§ 122 - Fish Regulation - Vermont Statutes

§ 122. Fish Regulation TITLE 10AConservation and Development 4 APPENDIXCHAPTER 2. FISHSubchapter II. Seasons, Waters, and Limits

§ 122. Fish 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 Angling, legal methods of taking fish

3.1 Definitons

3.1.1 Baited Hook - A single shank hook with 1, 2 or 3 points which may be baited with natural or artificial bait or both.

3.1.2 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.

3.1.3 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.

3.1.4 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.

3.2 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 fishing by angling 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 other part of the body with a hook or hooks manipulated in such a manner as to pierce and hook the fish other than in the mouth shall be considered to be foul hooked, and shall be prima facie evidence of foul hooking.

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 fifteen 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 so fishing shall have at all times immediate control over the lines while in operation at all times.

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

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 Fish and Wildlife Department.

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 Title 10, § 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 non-commercial use.

5.3 Personal Baitfish Harvest

5.3.1 Personally harvested baitfish may be used only on the same waterbody, as defined in 5.2.7, from which they were collected.

5.3.2 A person may harvest for baitfish only those fish species listed under paragraphs 5.6. and 5.6.1.

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) angling 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 by angling or the use of minnow traps no longer than eighteen inches with an entrance for fish not exceeding one inch in diameter, and only during the open season for trout.

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, unless the owner is present.

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. Unwanted baitfish shall be discarded dead in the water or on the ice.

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 angled fish from Vermont waters, and used immediately as bait on the same water where taken unless that water body has beenclosed 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.

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 5.4.4 and 5.4.5.

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 Anglers 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.

5.4.5 Anglers 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.

5.4.6 Anglers shall not transport baitfish away from waters of the state by motorized vehicle. Baitfish may be held on the water in a pen or baitbox as per paragraph 5.2.2. Unwanted baitfish shall be discarded dead in the water or on the ice.

5.4.7 Commercially prepared and preserved baitfish and fish eggs available from retailstores 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.

5.5.2 Commercial Bait Dealers may sell as bait only those species of fish listed under section 5.6 and 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 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 approved by the Fish & Wildlife Department.

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 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

Eastern silvery minnow Hybognathus regius

Fathead minnow Pimephales promelas

Bluntnose minnow Pimephales notatus

Emerald shiner Notropis atherinoides

Golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas

Spottail shiner Notropis hudsonius

Common shiner Luxilus cornutus previous Notropis cornutus

Mimic shiner Notropis volucellus

Creek chub Semotilus atromaculatus

Fallfish Semotilus corporalis

Blacknose dace Rhinichthys atratulus

Longnose dace Rhinichthys cataractae

Northern redbelly dace Phoxinus eos

White sucker Catostomus commersoni

Longnose sucker Catostomus catostomus

5.6.1 The following additional fish species, or parts thereof, may be taken by angling and used for bait only in those waters where taken and shall not be transported alive from those waters:

Rainbow smelt Osmerus mordax

Yellow perch Perca flavescens

5.6.2 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 Commissioner or duly authorized agents 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. The Commissioner or duly authorized agents shall review the application and determine whether the application is complete or deficient.

5.7.2 If the application is deficient, the Commissioner or agents 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. Once the application is complete, the Commissioner or agents shall review the information supplied to assess the impact of the proposed operation on Vermont's fish and fisheries. The Commissioner may issue the person an annual permit for commercial bait dealing. If the application is denied, the Commissioner shall, within 30 days of receipt of application, send the person a written denial providing the reasons why the application is 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 when there is a concern of a disease developing, for failure to comply with the provisions of this rule, for failure to comply with other rules promulgated by the Board or for failure to comply with the provisions of Part 4, Title 10, Vermont Statutes Annotated.

5.9.2 Upon receipt of information alleging that a person permitted to deal commercially in baitfish within the State of Vermont has violated rules promulgated by the Board or the provisions of Part 4 of Title 10 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated, the Commissioner shall cause the information to be investigated. If as a result of the investigation the Commissioner finds that there is a reasonable belief that a person permitted under this rule has violated rules promulgated by the Board or the provisions of Part 4 of Title 10 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated, then the Commissioner shall notify that person in writing of the intent to revoke the permit.

