VTF&W Photo by Tom Rogers: A rainbow trout jumps upstream at Willoughby Falls, outside the village of Orleans, on its annual migration to the spawning grounds.
Vermont Business Magazine One of the state’s premier wildlife viewing opportunities takes place in Vermont. Rainbow trout began their migration upstream to jump waterfalls in a spectacular show of determination on their way to their spawning grounds.
Rainbow trout can be spotted ascending the falls on warmer days from mid-April to late April and occasionally into early May.
“A lot of people may not realize that we have the opportunity to see fish in Vermont, just like there are for birds and mammals,” said Pete Emerson, fisheries biologist at Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.
“Witnessing the migration of these trout is a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining healthy, connected waters to allow fish to thrive. We strive to conserve Vermont’s waterways and surrounding habitats so that future generations can continue to witness this incredible migration each spring. While the annual migration takes place over several weeks, the best opportunities to see jumping fish last only a few days when water flows and temperatures are just right.
Rainbow trout in the Willoughby River also provide an excellent fishing opportunity attracting anglers from across the northeast for the Vermont trout fishing season which opened April 9. closed to all fishing from April 9 to May 31.
ORLEANS, Vermont – Fish and Wildlife
