Vermont Trout, Bass Fishing Rule Changes Proposed – Hearings Set for Late May
OutdoorHub 05.01.13
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Board is considering regulation changes that would increase trout and bass fishing opportunities for anglers and reduce the daily brook trout limit.
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 27 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.
Bass catch-and-release open water angling (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 daily creel limit for brook trout is proposed to be reduced from 12 to 6.
“The department wants to provide additional time on the water for anglers, and most of these fishing regulation changes are intended to provide increased angling opportunities where possible without impacts to the resource,” said Fish & Wildlife Commissioner Patrick Berry.
“Reducing the daily limit on brook trout is a change advocated by many anglers and reflects the high value of Vermont’s most popular sport fish,” said Berry. “Even with the reduced creel limit, Vermont would still allow anglers to keep more trout than other states in the northeast, providing plenty of opportunity for anglers to harvest brook trout for a delicious meal.”
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.”
Three public hearings will be held by the Board beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the following locations:
Tuesday, May 28 – St. Johnsbury Elementary School, School Auditorium, 257 Western Ave., St. Johnsbury, VT
Wednesday, May 29 – Pavilion Auditorium, Pavilion Building, 109 State Street, Montpelier, VT
Thursday, May 30 – Kehoe Education Center, 636 Point of Pines Road, Castleton, VT
