Vermont trout season opener just a week away

Sportsmen ’shaking a gloved fist at winter’

By Dennis Jensen Staff Writer

04.06.08

It isn’t the guarantee of a stringer of fish that pulls the typical Vermont angler out on the opening day of trout season. Rather, it’s the “opportunity” to get out there, the chance to shake your gloved fist at winter, to fish in Vermont’s pristine — and very cold — waters and, yes, to even have the chance to catch a few cold-weather trout.

The season opens on April 12 for brook, rainbow and brown trout.

John Hall, a spokesman for the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, said that the attraction of opening day is steeped in tradition.

“This year’s trout season signals the start of another year of enjoyable fishing on Vermont streams and lakes,” Hall said. “Although many lakes and ponds will still have ice, opportunities for good trout fishing will be available at inlets and outlets.”

While the opening day numbers seemed to have declined over the past decade or so, there are still good numbers of anglers who will brave the opening-day conditions.

With high-water conditions and cold temperatures often the rule on opening day, it is clearly not the guarantee of success that drives the hardcore fishermen who love the prospects of opening day.

It is, instead, the chance to get outside and wet a line, the opportunity to get out there, on the water, with the knowledge that better, warmer days are coming.

Hall said anglers would be wise to scout for sections of rivers and streams where fish are most likely to be found in early spring.

“Stream fishing will be best where the current is slower,” he said. “Look for fish along the bottom in deep pools and behind large rocks.”

Anglers will want to focus on getting their presentations down deep, Hall said.

“It takes more weight than normal to make a bait, lure or streamer fly bump along the bottom, but it’s the most effective way to present your offering to trout in early spring,” he said.

According to Hall, veteran anglers favor worms or night crawlers while fishing for early-season trout. Other anglers have a good deal of success fishing with live shiners, but anglers should be advised to check on the new regulations regarding live bait before they wet a line.

Hall also said that anglers should be reminded to use sinkers that are not made of lead. It is unlawful to use a lead sinker weighing one-half ounce or less while fishing in Vermont. Weighted fly line, lead-core line, downrigger cannonballs, weighted flies, lure, spoons or jig heads are not prohibited.

Fishing licenses are $20 for adult residents, $8 for residents 15 to 17 years of age, $41 for adult nonresidents and $15 for nonresidents 15 to 17 years old. One-, three- and seven-day fishing licenses also are available for nonresidents. Children under 15 do not need a fishing license in Vermont. Licenses are available at agents statewide and from Fish & Wildlife’s Web site.

Hall said that planning a Vermont spring trout fishing trip is easy. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has a 2008 Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Trapping that includes maps showing lakes and streams as well as fishing access areas and public lands.

It also lists the fish species found in each body of water and it includes fishing regulations. Copies are available where fishing licenses are sold, or from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, 103 South Main St., Waterbury, 05671-0501. The telephone number is 241-3700. You also can download sections of the publication from their Web site www.vtfishandwildlife.com.