A valid Vermont fishing license is required for both resident and visiting anglers to take fish out of state waters. Administered by the VT Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD), each license to fish is classified based on certain factors such as the applicant’s age, residency status and the length of the fishing permit’s validity. Novice anglers are encouraged to take advantage of state fishing education opportunities as well. Experienced anglers who would like to connect with other fishing enthusiasts can also join one of the many local fishing organizations operating throughout the state. Read the sections outlined below to find out more about how to get a fishing license in Vermont:
Table of Contents
Anglers in Vermont planning to take fish from state waters are required to get a fishing license. Fishing permits are not required for anglers younger than 15 years of age. State recreational fishing licenses are available in one of two categories:
To buy fishing licenses in Vermont, you must submit a fishing permit application through the VFWD. Anglers can choose one of the following methods for purchasing a license to fish:
Recreational fishing licenses can be obtained for time periods of one day to five years.
Anglers living in Vermont can buy fishing licenses at a discounted price in comparison to visitors. To be considered a resident of Vermont, you must have lived in the state for the six consecutive months directly preceding the date of your fishing license application submission. Residential fishing licenses are administered by the VFWD and include the following options:
Note: Residential fishing license fees are subject to change without notice.
Anglers who have not lived in Vermont for six consecutive months are considered visitors and are therefore not eligible for residential fishing licenses. However, the VFWD offers a variety of non resident fishing licenses to visitors. Non resident fishing license options include:
Note: Non resident fishing permit fees are subject to change without notice.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department offers a variety of educational opportunities for child and adult anglers throughout the state. With a focus on conservation, educational resources vary in scope and focus. Opportunities such as the Green Mountain Conservation Summer Camp give kids between the ages of 12 and 14 a chance to learn about how to help conservation efforts concerning wildlife and fisheries. The Natural Resources Management Academy offers high school students a chance to explore Vermont wildernesses. The Project WILD Aquatic workshop also teaches kids the importance of aquatic conservation on the fishing community and state residents as a whole.
Regardless of the amount of practice an angler has, individuals can gain further knowledge and a better skills set by relying on experienced anglers for direction. Luckily, Vermont is home to a number of recreational fishing organizations operating throughout the state. Popular fishing clubs include:
The Chittenden County Bassmasters is a recreational club focused on fun events that meet every month throughout the summer, as well as in the winter. Made up mostly of Lake Champlain anglers, the group holds regular fishing tournaments, while focusing onaquatic conservation.
The Lake Dunmore Bassmasters is a fishing club that was created in 2009 with the goal of creating a fun atmosphere of local events and fishing tournaments for members to participate in. Promoting safe angling practices, the Lake Dunmroe Bassmasters brings together anglers of all skill levels from the area for regular events and tournaments.
The Hunters, Anglers and Trappers Association of Vermont, Inc. focuses its resources on helping all skill levels of hunters, anglers and trappers practice their craft. Through collaborations with state agencies, the association brings attention and helps efforts to conserve wildlife in Vermont while also fostering a strong sense of community.
