Vermont Master Angler Program 2024 Annual Report Released

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department has released the Vermont Master Angler Program 2024 Report with 1,200 entries and 88 Master Angler Award recipients.  

Vermont’s wealth of waters and abundant fish populations provide many opportunities to experience outstanding fishing.  The Vermont Master Angler Program recognizes the achievements of anglers who catch trophy-sized fish from Vermont waters and celebrates the clean water and healthy habitats that allow these fish to survive and grow to exceptional sizes. 

The Vermont Master Angler program is a length-based program that sets “trophy sized” benchmarks for 34 eligible fish species.  While these trophy-sized fish are a challenge to catch, they are attainable for anglers that develop the necessary knowledge and skills.

Anglers catching a fish exceeding the minimum qualifying length in any of the 34 species categories can receive a certificate commemorating their catch.  Their names and catches are also included in the Vermont Master Angler Annual Report posted annually on the Vermont Fish and Wildlife website.  

Anglers demonstrating the skill necessary to catch multiple species that all exceed the minimum qualifying lengths in the same calendar year are recognized as “Vermont Master Anglers” and receive a unique one-of-a-kind lapel pin at the end of the year.  To qualify for the annual Vermont Master Angler Pin, an angler must submit qualifying entries for five or more species within a calendar year.

2024 was a record year for this very successful department fishing program, with 1,200 entries approved, 287 of which were from youth anglers.  There were also 88 Vermont Master Angler award recipients in 2024 -- 27 of which were youth anglers.  Youth anglers have a slightly lower minimum qualifying length for each species.

While 95 percent (1,140) of the entries were submitted by Vermont anglers, the program also saw participation by nonresident anglers from 12 other states and provinces: Alabama, California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, and Quebec.

“We were glad to see so many entries come in this year, which broke the previous record of 1,169 trophy fish set in 2021 right after Covid,” said state fisheries biologist Shawn Good.  “The program has really generated a lot of interest in fishing by encouraging and motivating anglers to try fishing for different species, and often with different gear in different settings than maybe what they normally do.  We also awarded a record high number of Master Angler pins to Youth anglers this year, and it’s really exciting to see that participation.”

Good says the program provides the department with information on the quality of fishing throughout the state and helps promote the many diverse fishing opportunities that Vermont has to offer. 

“As one of the biologists who run this program, it makes me really happy when I hear from anglers telling me that the program has motivated them to get outside with their families and enjoy some quality time together on the water.” 

To see the full 2024 Vermont Master Angler Program Annual Report, visit Fish and Wildlife’s website.