What You Need to Fish in Vermont as a Nonresident
Vermont requires anyone 15 and older to hold a fishing license before casting a line in the state's waters. If you live outside Vermont, you purchase a nonresident license rather than a resident one. The license covers freshwater fishing only — trout, bass, pike, perch, and panfish in Vermont's lakes, ponds, and streams.
You can buy a nonresident license for 3 days, 7 days, or the full calendar year. The 3-day and 7-day licenses are the most common choices for visitors. All nonresident licenses are sold through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's online system or at authorized vendors around the state.
Key Takeaways
- Nonresident licenses are sold for 3 days, 7 days, or a full year, with 3-day and 7-day options most popular for visiting anglers.
- You can purchase online through the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department website or at sporting goods stores and bait shops throughout the state.
- The license covers freshwater fishing only and does not include trout stamps or special permits required for certain waters.
- You must carry your license with you while fishing and show it to a game warden if asked.
- Children under 15 do not need a license, but anyone 15 and older must have one before fishing.
Where to Buy Your Nonresident License Online
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department sells nonresident licenses through its official website at dec.vermont.gov/fish-wildlife/licenses. The online system is open year-round and lets you purchase a license immediately and print it at home or on your phone. You will need a valid email address and a payment method (credit or debit card).
The online purchase process takes about five minutes. After you complete the transaction, you receive a confirmation email with your license number. Print the confirmation or save it to your phone — you must have proof of your license with you while fishing. If you prefer not to print, you can show the email on your phone to a game warden.
Buying a License at Retail Locations
If you arrive in Vermont without a license and do not have a printer, you can buy one at sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some general stores throughout the state. Common retailers include Orvis locations, local bait shops near major fishing areas, and larger outdoor retailers. Call ahead to confirm they have nonresident licenses in stock, especially during peak season (May through September).
Retail vendors can issue your license on the spot. You will receive a printed license card that you must carry with you. The price is the same whether you buy online or in person.
License Types and Prices
Vermont offers three nonresident license periods. A 3-day license is the shortest option and covers any three consecutive calendar days. A 7-day license covers any seven consecutive calendar days. A year license runs from January 1 through December 31 and is the best value if you plan multiple trips to Vermont.
Prices vary slightly by year and are set by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. Contact the department directly or check their website for current rates, as they change annually. The 3-day license is typically the least expensive option, followed by the 7-day, then the year license. All prices are the same whether you purchase online or at a retail location.
What Your License Covers and Does Not Cover
Your nonresident license covers freshwater fishing in Vermont's public waters — lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. You can fish for trout, bass, pike, perch, and panfish using any legal method during open season. The license does not cover saltwater fishing (Vermont has no ocean coastline) or ice fishing on certain waters.
Your license does not include a trout stamp, which is required to keep trout in many Vermont waters. You must purchase a trout stamp separately if you plan to keep trout. Some waters also require special permits or have additional restrictions — check the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department's fishing guide before you go. Private land requires the landowner's permission regardless of your license.
Seasons and Regulations You Should Know
Vermont's fishing seasons vary by species and water type. Trout season generally opens in early April and runs through October, though some waters have different dates. Bass season typically opens in mid-June. Panfish and pike have their own seasons as well. Bag limits (the number of fish you can keep per day) and size restrictions also vary by species and location.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department publishes a detailed fishing guide each year that lists every water body, its regulations, and the species found there. Download the guide from their website or pick up a printed copy at any license vendor. Regulations change year to year, so check the current guide before your trip — using outdated information can result in a citation.
What to Bring and How to Stay Legal
Always carry your printed license or have it available on your phone while fishing. Game wardens patrol Vermont's waters and can ask to see your license at any time. If you cannot produce it, you face a fine. Keep your license with you in a waterproof pocket or bag.
Bring a valid photo ID as well — wardens may ask for it. If you are fishing from a boat, keep your license easily accessible. If you are wading or fishing from shore, a small waterproof case works well. Do not leave your license in your vehicle; you must have it with you on the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license if I am fishing with someone who has one?
No. Each person fishing must have their own license. If you are fishing with a friend, you both need separate licenses. Children under 15 do not need a license, so they can fish without one as long as an adult with a license is present.
Can I use my nonresident license in other states?
No. A Vermont nonresident license is valid only in Vermont. If you plan to fish in other states, you will need to purchase a separate license for each state. Some states offer reciprocal agreements, but Vermont does not currently participate in multi-state license programs.
What happens if I lose my license while I am fishing?
Contact the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department immediately to report it lost. If you purchased online, they can issue a replacement based on your confirmation email. If you purchased at a retail location, you may need to buy a new one. Keep your confirmation email or receipt in a safe place separate from your printed license.
Can I fish the day I buy my 3-day or 7-day license?
Yes. Your license is valid immediately upon purchase. If you buy a 3-day license on a Friday, you can fish that day and the next two calendar days. The license runs on calendar days, not 24-hour periods, so plan accordingly.
Do I need a separate permit to fish for trout?
Your nonresident license covers fishing for trout, but you must purchase a trout stamp separately if you want to keep trout in most Vermont waters. Some waters are catch-and-release only and do not require a stamp. Check the fishing guide for your specific water before you go.