Author Archives: Tom

Vermont Trophy Trout Stocking Under Way

rainbow_trout_fwVermont Trophy Trout Stocking

Vermont Fish & Wildlife has begun its annual fish stocking. The stocking program will ultimately put over one million adult fish, fry and fingerlings – including over 18,000 trophy trout, into Vermont waters in 2015.

The fish stocking program is designed to help maintain and restore fisheries, which will increasing angling opportunities.

“We’ll be stocking nearly 18,500 large, two-year old trout across Vermont, and anglers will have the opportunity to fish over 34 miles of rivers and 28 lakes and ponds that are designated as trophy water. This means excellent fishing opportunities and an even better chance for anglers to catch the fish of a lifetime.” ~ Adam Miller, fish culture operations manager with Vermont Fish & Wildlife.

A complete list of trophy trout waters and the 2015 stocking schedule is shown below.

 

Trophy Trout Stocking 2015:

WATERBODY TOWN WEEK OF: 2YR RAINBOW 2YR BROWN TROUT TOTAL
Black River Cavendish-Weathersfield 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 5/25 1500 500 2000
East Creek Rutland 4/27, 5/25 1250 1250
Lamoille River Fairfax 4/27, 5/11 600 600
Mississquoi River Enosburg 4/27, 5/11 1000 1000
Otter Creek Danby/Mt Tabor 5/4, 5/25 500 500 1000
Passumpsic River St. Johnsbury 5/4, 5/18 500 500 1000
Walloomsac River Bennington 5/4, 5/18 750 250 1000
Winooski River Waterbury, Duxbury 5/4, 5/18 1000 350 1350

 

Additional Trophy Stocking 2015:

In addition to annual stockings of yearling trout, the following ponds will also receive 2-year old trout.

WATERBODY TOWN SPECIES NUMBERPLANNED
Adams Reservoir Woodford BKT 60
Amherst Lake Plymouth RBT 60
Black Pond Hubbardton RBT 200
Colby Pond Plymouth BKT 60
Colton Pond Sherburne BKT 250
Echo Lake Plymouth RBT 70
Goshen Dam Goshen BKT 350
Harriman Reservoir Wilmington-Whitingham BKT 1000
Holland Pond Holland RBT 300
Kent Pond Sherburne RBT 500
Kent Pond Sherburne BKT 150
Knapp Pond No 1 Reading-Cavendish RBT 90
Knapp Pond No 2 Reading-Cavendish BKT 80
Lake Paran Bennington/Shaftsbury RBT 500
Lake Raponda Wilmington RBT 770
Lake Rescue Ludlow RBT 330
Lake Shaftsbury Shaftsbury RBT 40
Lefferts Pond Chittenden BKT 150
May Pond Barton BKT 350
McIntosh Pond Royalton BKT 200
McIntosh Pond Royalton RBT 300
Mill Pond Windsor RBT 300
Miller Pond Strafford RBT 600
Miller Pond Strafford BKT 200
Osmore Pond Peacham BKT 100
Rood Pond Williamstown,Brookfield BKT 550
Searsburg Reservoir Searsburg BKT 250
Smith Pond Pittsford BKT 250
Stoughton Pond Weathersfield RBT 600
Sunset Lake Brookfield BKT 250
Sunset Lake Brookfield RBT 300
Zack Woods-Perch Ponds Hyde Park/Wolcott BKT 50

*Trophy area stocking dates are subject to change based on weather and water conditions.

 

Yearlings/Smolts Stocking 2015:

SPECIES INLAND WATERS LAKE CHAMPLAIN
Brook Trout 56300
Brown Trout 62150 48000
Lake Trout 13700 57000
Landlocked Atlantic Salmon 33000 148839
Rainbow Trout 67500
Steelhead Trout 10000 58000
Total 242650 311839

Because the Roxbury Fish Hatchery was destroyed by Tropical Storm Irene there are fewer trout being stocked in inland lakes and streams. Roxbury had produced a significant number of the yearling and trophy fish every year, and there are plans to rebuild the hatchery.

More Lake Champlain Fishing Articles:

Cold Water Boating Hazards

After a long, cold… very cold… North Country winter, we’re all looking forward to warmer weather recreational activities. These first warm days of spring often attract boaters and other recreational enthusiasts to the many beautiful lakes, rivers, and streams across Vermont and northern New York.

Particular caution is necessary early in the boating season across the North Country

This week’s rescue of three kayakers from Lake Champlain illustrates the need for proper precaution. Two of the kayaks capsized dumping the boaters into Lake Champlain. Fortunately they were able to be towed to Valcour Island by the third kayaker, and eventually rescued and treated for hypothermia.

