Vermont Ice Fishing Clinics 2020

Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (VFWD) has scheduled a series of free ice fishing clinics for anyone would like to learn about the latest proven ice fishing techniques.

“Our ice fishing clinics will be held from mid-January through February with the possibility that some dates may change according to ice and weather conditions,” said Fish and Wildlife Education Specialist Corey Hart.  “Everyone is welcome no matter their experience level.  We want this to be fun and helpful for all.”

Each clinic will last 2 ½ to 3 hours, and exact location details will be given when people register for the event.  Topics to be covered include ice safety, hole drilling, equipment and techniques, regulations and different techniques for different fish. 

All participants will have the opportunity to practice what they have learned near the end of each event.  Everyone is urged to wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions.

Pre-registration is required and can be done on Fish and Wildlife’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com).

2020 Vermont Fish & Wildlife Ice Fishing Clinics:

Saturday, January 11 -- 9:00 a.m.  Targeting Walleye Through the Ice at Lake Carmi State Park

Tuesday, January 14 – 9:00 a.m.  Introduction to Ice Fishing at Mallets Bay Fishing Access, Lake Champlain

Tuesday, January 21 -- 2:00 p.m.  Targeting Panfish Through the Ice at Shelburne Pond Fishing Access

Saturday January 25 -- 11:00 a.m.  Ice Fishing Festival at Lake Elmore State Park

Saturday, February 1 – 8:30 a.m.  Deweys Pond Ice Fishing with Hartland Rec. Dept.

Sunday, February 2 – Panfish Clinic at Shelburne Pond Fishing Access

Thursday, February 6 -- 5:00 p.m.  Smelting at Blush Hill Fishing Access on Waterbury Reservoir

Wednesday, February 12 – 2:00 p.m.  Intro to Ice Fishing at Lake Bomoseen State Park

Saturday, February 22 – 9:00 a.m.  Intro to Ice Fishing at Lake Parran Fishing Access

Wednesday, February 26 -- 9:00 a.m.  Intro to Ice Fishing at South Bay Fishing Access on Lake Memphremagog

source: Vermont Fish &Wildlife

Related Information

Vermont

 Lake Elmore State Park Free Ice Fishing Day

New England Ice Fishing Information

Maine USA Freshwater Fishing

Atlantic Salmon

Over the last 10 years, Maine has maintained its license sales while most other New England states have experienced significant declines in purchases of hunting and fishing licenses.

“Maine’s outdoors remain a destination for anglers and hunters, drawing people to the inland waters and woods and the sporting opportunities that are available there,” said Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner Roland “Danny” Martin. “The last 10 years have included tough economic times, when many people have tightened their belts. People still see Maine hunting and fishing licenses as a bargain, and are not cutting them from their budgets.”

From 1999-2009, Maine fishing license sales have remained fairly consistent, up 0.19 percent. Among the New England states, only Vermont saw an increase in fishing license sales, up 20.80 percent.

The other states experienced double-digit percentage drops: Connecticut: -15.91 percent; Massachusetts, -12.09 percent; New Hampshire, -15.54 percent; and Rhode Island, -26.92 percent.

Colorado, Michigan, Montana, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming also experienced declines in sales.

Only Montana had a slight uptick in fishing license sales. The numbers were compiled by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Maine is one of the few destinations in the USA where anglers can fish for Atlantic salmon. Other popular freshwater fish include brook trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, pike, musky, and a variety of panfish.  

source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife