Vermont’s “Trophy Trout” stocking program for 2023 includes nine river sections and 37 lakes and ponds receiving the 2-year old trout, some over 18 inches long.
“The Trophy Trout program provides exciting fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages and skill levels,” said Vermont’s Director of Fisheries Eric Palmer. “Trophy rainbow and brown trout will be stocked in the Black, Winooski, Lamoille, Missisquoi, Walloomsac, and Passumpsic Rivers as well as East and Otter Creeks while trophy brook trout will be stocked into the Deerfield River. Large 2-year old brookies and rainbows will also be stocked in many lakes and ponds.”
Trout harvest season opened this year on April 8 and will continue through Oct. 31. There is no length limit and the daily creel limit is two trout for the trophy trout stream sections listed below.
Lake and pond stocking began in April as ice cleared while river stocking began at the start of May and will continue through the month.
Anglers can check Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website (vtfishandwildlife.com) to see the stocking that has occurred and see the lakes and ponds that are being stocked with trophy trout. Click on “Fish” and then “Fish Stocking Schedule.”
Local stocking
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.
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 (USFS Forest Road # 10).
