The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is reminding anglers of the new year-round fishing available to anglers on various waterways throughout the state. In effect since January 2014, revised state regulations have opened up 11 new river sections–that’s over 70 additional miles of river–to catch-and-release trout fishing with artificial flies or lures, outside of the normal trout season that goes from the second Saturday in April to Oct. 31.
“The regulations were intended to provide expanded fishing opportunities for trout while limiting the potential impact to populations,” said Rich Kirn, fisheries biologist with Vermont Fish & Wildlife. “The changes will give interested anglers the opportunity to take advantage of any mild days in late fall and early spring.”
A section of the Walloomsac River in Bennington was also designated as a trophy trout stream along with the changes and is being stocked with two-year-old brown and rainbow trout–both with a daily limit of two per day.
Additionally, the state’s bass catch-and-release open water (not ice fishing) opportunities–also with artificial flies and lures only–have been expanded to include all lakes, ponds and reservoirs not listed as “seasonally closed waters.” (A complete list of seasonally closed waters is available on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website,www.vtfishandwildlife.com. Under the “Fishing” tab, click on “Law Digest and Guide” for more information.)
Bob Shannon, owner of The Fly Rod Shop and Fly Fish Vermont Guide Service in Stowe, says the expanded fishing opportunities have been appreciated by anglers. “From the feedback I’ve gotten, many local
