Skip to main content
Vermont

Fishing

Fishing

Index of Rivers & Streams

Waters listed in this index have special regulations that override the general regulations and must be followed.

For rivers, streams, brooks, and creeks NOT LISTED in this index, see Table 1.

Baitfish Zones: see Baitfish Use and Restrictions for description, or statewide map of Baitfish Zones & Black-list Waters. Black-listed waters: (B-BK)=Batten Kill River; (B-LC)=Lake Champlain; (B-M)=Lake Memphremagog; (B-CT)=Connecticut River

1 – Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS): EW=Eurasian Watermilfoil; WC=Water Chestnut; WD=Whirling Disease

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) may be present in other waterbodies and not yet detected. Please follow the recommendations in Aquatic Invasive Species Laws to help stop the spread of ANS.

Rivers and Streams

Town

County

Table

ANS1

Barton River

From Lake Memphremagog upstream to the downstream side of the US Route 5 bridge southernmost and closest to the village of Barton in Barton. (B–M)

  • Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout: length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout

Barton/ Coventry/ Irasburg

Orleans

1

Batten Kill River (R-BK)

From NY state line upstream (20.6 miles) to downstream side of Depot Street bridge (Routes 11/30) in Manchester. (R–BK)

  • All trout must be released immediately
  • Closed to fishing from November 1 to the Friday before the second Saturday in April.

Arlington/ Sunderland/ Manchester

Bennington

1

WD

Depot Street bridge (Routes 11/30) in Manchester to downstream side of US Route 7 bridge south of East Dorset. (R–BK)

  • Trout: Oct. 1–Oct. 31: Catch and Release (includes tributaries: Green River, Roaring Branch, Warm Brook) fishing only, all trout must be released immediately.

Manchester and Dorset

Bennington

1

WD

Black River (Connecticut River Tributary)

Connecticut River main channel to I-91 bridge, Springfield. (R–CT)

Springfield

Windsor

3

EW

Black River along Route 131 in Weathersfield and Cavendish, from Downers covered bridge upstream (approximately 4 miles) to the next bridge across the river, the Howard Hill bridge.

  • Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: length limit, none; daily limit,2 trout aggregate

Weathersfeld/ Cavendish

Weathersfeld/ Cavendish

1

Black River (Memphremagog Tributary)

From Lake Memphremagog upstream to 600’ below the falls at Old Harman Mill in Coventry.

  • Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout: length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout

Coventry

Orleans

1

From 600’ below the falls at Old Harman Mill in Coventry upstream to the top of the falls at Old Harman Mill in Coventry.

  • Closed to Fishing: March 15 through May 31
  • Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout: length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout

Coventry

Orleans

1

Old Harman Mill in Coventry upstream to the downstream side of the VT Routes 14/58 bridge in Irasburg.

  • Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout: length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout

Newport City, Coventry

Orleans

1

Blodgett/Tarbox Brook

From the confluence with Willoughby River upstream 1,300’ to bridge on Tarbox Hill Road.

  • Closed to Fishing: March 15 through May 31

Barton

Orleans

1

Brownington Branch of Willoughby River

From its confluence at the Willoughby River extending upstream to the second road crossing on Brownington Chilafoux Road (TH #15). Crossing is located approximately 2.4 miles from Brownington Center on Chilafoux Road (TH #15).

  • Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout: length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout

Brownington

Orleans

1

Chase Brook

From its confluence with the Dog River upstream approximately 1/2 mile to the top of the natural falls in Berlin.

  • Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31

Berlin

Washington County

1

Clyde River

Lake Memphremagog to 260’ below the top of the abandoned Mill Dam immediately upstream of the Number 1, 2, 3 hydroelectric powerhouse, in Newport City. (R–M)

  • Catch and Release for salmon between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31 using artificial flies and lures only
  • Closed to fishing from November 1 to the Friday before the second Saturday in April.

Newport City

Orleans

1

From 260’ below the top of the abandoned Mill Dam immediately upstream of the Number 1, 2, 3 hydroelectric powerhouse, 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.

  • Closed to Fishing

Newport City

Orleans

1

Top of the abandoned Mill Dam immediately upstream of the Number 1, 2, 3 hydroelectric powerhouse, in Newport City, to Citizens Charleston Dam (Lubber Lake) in West Charleston.

  • Catch and Release for salmon between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31 using artificial flies and lures only
  • Closed to fishing from November 1 to the Friday before the second Saturday in April.

