On January 24, 2018

Vermont’s free Ice Fishing Day is Saturday, Jan. 27

Ice Fishing Festival to be held at Lake Bomoseen State Park in Castleton

Saturday, Jan. 27, 11 a.m.—CASTLETON—Vermont’s fifth annual Free Ice Fishing Day is set for Saturday, Jan. 27, and will be celebrated by a fun-filled ice fishing festival in Castleton.

Vermont’s Free Ice Fishing Day, which takes place each year on the last Saturday in January, enables both residents and non-residents to go ice fishing on any legal waterbody in Vermont for the day without a license.

A little boy sits on the ice with a caught fish
Submitted

“Free ice fishing day creates opportunities for a range of anglers, and really helps to showcase the great ice fishing we have here in Vermont,” said Louis Porter, commissioner of Vermont Fish & Wildlife. “From those looking to try out the sport for the first time, to non-residents who may want to sample some of Vermont’s quality fisheries, the day offers full accessibility to great ice fishing fun across Vermont.”

Vermont’s Ice Fishing Festival also occurs annually in concert with Free Ice Fishing Day, and the 2018 celebration will be held at Lake Bomoseen State Park in Castleton. The festival will run from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Jan. 27 and is free and open to anyone interested in ice fishing.

Staff from Vermont Fish & Wildlife and instructors from the Let’s Go Fishing Program will be on hand to teach ice fishing basics including knot tying, drilling holes, rigging and using an ice fishing rod, setting tip-ups and preparing for a day on the ice. Fishing regulations and fish identification will be covered as well.

Fisheries biologists will also operate a fish fry station to cook up participants’ catches, and there will be other refreshments on hand including plenty of hot cocoa in the warming huts. Lake Bomoseen State Park also offers for ice skating and a playground for the kids.

“The ice fishing festival is a free, easy and fun way for newcomers to get started in ice fishing, and also a great opportunity for kids and families to enjoy time together outdoors,” said Nicole Meier, information and education specialist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife. “We encourage people of all ages to come out for the day, wet a line, try some fresh-cooked, local fish and enjoy all that Vermont has to offer during the winter.”

Vermont Fish & Wildlife will lend ice fishing equipment to attendees for the day, but participants may bring their own tackle. Participants are advised to dress warmly and wear ice cleats if possible.

Pre-registration is encouraged but not required, and can be completed online at vtfishandwildlife.com. For more information, contact Nicole Meier at 802-318-1347 or nicole.meier@vermont.gov.

Photo courtesy of VTF&W
Free Ice Fishing Day is a chance to get out and try a new winter activity, for those interested that may not already have a fishing license.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

The VSO Jukebox series brings intimacy and accessibility to classical music

November 13, 2024
By James Kent There is such an excitement and enthusiasm to Matt LaRocca’s voice that after speaking with him for a few minutes, one can’t escape the feeling that they know him, have been friends for years, and can’t wait to hang out and talk again. LaRocca curates The Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s (VSO) Jukebox series,…

Killington Resort’s Mike Solimano honored with the Sen. Leahy Trailblazer Award

November 13, 2024
The Vermont Outdoor Business Alliance (VOBA) announced Tuesday, Nov. 12, that the fourth annual U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy Trailblazer Award has been awarded to Mike Solimano, president and CEO of Killington Resort & Pico Mountain. The award, first given to and named for Sen. Patrick Leahy, honors an individual’s lifetime of service in Vermont’s outdoor…

Downtown Rutland is poised for major change

November 13, 2024
News of Walmart’s exit coupled by planned developments, including a downtown hotel and theatre expansion, has sparked talk of opportunity By Kevin O’Connor/VTDigger Thirty years ago, in the fall of 1994, Rutland City leaders eagerly awaited news of final plans for the cornerstone of their long-germinating downtown revitalization efforts: A new $20 million corporate headquarters…

Seventh Heaven Salon & Boutique reflects on past year, success in Killington

November 13, 2024
By James Kent Hair stylist and manager Katelyn Stewart and owner Peggy Campney moved their thriving hair salon and boutique from Ludlow to Killington last year after the July 2023 floods made it impossible for their business to continue in their current location. When the opportunity presented itself to Stewart and Campney, they exchanged one…