Fishing Regulations in Vermont
Last updated: 2025-01-01
Regulations shown are approximate and may be outdated. Always check the official Vermont fish and game agency for current regulations.
Visit Official AgencyFishing License
Vermont requires a fishing license for anglers 15 and older. Resident and non-resident annual licenses are available, along with 7-day, 3-day, and 1-day options. A separate trout stamp is not required as trout fishing is included with the standard license.
Get Your LicenseSpecies Regulations
| Species | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 5 per day | 10 inches minimum | Second Saturday in June through November 30 | Catch and release only during spring spawning season. Check current VT Fish & Wildlife regulations. |
| smallmouth-bass | 5 per day | 10 inches minimum | Second Saturday in June through November 30 | |
| rainbow-trout | 6 per day (combined with other trout) | Varies by water body | Second Saturday in April through October 31 | |
| brown-trout | 6 per day (combined with other trout) | Varies by water body | Second Saturday in April through October 31 | |
| brook-trout | 6 per day (combined with other trout) | Varies by water body | Second Saturday in April through October 31 | |
| northern-pike | 5 per day | 20 inches minimum | Year-round on Lake Champlain | |
| walleye | 3 per day | 15 inches minimum | Year-round | |
| yellow-perch | 50 per day | No minimum | Year-round |
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 10 inches minimum
Season: Second Saturday in June through November 30
Notes: Catch and release only during spring spawning season. Check current VT Fish & Wildlife regulations.
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 10 inches minimum
Season: Second Saturday in June through November 30
Bag Limit: 6 per day (combined with other trout)
Size Limit: Varies by water body
Season: Second Saturday in April through October 31
Bag Limit: 6 per day (combined with other trout)
Size Limit: Varies by water body
Season: Second Saturday in April through October 31
Bag Limit: 6 per day (combined with other trout)
Size Limit: Varies by water body
Season: Second Saturday in April through October 31
Bag Limit: 5 per day
Size Limit: 20 inches minimum
Season: Year-round on Lake Champlain
Bag Limit: 3 per day
Size Limit: 15 inches minimum
Season: Year-round
Bag Limit: 50 per day
Size Limit: No minimum
Season: Year-round
Top Fishing Waters
Lake Champlain
lakeSpecies: largemouth-bass, smallmouth-bass, northern-pike, walleye, yellow-perch
Lake Memphremagog
lakeSpecies: smallmouth-bass, largemouth-bass, brown-trout, rainbow-trout, walleye
Connecticut River
riverSpecies: smallmouth-bass, walleye, rainbow-trout, brown-trout, northern-pike
Harriman Reservoir
reservoirSpecies: smallmouth-bass, rainbow-trout, yellow-perch, crappie
Battenkill River
riverSpecies: brown-trout, brook-trout, rainbow-trout
State Records
| Species | Weight | Year | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| largemouth-bass | 10 lbs 4 oz | 1988 | Lake Dunmore |
| smallmouth-bass | 6 lbs 12 oz | 2001 | Lake Champlain |
| brown-trout | 18 lbs 2 oz | 1985 | Lake Memphremagog |
| rainbow-trout | 12 lbs 1 oz | 2006 | Lake Champlain |
| brook-trout | 6 lbs 2 oz | 2018 | Averill Lake |
| northern-pike | 30 lbs 1 oz | 1978 | Lake Champlain |
| walleye | 12 lbs 4 oz | 2010 | Lake Champlain |