ORLEANS – One of the state’s premier wildlife watching opportunities is taking place in Vermont. The steelhead rainbow trout have started their upstream migration, leaping up waterfalls in a spectacular display of determination on their way to their spawning grounds.
Steelhead can be spotted moving up the falls during these warmer days in mid-to-late April and sometimes into early May.
Willoughby Falls and a section of river upstream are closed to fishing until June 1 to protect the fish while they are spawning, although there are great fishing opportunities a short way downstream from the falls.
“Many people may not realize we have opportunities to watch fish in Vermont just like there are for birds and mammals,” said Pete Emerson, 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.”
Categories: Environment
Love it ! I go and watch, take pictures ,and fish in the open waters above, and below the posted spawning water areas every year, but I have to wonder how long we will be able to enjoy fishing here or any place else given the assault on consumptive use of a renewable resources like is happening with hunting, and trapping these days. Those that are against consumptive uses, be they for supposed humanitarian reasons or because their weak stomachs won’t allow them to partake in, or even witness this affirmation of being a meat eater will be coming to a “theater near you” once they click off another victory or two. Fishermen (of which I am one) don’t think we are above the fray. Wake up ! Join and fight the battle now ! Don’t wait until it comes for you, because it will, and by that time it will be too late.
Nature is beautiful – the faithful see God’s hand at work. Sad to know how many now believe these millions of varying and utterly unique species that surround us are here by mere “random coincidence”.
C’mon man….From Tyrannosaurus-Rex to giraffes to preying mantises….GOD is in the detail!
……An He knows them all by name.