ORLEANS — From now through early May, locals and visitors to Orleans have the unique opportunity to witness the annual upstream migration of steelhead rainbow trout at Willoughby Falls. This natural event features the impressive sight of trout leaping up the falls as they head to their spawning grounds.
The migration not only offers a chance to observe one of Vermont’s premier wildlife spectacles but also serves as a community gathering point.
The recently rechartered Northeast Kingdom chapter of Trout Unlimited, now named The David & Francis Smith Northeast Kingdom Chapter, is hosting meet-and-greet events at the falls on April 20, 21, 27, and 28 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. These gatherings are a chance for the public to meet the new board members, discuss the local fishery, and explore ways to get involved with Trout Unlimited.
Additionally, the Willoughby River steelhead run is a highlight for anglers, kicking off Vermont’s trout fishing season on April 13.
However, anglers are reminded that fishing is prohibited from the downstream edge of the Orleans-Brownington Road Bridge to the top of the natural falls just upstream, from April 13 to May 31, to protect the fish during this critical period of their lifecycle.
