VT · VFW
Vermont fishing regulations.
- Landlocked
- 7 popular species
Vermont is the Battenkill — historic wild brown trout water — plus Lake Champlain for multi-species fishing and a network of small mountain streams that hold native brook trout.
Fishing regulations change every season. This page is a summary maintained by Bield — bag limits, exact dates, and species-specific rules must be verified with VFW before each trip.
License requirements
Anglers age 16 and older generally need a valid fishing license to fish in Vermont. Resident and non-resident licenses are sold online through the VFW and at most sporting goods retailers. Annual, multi-day, and lifetime licenses are typically available. Senior, military, and youth discounts apply in most cases. License costs and exact age thresholds change — verify with the VFW before purchase.
Freshwater seasons and limits
Brook trout, brown trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, and northern pike across the streams and lakes. Lake Champlain is a multi-species fishery.
River and stream regulations
The Battenkill is the historic wild brown trout river. The Lamoille, Winooski, Otter Creek, and Missisquoi hold mixed trout and bass. Connecticut River along the eastern border. Many small wild brook trout streams.
Special regulations
Catch-and-release-only sections on the Battenkill. Lake Champlain has lake-specific rules and is shared with New York and Quebec. Atlantic salmon are catch-and-release-only.
Popular species
- Brook trout
- Brown trout
- Smallmouth bass
- Largemouth bass
- Lake trout
- Landlocked salmon
- Walleye
Vermont hatch calendars
Bield Fish maintains month-by-month hatch calendars for 2 rivers in Vermont.
Official source · VFW
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
This page is a regulatory summary maintained by Bield — not the official rulebook. Verify season dates, bag limits, and special regulations with the agency above before each trip.
Bield Fish keeps Vermont regulations at your fingertips.
Set your state once and Bield calibrates season phases, license reminders, and species-specific limits in your catch log.