Bowfishing is legal in Vermont, and the Green Mountain State offers some genuinely excellent opportunities — particularly on Lake Champlain, where a wide range of species and a long open-water season draw bowfishers from across the Northeast. But the rules are more layered than in many states, and the license you need can actually change depending on where you’re fishing and what species you’re targeting.
Before you string up a bow and head to the water, you need to understand Vermont’s regulations under 10 V.S.A. Appendix § 122, which governs legal species, seasons, and designated waters. This guide breaks down every major rule so you can bowfish confidently and legally.
Is Bowfishing Legal in Vermont?
Yes, bowfishing is legal in Vermont. A person who holds a fishing or combination license may take fish species allowed under § 122 by bow or crossbow with line attached to arrow during the season provided and in waters designated by § 122 of these regulations. That single sentence from Vermont statute is the foundation of the state’s entire bowfishing framework.
Vermont’s approach to bowfishing is notably more permissive than neighboring states like Massachusetts, and the state has a deep cultural connection to this type of fishing. In 1777, Vermont was the first state with constitutional language that protects its citizens’ right to hunt and fish — a practice recognized as an annual cultural tradition since the Revolutionary War era, rooted in the customs of both resident and seasonal Indigenous cultures that frequented the Champlain Valley.
One important rule applies no matter where or what you’re shooting: a person who takes a fish by hand-held spear, spear gun, bow, or crossbow with line attached to arrow, in accordance with 10 V.S.A. App § 122, shall keep the fish in their possession until the fish is permanently removed from waters of the state and used or disposed of properly. You cannot shoot a fish and toss it back.
Pro Tip: Always carry your license on your person while bowfishing. According to Vermont’s regulations, anyone fishing, in possession of, or transporting fish taken in Vermont waters must be properly licensed and must carry the license on their person — it must be shown on demand of a state game warden or other enforcement officer.
What Fish Can You Bowfish for in Vermont?
Vermont limits bowfishing to specific species listed under § 122 of the fish and wildlife regulations. The most commonly targeted fish fall into two broad categories: cull fish and other regulated rough or non-game species.
Carp, tench, rudd, shad (alewife and gizzard shad), and goldfish are considered to be “cull fish.” These species have no size or bag limit restrictions under general Vermont regulations, making them the most straightforward targets for bowfishers statewide. Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) are by far the most popular target, and Lake Champlain holds some record-class fish — the Vermont state record is a 44-pound carp shot by bowfisher Taylor Patterson on May 20, 2014.
Beyond cull fish, Vermont also allows bowfishing for several other species during designated seasons. During the open season, you can also target carp, suckers (longnose and white), bowfin, mullet (redhorse), gar, and cull fish — each with its own regulated bag limit and size limit you need to follow.
Northern pike (Esox lucius) represent one of the most exciting bowfishing opportunities in Vermont, but only under a narrow seasonal window and with a specific license. Pike have a bag limit of no more than five fish per day and must be at least 20 inches long — you cannot shoot a pike if you cannot determine a length of at least 20 inches.
Important Note: Game fish such as trout, bass, walleye, and salmon are not legal bowfishing targets in Vermont. Only species specifically listed under § 122 may be taken. When in doubt, do not shoot — misidentifying a protected species carries real legal consequences.
| Species | Legal for Bowfishing? | Size/Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Carp | Yes | No limit (cull fish) | Available statewide in designated waters |
| Tench, Rudd, Shad, Goldfish | Yes | No limit (cull fish) | Cull fish designation |
| Suckers (longnose, white) | Yes | Per § 122 limits | Designated waters only |
| Bowfin, Gar, Burbot | Yes | Per § 122 limits | Primarily Lake Champlain |
| Northern Pike | Yes (seasonal) | 5/day, 20″ minimum | Lake Champlain, March 25–May 25 only; hunting/combo license required |
| Trout, Bass, Walleye, Salmon | No | — | Game fish; protected from bowfishing |
Bowfishing License Requirements in Vermont
Vermont’s license requirements for bowfishing are straightforward for most situations, but there is one important exception that catches many people off guard — particularly on Lake Champlain during the spring pike season.
