Recent cold temperatures mean that opening day fishing will be a challenge this year, as many local streams are still high and dirty with runoff. To compound matters, many lakes and ponds still support substantial ice cover. This late ice has put a damper on the state's stocking operations.

"We're hoping to get fish into Lake Paran and Lake Shaftsbury either Thursday or Friday, but the ice could hold us up." said Monty Walker with the Bennington Fish Hatchery.

Walker says that traditionally, after Paran and Shaftsbury, lakes in the Ludlow area are next in line for stocking. Most local rivers and streams aren't stocked until the runoff works its way off the hills, which is usually in May.

This year, 25 percent of the fish stocked in Lake Paran, Lake Shaftsbury, Adams Reservoir, and 30 other lakes around the state, will be two-year-old fish. These fish, usually 14 to 16 inches in length, are part of the state's "Trophy Trout" program.

According to the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, the state produces over 750,000 trout to supplement the state fishery annually.

Whether fishing a lake for stockies or a tumbling mountain stream for wild brook trout, fishermen will find that the trout, sluggish from the cold, may need extra enticement on opening day. John Hall with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department says that despite the ice and cold, good fishing opportunities should still be available at inlets, outlets and in streams.

"Stream fishing will be best where the current is slower," he said. "Look for fish along the bottom in deep pools, on the inside of curves and behind large rocks."

Fly-fishermen will be hitting local waters with nymphs, streamers and sinking line to try to tempt lackadaisical trout.

"Nymphing is the best way to fish this time of year," said Frank Sheldon, a fly fisherman who works at the Orvis Company in Manchester. "Getting the nymphs down near the bottom in fast water is going to be the trick of the trade."

Sheldon says that both large nymphs like the Hare's Ear, and smaller nymphs such as the Pheasant Tail and Prince are early season staples. Wooly Bugger streamers are also popular. While warm temperatures could prompt some afternoon hatches and dry-fly fishing opportunities, most trout will be caught off the bottom.

"The fish are logie this time of year," said Sheldon. "If the fly doesn't get down to them, they won't get it."

All fishermen should be aware that, as of January 1, 2007, lead sinkers weighing one-half ounce or less are illegal. It is not unlawful to use lead weighted fly line, flies, lures, spoons or jig heads.

The lead sinker ban was imposed to help wildlife from being harmed by lead. According to the Fish and Wildlife Department, since 1989, 60 percent of analyzed loon deaths in Vermont were directly related to lead ingestion, entanglement with fishing lines or other impacts from fishing gear.

After Saturday's opening day, trout season runs through summer and autumn before ending, 200 days later, on Halloween.

Fishing license fees are $20 for adult residents, $8 for residents 15-17 years old. Children under 15 do not need a fishing license in Vermont.