Grand Isle Family Fishing Festival & Bass Opening Day both on Free Fishing Day, June 11

Vermont’s annual, statewide Summer Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 11 this year, and it will be highlighted by a free family fishing festival in Grand Isle, as well as the opening day of the state’s regular bass fishing season.

“Vermont’s Free Fishing Day gives both resident and nonresident anglers the opportunity to go fishing in Vermont for the day without a license,” said Louis Porter, commissioner of Vermont Fish & Wildlife. “Vermont has a strong fishing tradition, and world-class fishing in many of its lakes and rivers. Free Fishing Day gives anglers of all types the chance to try out fishing in Vermont for the day for free, an experience we think they’ll truly enjoy.”

Along with offering Free Fishing Day, the department provides a range of other opportunities and resources for those new to the sport, as well as for nonresidents looking to go fishing in Vermont for the first time. Instructional guides and information on the basics of fishing, family-friendly fishing opportunities, fish stocking schedules and fishing in Chittenden County can all be found under the fish section at www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

Vermont Fish & Wildlife has also teamed up with Vermont State Parks to offer the ‘Reel Fun Vermont’ program at 12 state parks across the state. The program provides loaner tackle kits and fishing clinics, free of charge, to anyone interested in fishing at a Vermont State Park. Complete information on ‘Reel Fun Vermont’ can also be found at www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

“Fishing is a relaxing way to enjoy Vermont’s great outdoors, and is an activity that can be shared with friends and family or easily taught to newcomers while enjoying quality time together,” said Porter. “Whether you’re an avid angler or someone looking to try the sport out for the first time, Vermont is the place to be. From its renowned bass, pike, panfish and trout fishing, to great fishing for a range of non-traditional species, Vermont has it all.”

Free Fishing Day in Vermont will be celebrated by the 16th annual Grand Isle Family Fishing Festival, which will be held at the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station located at 14 Bell Hill Road in Grand Isle. The festival will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Designed for young anglers and families, this exciting event offers basic fishing instruction and the chance for kids to catch big trout in the hatchery pond. No prior fishing experience is needed and Vermont Fish & Wildlife will be supplying fishing rods, reels and bait for use by participants.

Anyone with questions about the festival can contact the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station at 802-372-3171.

Vermont’s regular bass season also opens on June 11, marking the start of some of the hottest bass fishing action in the northeast. The season opens each year on the second Saturday in June and extends through the last day of November. However, outside of those dates, anglers can fish for bass on open water on a catch-and-release basis with artificial lures and flies only on waters that are not seasonally closed.

To learn more about fishing in Vermont, the Grand Isle Family Fishing Festival, or to purchase a fishing license, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com/fish