Every November fisheries biologists and a team of assistants use electrofishing boats at night to capture lake trout on Lake Champlain. Data is collected from upwards of 400 lakers each fall to monitor the health of the fishery and measure impacts of the lamprey control program. 

Come November there are a growing number of anglers that are just getting started. As long as there’s open water and a way to launch a boat, no matter how cold it gets, these hardy soles are always game for a thrilling day of winter fishing for lake trout and salmon. To kick of the season a handful of these guys have organized a derby. Since 2009 the first Saturday in November has been reserved for the Frostbite Fleet Salmon Shootout.

For several years now, the second Saturday in June has been Free Fishing Day in Vermont, where anyone can try out the sport of angling without a license. At the Ed Weed Fish Hatchery the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has hosted the Grand Isle Fishing Festival to educate, inspire and hopefully hook both children and adults to the joys of angling.

Lake Champlain International or LCI hosts several fishing derbies every year. It’s one of many ways that this non-profit organization educates and advocates for a cleaner, healthier lake. All of their events are well attended but none are bigger than the LCI Father’s Day Derby held in June.

By mid-January, many hunters and anglers in the North Country suffer from a severe case of cabin fever. However, there is a cure. For thousands of people The Yankee Sportsman’s Classic is just what the doctor ordered. For 20 years this three-day event showcases what we love about the outdoors. And brings it indoors at the Robert E. Miller Expo Center on the Champlain Valley Fairgrounds in Essex Junction.

After a long, dull winter, opening day of trout season in Vermont is welcomed with open arms by anglers across the state. While many Vermonters follow opening-day traditions that are decades old, others are starting new traditions. In 2009, a fun catch-and-release tournament was created in the Middlebury area, and for a growing number of passionate fly fishermen, the Otter Creek Classic is fast becoming an annual rite of spring.

There is nothing easy about managing our natural resources. Fortunately for Vermonter’s we have a number of experienced wildlife and fisheries biologists that are extremely dedicated to the task. One of the things that make these folks so special is that for most of them, their work is much more than just a job it’s their passion. 

There are some fishermen that pride themselves on being trout anglers and others that call themselves bass anglers. Thanks to a new program offered by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department we now have Master Anglers. It isn’t easy to become a master angler but you’re guaranteed to have fun trying.

Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom is known for many things. Two of which are Yankee ingenuity and great trout and salmon fishing. The two came together when we fished gorgeous Lake Willoughby with fishing tackle innovator, Keith Chamberlain.

Every year, thousands of people camp on the shores of Lake Champlain, but very few actually spend a night on the lake -- especially in the heart of winter. Yet that is exactly what some dedicated anglers do on Missisquoi Bay, where the ice fishing can be as hot as the weather is cold. We hit the hard water of Missisquoi Bay on Lake Champlain to enjoy some exciting ice fishing for northern pike. And experience a comfy night on the ice thanks to Gilbert Gagne of Martin’s Store in Highgate Springs where we rented our overnight accommodations. We also meet up with a group of anglers that have made spending the night on the ice an annual tradition.