by Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
ORLEANS – One of the state’s premier wildlife watching opportunities is taking place through early May as steelhead rainbow trout have started upstream migration, leaping up waterfalls on their way to their spawning grounds.
“Many people may not realize we have opportunities to watch fish in Vermont just like there are for birds and mammals,” said Jud Kratzer, fisheries biologist for the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department.
“Witnessing these trout migrate is a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining healthy and connected waters to allow fish to thrive. We’re working to conserve Vermont’s waterways and the surrounding habitats so that future generations can continue to witness this incredible migration each spring. While the annual migration occurs over several weeks, the best opportunities for seeing jumping fish only last for a few days when flows and water temperatures are just right.”
Willoughby River steelhead also provide an excellent fishing opportunity attracting anglers from all over the Northeast for Vermont’s trout fishing season. The section of the river in Orleans from the downstream edge of the Tarbox Hill Road Bridge to the top of the natural falls just upstream is closed to all fishing until June 1.