5.9.3 Prior to permit revocation, the Commissioner shall provide a proceeding consistent with 3 V.S.A. § 814(c).

5.9.4 Appeals of the decisions of the Commissioner are subject to the Vermont Rules of Civil Procedure.

5.10 Permanent Rule Effective Date and Expiration of Emergency Rule

5.10.1 This rule shall take effect 15 days after being adopted by the Fish and Wildlife Board and filed with the Secretary of State and Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules. The existing emergency rule regarding baitfish shall expire when this regulation takes effect.

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:

Knapp Brook Ponds No. 1 and No. 2, Cavendish and Reading;

Ewell Pond, Peacham;

Jobs Pond, Newark;

Levi Pond, Groton;

Lewis Pond, Lewis;

Newark Pond, Newark;

Red Mill Pond, Woodford;

Sterling Pond, Cambridge;

Colby Pond, Plymouth;

Martins Pond, Peacham;

McIntosh Pond, Royalton

and any ponds as may be created or reclaimed by the fish and wildlife department. 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 October 1 and October 31, on the Clyde River (Newport City, Orleans County) beginning at the top of the abandoned mill dam located immediately upstream of the Newport 1, 2, 3 hydroelectric powerhouse downstream to the downstream edge of the arch bridge at Gardner Park entrance, fishing may be done 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:

Ansel Pond, Bethel

Baker Pond, Barton

Bald Hill Pond, Westmore

Bean Pond, Sutton

Beaver Pond, Holland

Beck Pond, Newark

Beebe Pond, Sunderland

Blake Pond, Sutton

Bourn Pond, Sunderland

Branch Pond, Sunderland

Brown Pond, Westmore

Browns Pond, Westmore

Caspian Lake, Greensboro

Center Pond, Newark

Colby Pond, Plymouth

Cow Mountain Pond, Granby

Crystal Lake, Barton

Duck Pond, Sutton

East Long Pond, Woodbury

Echo Lake, Charleston

Ewell Pond, Peacham

Forest Lake, Averill

Goshen Dam (Sugar Hill Reservoir), Goshen

Big Averill Lake, Norton and Averill

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

South Pond, Marlboro

Marl Pond, Sutton

Martins Pond, Peacham

May Pond, Barton

McIntosh Pond, Royalton

Mud Pond, Hyde Park

Nelson Pond (Forest Lake), Calais and Woodbury

Newark Pond, Newark

Nichols Pond, Woodbury

Norton Pond, Norton

Notch Pond, Ferdinand

Noyes (Seyon) Pond, Groton

Peacham Pond, Peacham

Perch Pond, Hyde Park

Pigeon Pond, Groton

Seymour Lake, Morgan

Shadow Lake, Glover

Silver Lake, Leicester

South America Pond, Ferdinand

Spring Lake, Shrewsbury

Stoughton Pond, Weathersfield

Stratton Pond, Stratton

Sunset Lake, Benson

Unknown Pond, Averys Gore

Unknown Pond, Ferdinand

Vail Pond, Sutton

West Mountain Pond, Maidstone

Wheeler Pond, Barton and Sutton

Willoughby Lake, Westmore

Zack Woods, 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, provided that this subsection shall not apply to the following streams or portions of streams, which are hereby designated open streams:

Black River - From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the top of the Lovejoy

Dam in Springfield.

Lamoille River - From the Lake Champlain Boundary upstream to the top of the

hydroelectric dam at Fairfax Falls in Fairfax.

Missisquoi River - From the Lake Champlain Boundary upstream to the top of the

Sheldon Springs Dam in Sheldon Springs.

Ompompanousuc River - From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the top of

the flood control dam in Union Village in the town of Thetford.

Otter Creek - From the Lake Champlain boundary upstream to the top of the Center

Rutland Falls in Rutland.

Waits River - From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the top of the Central

Vermont Power Dam in Bradford.

West River - From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the top of Townshend

Lake Dam in Townshend.

White River - From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the downstream edge

of Route 107 bridge, in Bethel.

Williams River - From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the top of the dam

at Brockway Mills Falls in Rockingham.

Winooski River - From the Lake Champlain Boundary upstream to the top of the

Bolton Dam 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 guidelines of the board. Fish species are restricted to species not protected by title 10 V.S.A. 4611.

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 those species allowed to be possessed and used as live fish for bait,

10.1.1.2 the person has been issued a 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

a fish species that may be taken in one day)

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/Sauger 3 fish

Black and White Crappie 25 fish

American Shad 2 fish

Yellow Perch 50 fish

Yellow Perch exception Lake Champlain - No daily limit

10.5.2 BROOK, BROWN AND RAINBOW TROUT

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

Restrictions Limit

General Angling Second No restriction 6 trout

waters. Saturday in

(except as April through

listed below) October 31

Lake Champlain Angling and No closed Minimum size, 3 trout

ice fishing season 12 inches

Rivers and Angling Second No restriction 12 trout, of

Streams Saturday in which not more

April through than 6 can be

October 31 brown and/or

Rainbow

TROPHY TROUT STREAMS

Listed Below: Angling Second No restriction 2 trout in

Saturday in aggregate

April through

October 31

Black River along Rt. 131 in Weathersfield and Cavendish, from Downers covered bridge upstream (approximately four 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.

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.

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).

Little River - From the confluences with Winooski River upstream to the Route 2 bridge in Waterbury.

10.5.3 RAINBOW TROUT (Including STEELHEAD / BROWN TROUT

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

Restrictions Limit

Listed Angling Second Minimum size 2 trout

Below: Saturday in of 10 inches

April through

October 31

Lakes and Ponds

Caspian Lake, Greensboro

Echo Lake, Charleston

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

Coventry, Derby, Newport City and Newport;

Willoughby Lake, Westmore

Rivers and Streams:

Orleans County:

Barton River - From the downstream side of the US Route 5 bridge southernmost and

closest to the Village of Barton in Barton downstream to Lake

Memphremagog

Black River - From the downstream side of the VT Route 14 / 58 bridge in

Irasburg downstream to Lake Memphremagog.

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 Willoughby Lake outlet

downstream to the confluence with the Barton River.

10.5.4 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 Angling Second See Two fish in

below: 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

Harvey's Lake, Barnet

Lake Dunmore, Salisbury

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

10.5.5 STREAMS OPEN TO YEAR ROUND TROUT FISHING

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

Restrictions Limit

The following Artificial fly No closed Catch and All trout must

portions of or lure only, season for release only be immediately

the specified except during catch and returned to

rivers shall the open release only the waters

be open to season for where taken,

fishing for trout. except during

trout year the open

round: season, limits

(Listed apply in

below) accordance

with the river

selected.

Open season; During the

from the 2nd open season

Saturday in follow any

April through species

October 31 restrictions

for the

selected river

Black River - The top of Lovejoy Dam in Springfield downstream to the Connecticut River boundary.

Lamoille River - From the Lake Champlain boundary (top of Perterson Dam in Milton) upstream to the top of the hydroelectric Dam at Fairfax Falls.

Lewis Creek - From the Lake Champlain boundary upstream to the State Prison Hollow Road (TH #3) bridge in Starksboro.

Ompompanoosuc River - From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the Union Village Dam in.

Otter Creek - From the Lake Champlain boundary upstream to top of Center Rutland Falls in.

West River - Fom the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the Townshend Dam (Townshend) to Connecticut River boundary.

White River - From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the bridge on Route 107 in Bethel.

Williams River - From the Connecticut River boundary upstream to the top of the dam at Brockway Mills Falls in Rockingham.

Winooski River - From the Lake Champlain boundary upstream to the Bolton Dam in Duxbury and Waterbury.