For general bowfishing across Vermont, a person is required to hold a fishing or combination license to take fish by bow or crossbow. A standard fishing license covers the vast majority of bowfishing scenarios in the state. Anyone who is eligible to purchase a license may purchase a fishing license in Vermont — kids under 15 fish for free, and youths 15–17 can purchase a youth fishing license.
The exception applies specifically to Lake Champlain during the spring window. A person is required to hold a fishing or combination license to take fish by bow or crossbow except on Lake Champlain between March 25 and May 25 — during that period on Lake Champlain, a person is required to hold a hunting or combination license to take northern pike and pickerel by bow or crossbow.
If you plan to bowfish for pike during that window, you must also meet the requirements to obtain a hunting license. To purchase a hunting license, you must have passed a certified hunter safety course; to purchase an archery license, you must have passed a certified bow-hunting safety course. You may have taken this course in any state or Canadian province.
- General bowfishing (all seasons, most species): Standard Vermont fishing license or combination license
- Northern pike/pickerel on Lake Champlain (March 25–May 25): Hunting or combination license required
- Anglers under 15: No license required
- Anglers 15–17: Youth fishing license available
- Active-duty military residents: May qualify for a free license — contact Vermont Fish & Wildlife at (802) 828-1190
Licenses can be purchased online through the Vermont Fish & Wildlife License Center or at any authorized license agent. Your license and a photo ID should be carried whenever you go fishing — a digital version of your license carried with you is also acceptable.
Legal Bowfishing Equipment in Vermont
Vermont’s regulations define the equipment you may use for bowfishing with reasonable clarity. The core requirement is straightforward: the bow or crossbow must have a line attached to the arrow. This is what distinguishes legal bowfishing equipment from archery hunting gear.
A person who holds a fishing or combination license may take fish species allowed under § 122 by bow or crossbow with line attached to arrow during the season provided and in waters designated by § 122. Without a line attached, the equipment does not meet the legal standard for bowfishing in Vermont waters.
Vermont regulations also define related equipment for context. A speargun is a pneumatic or rubber band-powered device with a line not to exceed 20 feet attached to a spear, used from below the water’s surface — spearguns shall be loaded and discharged only beneath the surface of the water and shall be used while snorkeling or freediving only. Spearing while SCUBA diving is not permitted. These rules apply to spearfishing, not bowfishing, but they clarify how Vermont treats underwater equipment generally.
One equipment-related prohibition worth noting: it is illegal to sell, offer for sale, or use a lead sinker in Vermont — “sinker” means any device that weighs one-half ounce or less and is attached to a fishing line for the purpose of sinking the line. This does not restrict bowfishing arrows directly, but it reflects Vermont’s broader approach to minimizing toxic materials in its waterways.
Pro Tip: Standard bowfishing setups — a recurve or compound bow with a bowfishing reel, heavy fiberglass arrow, and barbed point — are all legal in Vermont as long as the line is attached. Many bowfishers also use lights for night shooting; see the Night Bowfishing section below for details.
Where You Can and Cannot Bowfish in Vermont
Vermont restricts bowfishing to specific designated waters listed under § 122. You cannot simply bowfish any body of water in the state — the regulations designate which lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams are open for this method of take.
Lake Champlain is by far the most productive and well-known bowfishing destination in Vermont. Lake Champlain sits along the New York–Vermont border, and part of it even stretches into Quebec — you have monstrous carp here that average over 20 pounds, with a real opportunity to catch them at over 30 pounds, making it one of the best locations to go bowfishing in New York and Vermont.
The Vermont side of Lake Champlain also offers a broader species list than the New York side. You have several species of fish that you can target on Lake Champlain depending on which side you fish from — in New York, you can only target common carp, while with a Vermont fishing license you can target the rough fish species available under Vermont’s § 122.
Vermont also has seasonally closed waters that apply to all fishing methods, including bowfishing. Certain lakes and ponds are designated seasonally closed waters and shall be closed to all fishing except between the second Saturday in April through October 31. All rivers and streams are hereby designated seasonally closed waters except as listed in the regulations. Always check the Vermont fishing regulations for the specific waterbody you plan to fish before heading out.
