Vermont Fishing License: Who Needs One and How to Get It
Vermont
, a state known for its picturesque landscapes and abundant water bodies, is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, if you’re over the age of fifteen, you’ll need a Vermont Fishing License to fish in the state’s waters.
Who needs a Vermont fishing license?
Any person over the age of fifteen, whether a resident or non-resident, must possess a valid Vermont fishing license to fish in Vermont state waters. However, there are a few exceptions. For instance, a resident fishing on their own private property does not require a license. Additionally, Vermont offers free fishing days per year, during which both non-residents and residents are not required to possess a Vermont fishing license. These free fishing days occur on the last Saturday in January and the second Saturday in June.
Vermont Fishing License
How to Get a Vermont Fishing License
License Types and Prices
Vermont offers various fishing license types based on age, residency, and duration. Here are some examples of license types and their prices:
- Annual Fishing License: $28 for residents, $54 for non-residents
- 5-Year Fishing License: $134 for residents, $264 for non-residents
- Youth Fishing License (ages 15–17): $8 for residents, $15 for non-residents
- 1-Day Fishing License: $10 for residents, $21 for non-residents
- 3-Day Fishing License: $11 for residents, $23 for non-residents
- 7-Day Fishing License: $15 for residents, $31 for non-residents
Online License Purchase Process
In-Person License Purchase
If you prefer to buy your fishing license in person, you can visit authorized license agents statewide or the Montpelier Office. A list of authorized license agents can be found on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website.
Digital Fishing Licenses
When you purchase a Vermont fishing license online, you can access it digitally from your account. This allows you to present your license to an inquiring authority without carrying a paper copy.
License Renewal
Vermont Fishing License Prices
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice looking to cast your first line, fishing in Vermont offers a unique experience. With over 800 lakes and 7,000 miles of streams and rivers, the state is a haven for fishing enthusiasts. However, before you can enjoy the thrill of the catch, you need to understand the ins and outs of Vermont fishing license prices.
Who needs a Vermont fishing license?
Anyone over the age of 15 planning to fish in Vermont needs a fishing license. Kids under 15 can fish for free, and youths aged 15–17 can purchase a youth fishing license.
How much does a Vermont fishing license cost?
The cost of a Vermont fishing license varies based on the type of license, the duration, and the age and residency status of the applicant.
- Annual Fishing License: For those aged 18 and above, the annual license costs $28 for residents and $54 for non-residents.
- Five-Year Fishing License: A five-year license is available at $134 for residents and $264 for non-residents.
- Youth Fishing License (ages 15–17): This license costs $8 for residents and $15 for non-residents.
For those looking for short-term fishing opportunities, Vermont offers one-day, three-day, and seven-day licenses. A non-resident can purchase a one-day fishing license for $21, a three-day license for $23, and a seven-day license for $31.
Lifetime Fishing Licenses
Lifetime fishing licenses are also available for both residents and non-residents. The prices for lifetime Vermont fishing licenses vary based on the age of the applicant. These licenses can only be purchased through the main office in Montpelier and require an application and a copy of a certified birth certificate.
How to Purchase a Vermont Fishing License
You can purchase a Vermont fishing license in several ways:
- Online: Visit the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer and a credit card for payment.
- In-person: Visit one of the district offices or authorized license agents.
- By Mail: Print a license application from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website, fill it out, and send it in with your payment.
Remember, the fees collected from the sale of fishing licenses are used for fishery management, protection and conservation education, habitat development, and other related programs.
Free Fishing Days
Vermont offers two free fishing days each year: the second Saturday in June and the last Saturday in January. On these days, residents and non-residents may fish without a license.
Special Provisions for Military Personnel and Veterans in Vermont
Vermont extends a warm hand of gratitude to its military personnel and veterans, offering them special provisions when it comes to fishing licenses. Active military personnel who are residents of Vermont can obtain a Vermont fishing license free of charge. This is Vermont’s way of saying thank you for their service.
The process is straightforward. Any resident of Vermont who is serving on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or is performing, or is under orders to perform, a homeland defense or state-side contingency operation for a period of 120 or more consecutive days may obtain at no cost a fishing license.
What’s more, this license remains valid until it expires, regardless of whether the person continues to serve in the armed forces. This means that even if you’re on leave, your fishing license is still good to go.
For non-resident military personnel stationed in Vermont, they can purchase a Vermont fishing license at the resident rate. This is a great way for them to enjoy the state’s abundant fishing opportunities without breaking the bank.
Vermont also extends its generosity to veterans. Veterans who have at least 60% service-related disability, are legally blind, are paraplegic, or have a severe physical mobility impairment can obtain a free Vermont fishing license. This is a small token of appreciation for the sacrifices they’ve made.
Fishing Regulations in Vermont
Vermont’s fishing regulations are designed to protect the state’s fisheries while providing a variety of fishing opportunities. The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department provides a complete guide to Vermont’s fishing regulations, including an online fishing regulation tool that makes finding the fishing regulations for where you are fishing quick and easy.
For instance, you can now keep 8 trout from streams and rivers. This means 8 total fish of any combination of brook, brown, or rainbow trout. Many waters that were previously seasonally closed are now managed under general regulations. All these changes mean that the number of regulation tables in the fishing guide has been reduced from 10 to 3.
Here’s a quick overview of the general fishing regulations in Vermont:
| Species | Open Seasons for Harvest | Type of Water Body | Minimum Length | Daily Limit | Legal Methods |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Shad | All Year | All | NA | 0 | Catch and release open-water fishing |
| Anadromous Atlantic Salmon | No open season | All | NA | 0 | None |
| Bowfin, Mullet (Redhorse), Gar | All Year | River/Stream | None | No more than five of any one species | Open-water fishing |
| Brook Trout, Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout | 2nd Sat. in April to Oct. 31 | River/Stream | None | Total of brook + brown + rainbow = no more than 8 | Open-water fishing |
| Carp, Suckers (Longnose and White), and Cull Fish | All year | River/Stream | None | No limit | Open-water fishing |
Remember, these are just general regulations. For specific bodies of water, you’ll need to check the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s website or use their online tool.
In conclusion, whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice fisherman, understanding the requirements for a Vermont fishing license is essential. So, before you cast your line, make sure you’re equipped with the right information and the necessary license.
