Vermont FishingGet an email when Vermont's fishing rules change
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Fishing rules change at the state line — and in your state. Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account. Get the app License
In Vermont, you need a freshwater fishing license from age 15 (children under 15 never need a license). Licenses are issued by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Dept. (VTF&W).
Special-regulation waters in Vermont
Black River (Downers covered bridge to Howard Hill) Windsor Connecticut River (VT/NH interstate) Windsor/Orange/Caledonia Connecticut River Atlantic salmon VT/NH interstate Deerfield River East Branch (Searsburg) Bennington East Creek (Rutland City) Rutland Lake Champlain A Vermont or New York fishing license is valid in both the Main Lake and South Lake portions of Lake Champlain between the two states — anglers may fish from either shore or by boat. Zone exceptions: South Bay (NY embayment) requires a New York license; Vermont's Inland Sea, Mallett's Bay, Missisquoi Bay, and The Gut require a Vermont license; within the Four Bays, each state requires its own license on its side of the border. Each angler must follow the fishing regulations (seasons, size limits, species rules) of the state in which they are physically fishing. Lake Champlain (Table 2) A Vermont or New York fishing license is valid in both the Main Lake and South Lake portions of Lake Champlain between the two states — anglers may fish from either shore or by boat. Zone exceptions: South Bay (NY embayment) requires a New York license; Vermont's Inland Sea, Mallett's Bay, Missisquoi Bay, and The Gut require a Vermont license; within the Four Bays, each state requires its own license on its side of the border. Each angler must follow the fishing regulations (seasons, size limits, species rules) of the state in which they are physically fishing. Lamoille River (Rte 104 to Fairfax Falls Dam) Franklin Missisquoi River (Kane Rd to Enosburg Falls Dam) Franklin Otter Creek (VT Railway Bridge to Danby-Mt Tabor Rd) Rutland Passumpsic River (Gage Dam to Arnold Falls Dam) Caledonia Walloomsac River (NY border to former Tissue Plant Dam) Bennington Winooski River (Bolton Dam to Rte 2 bridge) Washington On the water? Vermont boating rules — BUI limit, life jackets & boater education → Don't get caught off guard Cross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account. Get the free app Other Vermont laws
Informational only — not legal advice.