Vermont Fishing Charters
Vermont fishing charters lean heavy on freshwater—think trout runs in cold mountain rivers, bass in deep glacial lakes, and landlocked salmon chasing smelt in places like Champlain and Memphremagog.
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Vermont Fishing Guide
Vermont is built for freshwater anglers. The big draw is Lake Champlain, with over 120 miles of fishable water loaded with smallmouth, largemouth, lake trout, and landlocked salmon. On the eastern border, the Connecticut River system and dozens of smaller lakes and ponds feed into a statewide network of clean, cold-water streams—perfect for wild brook trout, browns, and rainbows. Fishing here means adapting to deep lakes, rocky points, weedy coves, and fast-moving rivers.
Typical charters range from 4 to 6 hours on Lake Champlain, especially out of Burlington, South Hero, or Charlotte. Some guides offer longer runs north into Canadian waters or deep trolling setups targeting salmon in the main basin. Tactics vary: slow-trolling with lead core or downriggers for lakers and salmon, drop-shotting for smallmouth along boulder piles, or fly casting dry flies upstream on the Battenkill.
Boat launches are well-kept—many have fish-cleaning stations and easy parking. Inland, remote ponds are walk-in only, while the Green Mountains offer backcountry brook trout for anglers willing to hike in. Vermont’s fishing pressure is low compared to bigger states, and many fisheries are catch-and-release or slot-limited to protect populations. Live bait is popular for bass and pike in summer, while spring and fall belong to jigs, streamers, and spoons. Winter ice fishing is also big here, especially in the Champlain Islands and Northeast Kingdom.
Regional Fishing Highlights
Lake Champlain
This is Vermont’s biggest draw, with over 80 species and strong runs of smallmouth bass, northern pike, lake trout, and landlocked Atlantic salmon. Charters out of Burlington and Shelburne often troll deep channels for trout and salmon or target warmwater species in weedy bays. Drop-shot rigs, spoons, and jerkbaits all produce. Early mornings are best to beat boat traffic and chop.
Northeast Kingdom
Ponds like Willoughby, Memphremagog, and Seymour offer quiet, deep-water fishing for lake trout, landlocked salmon, and rainbows. This area is less pressured and known for cold, clear water. Many trips here are DIY or small-boat charters. Jigging in 60–100 feet of water is standard for trout. Spring and fall are best for salmon near river mouths.
Central Rivers & Streams
The White River, Winooski, and Otter Creek flow through forest and farmland, holding wild and stocked trout. The Battenkill near Arlington is fly-fishing-only in parts, with classic dry fly hatches in May and June. These waters require stealth and light tackle—9-foot 5-weights, 5x tippet, and size 16–20 flies.
Southern Vermont Lakes
Lakes like Bomoseen and St. Catherine produce good largemouth and smallmouth bass action. Weed edges and docks are prime summer targets. Spinnerbaits and Senkos work well. Guides often run 4-hour trips targeting shallow cover early, then shift deep with jigs once the sun’s high.
Fishing Seasons in Vermont
Spring
Late April through June sees trout and salmon on the move in rivers and shallow lake zones. Lake Champlain warms slow, so early trolling can be productive near shore. Rivers like the Dog or White are prime for fly anglers once flows stabilize. Bass are pre-spawn and aggressive on jerkbaits and tubes.
Summer
July and August push fish deeper. Lake trout settle near 100 feet in Champlain, and bass tuck into shaded structure. Most charters focus early and late to avoid heat. Topwater gets a short window at dawn. Ice-out ponds in the Kingdom still hold trout up high.
Fall
Best time for landlocked salmon. Cold fronts kick off movement toward tributaries. Troll bright spoons near river mouths or drift streamers in moving water. Bass hit hard ahead of winter, especially on slow-rolled plastics and jigs. Foliage season offers great views—and fewer boats.
Winter
Hardwater season kicks off around mid-December in the north, a bit later south. Jigging for perch, pike, and lake trout on Champlain is popular. Live bait rigs under tip-ups produce big northerns. Access can be tricky after snow, so local guides with ATVs are worth it.
Most Popular Gamefish in Vermont
- Lake Trout – 3–10 lbs. Deep trolling or vertical jigging on Champlain, Memphremagog, or Willoughby.
- Landlocked Salmon – 2–6 lbs. Trolled with spoons or streamer flies near river mouths in Champlain and Northeast Kingdom lakes.
- Smallmouth Bass – 1–5 lbs. Rocky humps, drop-offs, and points in Champlain, Bomoseen, and St. Catherine using jigs or jerkbaits.
- Largemouth Bass – 1–6 lbs. Weedbeds, docks, and wood cover in southern Vermont lakes; soft plastics and frogs in summer.
- Brook Trout – 6–14 inches. Cold mountain streams and backcountry ponds; dry flies, nymphs, and small spinners.
- Rainbow Trout – 1–3 lbs. Stocked and wild in central rivers and deeper lakes; best with spoons or flies in spring/fall.
- Northern Pike – 5–15 lbs. Found in Champlain bays and shallow lakes; fished with live bait or large spinners.
- Yellow Perch – 6–12 inches. Iced or open water on Champlain and island ponds; small jigs and minnows.
- Brown Trout – 1–5 lbs. Cool rivers and spring-fed lakes; targeted with streamers and crankbaits near cover.
Vermont Fishing FAQs
Do I need a license to fish in Vermont?
Yes, anyone 15 or older needs a Vermont fishing license, whether you’re fishing rivers, lakes, or on a guided charter.
When is the best time to fish Lake Champlain?
May through early July is great for salmon and bass, while September offers solid action for trout and fall staging fish.
What’s the deal with landlocked salmon in Vermont?
They’re stocked in Champlain and a few Northeast Kingdom lakes. Spring and fall are prime trolling seasons, especially near river mouths.
Can I hire a fishing guide in the Northeast Kingdom?
Yes, though they’re fewer than on Champlain. Most run smaller boats or offer walk-and-wade trout trips on remote ponds and rivers.
What gear should I bring for a Vermont river trip?
For trout, a 4–5 weight fly rod or ultralight spinning setup with small spoons, spinners, or nymphs. Waders are a must for most streams.
Is ice fishing big in Vermont?
Very. Champlain sees big pressure around the islands for pike and perch, and inland lakes freeze up hard. Locals use tip-ups and jigging rods
Can I keep what I catch on a charter?
Usually yes, but it depends on species, limits, and your guide’s policy. Lake trout and salmon have strict rules in some zones.
Are there kid-friendly fishing spots in Vermont?
Yes, places like Echo Lake or Colchester Pond are easy access and stocked regularly. Many charters welcome kids and supply all gear.
What bait works best on Vermont lakes?
Live shiners, nightcrawlers, and soft plastics all catch fish. For trolling, spoons like DB Smelt or Mooselook Wobblers are local favorites.