10.5.6 LAKE TROUT AND SALMON

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

Restrictions Limit

General Angling Second Salmon - 2 Lake Trout

Waters (all Saturday in Minimum length 2 Salmon or

waters except April through or 15 inches 1 of each

listed below) October 31 Lake Trout -

Minimum length

- 18 inches

Lake Champlain Angling and No Closed Lake Trout and 3 Lake Trout

ice fishing Season Salmon 15 and 2 Salmon

Inches Minimum

Lake Averill Angling with Angling second Lake Trout - 1 Lake Trout

Lake Seymour not more than Saturday in Minimum length and 1 salmon

Lake 1 line April through of 20 inches

October 31

Ice fishing Ice fishing: Salmon - or 2 Salmon

with not more third Saturday Minimum length

than 4 lines in January to of 15 inches

through March

15

Listed

Below: Angling Second Lake Trout - 2 Lake Trout

Saturday in 18 Inches or 2 Salmon or

April through Minimum 1 of each

October 31

Salmon - 17

Inches Minimum

Lake Memphremagog (including South Bay and the connecting waters), Coventry, Derby, Newport City and Newport, excluding all waters of the Clyde River Watershed upstream of the hydroelectric dam that creates West Charleston Pond (Lubber Lake) in West Charleston and excluding Willoughby Lake and all waters that flow into it.

10.5.7 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;

Fairlee, West Fairlee;

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;

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;

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

105.8 WILD TROUT STREAMS

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

Restrictions Limit

Lamoille Angling, with Second Minimum of 16 2 trout

River - artificial Saturday in inches.

From the lures and April through

downstream flies only. October 31.

edge of the

railroad

bridge in

Johnson

upstream

(approximately

3.7 miles)

to the

downstream

edge of the

Ten Bends

Drive bridge

in Hyde Park.

White Angling, with Second Minimum of 18 1 trout

River artificial Saturday in inches

From the lures and April through

confluence flies only. October 31.

with

Lilliesville

Brook in

Stockbridge

downstream

3.3 miles to

220 ft.

downstream of

the

confluence

with

Cleveland

Brook in

Bethel.

Mettawee Angling Second 10 to 14 2 trout, only

River - 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.

Listed Angling Second 10 to 16 2 trout, only

Below: Saturday in inches 1 greater than

April through protected 16 inches

October 31 slot: (all

fish 10 to 16

inches must be

releases)

Dog River - From the first bridge on Route 12 above the confluence with the Winooski River upstream (approximately 4.3 miles) to the railroad bridge in West Berlin.

New Haven - 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.

10.5.9 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 be

anadromous immediately

Atlantic released

salmon, any

salmon

unintentionally

taken shall

be immediately

released in

accordance

with section

4602

10.5.10 AMERICAN SHAD

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

Restrictions Limit

Connecticut Angling No Closed No restriction 2 Shad

River, Season

including

Vermont river

tributaries

10.5.11 CARP, BOWFIN, SUCKERS, MULLETT (REDHORSE), GAR

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

Restrictions Limit

General By angling, No Closed No restriction No limit

Waters ice fishing Season

(Except and bow with

seasonally line attached

closed waters to an arrow

and as listed

below)

Lake Angling, ice No closed No restriction No limit

Champlain, fishing and season

not to bow with line

include attached to

tributaries arrow

Lake Spearing March 25 No restriction No limit

Champlain, through May

not to 25, Title 10

include (4606e)

tributaries

10.5.12 NORTHERN PIKE

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

Restrictions Limit

General By angling and No Closed Minimum length 5 Fish

Waters ice fishing Season of 20 inches

(except as

listed below)

Lake Champlain Angling, ice No closed Minimum length 5 Fish

fishing season of 20 inches

Shooting and March 25 Minimum length 5 Fish

spearing through May of 20 inches

25, 10 VSA

(4606)

10.5.13 CHAIN AND REFIN PICKEREL

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

Restrictions Limit

General By angling and No Closed No restriction No Limit

Waters ice fishing Season

(except as

listed below)

