and Wildlife
  Board Reg. No. 975, eff. April 7, 1988.) Orleans County Black River, Coventry — From 600 feet below the falls at Old Harman Mill in Coventry
  upstream to the top of falls at Old Harman Mill in Coventry. Blodgett/Tarbox Brook — from the confluence with Willoughby River upstream 1,300’
  to bridge on Tarbox Hill Road. Willoughby River, Orleans — From the downstream edge of bridge on Tarbox Hill Road
  in Orleans Village upstream to the top of the natural falls upstream of the bridge
  on Tarbox Hill Road in Orleans Village. Dorin, Wells, Myers, Schoolhouse and Mill Brooks, all in Westmore — From mouth of brooks at Lake Willoughby upstream approximately ¾ mile in Dorin Brook, all of Wells Brook, ½ mile in Myers Brook, ¼ mile in the Schoolhouse Brook and ¼ mile in Mill Brook and tributaries, all in Westmore. For identification purpose these brooks are arranged in order from north to south, and flow through Vermont Agency of Transportation structures on Route 5A number 10, 9, 8, 7 and 6, respectively. Porter Brook, Greensboro — From Caspian Lake upstream to its headwaters. (1987, Fish
  and Wildlife Commissioner’s Reg. No. 970, eff. April 1, 1987.) Washington County Chase Brook, Berlin — From its confluence with the Dog River upstream approximately ½ mile to the top of the natural falls in Berlin. Ridley Brook, Duxbury — From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately
  1,700 feet to the first falls. Windsor County Lilliesville Brook, Stockbridge — From its confluence with the White River upstream
  to the 2nd bridge on the Lilliesville Brook Road. Locust Creek, Bethel — From its confluence with the White River upstream to the 2nd
  bridge on Rt. 12. (b) The below named waters are closed from March 16 to the Friday before the 1st Saturday
  in May, both dates inclusive: Franklin County Missisquoi River, Swanton — From the top of the Swanton Dam in the Village of Swanton
  extending downstream 5,120 feet to the Northwest corner (downstream) of the Riverside
  Cemetery and across the river to a pole on the Northeast bank. (c) The below named waters are closed to fishing year-round: Orleans County Clyde River, Newport City — From 260 feet below the top of the abandoned Mill Dam
  immediately upstream of the Number 1, 2, 3 hydroelectric powerhouse in Newport City,
  upstream to the top of the abandoned Mill Dam immediately upstream of the Number 1,
  2, 3 hydroelectric powerhouse in Newport City. (d) The below named water is only open to fishing using artificial flies and lures from
  September 1 to October 31. All salmon caught must be released. Lake Trout may be harvest
  during this period. The daily limit is 2 lake trout with a minimum length of 18 inches Clyde River — From Lake Memphremagog upstream to Charleston Dam (Lubber Lake), West
  Charleston (e) The below named water is catch and release for trout from Second Saturday in April
  to October 31. All trout must be immediately released. Batten Kill River — From the New York State line upstream (approximately 20.6 miles)
  to downstream side of Depot Street Bridge (Route 11/30) in Manchester (f) The below named water is catch and release for trout with artificial lures and flies
  only, anglers less than 15 years old may use live bait from Second Saturday in April
  to October 31. All trout must be immediately released. Dog River — From the downstream edge of the Junction Road Bridge in Berlin/Montpelier
  upstream to the top of the Northfield Falls Dam in Northfield. (g) The below named waters are closed to fishing from November 1 to the Friday before
  the second Saturday in April. Batten Kill River — From the New York State line upstream (approximately 20.6 miles)
  to downstream side of Depot Street Bridge (Route 11/30) in Manchester. Clyde River — From Lake Memphremagog upstream to Charleston Dam (Lubber Lake), West
  Charleston Dog River — From the downstream edge of the Junction Road Bridge in Berlin/Montpelier
  upstream to the top of the Northfield Falls Dam in Northfield. (Added 1961, No. 119, § 2, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1963, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. —, eff. Aug. 23, 1963; 1966, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. —, eff. Jan. 1, 1967; 1968, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. —, eff. Jan. 1, 1969; 1971, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 840, eff. March 19, 1971; 1971, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. —, eff. June 21, 1971; 1973, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 866, eff. Jan. 20, 1973; 1974, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 892, eff. Dec. 26, 1974; 1975, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 895, eff. Jan. 1, 1976; 1976, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 899, eff. Jan. 1, 1977; 1977, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 904, § 5, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; 1977, No. 245 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Apr. 17, 1978; 1978, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 906, eff. Oct. 21, 1978; 1979, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 913, eff. Nov. 21, 1979; 1980, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 915, eff. June 30, 1980; 1980, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 926, §§ 1-7, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; 1983, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 936, §§ 1, 5, eff. Jan. 1, 1983; 1983, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 942, eff. June 9, 1983; 1983, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 946, eff. Oct. 17, 1983; 1984, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 950, eff. Sept. 17, 1984; 1984, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 951, eff. Sept. 17, 1984; 1985, No. 953, eff. Jan. 1, 1985; 1985, No. 49; 1986, No. 962, eff. June 6, 1986; 1987, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 971, eff. Sept. 17, 1987; 1990, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 980, eff. Feb. 23, 1990; 1991, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 982, eff. Jan. 5, 1991; 1991, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 990, eff. Sept. 1991; 1993, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 998, eff. March 23, 1993; 1995, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Jan. 2, 1996; 1997, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Nov. 1, 1997; 1999, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. March 13, 1999; 2000 Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Oct. 7, 2000; 2003, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Dec. 6, 2002; 2004, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. June 4, 2004; 2005, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. July 21, 2005; 2005A, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. March 31, 2006; 2007, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Sept. 1, 2006; 2008, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Jan. 1, 2009; 2010 Fish and Wildlife Reg. effective Jan. 1, 2011; 2013 Fish and Wildlife Reg. eff. Jan. 1, 2014; 2015 Fish and Wildlife Reg. eff. Jan. 1, 2016; 2017 Fish and Wildlife Reg. eff. Jan. 1, 2018; 2018 Fish and Wildlife Reg. eff. Jan. 1, 2019; 2021 Fish and Wildlife Reg. eff. Jan. 1, 2022; 2025 Fish and Wildlife Reg., eff. Jan. 1, 2026.)