Vermont Fishing Regulation Changes Voted by Fish & Wildlife Board
OutdoorHub 06.25.13
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board voted June 19 in Montpelier on a proposed regulation to increase trout and bass fishing opportunities for anglers.
Eleven new river sections are proposed to have catch-and-release trout fishing with artificial flies or lures outside of the normal trout fishing season, opening over 70 miles of river to year-round trout fishing.
A section of the Walloomsac River in Bennington is proposed to be added to the selection of trophy trout streams that are stocked with two-year old brown or rainbow trout. The daily limit for this section will be two trout per day.
Bass catch-and-release open water angling with artificial flies and lures (not ice fishing) outside the normal bass season is proposed to now include all lakes, ponds and reservoirs not listed as “seasonally closed waters.”
“The department has made it a priority to increase opportunities for fish and wildlife-based recreation in which there will not be a biological impact,” said Vermont Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Patrick Berry. “This new fishing regulation will greatly expand angling opportunities and help promote open-water fishing during more of the year.”
The Board also voted to remove a proposal to reduce the daily limit of 12 brook trout to 6.
The fish regulation, with the proposed changes, can be seen on vtfishandwildlife.com. Under “Law Enforcement and Game Wardens,” click on “Rules and Proposed Rules.”
The Board will vote one more time before the proposed regulation is adopted. If adopted, these regulations will take effect in 2014.