Lake Champlain By angling and No Closed No restriction 10 fish

ice fishing, Season

Shooting and March 25 No restriction 10 Fish

spearing through May 25

10.5.14MUSKELLUNGE

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

Restrictions Limit

General Angling 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 Angling 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 Minimum length 0 Fish

spearing through May of 30 inches

25, (10 VSA

4606)

Missisquoi Any fish taken No Open Season Any fish taken Zero - All

River from must be must be muskellunge

Swanton Dam immediately immediately taken must be

in the released released immediately

Village of released

Swanton

upstream to

the Highgate

Falls Dam

10.5.15 SMELT

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

Restrictions Limit

All waters By angling and No closed No restriction No Limit

ice fishing season

10.5.16 BLACK AND WHITE CRAPPIE

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

Restrictions Limit

All Waters By angling No closed 8 Inches, 25 fish,

Season minimum Combined

10.5.17 YELLOW PERCH

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

Restrictions Limit

General Angling and No closed No restriction 50 fish

Waters ice fishing Season

(except as

listed

below)

Lake Champlain Angling and No closed No restriction No Limit

ice fishing Season

Businesses may buy lawfully taken fish, with the approval of the Commissioner, pursuant to guidelines of the Board. Fish species are restricted to species not protected by Title 10 V.S.A. 4611.

10.5.18 LARGEMOUTH AND SMALLMOUTH BASS

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

Restrictions Limit

General Angling No closed No restriction 5 fish

Waters season

(except as

listed below)

Lakes, Ponds Angling

and reservoirs (Ice Second Minimum length 5 Fish

fishing - see Saturday in of 10 inches

special June through

provisions) Nov. 30th

Lakes, Ponds Catch and Second All bass must Zero - All

and reservoirs release with Saturday in be released bass must be

artificial April through immediately

lures and the Friday released

flies only before the

Second

Saturday in

June, both

dates

inclusive.

Seasonally, Angling Only when such No restrictions 5 Fish

Closed Waters rivers and

- streams streams are

open to trout

fishing

Lake Morey, Angling

Fairlee (Ice Second Largemouth 5 Fish

fishing - see Saturday in bass must be

special June through 14 inches or

provisions) Nov. 30 greater

Kent Pond, Angling Second Largemouth 10 fish, only

Killington 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)

10.5.19 WALLEYE and SAUGER

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

Restrictions Limit

General Angling and First Saturday Minimum of 18 3 Fish

Waters ice fishing in May through inches

(except as March 15

listed

below)

Lake Carmi, Angling and First Saturday Minimum length 5 fish,

Franklin ice fishing in May through - 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 Angling and June 1 through Minimum 2 fish

Reservoir, ice fishing March 15 Length: 22

Chittenden inches

11.0 Spawning grounds for game fish - Generally

11.1 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 - 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.

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 downstream edge of the bridge on Vermont Route 58 in

the village of Evansville (Brownington), downstream to confluence of the

Brownington Branch of the Willoughby River in Brownington; and from the

bridge on Tarbox Hill Road in Orleans Village and extending upstream to the

top of the natural falls (upstream of the bridge on Tarbox Hill Road) in

Orleans Village.

Dorin, Wells, 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, 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, Porter Brook, tributary to Caspian Lake, is to be closed in

its entirety. (1987, Fish and Wildlife Commissioner's Reg. No. 970, eff. April

1, 1987.)

Johns River - 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 1700 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.

11.2 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.)

11.3 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.

11.4 The below named waters are closed from second Saturday in April through May 10:

Orleans County

Clyde River - From the downstream edge of the bridge on Lower Clyde Street 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.

11.5 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.

(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 Regs. No. 840, eff. March 19, 1971; 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 Regs. No. 915, eff. June 30, 1980; No. 926, §§ 1-7, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; 1983, Fish and Game Board Regs. No. 936, §§ 1, 5, eff. Jan. 1, 1983; No. 942, eff. June 9, 1983; No. 946, eff. Oct. 17, 1983; 1984, Fish and Wildlife Board Regs. No. 950, eff. Sept. 17, 1984; 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 Regs. No. 982, eff. Jan. 5, 1991; 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. January 1, 2009.)