ProfessionalPopular6 OP t1_j8t6qat wrote on February 16, 2023 at 7:52 PM

Reply to comment by ResponsibleExcuse727 in Public river access by ProfessionalPopular6

Yea I intend to use designated pull outs and hike up and downstream (on the banks). I just know some states have mineral rights and water rights. I’m going to do some more research and narrow down the spots I want to fish.

Thanks!

Optimized_Orangutan t1_j8t8udx wrote on February 16, 2023 at 8:05 PM

Unless the land is posted and signed, you are allowed to respectfully access it legally. This goes for any private land in Vermont. Local custom is to ask first, despite that not being legally required, just the polite thing to do.

Edit: the caveat being, if someone asks you to leave, you need to leave. Once they tell you that you are not welcome, you are trespassing.

Edit2: another caveat, if you get hurt on their land and it wasn't because of a hazard they created, they are not liable.

Key-Understanding770 t1_j8vheer wrote on February 17, 2023 at 6:06 AM

VT is high water mark. If you can access the water way on public/state land then you can fish. Private land ends at the high Water mark

Reasonable_Bend_1472 t1_j8wcu2n wrote on February 17, 2023 at 12:40 PM

Even if it is a hazard they created - like an unsafe bridge over a stream - they are not liable. (https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/12/203/05793).

It has to be willful and wanton misconduct, like setting a trap for people, before the landowner has any liability.

ResponsibleExcuse727 t1_j8t74q2 wrote on February 16, 2023 at 7:54 PM

Not a problem, best of luck