Pay lakes in Vermont

Usually not. Anglers fishing at a pond operating under a Vermont fee fishing business permit do not need a Vermont fishing license, and creel limits do not apply.

Vermont licenses pay lakes through its Fee Fishing Business Permit, 10 V.S.A. § 5228, run by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (Agency of Natural Resources). The license rule depends on the lake holding that state license, so ask the lake if you are unsure.

"A person fishing under the permit issued under this section is not required to hold a fishing license pursuant to chapter 105 of this title."

Source: 10 V.S.A. § 5228(d), checked November 2026. Compare every state on our pay lake license rules page.