- Lake Champlain: Premier bowfishing destination; multiple species available; special rules apply March 25–May 25
- Designated lakes and ponds: Open second Saturday in April through October 31 where listed as seasonally closed waters
- Rivers and streams: Closed by default; check the Index of Rivers and Streams for exceptions
- Private ponds: Landowner permission required; different rules may apply
- Spawning grounds: Closed to all fishing during designated spawning seasons
If you plan to bowfish on the Lake Champlain boundary area, be aware of the reciprocal license arrangement. Holders of New York fishing licenses may take fish from that portion of Lake Champlain lying between the Vermont–New York border and the eastern border of the Vermont portion of Lake Champlain, provided the State of New York grants the right to take fish to holders of Vermont fishing licenses in the corresponding New York portion. For the widest species access, a Vermont fishing license is the better choice on this lake.
Bowfishing regulations in neighboring states differ considerably. If you also fish across state lines, check out the rules for bowfishing laws in New Jersey and bowfishing laws in Pennsylvania before you cross the border.
Night Bowfishing Rules in Vermont
Night bowfishing is one of the most popular ways to target carp and other rough fish, and Vermont does allow it. The state defines the legal fishing day broadly, which opens the door for nighttime shooting on designated waters.
The legal fishing day is the 24-hour period beginning at 12:00 midnight and continuing until the next 12:00 midnight. During the open season, fish may be taken at any hour of the legal fishing day, except where a shorter legal fishing day is specified in the general fishing regulations and exceptions, or where posted otherwise. This means that on waters with no specific hour restrictions, you can legally bowfish through the night.
Lights are commonly used for night bowfishing, and outfitters operating on Lake Champlain confirm this is standard practice. Custom bowfishing vessels on Lake Champlain are equipped with a shooting deck, lights, and a generator to see those big fish that come out to play at night. Vermont regulations do not specifically prohibit the use of lights for bowfishing, making this a legal and widely used technique.
That said, always verify whether the specific waterbody you plan to fish has any posted restrictions on hours or methods. Some waters may have local rules that differ from the statewide default. When in doubt, contact the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department directly to confirm rules for a specific location before heading out after dark.
Pro Tip: Night bowfishing on Lake Champlain during the summer months is widely considered some of the best action in the Northeast. Carp move into the shallows after dark, and the combination of lights and calm water makes for excellent visibility. Just make sure your vessel meets all Coast Guard requirements for nighttime operation.
Saltwater Bowfishing Rules in Vermont
Vermont is a landlocked state with no ocean coastline, so there is no saltwater bowfishing to speak of within Vermont’s borders. The state’s bowfishing regulations apply entirely to freshwater species in designated inland waters and Lake Champlain.
Lake Champlain, while large enough to feel like a sea in places, is a freshwater lake — all of Vermont’s bowfishing regulations and license requirements apply there as freshwater rules. There are no tidal waters, coastal zones, or marine fisheries under Vermont jurisdiction.
If you are traveling to Vermont from a coastal state and are used to saltwater bowfishing rules, the framework here is entirely different. Vermont’s regulations are managed by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, not a marine fisheries agency, and all bowfishing falls under the state’s freshwater fishing statutes. For comparison, you can see how saltwater rules work in states like Virginia or North Carolina, where both freshwater and coastal regulations apply to bowfishers.
Vermont’s other animal and wildlife laws are equally worth knowing if you spend time in the state. You may also find it useful to review roadkill laws in Vermont, leash laws in Vermont, or beekeeping laws in Vermont if you’re a Vermont resident navigating the state’s broader wildlife regulations. For bowfishing rules in other states, see our guides on bowfishing laws in Minnesota, bowfishing laws in Ohio, bowfishing laws in Missouri, and bowfishing laws in Texas.
The bottom line: Vermont is a freshwater-only bowfishing state. Every rule, license, and designated water in this guide applies to inland freshwater fishing, full stop.