Vermont's Catch-and-Release Bass Fishing is Underway
ESSEX, Vt. — Vermont's catch-and-release bass fishing will be underway.
"Spring catch-and-release bass fishing is a really special time to be on the water in Vermont, and the fishing can be truly spectacular," said Bernie Pientka, state fisheries biologist with Vermont Fish and Wildlife. "Combine warming weather, minimal boat traffic and feeding largemouth and smallmouth bass, and spring bass fishing is hard to beat."
Vermont's catch-and-release bass fishing runs until June 13, when the regular bass season opens, and the harvesting of bass is allowed.
Bass fishing regulations can be found in the 2026 Fishing Guide & Regulations, or by using the Online Fishing Regulations Tool found on Vermont Fish and Wildlife's website.
For catch-and-release bass fishing, all bass must be immediately released after being caught and only artificial lures may be used. Bass can be persnickety when it comes to artificial lures, but live bait is prohibited when targeting them during catch-and-release season.
State fisheries biologist Shawn Good says pre-spawn bass fishing provides outstanding angling opportunities at a time when bass are congregating but haven't started spawning yet and that it has very little impact on spawning success.
"Pre-spawn bass fishing is about targeting bass on a catch-and-release basis as they stage and concentrate around areas close to where they plan on spawning," said Good. "When water temperatures reach 48°F to 56°F, bass move into the shallows to warm up and feed heavily for a couple weeks in preparation of spawning activities."
Good says that many inexperienced anglers think early season bass fishing is about targeting bedding bass, but he says that's just not the case.
"Once bass have begun constructing nests, and guarding and protecting eggs and newly hatched fry, they don't actively feed. Quite honestly, it's time consuming and often frustrating to target non-feeding bass on beds. It's the pre-spawn groups of bass that are aggressive, grouped up, and a ton of fun to catch," Good said.
Vermont Fish and Wildlife has assembled a few basic tips for anglers heading out to fish for bass during the spring catch-and-release season.
- Let water temperatures dictate your tactics and lure choices. Fishing slowly on the bottom with jig-style baits can be most effective shortly after ice-out. As water temperatures begin to rise into the 48 to 58-degree range and fish feeding activity increases, moving baits such as spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits can be big producers.
- Look for rocky shorelines and marshy back bays. Shallow, gradual rocky shorelines consisting of ledge, rock, gravel or boulders will hold heat and warm up first, attracting baitfish and ultimately feeding smallmouth and largemouth bass. Marshy, weedy bays will also warm up quickly and attract largemouth bass.
- Pay attention to the clues. If you catch a fish, get a bite, or see a fish follow your lure, take another pass through the same area. Many fish will often stack up on the same structure during the spring as they transition from winter to spring and summer haunts.
To purchase a fishing license or learn more about fishing in Vermont, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com.