Newport City, Derby, and Charleston

Orleans

1

Connecticut River (R-CT)

(Including tributaries, bays, and setback to first highway bridge)

3

EW

Dead Creek

From the confluences with Otter Creek upstream to Panton Road bridge in Panton. (R–LC)

  • Lake Champlain Boundaries

Panton

Addison

2

EW, WC

Deerfield River

From the downstream edge of the East Branch Trailhead Bridge in Searsburg upstream 4 miles to the downstream edge of the bridge on Somerset Road near junction with Forest Road 71 in Searsburg.

  • Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: length limit, none; daily limit, 2 trout aggregate

Searsburg

All Applicable Counties

1

Dog River

Downstream edge of the Junction Road bridge in Berlin/Montpelier upstream to the top of Northfield Falls Dam in Northfield.

  • Trout: All trout must be released immediately. Fishing may only be done with artificial flies and lures. Anglers 14 years old and younger may use natural baits.
  • Closed to fishing from November 1 to the Friday before the second Saturday in April.

All Applicable Towns

Washington

1

Dorin Brook

Lake Willoughby upstream 3/4 mile.

  • Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31

Westmore

Orleans

1

East Creek (Orwell)

Lake Champlain to the falls in Orwell (downstream of Mount Independence Road). (R–LC)

  • Lake Champlain Boundaries

Orwell

Addison

2

WC

East Creek (Rutland City)

From the confluence with Otter Creek upstream (approximately 2.7 miles) to the top of the Patch Dam in Rutland City.

  • Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Saturday in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, no more than 2

Rutland City

Rutland

1

Flower Brook

From its confluence with the Mettawee River extending upstream (approximately 1,000’) to the downstream edge of the Route 30 bridge in Pawlet.

  • Trout: length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit, 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”

Pawlet

Bennington

1

Green River (R-BK)

From its mouth on the Batten Kill upstream to its confluence with Moffitt Hollow Brook.

  • Trout: Catch and Release between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31 — all trout must be immediately released

Arlington/ Sandgate

Bennington

1

WD

Halls Creek

Lake Memphremagog to the headwaters. (R–M)

Derby

Orleans

1

Hatchery Brook

Lake Champlain to main drive for State Fish Hatchery.

  • Closed To Fishing

Grand Isle

Grand Isle

Johns River

From the downstream edge of the first bridge (culvert) upstream of Lake Memphremagog on North Derby Road (TH #6) to US 5 in Derby (R–M)

  • Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout: length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout

Derby

Orleans

1

Joiner Brook

Winooski River upstream approximately 1,900’ to first falls.

  • Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31
  • Trout: length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit: 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”

Bolton

Chittenden

1

Lamoille River

Lake Champlain to the downstream edge of the bridge on Bear Trap Road in Milton (referred to as the West Milton Bridge). (R–LC)

  • Lake Champlain Boundaries

Milton

Chittenden

2

EW

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 the first dam (Peterson Dam) in Milton. (R–LC)

  • Closed to Fishing: March 16–May 31

Milton

Chittenden

2

EW

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.

  • Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Saturday in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, no more than 2

Fairfax

Franklin

1

Laplatte River

Lake Champlain to the falls in Shelburne (under Falls Road bridge). (R–LC)

  • Lake Champlain Boundaries

Shelburne

Chittenden

2

EW

Leach Creek

Connecticut River main channel to VT Route 102 bridge, Canaan. (R–CT)

Canaan

Essex

3

Lewis Creek

Lake Champlain to the falls in North Ferrisburgh (just upstream of Old Hollow Road). (R–LC)

  • Lake Champlain Boundaries

North Ferrisburgh

Addison

2

EW

Lilliesville Brook

From the confluence with the White River upstream to the second bridge on the Lilliesville Brook Road.

  • Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31

Stockbridge/ Bethel

Windsor

1

Little Otter Creek

Lake Champlain to the falls in Ferrisburgh Center (downstream of Little Chicago Road). (R–LC)

  • Lake Champlain Boundaries

Ferrisburgh Center

Chittenden

2

Little River

From the confluence with Winooski River upstream to the top of the Waterbury Reservoir Dam in Waterbury.

  • Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Saturday in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, no more than 2

Waterbury

Washington

1

Locust Creek

From its confluence with the White River upstream to the second bridge on Route 12.

  • Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31

Bethel/ Barnard

Windsor

1

Lulls Brook

Connecticut River main channel to I-91 bridge, Hartland. (R–CT)

Hartland

Windsor

3

Malletts Creek

Lake Champlain to the first falls upstream of Roosevelt Highway (US 2 and US 7) in Colchester. (R–LC)

  • Lake Champlain Boundaries

Colchester

Chittenden

2

Mettawee River

From the downstream edge of the Route 153 bridge in Pawlet upstream (approximately 16 miles) to the downstream edge of the first bridge on Dorset Hollow Road and including tributary: Flower Brook upstream (approximately 1,000’) to the downstream edge of the Route 30 bridge in Pawlet.

  • Trout: length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit, 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”

Pawlet

Rutland

1

Mill Brook

Lake Willoughby upstream 1/4 mile.

  • Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31

Westmore

Orleans

1

Mill Brook (Windsor)

Connecticut River main channel to US Route 5 bridge, Windsor. (R–CT)

Windsor

Windsor

3

Mill River

Lake Champlain to the falls in Georgia (just upstream of Georgia Shore Road bridge). (R–LC)

  • Lake Champlain Boundaries

Georgia

Franklin

2

Missisquoi River

Lake Champlain to Riverside Cemetery (5,120’ below Swanton Dam). (R–LC)

Highgate/ Swanton

Franklin

2

EW, WC

Riverside Cemetery (5,120’ below Swanton Dam) to 850’ below the Swanton Dam. (R–LC)

  • Closed to Fishing: March 16 to the Friday before the first Saturday in May, both dates inclusive

Highgate/ Swanton

Franklin

2

EW

From the top of the Swanton Dam in the village of Swanton downstream approximately 850’ to the water treatment plant on the west side of the river, and downstream approximately 850’ to the upstream end of the cement breakwater on the east side of the river. (R–LC)

  • Closed to Fishing: March 16–May 31

Highgate/ Swanton

Franklin

2

EW

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.

  • Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Saturday in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, no more than 2

Sheldon and Enosburg

Franklin

1

Moose River

From confluence with Passumpsic River upstream (approximately 350’) to the downstream edge of the Concord Avenue bridge in the village of St. Johnsbury.

  • Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Saturday in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout, no more than 2

Village of St. Johnsbury

Caledonia

1

Mud Creek

Lake Champlain to Route 78 bridge. (R–LC)

  • Lake Champlain Boundary

Alburgh

Grand Isle

2

Route 78 bridge to dam in Alburgh (just upstream of Route 78 bridge). (R–LC)

  • Lake Champlain Boundary
  • No shooting, spearing or bow and arrow for fish

Alburgh

Grand Isle

2

Myers Brook

Lake Willoughby upstream 1/2 mile.

  • Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31

Westmore

Orleans County

1

New Haven River

From Munger Street bridge in New Haven upstream (approximately 4.1 miles) to the South Street bridge in Bristol.

  • Trout: length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit, 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”

New Haven/ Bristol

Addison

1

Nulhegan River

Connecticut River main channel to VT Route 102 bridge, Bloomfield. (R–CT)

Bloomfield

Essex

3

Ompompanoosuc River

Connecticut River main channel to US Route 5, Norwich. (R–CT)

Norwich

Windsor

3

EW

Ottauquechee River

Connecticut River main channel to first highway bridge crossing, Hartland. (R–CT)

Hartland

Windsor

3

Otter Creek

Lake Champlain to the top of the dam in the city of Vergennes. (R–LC)

  • Lake Champlain Boundaries

Vergennes

Addison

2

EW, WC

From the Vermont Railway bridge north of the fishing access upstream (approximately 2 miles) to the Danby–Mt. Tabor Forest Road bridge (Forest Road #10).

  • Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Saturday in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, no more than 2

Danby

Rutland

1

Passumpsic River

Connecticut River main channel to first highway bridge crossing, Barnet. (R–CT)

Barnet

Caledonia

3

From top of Gage Dam in St. Johnsbury upstream (approximately 2.4 miles) to the top of Arnold Falls Dams. Moose River: from confluence with Passumpsic River upstream (approximately 350’) to the downstream edge of the Concord Avenue bridge in the village of St. Johnsbury.

  • Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Saturday in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, no more than 2

St. Johnsbury

Caledonia

1

Paul Stream

Connecticut River main channel to VT Route 102 bridge, Maidstone. (R–CT)

Maidstone

Essex

3

Pinneo Brook

Winooski River upstream approximately 100’ to railroad crossing.

  • Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31
  • Trout: length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit, 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”

Bolton

Chittenden

1

Porter Brook

From Caspian Lake upstream to its headwaters.

  • Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31

Greensboro

Orleans County

1

Poultney River

Lake Champlain to the Central Vermont Power Dam at Carver Falls in West Haven. (R–LC)

  • Lake Champlain Boundaries

West Haven

Rutland

2

EW, WC

Preston Brook

Winooski River upstream approximately 2,600’ to first falls.

  • Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31
  • Trout: length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit, 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”

Bolton

Chittenden

1

Ridley Brook

Winooski River upstream approximately 1,700’ to first falls.

  • Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31
  • Trout: length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit, 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”

Duxbury

Washington

1

Roaring Branch (R-BK)

From its mouth on the Batten Kill upstream to the downstream side of bridge #14 on Sunderland TH 3 in East Kansas.

  • Trout: Catch and Release between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31 — all trout must be immediately released

Arlington/ Sunderland

Bennington

1

Rock River (R-LC)

Lake Champlain to the first Canadian border crossing.

  • Lake Champlain Boundaries

Highgate

Franklin

2

EW

Saxtons River

Connecticut River main channel to US Route 5 bridge, Westminster. (R–CT)

Westminster

Windham

3

Schoolhouse Brook

Lake Willoughby upstream 1/4 mile.

  • Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31

Westmore

Orleans County

1

Stevens River

Connecticut River main channel to first highway bridge crossing Barnet. (R–CT)

Barnet

Caledonia

3

Valley Brook

From Seymour Lake to headwaters.

  • Closed to Fishing: Oct. 1–Oct. 31

Morgan and Holland

Orleans

1

Waits River

Connecticut River main channel to US Route 5 bridge, Bradford. (R–CT)

Bradford

Orange

3

Walloomsac River

From the VT/NY border in Bennington upstream to the top of the former Vermont Tissues Plant Dam (downstream of Murphy Road) in Bennington.

  • Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Sat in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, no more than 2

Bennington and Shaftsbury

Bennington

1

Warm Brook

From its mouth on the Roaring Branch upstream to the base of the so-called Hale Company dam in East Arlington.

  • Trout: Catch and Release between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31 — all trout must be immediately released

Arlington/ Sunderland

Bennington

1

Wells Brook

Lake Willoughby to headwater.

  • Closed to Fishing: second Saturday in April through May 31

Westmore

Orleans

1

Wells River

Connecticut River main channel to US Route 302 bridge, Newbury. (R–CT)

Newbury

Orange

3

West River

Connecticut River main channel to US Route 5 bridge, Brattleboro. (R–CT)

Brattleboro

Windham

3

EW

White River

Connecticut River main channel to Bridge Street bridge (US Route 5), Hartford. (R–CT)

Hartford

Windsor

3

From the confluence with Lilliesville Brook in Stockbridge downstream 3.3 miles to 220’ downstream of the confluence with Cleveland Brook in Bethel.

  • Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: length limit, 18” minimum length; daily limit, 1 trout; gear restriction, artificial lures and flies only

Stockbridge/ Bethel

All Applicable Counties

1

Williams River

Connecticut River main channel to US Route 5 bridge, Rockingham. (R–CT)

Rockingham

Windham

3

EW

Willoughby River

Barton River to Orleans/Brownington Road bridge.

  • Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout: length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout

Barton

Orleans

1

Orleans/Brownington Road bridge to natural falls top.

  • Closed to Fishing: March 15 through May 31
  • Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout: length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout

Barton

Orleans

1

Natural falls top to Willoughby Lake Outlet

  • Rainbow Trout and Brown Trout: length limit, minimum length 10”; daily limit, 2 trout

Brownington/ Barton/ Westmore

Orleans

1

Winooski River

Lake Champlain to the first railroad bridge (approximately 9 miles) in Winooski and Burlington. (R–LC)

  • Lake Champlain Boundaries

Winooski/ Burlington

Chittenden

2

EW

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. (R–LC)

  • Closed to Fishing: March 16–May 31

Winooski/ Burlington

Chittenden

2

From Preston Brook mouth upstream (approximately 4.4 miles) to the Ridley Brook mouth.

  • Trout: length limit, 10” to 16” protected slot (all fish 10” to 16” must be released); daily limit, 2 trout, only 1 greater than 16”

Bolton/ Duxbury/ Waterbury

Chittenden/ Washington

1

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).

  • Brook, Brown, and Rainbow Trout: season, second Saturday in April to Oct. 31; length limit, none; daily limit, total number of brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout, no more than 2

Duxbury/ Waterbury

Washington

1