Ice fishing has new regs, free clinics in 2026
December 24, 2025 | By Waterbury Roundabout 
Vermont Fish & Wildlife photo
The Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife reminds Vermont anglers to check out changes to fishing regulations taking effect Jan. 1. The department also will hold multiple free ice fishing clinics this winter, including one at the Waterbury Reservoir.
The most notable regulation changes are updates regarding panfish and the use of baitfish.
Panfish
For most waters other than Lake Champlain and the Connecticut River, daily limits of panfish have become more restrictive. Bluegill, Bullhead, Black Crappie, White Crappie, Pumpkinseed, Rock Bass and Yellow Perch have a combined daily limit of 50 fish, no more than 25 of which can be Black Crappie or White Crappie.
In addition, the commercial sale of crappie is now prohibited. And, anglers who wish to sell their catch will need to add a free fish seller’s endorsement to their license.
Baitfish
The current three-year cycle of the wild baitfish endorsement expires on Dec. 31. Anglers who wish to harvest baitfish between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2028 will need to take a quiz and add a free tag to their license.
Also, rules have changed to allow anglers to target larger fish to use as bait. Anglers may now use a larger minnow trap to harvest baitfish. The size of a legal minnow trap has increased from no longer than 18” with an entrance not exceeding 1” in diameter to no longer than 24” with an entrance not exceeding 2.5” in diameter.
Additional regulation changes can be found in the 2026 Fishing Guide & Regulations booklet available free from license agents and on Vermont Fish and Wildlife’s website.
Fishing clinics
Learn to ice fish at a free clinic this winter. Vt. Fish & Wildlife photo
In January and February, Vermont Fish & Wildlife will run several free Introduction to Ice Fishing Clinics around the state.
“Families in Vermont sometimes turn to ice fishing during the winter months for a popular family outing,” said Corey Hart, an Education Specialist with the department. “Our educational fishing programs provide new anglers with the information they need to be successful, and additional programs will be added in the months ahead.”
The clinics offer a hands-on day of fishing fun for beginners or for those looking to refresh their skills. The events range from the popular annual Ice Fishing festival to smaller outings focusing on specialized fishing tactics, Hart noted.
Organizers ask for participants to sign up in advance on the Fish & Wildlife Department’s website under Upcoming Events. Should ice conditions not be suitable at the time of the event, the program will be cancelled, and participants will be notified.
The clinic dates and locations are:
Introduction to Ice Fishing for Trout: Saturday, Jan. 3, 8-11 a.m., at Knapp Pond 2 in Cavendish.
Introduction to Ice Fishing: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 9 a.m. to noon, Lake Iroquois Access Area, Williston.
Introduction to Smelt Fishing: Friday, Jan. 23, 4-7 p.m., Woodward Reservoir, Plymouth.
Ice Fishing Festival: Saturday, Jan. 31, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lake Elmore, Elmore State Park
Introduction to Smelt Fishing: Thursday, Feb. 26, 5-8 p.m., Waterbury Reservoir, Blush Hill Access, Waterbury.
For more information, email letsgofishing@vermont.gov or call 802-505-5562.