A Vermont Tradition: Free Ice Fishing Day on January 25

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

No matter the season or weather, Vermonters love the great outdoors. This is true even in the middle of our long and cold winters, when people get out on the ice to fish.

Whether you’ve never been ice fishing or it’s been a tradition in your family passed down from generation to generation, you may be interested to know about Vermont’s upcoming Free Ice Fishing Day this Saturday, January 25.

On Free Ice Fishing Day, anyone can fish in Vermont waters without a fishing license. And, if you want to learn the basics or just want to celebrate this sport, you can join the FREE, family-friendly Ice Fishing Festival hosted by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department at Silver Lake State Park in Barnard.

In 2022, my team spoke to some ice fishing enthusiasts. Check out what they had to say HERE.

Good luck to all the anglers – new and seasoned – who get out on the ice this Saturday!

Sincerely,

Free Ice Fishing Day

Saturday, January 25, 2025 is Vermont’s next free ice fishing day, a day when anyone, resident or nonresident, may fish in legal Vermont waters without a fishing license.

Not Sure How? Join the Festival!

Where: Silver Lake State Park, 20 State Park Beach Rd, Barnard, VT 05031 | map
When: Saturday, January 25, 2025 - 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Register: To join the festival, register here! (It is recommended that you pre-register online now, or you can at the event)
Event Schedule:

• 11:00 am - Registration Opens 
• 11:00 am to 3:00 pm - Fun Family Activities
  Fish & Wildlife staff and Let's Go Fishing volunteers will help new ice anglers learn the basics of winter ice fishing through a variety of educational stations. After completing the stations participants will have the opportunity to borrow a rod and fish!
  Stations Include:
       Hole Drilling Demos
       Tip-up Techniques
       Jigging Techniques
       Ice Safety
       Fish Identification and Regulations Explained
       Knot-tying Know-how and tackle craft
  
  

Plus enjoy a fish fry and cocoa (bring your own mug if you can)!

Bring your own ice fishing equipment or borrow equipment from Vermont Fish & Wildlife. Be sure to dress warmly (in layers is the best) and wear winter boots. Yaktraxs or ice cleats are also a great idea for traction.

For more information, contact Corey Hart (Corey.Hart@vermont.gov) by email or call 802-505-5562.

What is the Ice Fishing Festival Like? Check it out here.
Can't Make the Event? Check Out a Virtual Ice Fishing Clinic here.
For a list of great ice fishing spots, particularly for beginners, visit the Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s website here.