CAVENDISH, Vt. – Driving through Vermont’s rural roadways this time of year, we see fishermen lined up and down our waterways, most noticeably along our rivers and streams. Those fishermen are likely targeting trout, and their end-goal is to catch the biggest fish.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department manages the State of Vermont’s Trophy Trout stocking program. Throughout April and May of each year, brown, brook, and rainbow trout that are raised in state-run hatcheries are stocked into area lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. The popular Trophy Trout program features the release of large 2-year-old trout. This ensures family-friendly access to great fishing. These catchable trout, usually exceeding 18 inches, are introduced into select rivers and ponds or lakes throughout Vermont.
Vermont’s clear, cold waters, and shaded mountain streams and waterways provide the perfect environment for trout. Vermont’s wild trout are born in local waters, and are naturally sustained and adapted to the temperatures and food sources. Trophy trout are hatchery raised at state facilities. A popular method for trout fishing is fly fishing, standing in the water rhythmically casting a long line, while bait fishing uses spinning gear with live bait or lures casting into deeper pockets where fish hide.
This year, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Division stocked rivers and ponds with trophy trout. Local anglers from Vermont, as well as from nearby states, come to fish annually. According to the Fish Stocking Plan, locally in Cavendish, Vt., the Black River was “stocked and loaded” with a total of 1,500 2-year-old trophy rainbow trout and 500 2-year-old trophy brown trout, a total of 2,000 trophy trout, over a period of weeks during the month of May. Stoughton Pond in Weathersfield is stocked with 300 rainbow trout.
You will find the complete Proposed Stocking Plan for 2026 on the Vermont Fish & Wildlife website at www.anrweb.vt.gov/FWD/FW/FishStockingSchedule.aspx.