VTF&W Hosts Public Discussion June 20 on Berlin Pond Fishing Regulations

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

VTF&W photo by John Hall

BERLIN VT – The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department is hosting a public discussion on Berlin Pond fishing regulations on Wednesday, June 20 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Fish & Wildlife Department Annex building at 190 Junction Road in Berlin, across from the Amtrak train station.

Bret Ladago, a fisheries biologist with the department will present background fisheries information, answer related questions, collect angler observations, and discuss potential future regulations. 

 

In 2012, Berlin Pond was opened to public recreation, including fishing, for the first time in many decades.  A “test water designation” was implemented in June 2012 to reduce potential overfishing of unexploited fish populations.  It protected bass from harvest and reduced the limit of yellow perch from 50 to 10 fish daily.  This test water designation expires at the end of 2018, and the department is seeking public opinion on future fishing regulations for Berlin Pond. 

 

“We have found some extremely old, slow growing fish in Berlin Pond, including one yellow perch that was estimated to be 23 years old,” said Ladago.  “This was quite a surprise considering the average life expectancy of yellow perch in Vermont is around eight years.”

 

While there are some concerns about expanding the current daily limit on yellow perch, the department is especially seeking input on potential bass harvest on the pond.

 

“Please join us on June 20, and bring stories of your Berlin Pond fishing experiences,” added Ladago.

 

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities are available on request.  Please include a description of the accommodation you will need.  Individuals making such requests must include their contact information.  Please send an e-mail to penny.percival@vermont.gov or call 802-828-1294 (direct voice) or 1-800-253-0191 (TTY).

Source: VT Media Press Release