RUTLAND, Vt. (WCAX) - Vermont Fish and Wildlife is testing a new fall stocking program to give anglers more opportunities to fish during the winter months.

East Creek in Rutland County is one of nine stocked trophy trout rivers across the state.

Each spring, sterile two-year-old trout raised in hatcheries are released into the water for anglers to catch and harvest over the season. Before 2022, mid-April through mid-October was the only time anglers could fish for trout. Then, the rules changed to allow catch-and-release with artificial lures all fall and winter.

“The anglers, when they’re coming out to target these fish, they know they’re not going to be bringing home a creel, but they are able to start getting out in the winter if they’re getting a little stir crazy,” said Vermont Fis

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