PocketLaw | Vermont Statutes | Fish Management Regulation [Section 122

Fish Management Regulation [Section 122 effective January 1, 2020; see also section 122 effective until January 1, 2020]

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[Section 122 effective until January 1, 2020; see also section 122 effective January 1, 2020 .]

§ 122. Fish Management Regulation

1.0 Authority

This rule is adopted pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 4081(b). In adopting this rule, the Fish and Wildlife Board is following the policy established by the General Assembly that the protection, propagation, control, management, and conservation of fish, wildlife and fur-bearing animals in this state is in the interest of the public welfare and that the safeguarding of this valuable resource for the people of the state requires a constant and continual vigilance.

In accordance with 10 V.S.A. § 4082, this rule is designed to maintain the best health, population and utilization levels of Vermont's fisheries.

In accordance with 10 V.S.A. § 4083, this rule establishes open seasons; establishes daily, season, possession limits and size limits; prescribes the manner and means of taking fish; and prescribes the manner of transportation and exportation of fish.

2.0 Purpose

It is the policy of the State that the protection, propagation control, management and conservation of fish, wildlife, and fur-bearing animals in this State is in the interest of the public welfare, and that safeguarding of this valuable resource for the people of the State requires a constant and continual vigilance.

3.0 Open-Water Fishing, legal methods of taking fish

3.1 Definitions

3.1.1 Department - Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife.

3.1.2 Commissioner - Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife

Commissioner.

3.1.3 Open-water fishing - Fishing by means of hook and line in hand or

attached to a rod or other device in open water. Fishing by casting or

trolling baited hooks, artificial flies or lures is considered open-water

fishing.

3.1.4 Baited Hook - A single shank hook with 1, 2, or 3 points which

may be baited with natural or artificial bait or both.

3.1.5 Lure - A man-made device designed to catch only 1 fish at a time,

to include a spoon, plug, spinner, bait harness, tandem hook streamer or

lead head jig.

3.1.6 Fly - A single pointed hook dressed with feathers, hair, thread,

tinsel, or any similar material wound on or about the hook to which no

hooks, spinners, spoons, or similar devices have been added.

3.1.7 Handheld Spear - A manually powered spear used from above the

water's surface.

3.1.8 Speargun - A pneumatic or rubber band powered device, with a

line not to exceed 20 feet attached to a spear, used from below the

water's surface.

3.1.9 Cull Fish - Carp, tench, rudd, shad (alewife and gizzard shad), and

goldfish. Additional invasive/exotic fish species may be designated by

the Commissioner as "cull fish."

3.1.10 Immediate Control - Such constant control as would enable the

angler to respond forthwith to a fish taking their bait, lure or fly promptly

and without any delay.

3.1.11 Snagging - Snagging shall mean the intentional hooking of a fish

in a place other than the inside of the fish's mouth. No person shall pull,

jerk or otherwise purposefully and/or repeatedly manipulate a hook, or

hooks and line to snag or hook a fish in any method other than to entice a

fish into taking, by mouth, a hook, lure or fly. Repeated and/or

exaggerated jerking or pulling of the fishing line and/or hooks in any

attempt to snag fish, whether it results in physically snagging a fish or

not, shall be prima facie evidence that snagging has taken place. This

shall not apply to the use of a gaff to land a fish that has been legally

hooked.

3.2 Whether still fishing, casting, or trolling in Vermont waters, a person may take fish only by using not more than two lines over which he or she has immediate control and to each of which lines is attached not more than two baited hooks, or more than three artificial flies, or more than two lures with or without bait, except that at Seymour Lake and Little Averill Lake a person may take fish only by using not more than one line.

3.3 A person open-water fishing shall not take fish through the ice, from the ice, or from an object supported by the ice.

3.4 A person shall not take any fish pursuant to subsection (3.2) unless it is hooked in the mouth. Any fish taken under subsection (3.2) that is not hooked in the mouth shall be immediately released pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 4602. A fish hooked in any part of the body other than in the mouth shall be considered to be foul hooked, and shall be prima facie evidence of foul hooking.

3.5 Taking or attempting to take fish by snagging is prohibited in all Vermont Waters.

4.0 Ice Fishing

4.1 Definitions

4.1.1 Ice Fishing - Ice fishing is defined as fishing by means of hook and

line in hand or attached to a rod, tip-up, jack or bob, where the angler is

fishing through a hole in the ice, from the ice or on an object supported

by the ice. Fishing by casting or trolling baited hooks, artificial flies or

lures shall not be considered ice fishing.

4.2 Fish may be taken through the ice with not more than two baited hooks or three artificial flies or two lures on each line. A person shall not operate more than eight lines, except on Lake Champlain where no more than 15 lines may be operated, and except on Seymour and Little Averill Lakes, where not more than four lines may be operated.

4.3 A person ice fishing shall at all times, have immediate control over all lines they operate. A person ice fishing shall be able to visually observe lines they operate. Any line that indicates a fish shall be tended with 30 minutes.

4.4 A person shall not take any fish pursuant to subsection (4.2) unless it is hooked in the mouth. Any fish taken under subsection (4.2) that is not hooked in the mouth shall be immediately released pursuant to 10 V.S.A. § 4602. A fish hooked in any part of the body other than in the mouth shall be considered to be foul hooked, and shall be prima facie evidence of foul hooking.

4.5 The definitions of section 3 are applicable to this section.

4.6 Taking or attempting to take fish by snagging is prohibited in all Vermont Waters.

5.0 The taking, possessing, transporting, use and selling of baitfish

5.1 Purpose

5.1.1 This rule applies to fish used as bait. This rule shall apply to all

persons who take, possess, transport, use, or deal with baitfish.

5.1.2 The purpose of this paragraph is to: a) protect the fish, and fisheries

in the state, b) ensure the conservation of the fish and fisheries in the

state, c) maintain the best health of species of the State, d) prevent the

introduction or spread of a disease or parasite harmful to humans and

wild species, and e) prevent the escape or release of non-native species

or species injurious to or competitive with natural ecological systems and

processes.

5.2 Definitions

5.2.1 "Application" means a specific form provided by the Department

of Fish and Wildlife.

5.2.2 "Baitbox" means a receptacle used for holding or keeping baitfish

alive for personal use. A legal baitbox shall not exceed 25 cubic feet in

volume.

5.2.3 "Baitfish" means fish species and parts thereof, living or dead, used

for the purpose of attracting and catching fish.

5.2.4 "Commercial Dealing, dealing, or deal" means to sell as defined in

10 V.S.A. § 4001, subsection (22).

5.2.5 "Fish Hatchery" refers to any fish culture station, hatchery, or

artificial rearing pond which grows or maintains baitfish for sale in

Vermont.

5.2.6 "Permit" is a document from the Commissioner granting a

Commercial Bait Dealers Permit.

5.2.7 "Waterbody" means any lake, pond, river, or stream including all

tributaries upstream to the first barrier impassable to upstream fish

movement.

5.2.8 "Commercially Preserved Baitfish" means baitfish which are

chemically treated in a manner approved by the Department, and then

packaged for retail sale.

