VERMONT — Vermont’s state-wide Free Ice Fishing Day is Saturday, Jan. 27.

Free Ice Fishing Day is held annually on the last Saturday in January. The day is geared toward giving new ice anglers an opportunity to try ice fishing before purchasing equipment, but any angler may ice fish on any waterbody open to ice fishing statewide without a fishing license on Free Ice Fishing Day.

To celebrate, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is holding an Ice Fishing Festival at Elmore State Park in Elmore. The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is free and open to all ages as well as families with kids. 

“The Ice Fishing Festival typically draws between 500-700 participants for a day of fishing, skill-building and community,” said Education Specialist Corey Hart. “The annual event is moved around the state each winter, and we are excited to be back at Lake Elmore for 2024.”

Fishers are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather, and ice cleats are strongly recommended. Take care that the ice is fully frozen before venturing out on it.

“Ice fishing is one of the most accessible forms of fishing and can be a great way to introduce people to how much fun fishing can be,” said Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Christopher Herrick.  “This festival will demonstrate that ice fishing isn’t just about catching fish. It’s also a great way to spend some time outdoors with friends and family. You can skate, sled, make a snow fort, and have a cookout — all while waiting for the flags on your tip-ups to signal when you’ve caught a fish.”

For more information, visit the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website.  Registration for the Lake Elmore event can be completed online in advance at www.register-ed.com/events/view/206074.