Public Meeting on Potential Test Waters Designation for Jobs and Martins Ponds in Vermont
OutdoorHub 02.19.13
A special Test Waters designation intended to improve fishing for large, wild brook trout at Jobs Pond in Westmore and Martins Pond in Peacham is being considered by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department. A public meeting on the potential change is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12 at the Caledonia Forest and Stream Club in St. Johnsbury.
Jobs and Martins Ponds are two of just a handful of ponds in Vermont that have significant numbers of wild brook trout, and they are the only two ponds in the state that consistently produce wild brook trout longer than 15 inches. “The proposed Test Waters designation should contribute to even better fishing at these two special ponds,” said Jud Kratzer, state fisheries biologist.
The proposed Test Waters designation includes a two trout per day creel limit and a 12 to 15-inch protected slot limit. Anglers would have to release all trout between 12 and 15 inches, and they would be permitted to keep only one trout over 15 inches per day. The designation would go into effect the first day of trout season, April 13, 2013. Fish & Wildlife will evaluate the effectiveness and popularity of the Test Waters designation over the next few years before making recommendations to the Fish and Wildlife Board about a permanent regulation for these two ponds.
To get to the Caledonia Forest and Stream Club from St. Johnsbury Village, travel north on US-5 roughly four miles, and turn right onto Pierce Road. After about 0.7 miles on Pierce Road, turn left onto the Club’s access road. For a map, visit the Club’s website at http://www.vermontana.com/cfsc.html. If you have questions about the proposed Test Waters designation, call Jud Kratzer at 802-751-0486.
