Matthew Dickerson: The delight of catch and release

For years I have been hoping for — and advocating for — year-round fishing in Vermont. Now I have my wish.

Despite lingering snow cover in some areas of the state, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department says anglers can still have fun and be successful early in the season if they keep a few strategies in mind.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is seeking volunteers to become instructors for the Let’s Go Fishing program to pass on Vermont’s fishing tradition to the next generation of Vermonters.

Several years back, a petition signed by hundreds of local citizens was sent to the legislature in Montpelier, asking to amend Vermont Fishing License regulations.

Vermont’s fishing regulations will look different on Jan. 1, 2022. But don’t worry, most of the new regulations have been simplified and provide additional fishing opportunities.

“Any luck?” It’s a common question one hears when fishing. I’m sure I’ve asked it as often as I’ve heard it.

MONTPELIER — The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is seeking volunteers to become “Let’s Go Fishing” instructors and pass on Vermont’s fishing tradition to the next generation of Vermonters. The department will be hosting a one-day training workshop f … (read more)

VERGENNES — This year the annual Vergennes Junior Fishing Derby, which seeks to introduce young people to the benefits and enjoyment of fishing and to encourage them to share the sport with others, is going virtual. The event will begin on Saturday, June … (read more)

It’s the day before my birthday. I stand on the bow of my brother’s new boat. Since he moved from Alaska back to coastal Maine a few years ago, he’s been looking for a motorboat for Casco Bay. Something he and his wife could use to hop among the bay’s num … (read more)

MONTPELIER — Vermont’s annual statewide Summer Free Fishing Day is Saturday, June 12, this year, which will also be opening day of the regular bass fishing season.“Vermont’s Free Fishing Day gives anglers the opportunity to go fishing without a license fo … (read more)

I took my dog for a short walk this afternoon. As I circled back through the woods into my yard from the opposite side, a small patch of vibrant yellow drew my attention. The first two dandelions of the spring had popped up and were on full display. Direc … (read more)

MONTPELIER — Vermont’s traditional trout fishing season opens Saturday, April 10, and despite lingering snow cover, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department says anglers can still have fun and be successful early in the season while following COVID-19 saf … (read more)

MONTPELIER — The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department wants to make it easier for people to go fishing by simplifying its fishing regulations. Fishing regulations have become increasingly complex over time as amendments were added, making the rules more d … (read more)

My good friend David O’Hara introduced me to the term “fish porn.” At the time, we were collaborating on our 2014 book “Downstream: Reflections on Brook Trout, Fly Fishing, and the Waters of Appalachia” (Cascade Books). Contrary to what some might imagine … (read more)

I was working on an article about a couple Vermont trout streams for a national fly fishing magazine. The story required some photos, which meant I needed another angler to go fishing with me and be the subject of those photos. Since I also wanted some tr … (read more)