Free fishing statewide on Saturday; free entry to state parks, historic sites all weekend
June 5, 2024 | By Waterbury RoundaboutThe state of Vermont hosts Vermont Days this weekend which means free fishing statewide on Saturday, and free entry to state parks and historic sites all weekend.
Fishing near the Bolton Dam along the Winooski River. Saturday is Free Fishing Day on Vermont rivers, streams and lakes. File photo by Gordon Miller
This Saturday, June 8, is Vermont’s annual Free Fishing Day which means both resident and non-resident anglers may fish in Vermont lakes and streams without a license. The day will include the Grand Isle Family Fishing Festival and opening day of bass season.
“Free Fishing Day is a great opportunity for an experienced angler to be a mentor to friends who have not gone fishing before,” said Vermont Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Christopher Herrick. “A day on the water could lead to a lifetime of great experiences and healthy local food.”
The Grand Isle event will take place at the Ed Weed Fish Culture Station, 14 Bell Hill Road in Grand Isle, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Designed for young or novice anglers and families, the festival offers basic fishing instruction and the chance for kids to catch big trout in a hatchery pond. No prior fishing experience is needed. Vermont Fish and Wildlife staff will supply fishing rods, reels and bait for participants.
Vermont’s regular bass season also opens on June 8 and runs through the end of November.
More details about fishing in Vermont and fishing licenses is online at vtfishandwildlife.com.
The President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth Notch preserves the birthplace and childhood home of Calvin Coolidge, the 30th U.S. President. State of Vermont photo
Free entry to state parks, historic sites this weekend
As part of Vermont Days, the state of Vermont opens Vermont State Parks and Vermont State Historic Sites free of admission this Saturday-Sunday, June 8-9.
The weekend offers an affordable way to explore Vermont and visit new parks and attractions. This year, the 55-park Vermont State Park system marks its 100th year.
“We want to hear from our loyal Vermont State Park fans about what parks mean to them, and we're eager to welcome new visitors who haven't typically visited state parks before,” said State Parks Director Nate McKeen.
The state has special commemorative 100th-anniversary merchandise for sale on its Vermont State Parks 100th Anniversary website as well.
Looking toward the Waterbury Reservoir from atop the Waterbury Dam at Little River State Park with the Worcester Range in the distance. Photo by Lisa Scagliotti
State historic sites are located all around Vermont including the Bennington Battle Monument, Mount Independence and former homes to U.S. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Chester Arthur.
In addition to the Free Fishing Festival, parks and historic sites also have several family-friendly events scheduled this weekend:
Go fly a kite: All Vermont State Historic Sites encourage visitors to bring your own kite. If you don’t have a kite, site gift shops will have them for purchase. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Townshend State Park will host a free concert by local performer Lorie DeHimer, noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Knight Point State Park in North Hero hosts a free performance by musical storyteller Eli Elkus, 3-5 p.m.
Find more details online at vermontdays.com.
Also free this weekend is admission to the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier on Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donations are welcome.