The Hazard of Cold Water BoatingThe National Weather Service (NWS) in Burlington, Vermont urges extreme caution when boating, canoeing, or kayaking during the spring, when water temperatures typically remain dangerously cold in the event of a capsize.

Boaters should be aware of the dangers posed by cold water temperatures. On pleasantly warm and dry days in April and May, it is easy to forget that the water temperature is much responds more slowly to seasonal changes and warms much more slowly than the air temperature.

Rivers are often still affected by melting snow runoff from the mountains. Lakes continue to up-well cold water from below until a temperature of 39°F, and then increase in temperature slowly based on amount and days of sunshine, near surface air temperature, and the size of the body of water. On Lake Champlain, climate records indicate that surface water temperatures are typically in the upper 30s in late April, and only rise into the 40s during May.

Cold Water Immersion

Immersion in cold water can quickly become life threatening. If you capsize in water with temperatures in the upper 30s and 40s, hypothermia can occur in a matter of minutes. Since water conducts body heat away up to 26 times faster than air of the same temperature, the cold water rapidly weakens the extremities – making them numb and weakening the ability of muscles to work effectively.

Protect Yourself From Danger When Cold Water Boating

The NWS urges the following safety measures to protect yourself and maximize your enjoyment of area waterways:

  • Consider postponing small craft boating activities until water temperatures become warmer in late spring and summer.

    Cold Water Boating Hazards

    PFD Wear it !

  • If you do choose to boat, canoe, or kayak in April or May, wear a dry suit appropriate for water temperatures in the high 30s and 40s.
  • Wear all recommended protective gear to guard against the cold water in the event of an accident or capsize.
  • Remember, no matter the season, when you are on the water, always wear your life jacket.

Safe boating is no accident!

Take the time to think safety first and plan appropriately for weather and water conditions before heading out on lakes, rivers, and streams.

Further Hypothermia Information:

More Articles About Lake Champlain Safety:

 

John Guilmette Access Improvements Update

John Guilmette Access Update

John Guilmette Access

John Guilmette Access Area

Vermont’s Fish & Wildlife Department reminds Lake Champlain anglers and recreational boaters of the continued construction at the John Guilmette Access Area in South Hero. The access area is not open for public use at this time.

Vermont Fish & Wildlife acquired the access area as part of its ongoing program to provide public access to public waters.

“The ultimate goal of the project is to make the access area safer and more user-friendly, while protecting water quality. Taking into consideration the amount of use the access area sees each year, the needs of anglers and boaters, and the protection of the lakeshore and abutting wetlands, it was critical for us to redevelop this area for sustainable future use.”  ~ Mike Wichrowski, Vermont Fish & Wildlife, facility and lands administrator.

When finished, the improved access area will feature new ramp and dock structures, and will include a number of green infrastructure components including a pervious grass parking lot, grass-lined drainage swales and rock drains.

“The reconstruction of the John Guilmette Access Area will improve boat launching, offer more organized access and parking, and provide a public facility that meets environmental and ADA standards so that all recreationalists will be able to enjoy this area of Lake Champlain,”  ~ Mike Wichrowski,  Vermont Fish & Wildlife.

mallets bay accessible dock

The John Guilmette Access Area in South Hero is currently under construction. Upgrades to the access area feature improvements that include a new dock like this one at Colchester’s Malletts Bay Access Area

 

Additionally, new landscaping will occur. Trees will be replanted and “no-mow” sections will be established allowing the entire project to meet the state’s new shoreline protection standards.

“While we expect the construction phase to be complete in late-May, the access likely won’t be open until mid-summer. In order to protect water quality we need the storm water infrastructure installed at the site to work properly. In particular, we need to allow for a good grass turf to establish in the parking area. If used too soon, the turf could become damaged, creating nutrient and sediment runoff and resulting in future closures to repair the area…

We’d like to thank anglers and boaters for funding the Fish and Wildlife Department’s access area program, and for their continued patience during the reconstruction process. We would also like to recognize the various neighbors, local businesses, town officials and partnering agencies for their collaboration on the project, one which will benefit the access area’s many users for years to come.””  ~ Mike Wichrowski

Vermont Fish & Wildlife will announce when the access area is ready to open for anglers and boaters to enjoy.

 

To view a complete list of all Vermont fishing access areas, including maps and additional information, visit http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/Fish_Accessareas.cfm.

To learn more about fishing in Vermont or to purchase a Vermont fishing license, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

Other Lake Champlain Fishing Articles:

 

Anglers and boaters reminded of cold water safety

The ice has left, fishing seasons are beginning and boaters are anxious to get on the water.The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department reminds anglers and recreational boaters to be aware of the cold water conditions that are present in the spring.