5.2.9 "Personal Baitfish Harvest" means baitfish taken for

noncommercial use.

5.3 Personal Baitfish Harvest

5.3.1 Personally harvested baitfish may be used only on the same

waterbody from which they were collected.

5.3.2 A person may harvest for baitfish only those fish species listed

under paragraphs 5.6.1, 5.6.2 and 5.6.3.

5.3.3 It is unlawful to take baitfish for personal use other than by the

following methods: a) minnow traps no longer than eighteen inches with

an entrance for fish not exceeding one inch in diameter, b) dip nets, cast

nets, and umbrella nets not exceeding a total of 51 square feet of mesh,

or a seine net not exceeding 25 feet in length, c) Open-water/ice fishing

by hook and line.

5.3.4 The personal harvest of baitfish is unlawful in Seasonally Closed

Waters as listed in Section 9.0 of this regulation, except during the open

season for trout, and is prohibited in streams as specified in Section 9.2.

Baitfish harvest shall be conducted only by Open-water/ice fishing or the

use of minnow traps no longer than eighteen inches with an entrance for

fish not exceeding one inch in diameter.

5.3.5 All traps, nets, baitboxes or other holding receptacles capable of

taking, holding or keeping live baitfish in public waters must be marked

with the name and address of the owner and user.

5.3.6 Personally harvested baitfish shall not be transported by motorized

vehicle away from the waterbody from which they were collected.

5.3.7 Baitfish may be held on the water in a pen or baitbox as defined in

paragraph 5.2.2.

5.3.8 Personally harvested baitfish may be collected from a waterbody's

tributaries upstream to the first impassable barrier for use on such

waterbody. Personally harvested baitfish shall not be transported

upstream beyond the first impassable barrier.

5.3.9 The personal harvest of baitfish is prohibited on any waterbody of

the State that is defined as closed to baitfish harvest. The Department

will maintain and make available a list of closed waters.

5.3.10 Fish eggs may be collected from legally harvested fish from

Vermont waters, and used immediately as bait on the same water where

taken unless that waterbody has been closed to baitfish collection. It is

illegal to move personally harvested fish eggs to any other waterbody. It

is illegal to transport fish eggs away from and return them to the same

waterbody for use as bait unless they have been processed in a manner

approved by the Department as described on the Department website.

5.4 Commercially Purchased Baitfish

5.4.1 It is unlawful to import baitfish into the State of Vermont without a

Fish Importation Permit, except as provided for in paragraphs 5.4.7 and

5.4.8.

5.4.2 A person purchasing baitfish shall retain and show upon request a

transportation receipt issued by a State-approved commercial bait dealer,

authorizing transportation of baitfish overland by motorized vehicle. The

receipt shall contain the following information: 1) A unique receipt

identification number, 2) The name and telephone number of the bait

dealer, 3) time and date of sale, 4) species purchased, 5) quantity

purchased, 6) waterbody (limited to one) on which the baitfish will be

used, 7) signature of purchaser.

5.4.3 A transportation receipt shall be valid for 96 hours from time and

date of sale.

5.4.4 A person may transport unused commercially purchased baitfish

away from waters of the State by motorized vehicle, and retain for later

use on the same waterbody as indicated on the baitfish transportation

receipt, within 96 hours from time and date of sale.

5.4.5 A person transporting unused commercially purchased baitfish

away from the waterbody indicated on the baitfish transportation receipt

for later use on said waterbody shall not hold them in any other water of

the State. These baitfish must be kept in a closed container isolated from

any inflow of lake, pond or stream water, or outflow to such waters of

the State.

5.4.6 Baitfish may be held beyond the 96 hour period on the water in a

pen or baitbox as per paragraph 5.2.2.

5.4.7 A person may purchase baitfish from a New York baitshop for use

on Lake Champlain only, provided the baitshop is Vermont-licensed, and

the baitfish are accompanied by a Vermont-issued baitfish transportation

receipt.

5.4.8 A person may purchase baitfish from a New Hampshire baitshop

for use on the Connecticut River and its setbacks only, provided the

baitshop is Vermont-licensed, and the baitfish are accompanied by a

Vermont-issued baitfish transportation receipt. For the purposes of this

paragraph, the Connecticut River is defined as all waters of the river

including the bays, setbacks, and tributaries, only to the first highway

bridge crossing said tributaries on the Vermont side.

5.4.9 Commercially prepared and preserved baitfish and fish eggs

available from retail stores may be purchased and used as bait, and may

be taken home and kept for later use, provided they are retained in the

original packaging at all times.

5.5 Commercial Bait Dealers

5.5.1 Any person who buys bait for resale or sells baitfish is required to

obtain a Commercial Bait Dealers Permit from the Commissioner. Only

persons operating a place of business and offering baitfish for sale to the

public may apply for and hold a Commercial Bait Dealers permit.

5.5.2 Commercial Bait Dealers may sell as bait only those species of fish

listed under section 5.6.1. Commercial Bait Dealers may also sell

rainbow smelt as bait, provided they are obtained from a fish hatchery

approved by the Commissioner as per paragraph 5.5.4 and its subsections

below, or harvested by Open-water/ice fishing and sold for use on the

same waterbody on which the Bait Dealer is located as per paragraph

5.5.5 and its subsections below.

5.5.3 Commercial Bait Dealers must declare in their permit application if

they will be a Statewide baitfish dealer, or a Waterbody-Specific baitfish

dealer.

5.5.4 Statewide baitfish dealers are prohibited from possessing, buying

or selling wild-caught baitfish.

5.5.4.1 Baitfish sold by Statewide baitfish dealers must originate from a

fish hatchery approved by the Commissioner.

5.5.4.2 Statewide baitfish dealers must hold or keep baitfish in waters

drawn from a secure well or municipal water source, or other water

source as approved by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

5.5.4.3 Baitfish sold by Statewide baitfish dealers may be used in waters

throughout the State, except those waters as described in Section 6.0 of

this regulation.

5.5.5 Waterbody-specific baitfish dealers must declare on their permit

application the waterbody on which they are located.

5.5.5.1 Waterbody-specific baitfish dealers may harvest wild baitfish

only from the declared waterbody, and offer them for sale and use only

on the declared waterbody.

5.5.5.2 Waterbody-specific baitfish dealers must have baitfish holding

facilities that discharge directly to their declared waterbody. Holding

facilities must not discharge to other waters of the State.

5.5.5.3 Waterbody-specific baitfish dealers shall not operate dip nets,

cast nets, or umbrella nets exceeding 51 square feet of mesh, or a seine

net exceeding 125 feet in length, for the purposes of taking fish for bait,

unless otherwise provided for on a Commercial Bait Dealers Permit.

Baitfish netting is prohibited in all Seasonally Closed Waters as listed in

Section 9.0 of this regulation, unless otherwise provided for on a

Commercial Bait Dealers Permit.

5.5.5.4 All traps, nets, baitboxes or other holding receptacles capable of

taking, holding or keeping live baitfish in public waters must be marked

with the name and address of the owner and user.

5.5.5.5 The commercial harvest of baitfish is prohibited on any

waterbody of the State that is defined as closed to baitfish harvest. The

Department will maintain and make available a list of closed waters.

5.5.6 A Commercial Bait Dealer shall provide to each customer at the

point of sale a copy of a transportation receipt containing the following

information: 1) A unique receipt identification number, 2) The name and

telephone number of the bait dealer, 3) time and date of sale, 4) species

purchased, 5) quantity purchased, 6) waterbody (limited to one) on

which the baitfish will be used, 7) signature of purchaser.

5.5.7 A transportation receipt shall be valid for 96 hours from time and

date of sale.

5.5.8 Receipt books shall be provided to Commercial Bait Dealers by the

Department.

5.5.9 Any holder of a Commercial Bait Dealers Permit shall maintain

receipts or records for each lot of wholesaled hatchery-raised or wild-

caught baitfish introduced into their shop. The receipts or records shall

include: name, address and telephone number of seller (for wholesaled

baitfish), and date received, species identification, and quantity

purchased or harvested, for wholesaled and wild-caught baitfish. The

permit holder shall retain the receipts and records for at least one year

after the date of sale or harvest. Receipts or records must be provided to

the Department immediately upon request.

5.6 Approved Species of Fish for use as Bait

5.6.1

Banded killifish Fundulus diaphanus

Blacknose dace Rhinichthys atratulus

Bluntnose minnow Pimephales notatus

Common shiner Luxilus cornutus

Creek chub Semotilus atromaculatus

Eastern silvery minnow Hybognathus regius

Emerald shiner Notropis atherinoides

Fallfish Semotilus corporalis

Fathead minnow Pimephales promelas

Golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas

Longnose dace Rhinichthys cataractae

Longnose sucker Catostomus catostomus

Mimic shiner Notropis volucellus

Northern redbelly dace Phoxinus eos

Spottail shiner Notropis hudsonius

White sucker Catostomus commersoni

5.6.2 The following additional fish species, or parts thereof, may be

taken only by Open-water/ice fishing and used for bait only in those

waters where taken and shall not be transported alive from those waters;

only Rainbow smelt may be commercially sold as bait:

Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus

Pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus

Rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax

Rock bass Ambloplites rupestris

Yellow perch Perca flavescens

5.6.3 Lake Champlain - In addition to 5.6.2, the following fish species,

or parts thereof, may be taken only by Open-water/ice fishing in Lake

Champlain and used as bait in Lake Champlain, as described in Section

7.0 of this regulation, and may not be commercially harvested or sold as

bait; Alewife may only be used/possessed if dead:

Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus

White perch Morone americana

5.6.4 All other species of fish are prohibited for use as bait.

5.7 Commercial Bait Dealer Application Process

5.7.1 A party who wishes to obtain a Commercial Bait Dealers Permit

shall apply to the Commissioner in writing on a form provided by the

Department. The Department may require the applicant to submit such

additional information as is necessary to determine that the permitted

activities comply with the purposes of this rule, including but not limited

to fish health testing, and the impact to Vermont's fish and fisheries.

5.7.2 If the application is deficient, the Department shall inform the

applicant of the deficiencies and return the application within 30 days of

receipt, along with any associated fee, to the applicant for revision and

re-submission.

5.7.3 If the application is denied, the Commissioner shall, within 30 days

of receipt of application, send the applicant a written denial providing the

reasons for the denied.

5.8 Permit Compliance

5.8.1 The Permittee shall make the permit available upon request by an

agent of the Department. Premises and equipment used by persons to

take, store, or deal in baitfish shall be accessible for inspection by the

Commissioner and his or her agents. Samples for species determination

or disease examination shall be made available immediately upon

request.

5.8.2 Permittees shall provide the Department with additional

information as requested on an annual basis or prior to the re-issuance of

a new permit.

5.9 Permit Revocation

5.9.1 The Commissioner may revoke any permit issued in order to

protect regulated species: for any violation of a permit; failure to comply

with this rule; a violation of any rules of the Board; or a violation of the

provisions of Part 4, Title 10, Vermont Statutes Annotated; if the

Commissioner determines it is in the best interest of the fish or fisheries

of Vermont.

5.9.2 Prior to permit revocation, the Commissioner shall provide a

proceeding consistent with 3 V.S.A. § 814(c).

5.9.3 Appeals of the decisions of the Commissioner are subject to the

Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure.

6.0 Use of fish as bait

The use of fish in any form whether alive or dead for bait in fishing is prohibited in:

Adams Reservoir, Woodford;

Beaver Pond, Holland;

Beebe Pond, Sunderland;

Big Mud Pond, Mt. Tabor;

Blake Pond, Sutton;

Bourn Pond, Sunderland;

Branch Pond, Sunderland;

Cow Mountain Pond, Granby;

Griffith Lake, Mt. Tabor;

Jobs Pond, Westmore;

Lewis Pond, Lewis;

Little Rock Pond, Wallingford;

Martins Pond, Peacham;

McIntosh Pond, Royalton;

North Pond, Chittenden;

Notch Pond, Ferdinand;

Red Mill Pond, Woodford;

Sterling Pond, Cambridge;

South America Pond, Ferdinand;

Stratton Pond, Stratton;

Unknown Pond, Averys Gore;

Unknown Pond, Ferdinand

and any ponds as may be created or reclaimed by the Department of Fish and

Wildlife. This regulation shall be posted at all waters affected.

7.0 Lake Champlain Boundaries

Lake Champlain proper shall be considered to include the setback at the

same level and the major tributaries to the lake to the following boundaries:

Dead Creek to Panton Road bridge in Panton;

East Creek to the falls in Orwell (downstream of Mount Independence

Road);

Lamoille River to the top of first dam (Peterson Dam) in Milton;

LaPlatte River to the falls in Shelburne (under Falls Road bridge);

Lewis Creek to falls in North Ferrisburgh (just upstream of Old Hollow

Road);

Little Otter Creek to falls in Ferrisburgh Center (downstream of Little

Chicago Road);

Malletts Creek to the first falls upstream of Roosevelt Highway (US 2

and US 7) in Colchester;

Mill River in Georgia to the falls in Georgia (just upstream of Georgia

Shore Road bridge);

Missisquoi River to the top of Swanton Dam in the Village of Swanton;

Mud Creek to the dam in Alburg (just upstream of Route 78 bridge);

Otter Creek to the top of the dam in the city of Vergennes;

Poultney River to Central Vermont Power Dam at Carver Falls in West

Haven;

Rock River to first Canadian border crossing;

Winooski River to the Winooski One hydropower dam west of Main

Street (US 7) in Winooski and Burlington;

8.0 Clyde River: Catch and Release

Between September 1 and October 31, on the Clyde River from Lake

Memphremagog upstream to Charleston Dam (Lubber Lake), West

Charleston, a person may fish with artificial flies and lures only, and all

salmon caught must be released.

