Stretching across the Vermont-New Hampshire border, Moore Reservoir’s 3,500 acres of cold, clear waters offer year-round opportunities for trout, bass, pike, and perch. However, navigating interstate regulations and seasonal patterns requires careful planning. This 2025 guide provides everything you need to fish Moore Reservoir legally and successfully with a Vermont fishing license—from updated licensing details to proven tactics for landing trophy fish.
Why Moore Reservoir? Key Facts for Anglers
- Size: 3,500 acres, 10 miles long
- Depth: 15–85 feet (deepest near Moore Dam)
- Top Species: Rainbow/brown trout, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch
- Unique Feature: Shared VT/NH waters under Vermont licensing reciprocity
According to the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, Moore Reservoir saw a 12% increase in angler visits in 2024, driven by its undeveloped shoreline and consistent trout stocking program.
Vermont Fishing License Requirements (2025 Updates)
Who Needs a License
Per 2025 VT Statute §4601, all anglers aged 15+ must carry a valid license when:
- Fishing in Vermont waters (including the NH portion of Moore Reservoir)
- Transporting fish
- Using any gear (rods, traps, spears)
Exceptions:
- Youth under 16 (must be accompanied by a licensed adult)
- Active-duty military stationed in VT (free license application)
- 100% disabled veterans (submit VA certification via mail)
How to Buy Your License
Option 1: Online
- Visit the VT Fish & Wildlife Licensing Portal
- Costs: $28 (resident annual), $54 (non-resident annual), $21 (3-day tourist)
- Pro Tip: Download the “VT Fish” app for digital license storage
Option 2: In-Person
- Waterford Town Clerk: 3246 US-5, Open M-F 8 AM–4 PM
- Lead & Tackle Shop: 1438 Broad St, Lyndonville – Sells licenses + live bait (non-restricted species)
Option 3: By Phone
- Call 1-888-773-8450 (additional $3 service fee)
2025 Regulations: What’s Changed
Key VT-NH Reciprocal Agreement
Your Vermont license covers all of Moore Reservoir, but you must follow:
- Vermont seasons and limits
- New 2025 Bait Rule: All dead baitfish must be preserved with salt or borax (no fresh-caught minnows)
Species-Specific Rules
| Species | Season | Daily Limit | Minimum Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trout | Year-round | 6 combined | None |
| Smallmouth Bass | June 16–Nov 30 (Oct 1–Nov 30 catch-and-release) | 6 | 10″ |
| Northern Pike | Year-round (no ice fishing) | None | None |
| Yellow Perch | Year-round | 50 | None |
Critical Note: As of March 2025, live alewives are prohibited statewide to protect native species.
Top 2025 Fishing Zones + Tactics
1. Moore Dam Tailwaters (VT Side)
- GPS: 44.2858° N, 71.9012° W
- Species: Stocked rainbow trout, brown trout
- Spring Tactics: Drift egg sacks on size 8 hooks with 3/8 oz sinkers
- Fall Highlight: Trout chase alewife spawns – use silver #3 Blue Fox Vibrax spinners
2. Mud Turtle Point (Mid-Reservoir)
- Depth: 6–32 feet
- Structure: Submerged boulders + milfoil beds
- Summer Bass Tip: Texas-rigged green pumpkin worms on 10 lb fluorocarbon
3. South Bay Warmwater Zone
- Species: Trophy pike (2024 record: 42″, 22 lbs)
- Tactics:
- Dawn: Topwater Whopper Plopper 130 over lily pads
- Midday: Troll 8″ Jake’s Lures at 15–20 ft depths
4. Cisco Coves (Fall Alewife Run)
- Prime Time: Oct 10–Nov 15, 2025
- Gear: Medium-heavy rod with 20 lb braid + 15 lb fluorocarbon leader
- Lures: #5 Gold Phoebe Spoon vertical-jigged near inflows
Bait & Gear Guide
Approved Bait for VT Waters
- Live: Worms, leeches (max 2 dozen in possession)
- Dead: Salted shiners, smelt from Lake Champlain tributaries
- Artificial: Lures with single hooks (trebles prohibited in catch-and-release zones)
2025 Gear Recommendations
- Trout: St. Croix Triumph 6'6″ ML rod + Pflueger President 2500 reel
- Pike: Abu Garcia C3 6500 baitcaster + 65 lb Sufix 832 braid
- Electronics: Garmin Striker 4 for mapping 30+ ft drop-offs
Local Insights: Q&A with Guide Mark Beauchesne
Owner of First Cast Fishing Charters, 25+ years on Moore Reservoir
Q: Best 2025 early-season tip?
“Focus on the dam’s west bank in April – rainbows stack up in 45°F water. Drift inflated crawlers under a slip float at 8–12 ft depths.”
Q: Overlooked summer spot?
“The old railroad trestle near Tom Hill holds monster smallmouths. Pitch Ned rigs at dusk when the mayflies hatch.”
Avoiding Fines: 2025 Enforcement Focus
VT wardens reported 63% of 2024 violations were due to:
- Expired licenses (renew online even mid-trip)
- Improperly preserved bait (use 1 lb salt per 50 baitfish)
- Overlimits (download the VT Fish | Hunt App for catch tracking)
2025 Free Fishing Days: License-free fishing allowed on:
- June 14 (Second Saturday in June)
- January 25 (Last Saturday in January)
Access Points & Amenities
- Moore Dam Boat Launch (VT): $10/day fee, open 5 AM–9 PM
- South Bay Campground: 12 sites with lake access, reservations via VT State Parks
- Closest Bait Shop: Lead & Tackle (Lyndonville) – opens at 4:30 AM during peak season
Final Tips for 2025 Success
- Spring: Target trout in ≤50°F water with slow presentations
- Summer: Fish pike before 9 AM to avoid afternoon thunderstorms
- Fall: Use scent attractants like Pro-Cure Alewife Gel in murky post-spawn waters
- Winter: Ice fish the NH side (requires NH license) for perch and crappie