 

Anglers and boaters reminded of cold water safety

Anglers and boaters reminded of cold water safety

“The spring season offers some of the best fishing of the year in Vermont, and can also be a very enjoyable time for boaters to get out on the water before the busy summer season begins. That being said, we’d like to remind anglers and boaters to exercise safe practices and be conscious of the cold, high and swift water that exists in various bodies of water across the state.” ~ Col. Jason Batchelder, Vermont Fish & Wildlife warden

Cold Water Safety

Lower water temperatures during the spring season increase the risk of hypothermia if there is an on-the-water accident. Sudden immersion in cold water can cause the loss of swimming ability and strength, gasping and the inhalation of water, and rapid unconsciousness.

“Often the first few warm, sunny days of spring can be misleading as water temperatures remain in the high 30’s and 40’s throughout Vermont. We strongly encourage folks to get out on the water and take advantage of the outdoor opportunities available in Vermont this spring, but just remember to be prepared and make good decisions. That goes for anglers fishing along streams and rivers also, as high water from melting snow can create strong current.”  ~ ~ Col. Jason Batchelder, Vermont Fish & Wildlife 

Wear Your PFD – It’s The Law

Vermont boating laws require that all vessels carry one U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III or V PFD for each person on board. Vessels 16 feet in length or longer must also have one U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type IV PFD on board. Also, children under 12 years of age must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II or III PFD at all times while any vessel is underway.

 

Anglers and boaters reminded of cold water safety. PFD Wear it !

PFD… Wear It!

“The use of a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is paramount at this time of year, given that it can significantly increase the odds of survival in cold-water situations,”  ~ Col. Jason Batchelder

 

Additionally, New York State boating laws, which apply to waters on the New York side of Lake Champlain, require all persons aboard motorboats, canoes, kayaks, rowboats and sailboats less than 21 feet in length to wear a PFD while on New York waters from November 1 to May 1.

To learn more about boating safety and Vermont’s boating laws, visit http://www.boat-ed.com/vermont/handbook/.

To learn more about fishing in Vermont or to purchase a Vermont fishing license, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

More Articles About Lake Champlain Safety:

 

29th Annual Rotary International Fishing Classic

Rotary International Fishing Classic: June 5-7, 2015

The Rotary Club of Plattsburgh kicks off the 29th annual Rotary International Fishing Classic June 5-7, 2015. The tournament provides an enjoyable, quality tournament early in the fishing season in which anglers of all ages can participate, win cash prizes and enjoy the camaraderie and fellowship among all of those participating during the weekend.

 

Rotary International Fishing Classic: June 5-7, 2015

 

The tournament begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, June 5, and ends 12 p.m. (noon) on Sunday, June 7, when all weigh stations officially close. Tournament headquarters are located at the Plattsburgh City Docks, 1 Dock Street, next to the Plattsburgh Boat Basin. All weigh stations will open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. and close for the day at 6 p.m. (open until 8 p.m. at the tournament headquarters). The final awards ceremony will be held at tournament headquarters at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 7.

This year anglers can register online (see link below). Registration forms and informational brochures are also available at local bait and tackle shops in upstate New York and Vermont. Team and individual registration whether at the registration outlets, online or by phone must be submitted before 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2015.
Rotary International Fishing Classic: 2

 

Last year, Ben Boulieu’s 9 lb. 12.5 oz. catch on the last morning moved him into first place in the walleye division of the 28th Annual Plattsburgh Rotary International Fishing Classic. Wayne Frederick of Au Sable Forks, NY won first place in the lake trout division, and Michael Barber of Willsboro, NY, took home first place in the salmon division with a 9 lb. 5.0 oz. fish.

 

 

Rotary International Fishing Classic: 3

Special Prize

The Three-Fish Combination UNDER 25 pounds, that comes closest to 25 pounds without going over, will be awarded $250 at the Awards Ceremony at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information, call the Rotary Fishline Toll-Free 877-519-7942. Updates and changes will be posted on the Rotary Fishline after 6 p.m. each evening of the Tournament.

 

 

Rotary International Fishing Classic History

The tournament began in 1986 as the first spring tournament on Lake Champlain, and was sponsored by the American Lung Association. The Rotary Club of Plattsburgh took over sponsorship of the tournament in its third year.
The Rotary Club distributes proceeds from the fishing tournament among many of the club’s beneficiaries. Half of the annual tournament revenue and 25 percent of the team category revenue are returned to the community through academic scholarships for SUNY Plattsburgh, Clinton Community College and CVPH Medical Center Radiology School; monies to assist the Beartown Ski Area, Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts, Plattsburgh Little League, YMCA, Literacy Volunteers, North Country Mission of Hope, and other worthy causes.

 2015 Online Registration Form

2015 Fishing Classic brochure

 

Other Lake Champlain Fishing Articles: