Trophy trout are being stocked in local waters

Vermont’s trophy trout stocking program for 2024 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.”

Courtesy VTF&W 
Anglers can improve their chances of success by fishing slowly along the bottom. Vermont’s trout season opened Saturday, April 13. Above, a large rainbow trout, caught on a fly rod last season.

Trout harvest season opened last Saturday, April 13 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 will begin in April as ice clears while river stocking will begin in May and continue through the month. Anglers can check Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s website (vtfishandwildlife.com) to see the stocking that has occurred and see the lakes and ponds that are now being stocked with trophy trout.  Click on “Fish” and then “Fish Stocking Schedule.”

Local stocking sections:

• Black River: Along Route 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 (Forest Road No. 10)

Vermont fishing licenses are available on Fish & Wildlife’s website and statewide from license agents. For more information visit: vtfishandwildlife.com.