VTF&W Photo: Under the proposed new fishing regulations it will no longer be legal to sell crappie, a popular game fish that is related to bass and sunfish.
Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Board is inviting public comment on several proposed changes to state fishing regulations.
The proposed changes to 10 V.S.A. App § 141, 10 V.S.A. App § 122, 10 V.S.A. App § 123 and 10 V.S.A. App § 124 were introduced to the Fish and Wildlife Board at its January 15, 2025, meeting. All proposed new language is available on the “active rulemaking” section of the board’s website.
Notable proposed changes would:
- Add panfish bag limits to inland waters of 50 fish in total per day, and no more than 25 of a given species, for bluegill, bullhead, black and white crappie, pumpkinseed, rock bass, white perch and yellow perch (§ 122).
- Update the list of seasonally closed spawning waters and expand the spring closure window to protect spawning fish (§ 122 and § 124).
- Require a new Fish Seller’s Endorsement for anglers who want to sell panfish. Endorsement holders will be required to report their fish sales so that biologists can better understand commercial sale of fish (§ 123).
- Add black and white crappie to the list of game fish species prohibited for sale and purchase (§ 123).
- Increase the size of permissible minnow traps to allow anglers to catch larger bait fish (§141).
- Clarify the rules for transporting wild bait fish between waterbodies to allow for some movement of wild bait fish off certain waterbodies (§ 141).
The department will accept public comment through April 7, 2025, via email to [email protected]. Four public hearings will be held at the following dates and locations:
- Monday, March 24 – Montpelier – Vermont Supreme Court Building, 111 State St., Conference Room #110, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, March 25 – St. Albans – Town Educational Center, 169 Main St., Library Room, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
- Thursday, March 27 – Rutland – Rutland High School, 22 Stratton Rd., Lecture Hall, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
- Monday, March 31 – Virtual – Microsoft Teams (by link, or by phone to 802-828-7667 with code 435865335#), 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.
VTF&W Nondiscrimination Notice
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is an equal opportunity provider. To file a discrimination complaint, for questions, free language services, or requests for reasonable accommodations, please contact ANR’s Nondiscrimination Coordinator at [email protected] or visit ANR’s online Notice of Nondiscrimination
Vermont Agency of Natural Resources | Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department. 1 National Life Drive, Davis 2, Montpelier, VT 05620-3901 website
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