Fishing License
Fishing licenses are required for persons 15 or older. Information on fishing licenses, regulations, and fisheries’ management should be directed to the Department of Fish & Wildlife. 802-241-3700.
Equipment Safety
Keep lines neatly coiled to prevent tangles and slips. Having nets stashed handily reduces the chances of a mad-scramble mishap. Knives should be sharp—and blades covered when not in use. Keeping hooks and lures in securely closed tackle boxes helps avoid hooking a fisher instead of a fish. (Learn one or two methods for hook removal, just in case.) Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from errant casts or fish-thrown hooks. Fish teeth and fins can cause injury too, so handle them carefully.
Prevent The Spread Of Invasive Species
A critical part of protecting and preserving the Waterbury Reservoir, bodies of water across Vermont (and the world) is proper cleaning of boats to prevent the spread of invasive species. As well as not transporting live organisms (fish, bait, etc.) from waterbody to waterbody. Transporting such nuisances is illegal and carries heavy penalties.
Boats, trailers and other boating equipment can spread aquatic invasive species from waterbody to waterbody unless properly cleaned, dried or disinfected after use. Although some invasive species such as water milfoil are readily visible to the human eye, many others are too small to be readily noticed. To avoid spreading invasive species please follow the guidelines in the following steps:
Habitat and Types of Fish
The Waterbury Reservoir, formed when Little River was dammed, features a diverse and vibrant habitat that supports a wide range of fish species. Its clear waters and varied bottom, composed of sand, silt, gravel, boulders, and ledge, create ideal conditions for fish to thrive. Key habitats include submerged trees and brush, rocky points, bluff walls, gravel banks, and aquatic vegetation, providing excellent cover and feeding areas. For anglers, the reservoir offers abundant fishing opportunities across these diverse habitats. Steep rock walls along the shoreline are especially productive for smallmouth bass during the warmer months, and fishing these with unweighted soft plastics or suspending jerk baits can yield exciting topwater bites, particularly early in the morning. The reservoir also hosts yellow perch, rainbow trout, and brown trout, with shoreline fishing accessible at Waterbury Center State Park and trails around the reservoir. Additionally, Stevenson Brook, flowing through Little River State Park, provides habitat for wild brook trout and rainbow trout. Whether by canoe, kayak, or motorboat, anglers can explore many spots on the reservoir for a rewarding fishing experience.
