Nearly 100 waters in the state are managed for trout but allow angling year 'round with no closed season. Waters under this heading are stocked annually with rainbows, browns and brook trout or any combination thereof, and generally have more liberal bag and length limits and less restrictive tackle requirements.

Included on the list are some of the best known lakes and ponds in New Hampshire, including Crystal Lake in Gilmanton, Chocorua Lake in Tamworth, Crystal Lake in Eaton, Wentworth Lake in Wolfeboro, Lebanon Reservoir in Lebanon and Mirror Lake in Woodstock.

There are also eight rivers in the state that offer trout angling year 'round including sections of the Androscoggin, Exeter, Merrimack, Pemigewasset, Suncook and Taylor.

New Hampshire, of course has its share of big lakes, too. Newfound Lake, Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam, Big Dan Hole, Big and Little Squam and the three Connecticut lakes have all been offering superb opportunities for impressive lake trout, browns and rainbows depending upon the area.

For more information on trout fishing, contact the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department at (603) 271-3211, or visit the Web site at www.wildlife.state.nh.us.

VERMONT
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is doing a good job of giving trout anglers what they want, including diverse fisheries, quality fish and plenty of opportunities.

Vermont is home to nearly 8,000 miles of rivers and brooks and over 800 lakes and ponds. The fact is, no matter where you go in this state, you will find productive trout water nearby.

The department stocked 680,000 smolt and catchable trout in 2005, and a similar number is planned for this year. Along with its wild and holdover trout populations, there should be plenty of fish to go around.

Over the years, the department's fisheries division has been one of the most innovative in New England. In addition to inventorying, monitoring the abundance, diversity and quality of its fisheries and their habitat, the division continually tries to come up with new programs that provide high-quality angling experiences.

One of the more successful efforts of late has been the division's Trophy Fish Stocking Program. Currently under the program are just four waters -- the Black, Lamoille and Winooski rivers and Otter Creek -- but considering its popularity that may change. These waters have been receiving a total of over 5,100 rainbow and brown trout in excess of 14 inches! Most hatchery-released trout in Vermont range between 9 and 11 inches, so these waters offer a real chance at some larger than usual trout.

Fish are released in late April or in May depending upon weather and water conditions, and by the time conditions are conducive to wetting a line, some prime opportunities are available.

In Lake Champlain, the big lake's successful coldwater restoration program continues to pay off and now offers some of the finest angling for brown, rainbows, steelhead and lake trout in the East from ice-out to ice-in.