What You Get on Free Fishing Day
Vermont's Free Fishing Day lets you fish without a license on two specific days each year. You can use any legal method — rod and reel, fly rod, or other gear — and keep fish under the same daily limits that apply to licensed anglers. The state designates these days to introduce new people to fishing and give current anglers a break from licensing fees.
The two Free Fishing Days in Vermont are typically the second Saturday in June and the first Saturday in September, though the exact dates shift slightly year to year. Check the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website or call their licensing office to confirm the current year's dates before you plan your trip.
Key Takeaways
- Free Fishing Day requires no license, permit, or fee — you can fish any legal method on the designated dates.
- Vermont sets two Free Fishing Days per year, usually in June and September, and the exact dates change annually.
- Daily catch limits and all other fishing regulations remain in effect on Free Fishing Day, just as they would with a paid license.
- The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website lists the current year's Free Fishing Days and any special rules that may apply.
Where to Find the Exact Dates
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department announces Free Fishing Days on their official website under the licensing section. You can also call their licensing office directly — they maintain a current list and can tell you the dates for the current year. Local bait and tackle shops often post the dates as well, since they see steady traffic from anglers planning trips.
Do not rely on dates from previous years or other websites, because the state adjusts them annually. A single phone call to the licensing office takes two minutes and removes any doubt.
What Regulations Still Apply
Free Fishing Day does not suspend fishing rules — it only removes the license requirement. You must still follow all daily catch limits, size restrictions, and seasonal closures for the water you fish. If a particular stream or pond has special regulations (catch-and-release only, for example), those remain in effect on Free Fishing Day.
You also cannot use methods that are normally prohibited. If a water body bans live bait or allows only fly fishing, those restrictions hold on Free Fishing Day. The state publishes detailed regulations for each region in the Vermont Fishing Digest, which you can download from the Fish and Wildlife website or pick up at a license agent.
Who Can Fish on Free Fishing Day
There are no age restrictions or residency requirements for Free Fishing Day. Vermont residents and out-of-state visitors can both fish without a license on those two days. Children can fish alongside adults with no separate permission or documentation.
If you are under 16 or over 65, you would normally may have access to for a reduced-price license during the regular season. On Free Fishing Day, you pay nothing regardless of age.
Planning Your Trip Around Free Fishing Day
Free Fishing Day works best if you already know where you want to fish. The state does not designate special waters or restrict you to certain locations — you can fish any public water that is normally open to fishing. If you are new to fishing in Vermont, spend a few days before Free Fishing Day scouting a local stream or pond, or ask at a tackle shop which waters hold fish and are easy to access.
Bring the same gear you would use on any other day: rod, reel, tackle, and a net if you plan to keep fish. You do not need to carry a license, but you should carry a valid photo ID in case a warden asks for proof of residency or age. Wear polarized sunglasses and move slowly along the bank — fish spook easily, and Free Fishing Day does not change that.
What Happens After Free Fishing Day
If you want to fish again after the two Free Fishing Days pass, you will need a license. Vermont offers several options: a one-day license, a three-day license, or an annual resident or non-resident license. Prices vary by license type and residency status. You can buy licenses online through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website, by phone, or at any authorized license agent (bait shops, sporting goods stores, and town clerk offices carry them).
Many people use Free Fishing Day to decide whether they want to pursue fishing seriously. If you catch nothing but enjoy the time outdoors, you might skip the license. If you catch fish and want to return, a three-day license is a low-cost way to test the waters before committing to an annual one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register or sign up before Free Fishing Day?
No. Free Fishing Day requires no advance registration, no form, and no contact with the state. You simply show up and fish on the designated date. If a warden stops you, tell them the date and they will know you are legal.
Can I fish at night on Free Fishing Day?
Night fishing is allowed on Free Fishing Day if it is normally allowed on the water you choose. Check the Vermont Fishing Digest or call the Fish and Wildlife Department to confirm whether your target water permits night fishing. Some streams and ponds have specific hours.
What if I catch more fish than the daily limit on Free Fishing Day?
You must release any fish over the daily limit, just as you would on any other day. The limit is the same whether you have a license or are fishing on Free Fishing Day. Keeping over the limit is illegal and can result in a fine.
Can I use live bait on Free Fishing Day?
Live bait is allowed on Free Fishing Day if it is normally allowed on the water you fish. Some Vermont waters restrict live bait or require catch-and-release only. Check the specific regulations for your chosen location before you go.
Is there a minimum age to fish on Free Fishing Day?
No minimum age applies on Free Fishing Day. Children of any age can fish without a license on those two days. Supervise young children around water and teach them to handle fish safely.