RUTLAND, Vt. - The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is reminding anglers that some of the best walleye fishing in New England is approaching with the start of the Vermont walleye fishing season on Saturday, May 2.

A range of rivers and lakes offer quality walleye fishing opportunities across the state of Vermont, though anglers should be aware that regulations may vary depending on the waterbody they are fishing.

In all waters of Vermont except Lake Carmi, Chittenden Reservoir and the Connecticut River, walleye and sauger have an 18" minimum length requirement and three-fish daily limit. The open season is from Saturday, May 2 to March 15, 2016.

Lake Carmi has a slot limit for walleye because of the lake's high rate of natural walleye reproduction and high fishing pressure. The minimum length is 15 inches, and all walleye between 17 and 19 inches must be released. The daily limit is five walleye, but only one may be over 19 inches long. The season is open May 2 through March 15.

Chittenden Reservoir has special walleye regulations in order to produce large walleye that can help control its over-abundant yellow perch population, and provide anglers with an opportunity to harvest a trophy walleye. The minimum length is 22 inches, the daily limit is two, and the season is open June 1 through March 15.

Connecticut River walleye fishing rules are set by New Hampshire. No walleye between 16 and 18 inches may be kept and the daily limit is four fish, of which only one may be longer than 18 inches.

Excellent walleye fishing opportunities occur each spring in the lakes mentioned above as well as in Lake Champlain and its tributaries: the Missisquoi River, Lamoille River, Winooski River, and Otter Creek.

The Northeast Kingdom also offers walleye fishing opportunities in Salem Lake, Island Pond, Clyde Pond, and the Clyde River.

Vermont's state record walleye weighed 14.55 lbs. and was caught in Lake Champlain by Richard Levesque of Swanton in 2010.
Planning a Vermont fishing trip is easy. Vermont Fish & Wildlife's 2015 Hunting, Fishing and Trapping Laws and Guide publication includes maps showing lakes and streams as well as fishing access areas and public lands.
The guide also lists the fish species found in each body of water and includes the state's fishing regulations. Copies are available where fishing licenses are sold, or by calling Vermont Fish & Wildlife at 802-828-1000. Sections of the publication can also be downloaded from www.vtfishandwildlife.com.
To learn more about fishing in Vermont or to purchase a Vermont fishing license, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.



Media Contacts: Chet MacKenzie, 802-786-3864
Bernie Pientka, 802-879-5698