9.0 Seasonally Closed Waters

9.1 The following lakes and ponds or portions thereof are hereby designated

Seasonally Closed Waters and shall be closed to all fishing except during

the open season for trout as provided in section 10 of these regulations:

Adams Reservoir, Woodford

Ansel Pond, Bethel

Baker Pond, Barton

Bald Hill Pond, Westmore

Bean Pond, Sutton

Beaver Pond, Holland

Beck Pond, Newark

Beebe Pond, Sunderland

Big Averill Lake, Norton and Averill

Big Mud Pond, Mt. Tabor

Blake Pond, Sutton

Bourn Pond, Sunderland

Branch Pond, Sunderland

Brown Pond, Westmore

Caspian Lake, Greensboro

Center Pond, Newark

Colby Pond, Plymouth

Cow Mountain Pond, Granby

Crystal Lake, Barton

Duck Pond, Sutton

Dufresne Pond, Manchester

East Long Pond, Woodbury

Echo Lake, Charleston

Ewell Pond, Peacham

Forest Lake, Averill

Goshen Dam (Sugar Hill Reservoir), Goshen

Griffith Lake, Mt. Tabor

Hapgood Pond, Peru

Hartwell Pond, Albany

Holland Pond, Holland

Jobs Pond, Westmore

Knapp Brook Pond No. 1, Reading and Cavendish

Knapp Brook Pond No. 2, Reading and Cavendish

Lake Dunmore-Salisbury and Leicester - Except from Sucker Brook to

the island south, which shall be open.

Levi Pond, Groton

Lewis Pond, Lewis

Little Averill Lake, Averill

Little Elmore Pond, Elmore

Little Rocky Pond, Wallingford

Long Pond, Newbury

Long Pond, Westmore

Maidstone Lake, Maidstone

Marl Pond, Sutton

Martins Pond, Peacham

May Pond, Barton

McIntosh Pond, Royalton

Mud Pond, Hyde Park

Nelson Pond (Forest Lake), Calais and Woodbury

Nichols Pond, Woodbury

North Pond, Chittenden

Norton Pond, Norton

Notch Pond, Ferdinand

Noyes (Seyon) Pond, Groton

Peacham Pond, Peacham

Perch Pond, (Zack Woods Pond), Hyde Park

Pigeon Pond, Groton

Red Mill Pond, Woodford

Seymour Lake, Morgan

Shadow Lake, Glover

Silver Lake, Leicester

South America Pond, Ferdinand

South Pond, Marlboro

Spring Lake, Shrewsbury

Stannard Pond, Stannard

Sterling Pond, Cambridge

Stoughton Pond, Weathersfield

Stratton Pond, Stratton

Sunset Lake, Benson

Unknown Pond, Averys Gore

Unknown Pond, Ferdinand

Vail Pond, Sutton

Vernon Hatchery Pond, Vernon

West Mountain Pond, Maidstone

Wheeler Pond, Barton and Sutton

Willoughby Lake, Westmore

Zack Woods, (Perch Pond), Hyde Park

9.2 All streams are hereby designated Seasonally Closed Waters and shall

be closed to all fishing except during the open season for trout as provided

in section 10 of these regulations; and

9.2.1 except that the following streams shall be open to trout fishing

only, and no fishing for other species shall be allowed, from November 1

to the Friday before the second Saturday in April, as set forth in Table

9.2.2.

9.2.2: STREAMS OPEN TO FISHING FOR TROUT ONLY FROM

NOVEMBER 1 TO THE FRIDAY BEFORE THE SECOND WEEK

IN APRIL

1. Waters

2. Methods

3.Season

Size Restrictions

5.Daily Bag Limit

Listed Below

Artificial fly or lure only

November 1 to the Friday before the 2nd Saturday in April:

Catch and release only

Zero-All trout must be immediately released to the water where taken:

Black River – From the top of the Lovejoy Dam in Springfield upstream to the Howard Hill Road Bridge in Cavendish.

Deerfield River – From the Woods Road (Medburyville) bridge in Wilmington upstream approximately 2 miles to the VT Route 9W bridge in Searsburg.

East Creek (Rutland City) – From the confluence with Otter Creek upstream (approximately 2.7 miles) to the top of the Patch Dam in Rutland City.

Hoosic River – From the Vermont/New York border upstream to the Vermont/Massachusetts border.

Lamoille River – From the top of the hydroelectric dam at Fairfax Falls upstream to the top of the Cady’s Falls Dam in Morristown.

Moose River – From the confluence with Passumpsic River upstream to the downstream edge of the Concord Avenue bridge in St. Johnsbury.

Otter Creek – From the top of the Center Rutland Falls in Rutland upstream to the Danby-Mt. Tabor Forest Road Bridge (Forest Road #10) in Mt. Tabor.

Passumpsic River – From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the top of Arnolds Falls Dam in St. Johnsbury.

Walloomsac River– From the Vermont/New York border in Bennington upstream to the top of the former Vermont Tissue Plant Dam (downstream of Murphy Road) in Bennington.

Winooski River – From the top of the Bolton Dam in Waterbury and Duxbury upstream to the VT Route 2/100 in Duxbury and Waterbury.

10.0 Fish - Open Seasons, Size Restrictions and Daily Bag Limits.

Fish of the species named or described in the tables set forth below may

be taken:

In the waters specified in column 1, by the method specified in column 2,

during the open season specified in column 3.

Provided they meet any size restrictions specified in column 4., and only in

numbers listed under daily bag limits specified in column 5., under no

circumstances may a person take in one day, more than the daily bag or

weight limit from a listed body of water. No person may take in aggregate

more than the daily State-wide aggregate limit for any species listed.

Businesses may buy lawfully taken fish, with the approval of the

Commissioner, pursuant to the Commercial angling rules set forth in 10

V.S.A. App. 123.

10.1 Possession limits are equal to twice the daily bag limits. Fish species

with limit restrictions may not be possessed in excess of the possession

limits at any time.

10.1.1 No person shall have live fish in their possession that are

transported in a manner which attempts to keep them alive when

leaving waters of the State (10 V.S.A. § 1251(13)), except as follows:

10.1.1.1 the person has been issued a Commercial Bait Dealers

Permit by the Commissioner,

10.1.1.2 the person has been issued scientific collection permit by

the Commissioner which specifically approves of the activity,

10.1.1.3 the person has been issued a fish transportation permit

by the Commissioner which specifically approves of the activity,

10.1.1.4 the person has been issued a fish breeders permit or fish

importation permit by the Commissioner which specifically

approves of the activity.

10.2 The daily bag limit for a fish species on a water body with a closed

season for that fish species is zero.

10.3 "General waters" restrictions are the provisions applicable to all waters

of the State, except the waters specifically named or described.

10.4 Unless otherwise specifically provided, fish not listed in this regulation

may be taken at any time and without size or catch limit, in waters not listed

as Seasonally Closed Waters in Section 9 of these regulations.

10.5 Open Seasons, Size Restrictions and Daily Bag Limits Tables

10.5.1 STATEWIDE AGGREGATE DAILY BAG LIMITS

(Maximum number of a fish species that may be taken in one day)

FISH SPECIES DAILY AGGREGRATE LIMITS

Brook Trout 12 fish

Brown and Rainbow Trout Maximum Combination of 6 fish

Lake Trout 2 fish, (3 if taken from Lake Champlain)

Salmon 2 fish

Large and Smallmouth Bass Maximum combination of 5 fish

Northern Pike 5 fish

Chain Pickerel 10 fish

Muskellunge 0 fish

Walleye 3 fish

Black and White Crappie 25 fish

American Shad 0 fish

Yellow Perch 50 fish

Yellow Perch exception Lake Champlain - No daily limit

Sauger 0 fish

10.5.2 BROOK, BROWN AND RAINBOW TROUT

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limit

General Open-Water Second No restriction 6 trout

waters. fishing Saturday in

(except as April through

listed below) October 31

Lake Champlain Open-water No closed Minimum length 3 trout

and ice fishing season of 12 inches

Rivers and Open-water Second No restriction 12 trout, of

Streams fishing Saturday in which not

April through more

October 31 than 6 can be

brown and/or

rainbow

10.5.3 TROPHY TROUT STREAMS

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limit

Listed Below: Open-water Second No restriction 2 trout in

fishing Saturday in aggregate

April through

October 31

Black River along Rt. 131 in Weathersfield and Cavendish, - from

Downers covered bridge upstream (approximately 4 miles) to the next bridge

across the river, The Howard Hill Bridge.

East Creek in Rutland City - From the confluence with Otter Creek

upstream (approximately 2.7 miles) to the top of the Patch Dam in Rutland

City.

Lamoille River From the downstream edge of the bridge on Route 104 in

the Village of Fairfax upstream (approximately 1.6 miles) to the top of the

Fairfax Falls Dam in Fairfax.

Little River - From the confluence with Winooski River in Waterbury

upstream to the top of the Waterbury Reservoir Dam in Waterbury.

Missisquoi River in Enosburg and Sheldon - From the downstream edge

of Kane Road (TH-3) bridge upstream (approximately 5.7 miles) to the top of

the Enosburg Falls Dam in Enosburg Falls.

Otter Creek in Danby and Mt. Tabor - From the Vermont Railway Bridge

north of the fishing access upstream (approximately 2 miles) to the Danby-Mt.

Tabor Forest Rd. Bridge (Forest Road # 10).

Passumpsic River in the Village of St. Johnsbury - From the top of

the Gage Dam in St. Johnsbury upstream (approximately 2.4 miles) to the top

of the Arnold Falls Dam.

Moose River - From the confluence with the Passumpsic River

upstream (approximately 350 feet) to the downstream edge of the Concord

Avenue bridge in the Village of St. Johnsbury.

Walloomsac River in Bennington - From the Vermont/New York border

upstream to the top of the former Vermont Tissue Plant Dam (downstream of

Murphy Road) in Bennington.

Winooski River in Duxbury and Waterbury - From the top of the Bolton

Dam in Duxbury and Waterbury upstream to the Route 2 Bridge (east side of

Waterbury Village).

10.5.4 RAINBOW TROUT (Including STEELHEAD) / BROWN

TROUT

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limit

Listed Open-water Second Minimum length 2 trout

Below: fishing Saturday in of 10 inches

April through

October 31

Lakes and Ponds

Caspian Lake, Greensboro

Echo Lake,

Charleston

Lake Memphremagog (including South Bay), Coventry, Derby, Newport

City and Newport;

Willoughby Lake, Westmore

Rivers and Streams:

Orleans County:

Barton River - From Lake Memphremagog upstream to the downstream

side of the US Route 5 bridge southernmost and closest to the Village

of Barton in Barton.

Black River - From Lake Memphremagog upstream to the downstream

side of the VT Route 14 / 58 bridge in Irasburg.

Johns River - From the downstream edge of the first bridge (culvert)

upstream of Lake Memphremagog on North Derby Road (TH #6)

upstream to U.S. 5, in Derby.

Willoughby River - The entire Willoughby River, from the confluence

with Barton River in Barton upstream to the Willoughby Lake outlet in

Westmore.

10.5.5 BROOK, BROWN RAINBOW, LAKE TROUT AND

SALMON – 2 FISH AGGREGATE LIMITS

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limit

Listed Open-water Second See Two fish in

below: fishing Saturday in regulations aggregate

April through for specific

October 31 bodies of

waters

Big Averill Lake, Norton and Averill

Caspian Lake, Greensboro

Center

Pond, Newark

Crystal Lake, Barton

East Long Pond, Woodbury

Echo Lake,

Charleston

Elligo Lake, Craftsbury and Greensboro

Forest Lake (Nelson

Pond), Calais and Woodbury

Harveys Lake, Barnet

Lake Dunmore, Salisbury

Lake Memphremagog (including South Bay), Coventry, Derby, Newport City and Newport

Little Averill Lake, Averill

Long Pond, Westmore

Maidstone Lake, Maidstone

Nelson Pond (Forest

Lake), Calais and Woodbury

Nichols Pond, Woodbury

Seymour Lake, Morgan

Shadow Lake, Glover

Spring Lake, Shrewsbury

Sunset Lake, Benson

Willoughby Lake, Westmore.

10.5.7 LAKE TROUT AND SALMON

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limit

General Open-water Second Salmon - 2 Lake Trout

Waters (all fishing Saturday in Minimum or 2 Salmon or

waters except April through length of 1 of each

as listed below) October 31 15 inches

Lake Trout -

Minimum

Length of

18 inches

Lake Open-water No Closed Lake Trout 3 Lake Trout

Champlain and ice Season and Salmon - and 2 Salmon

fishing Minimum

length of

15 inches

Little Open-water Angling: Lake Trout - 1 Lake Trout

Averill fishing, with second Minimum and 1 salmon

Lake not more Saturday in length of

and 1 line April through 20 inches or 2 Salmon

Seymour October 31

Lake

Ice fishing Ice fishing: Salmon -

with not third Saturday Minimum

more than in January length of

4 lines through March 15 inches

Clyde Pond, Open- Second Lake Trout - 2 Lake Trout

Pond, water Saturday in Minimum or 2 Salmon

Salem Lake, fishing April through length of or 2 Salmon or

Little Salem August 31 18 inches 1 of each

Lake, and

Clyde River

from Lake

Memphremagog

upstream to

Citizen's

Charleston

Dam (Lubber

Lake), West

Charleston

Salmon -

Minimum

length of

17 inches

Open- September 1 Lake 2 Lake Trout,

water through Trout - 0 Salmon, (all

fishing: October 31 Minimum salmon must be

River from length of immediately

Lake 18 inches released

Memphremagog

to Charleston

Dam -

Artificial

flies and

lures only

Lake Open-water Second Lake Trout - 2 Lake Trout

Memphremagog fishing Saturday in Minimum or 2 Salmon or

(including April through length of 1 of each

South Bay October 31 18 inches

Ice Fishing Third Saturday Salmon -

in January Minimum

through length of

March 15 17 inches

Listed Open-water Second Lake Trout - 2 Lake Trout

Below: fishing Saturday in Minimum length or 2 Salmon or

April through of 18 inches 1 of each

October 31

Salmon -

Minimum length

of 17 inches

Orleans County:

Barton River - From Lake Memphremagog upstream to the downstream

side of the US Route 5 bridge southernmost and closest to the Village

of Barton in Barton.

