Saturday, Jan. 19, 9 a.m.—CHITTENDEN— The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is holding a series of introductory seminars this winter on a variety of ice fishing techniques. These clinics that are open to people of all ages and levels of experience, including those who are completely new to fishing. Participants will learn about fishing regulations and techniques, fish identification, ice safety and more.
“Winter in Vermont can be a joyful time to be outdoors and there’s no better way to experience the outdoors than on a frozen lake catching your dinner,” said Corey Hart, who coordinates the department’s Let’s Go Fishing program.
Introduction to Walleye Fishing will be held Saturday, Jan. 19, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Chittenden Reservoir, Chittenden. Walleye are the largest member of the perch family, and are found in Vermont in Chittenden Reservoir, Lake Carmi, the Connecticut River, Island Pond, Salem Lake and Lake Champlain. Come learn how to fish for these large and exciting fish!
Introduction to Ice Fishing will be held Saturday, Feb. 2, 8:30-11:30 a.m. at Dewey’s Pond, Quechee. Learn the basics from checking the ice for safety to selecting sites and drilling holes to setting tip-ups and jigging. This clinic runs in conjunction with the Hartford Parks & Rec Department Youth Ice Fishing Derby. The same clinic will run Tuesday, Feb. 5, 2-5 p.m. on Lake Bomoseen, Castleton.
Ice Fishing for Panfish will be held Sunday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.on Shelburne Pond, Shelburne.
Introduction to Smelting will be held Thursday, Feb. 21, 5-8 p.m. on Waterbury Reservoir. Ice fishing is the only way to consistently catch rainbow smelt in Vermont.
Equipment will be provided for all clinics, but participants should dress for the weather as the programs will take place outside. All seminars are free, and participants are encouraged to bring their own snacks or meal.
Space is limited to the first 30 signups and seminars fill up quickly. Registration is required for all programs and can be completed by calling 802-265-2279 or letsgofishing@vermont.gov. Directions to the meeting spot will be given upon registering.
Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities are available upon request. Send an email to catherine.gjessing@vermont.gov or call 802-828-1000.
Photo by Tom Rogers
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department will hold a series of clinics this winter to teach people ice fishing techniques.
