Vermont Free Ice Fishing Day 2021

 

This year's Vermont free ice fishing day is Saturday, January 30, 2021. On Vermont free ice fishing days, anyone, resident or nonresident, may go fishing in Vermont without a fishing license.

Due to COVID restrictions this year, the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department (VFWD) is unable to host its normal in-person Ice Fishing Festival that is normally held on Free Fishing Day. In place of that, VFWD created a Virtual Ice Fishing Festival that will give anglers the opportunity to learn about ice fishing basics.

According to a 2019 VFWD angler survey:

• Yellow perch, northern pike, and lake trout were the three most preferred species when fishing through the ice
• A majority of anglers rated the quality of fishing in Vermont as good or excellent
• Crowding at access areas and overall access to fishing was not seen as a significant problem in Vermont. 

source: Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department

Ice Fishing Information

Lake Trout | credit: USFWS

Ice fishing is one of the most popular winter time outdoor activities in New England. This article includes a brief overview of the sport and provides a variety of resources for ice fishing enthusiasts.

Unlike many other forms of freshwater fishing, this pastime can be enjoyed by novice anglers of varying ages and skill levels.

Ice Fishing Safety

For anglers, safety is of utmost importance. A basic knowledge of ice conditions and winter weather is essential before venturing out.

For beginners and others, a variety of excellent resources are available online. Mass Wildlife offers tips on how to stay safe on the ice. New Hampshire Fish and Game has online resources including ice fishing in New Hampshire as well as a printable safety on ice brochure. Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD) provides a webpage on ice fishing basics.

Gear, Techniques, Locations

In addition to safety and ice fishing basics resources, most state fish and game agencies offer fishing guides or other publications with information on license requirements, fishing regulations, species identification, equipment, fishing techniques, locations, maps, and other subjects.

Free Fishing Weekends

Several New England states offer free fishing days during the ice fishing season:

Maine will offer a free fishing weekend February 15-16, 2020

New Hampshire offers two free fishing days each year, on the first Saturday in June, and the third Saturday in January.

Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife usually hosts a free ice fishing day on the last Saturday in January.