Black River - From Lake Memphremagog upstream to the downstream

side of the VT Route 14 / 58 bridge in Irasburg.

Johns River - From the downstream edge of the first bridge (culvert)

upstream of Lake Memphremagog on North Derby Road (TH #6)

upstream to U.S. 5, in Derby.

Willoughby River - The entire Willoughby River, from confluence with

Barton River in Barton upstream to the Willoughby Lake outlet in

Westmore.

10.5.8 SPECIAL ICE FISHING PROVISIONS FOR BROOK, BROWN,

RAINBOW, LAKE TROUT, SALMON AND BASS

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limit

Listed Ice Fishing Third Saturday See species See species

below: in January restriction restriction

through March for individual for individual

15 body of water body of water

Big Averill Lake, Norton and Averill;

Big Salem Lake, Derby;

Caspian

Lake, Greensboro;

Chittenden Dam, Chittenden;

Crystal Lake, Barton;

Echo Lake, Charleston;

Echo Lake, Plymouth;

Eden Lake, Eden;

Elligo Lake, Craftsbury and Greensboro;

Glen Lake, Castleton, Fair Haven, and Benson;

Harriman Reservoir, Whitingham and Wilmington;

Harveys Lake, Barnet;

Island Pond, Brighton;

Joes Pond, Cabot, Danville;

Lake Bomoseen, Castleton and Hubbardton;

Lake Dunmore, Leicester, and Salisbury;

Lake Fairlee, Thetford, West Fairlee, Fairlee;

Lake Hortonia, Sudbury, Hubbardton;

Lake Memphremagog (including South Bay and the connecting waters),

Coventry, Derby, Newport City and Newport;

Lake Morey, Fairlee;

Lake Rescue, Ludlow;

Lake St. Catherine, Wells, Poultney;

Little Averill Lake, Averill;

Little Salem Lake, Derby;

Maidstone Lake, Maidstone;

Marshfield Dam (Mollys Falls Reservoir), Cabot;

Miles Pond, Concord;

Nelson Pond (Forest Lake), Calais and Woodbury;

Newark Pond, Newark

Norton Pond, Norton;

Parker Pond, Glover;

Peacham Pond, Peachman;

Pensioner Pond, Charleston;

Seymour Lake, Morgan;

Shadow Lake, Glover;

Somerset Reservoir, Somerset;

Sunset Lake, Benson;

Wallace Pond, Canaan;

Waterbury Reservoir, Waterbury;

Willoughby Lake,

Westmore;

Woodbury Lake, (Sabin Pond), Calais and Woodbury

10.5.9 SPECIAL REGULATION TROUT STREAMS

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limit

Lamoille Open-water Second Minimum length 2 trout

River - fishing, with Saturday in of 16 inches.

From the artificial April through

downstream lures and October 31.

edge of the flies only.

railroad

bridge in

Johnson

upstream

(approximately

3.7 miles)

to the

downstream

edge of the

Ten Bends

Drive bridge

in Hyde Park.

White Open-water Second Minimum length 1 trout

River - fishing, with Saturday in of 18 inches

From the artificial April through

confluence lures and October 31.

with flies only.

Lilliesville

Brook in

Stockbridge

downstream

3.3 miles to

220 ft.

downstream of

the

confluence

with

Cleveland

Brook in

Bethel.

Mettawee Open-water Second 10 to 14 2 trout, only

River - fishing Saturday in inches 1 greater than

From the April through protected 14 inches

downstream October 31. slot: (all

edge of the trout 10 to 14

Route 153 inches must be

bridge in released)

Pawlet

upstream

(approximately

16 miles) to

the

downstream

edge of first

bridge on

Dorset Hollow

Road and

including

tributary:

Flower Brook

upstream

(approximately

1000 ft) to

the

downstream

edge of the

Route 30

bridge in

Pawlet.

Winooski Open-water June 1 through 10 to 16 2 trout, only

River fishing October 31 inches 1 greater than

Tributaries - protected 16 inches

Listed Below slot: (all

fish 10 to 16

inches must be

released)

Winooski River Tributaries

Joiner Brook, Bolton - From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately

1900 feet to the first falls.

Pinneo Brook, Bolton - From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately

100 feet to the railroad crossing.

Preston Brook, Bolton - From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately

2600 feet to the first falls.

Ridley Brook, Duxbury - From the confluence of the Winooski River upstream approximately

1700 feet to the first falls.

Listed Open-water Second 10 to 16 2 trout, only

Below: fishing Saturday in inches 1 greater than

April through protected 16 inches

October 31 slot: (all

fish 10 to 16

inches must be

released)

New Haven River - From Munger Street Bridge in New Haven upstream (approximately 4.1

miles) to the South Street bridge in Bristol.

Winooski River - From Preston Brook mouth upstream (approximately 4.4 miles) to the

Ridley Brook mouth.

Batten Open-water Second All trout must Zero, all

Kill - fishing Saturday in be immediately trout must be

From the April through released. immediately

New York October 31 released.

State line

upstream

(approximately

20.6 miles)

to downstream

side of Depot

Street Bridge

(Route 11/30)

in Manchester.

Dog River Open-water Second All trout must Zero, all

- From fishing with Saturday in be immediately trout must be

the artificial April through released immediately

downstream lures and October 31 released.

edge of the flies only for

Junction Road anglers 15

Bridge in years of age

Berlin/ or older

Montpelier

upstream to

the top of

the

Northfield

Falls Dam in

Northfield

Listed Open-water Second No size 12 trout of

below: fishing Saturday in restriction. which not

April through more than 6

September 30 can be

brown and/or

rainbow trout

in aggregate.

Open-water October 1, All trout must Zero, all

fishing through be immediately trout must be

October 31 released. immediately

released.

Batten Kill (East Branch) - In towns of Manchester and Dorset from the downstream side of

Depot Street Bridge (Route 11/30) in Manchester upstream (approximately 5.0 miles)

to the downstream side of the US Route 7 Bridge south of East Dorset.

Green River - In the towns of Arlington and Sandgate from its confluence with Batten Kill

upstream (approximately 8.5 miles) to the confluence with Moffitt Hollow Brook in

Beartown.

Roaring Branch In the towns of Arlington and Sunderland from its confluence with the Batten

Kill upstream (approximately 3.0 miles) to the downstream side of the Bridge #14 on

Sunderland TH# 3 in East Kansas.

Warm Brook - In the town of Arlington from its Confluence with the Roaring Branch upstream

(approximately 0.8 miles) to the base of the so-called Hale Company Dam in East

Arlington.

10.5.10 ANADROMOUS ATLANTIC SALMON

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limit

Connecticut No person No Open Season All fish must Zero - All

River and shall take or be immediately Anadromous

tributaries attempt to released Atlantic

take an salmon must

anadromous be immedi-

Atlantic ately released

salmon, any

salmon

unintentionally

taken shall

be immediately

released in

accordance

with section

4602

10.5.11 AMERICAN SHAD

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limit

Connecticut Open-water No closed All shad Zero - All

River, fishing season must be shall must be

Including released immediately

Vermont river released

tributaries

10.5.12 BOWFIN, REDHORSE SUCKER (MULLET),

LONGNOSE GAR

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limit

General Open-water and No closed No restriction No more than 5

Waters (and ice fishing season of any one

as listed species

below)

General Speargun, bow No closed No restriction No more than 5

Waters and crossbow season of any one

(Except all with line species

seasonally attached to

closed waters arrow

and as listed

below

Lake Open-water and No closed No restriction No more than 5

Champlain, ice fishing, season fish of any

not to speargun, bow one species

include and crossbow

tributaries all with line

attached to

arrow

Lake Shooting and March 25 No restriction No more than 5

Champlain, Handheld Spear through May of any one

not to 25, Title 10 species

include 4606(e)

tributaries

10.5.13 SUCKER (LONGNOSE AND WHITE),

and CULL FISH

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limit

General Open-water and No closed No restriction No Limit

Waters (and ice fishing season

as listed

below)

General Speargun, bow No Closed No restriction No Limit

Waters and crossbow Season

(Except all with line

seasonally attached to

closed waters arrow

and as listed

below)

Lake Open-water and No closed No restriction No Limit

Champlain, ice fishing, season

not to speargun, bow

include and crossbow

tributaries all with line

attached to

arrow

Lake Shooting and March 25 No restriction No Limit

Champlain, Handheld through May

not to Spear 25, Title 10

include 4606(e)

tributaries

10.5.14 BULLHEAD

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limit

General Open-water No closed No restriction No Limit

Waters (and and ice season

as listed fishing

below)

Lake Open-water No closed No restriction No Limit

Champlain, and ice season

not to fishing

include

tributaries

Lake Shooting and March 25 No restriction No Limit

Champlain, Handheld through May

not to Spear 25, Title 10

include 4606(e)

tributaries

10.5.15 NORTHERN PIKE

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limit

General Open-water No closed Minimum length 5 Fish

Waters and ice season of 20 inches

(except as fishing

listed below)

Lake Champlain Open-water No closed Minimum length 5 Fish

and ice season of 20 inches

fishing

Shooting and March 25 Minimum length 5 Fish

handheld through May of 20 inches

spearing 25, 10 VSA

4606

10.5.16 CHAIN AND REDFIN PICKEREL

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limits

General Open-water and No closed No restriction No Limit

Waters ice fishing season

(except as

listed below)

Lake Champlain Open-water and No closed No restriction 10 fish

ice fishing season

Shooting and March 25 No restriction 10 Fish

handheld through May 25

spearing

10.5.17 MUSKELLUNGE

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limits

General Open-water and No closed All Zero – All

Waters ice fishing; season muskellunge muskellunge

(except as Catch and must be must be

listed below) release with released immediately

artificial released

lures and

flies only

Lake Champlain Open-water and No closed All Zero - All

ice fishing; season muskellunge muskellunge

Catch and must be must be

release with released immediately

artificial released

lures and

flies only

Shooting and March 25 Zero Fish

handheld through May

spearing 25, 10 VSA

4606(e)

10.5.18 SMELT

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limits

All waters Open-water No closed No restriction No limit

and ice season

fishing

10.5.19 BLACK AND WHITE CRAPPIE

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limits

All waters Open-water and No closed Minimum length 25 fish,

ice fishing season of 8 inches Combined

10.5.20 YELLOW PERCH

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limits

General Open-water and No closed No restriction 50 fish

Waters ice fishing season

(except as

listed

below)

Lake Champlain Open-water and No closed No restriction No Limit

ice fishing season

Businesses may buy lawfully taken fish, with the approval of the Commissioner, pursuant to the Commercial angling rule set for in 10 V.S.A. APP § 123.

10.5.21 YELLOW PERCH

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limits

General Open-water No closed No restriction 5 fish

Waters fishing season

(except as

listed below)

Lakes, Ponds Open-water Second Minimum length 5 Fish

and reservoirs fishing Saturday in of 10 inches

(Ice June through

fishing - see through

special Nov. 30th.

provisions)

Lakes, Ponds Open-water Second All bass must Zero - All

and fishing: Catch Saturday in be released bass must be

reservoirs and release April through immediately

(seasonally with the Friday released

closed) artificial before the

lures and Second

flies only Saturday in

June, both

dates

inclusive.

Lakes, Ponds Open-water Dec. 1 through All bass must Zero - All

and fishing: Catch the Friday be released bass must be

reservoirs and release before the immediately

(not with Second released

seasonally artificial Saturday in

closed) lures and June, both

flies only dates

inclusive.

Seasonally, Open-water Only when such No restrictions 5 fish

Closed Waters fishing rivers and

- streams streams are

open to trout

fishing except

as prohibited

by Section 9.2

Lake Morey, Open-water Second Largemouth 5 Fish

Fairlee fishing (Ice Saturday in bass - Minimum

fishing - June through length of 14

see special Nov. 30 inches

provisions)

Lake Morey, Open-water Dec. 1 through All bass must Zero - All

Fairlee fishing Catch Friday before be released bass must be

and release the Second immediately

with Saturday in released.

artificial June, both

lures and dates

flies only inclusive.

Kent Pond, Open-water Second Largemouth 10 fish, only

Killington fishing Saturday in Bass: 1 fish greater

and Baker June through protected than 12 inches.

Pond, Nov. 30 slot: 10-12

Brookfield inches (all

fish between

10 & 12 inches

must be

released)

Kent Pond, Open-water Dec. 1 through All bass must Zero - All

Killington fishing: Catch Friday before be released bass must be

and Baker and release the Second immediately

Pond, with Saturday in released

Brookfield artificial June, both

lures and dates

flies only inclusive.

10.5.22 WALLEYE

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limits

General Open-water and First Saturday Minimum length 3 Fish

Waters and ice fishing in May through of 18 inches

Lake March 15

Champlain

(except as

listed

below)

Lake Carmi, Open-water and First Saturday Minimum length 5 fish,

Franklin Ice fishing in May through of 15 inches provided only

March 15 Protected 1 is over 19

lengths - 17 inches

to 19 inches

(all fish

between 17 &

19 inches must

be released)

Chittenden Open-water and June 1 through Minimum length 2 fish

Reservoir, ice fishing March 15 of 22 inches

Chittenden

10.5.23 SAUGER

1. Waters 2. Methods 3. Season 4. Size 5. Daily Bag

Restrictions Limits

General Open-water and No open season Any fish taken Zero - All

Waters and ice fishing must be Sauger taken

Lake immediately must be

Champlain released. immediately

released.

Spawning grounds for game fish - Generally

10.6 The below listed waters are declared spawning grounds for game fish and are hereby closed to the taking of fish from second Saturday in April through May 31 annually.

Chittenden County

Joiner Brook, Bolton - From the confluence of the Winooski River

upstream approximately 1,900 feet to the first falls.

Pinneo Brook, Bolton - From the confluence of the Winooski River

upstream approximately 100 feet to the railroad crossing.

Preston Brook, Bolton - From the confluence of the Winooski River

upstream approximately 2,600 feet to the first falls.

Orleans County

Black River - From 600 feet below the falls at Old Harman Mill in

Coventry upstream to the top of falls at Old Harman Mill in

Coventry.

Ware Brook - From the downstream edge of the furthest downstream

bridge/culvert on Back Coventry Road (TH #8 in Irasburg)

upstream approximately one mile to top of the first major

natural falls on Ware Brook.

Alder (Stony) Brook - From its confluence with the Black River

upstream 3 1/2 miles to the outlet of Sargent Pond, in Coventry.

Willoughby River - From the confluence of the Brownington Branch of

the Willoughby River in Brownington upstream to the

downstream edge of the bridge on Vermont Route 58 in the

village of Evansville (Brownington); and from the downstream edge of bridge on the Tarbox Hill Road in Orleans Village upstream to the top of the natural falls upstream of the bridge on Tarbox Hill Road in Orleans Village.

Dorin, Wells, Myers, Schoolhouse and Mill Brooks - From mouth of

brooks at Lake Willoughby upstream approximately 3/4 mile in

Dorin Brook, all of Wells Brook, 1/2 mile in Myers Brook, 1/4

mile in the Schoolhouse Brook and 1/4 mile in Mill Brook and

tributaries, all in Westmore. For identification purpose these

brooks are arranged in order from north to south, and flow

through Vermont Agency of Transportation structures on Route

5A number 10, 9, 8, 7 and 6, respectively.

Brownington Branch of the Willoughby River in Brownington - From

its confluence at the Willoughby River extending upstream to

the second road crossing on Brownington Chilafoux Road (TH

#15). Said crossing is located approximately 2.4 miles from

Brownington Center on Chilafoux Road (TH #15).

Country Club Brook - From its confluence with the Willoughby River

extending upstream to Hollow Road (TH #14) in Barton.

Porter Brook, Greensboro - From Caspian Lake upstream to its

headwaters. (1987, Fish and Wildlife Commissioner's Reg. No.

970, eff. April 1, 1987.)

Johns River - From the downstream edge of the bridge on Beebe Road

(TH #3) upstream approximately two tenths of a mile to the

downstream edge of bridge on Elm Street (TH #2) in Derby.

Outlet Brook - From the highway bridge near Echo Lake in Charleston

upstream to the top of dam at outlet of Seymour Lake.

Washington County

Chase Brook - From its confluence with the Dog River upstream

approximately 1/2 mile to the top of the natural falls in Berlin.

Ridley Brook, Duxbury - From the confluence of the Winooski River

upstream approximately 1,700 feet to the first falls.

Windsor County

Lilliesville Brook in the Town of Stockbridge from its confluence with

the White River upstream to the 2nd bridge on the Lilliesville

Brook Road.

Locust Creek in Bethel from its confluence with the White River

upstream to the 2nd bridge on Rt. 12.

10.7 The below named waters are closed from March 16 through May 31:

Chittenden County

Lamoille River - From the downstream edge of the bridge on Bear Trap

Road in Milton (referred to as the West Milton Bridge upstream

to the top of first dam (Peterson Dam)) in Milton.

Winooski River -From the Winooski One Hydro dam west of Main

Street (US 7) in Winooski and Burlington and extending

downstream to the downstream side of the first railroad bridge.

Franklin County

Missisquoi River - From the top of the Swanton dam in the Village of

Swanton downstream approximately 850 feet to the water

treatment plant on the west side of the river, and downstream

approximately 850 feet to the upstream end of the cement

breakwater on the east side of the river. (1988, Fish and

Wildlife Board Reg. No. 975, eff. April 7, 1988.)

10.8 The below named waters are closed from March 16 to the Friday before the 1st Saturday in May, both dates inclusive:

Franklin County

Missisquoi River - From the top of the Swanton Dam in the Village of

Swanton extending downstream 5,120 feet to the Northwest

corner (downstream) of the Riverside Cemetery and across the

river to a pole on the Northeast bank.

10.9 The below named waters are closed to fishing year-round:

Orleans County

Clyde River - From 260 feet below the top of the abandoned Mill Dam

immediately upstream of the Number 1, 2, 3 hydroelectric powerhouse

in Newport City, upstream to the top of the abandoned Mill Dam

immediately upstream of the Number 1, 2, 3 hydroelectric powerhouse

in Newport City.

10.10 The below named waters are closed from October 1 through October 31:

Orleans County

Johns River - From the downstream edge of the first bridge (culvert)

upstream of Lake Memphremagog on North Derby Road (TH

#6) upstream to U.S. 5, in Derby.

(Added 1961, No. 119, § 2, eff. May 9, 1961; amended 1963, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. -, eff. Aug. 23, 1963; 1966, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. -, eff. Jan. 1, 1967; 1968, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. -, eff. Jan. 1, 1969; 1971, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 840, eff. March 19, 1971; 1971, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. -, eff. June 21, 1971; 1973, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 866, eff. Jan. 20, 1973; 1974, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 892, eff. Dec. 26, 1974; 1975, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 895, eff. Jan. 1, 1976; 1976, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 899, eff. Jan. 1, 1977; 1977, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 904, § 5, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; 1977, No. 245 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. Apr. 17, 1978; 1978, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 906, eff. Oct. 21, 1978; 1979, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 913, eff. Nov. 21, 1979; 1980, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 915, eff. June 30, 1980; 1980, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 926, §§ 1-7, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; 1983, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 936, §§ 1, 5, eff. Jan. 1, 1983; 1983, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 942, eff. June 9, 1983; 1983, Fish and Game Board Reg. No. 946, eff. Oct. 17, 1983; 1984, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 950, eff. Sept. 17, 1984; 1984, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 951, eff. Sept. 17, 1984; 1985, No. 953, eff. Jan. 1, 1985; 1985, No. 49; 1986, No. 962, eff. June 6, 1986; 1987, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 971, eff. Sept. 17, 1987; 1990, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 980, eff. Feb. 23, 1990; 1991, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 982, eff. Jan. 5, 1991; 1991, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 990, eff. Sept. 1991; 1993, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 998, eff. March 23, 1993; 1995, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Jan. 2, 1996; 1997, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Nov. 1, 1997; 1999, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. March 13, 1999; 2000 Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Oct. 7, 2000; 2003, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Dec. 6, 2002; 2004, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. June 4, 2004; 2005, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. July 21, 2005; 2005A, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. March 31, 2006; 2007, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Sept. 1, 2006; 2008, Fish and Wildlife Board Reg. No. 1003, eff. Jan. 1, 2009; 2010 Fish and Wildlife Reg. effective Jan. 1, 2011; 2013 Fish and Wildlife Reg. eff. Jan. 1, 2014; 2015 Fish and Wildlife Reg. eff. Jan. 1, 2016; 2017 Fish and Wildlife Reg. eff. Jan. 1, 2018; 2018 Fish and Wildlife Reg. eff. Jan. 1, 2019.)

[Section 122 effective January 1, 2020; see also section 122 effective until January 1, 2020 .]