Johnson Fishing Guides
Johnson fishing charters work the Lamoille River, local ponds, and nearby lakes for trout, bass, pike, and panfish.
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Johnson, VT Fishing Guide
Johnson sits on the Lamoille River in northern Vermont, with quick access to both moving and still waters. The local fishery is built around clear, cold river runs, small impoundments, and a short drive to bigger lakes like Lake Eden, Green River Reservoir, and Lake Elmore. Most charter-style trips here are half-day or full-day guided outings, with specialty trips for fly fishing, ice fishing in winter, or early morning topwater action in summer. From Johnson, the Lamoille is the main artery—riffles, deep pools, and undercut banks hold trout most of the year, with smallmouth bass and pike in the slower stretches.
Access is easy, with public launch points along the Lamoille in Johnson and Jeffersonville, and small boat ramps at local lakes. Run distances are short—on the river you’re fishing within minutes of launching, and on the lakes you can be on productive water after just a short idle. Green River Reservoir is motor-restricted, making it a quiet paddle-in option for bass and panfish.
Seasonally, the bite shifts fast here. Early spring runoff keeps water high and cold—ideal for drifted nymphs or slow presentations. Summer brings more stable flows, warm-water species in the lakes, and dry fly action for river trout. Fall cools things down, pushing fish to feed hard before winter, and ice fishing kicks in once the smaller lakes lock up.
Techniques range from light tackle spinning and fly fishing for trout, to jigging and trolling for lake pike and bass. Live bait rigs—worms, minnows—work year-round in the lakes, while spoons, small cranks, and soft plastics cover most of the water in open-water months. Johnson’s location means you can fish both quiet, secluded waters and more open stretches with a mix of species in the same day.
Fishing Seasons in Johnson
Spring (March–May)
Snowmelt swells the Lamoille, creating strong current and cooler water temperatures. Trout fishing is prime in the faster sections, with fly anglers using weighted nymphs, streamers, and egg patterns. Smallmouth bass start moving shallow in the lakes as the water warms, and northern pike patrol weedy edges. Most guides focus on short, controlled drifts or bank casting to slower seams where fish can hold. Spring weather can swing from warm sun to cold rain, so layered clothing is essential.
Summer (June–August)
Flows drop in the river, making wading more accessible. Trout shift to deeper pools during hot afternoons, but early morning and late evening dry fly action can be excellent. Bass fishing peaks in the lakes—topwater frogs and poppers draw big strikes from largemouth, while smallmouth hammer jerkbaits and tubes on rocky points. Pike hold in the weeds and can be taken on spinnerbaits or large flies. Many anglers mix half a day on the river with half a day on a nearby lake to take advantage of both fisheries.
Fall (September–November)
Cooler nights and lower daylight hours trigger a feeding push. Brown trout in the Lamoille get aggressive before spawning, making this one of the best times for streamer fishing. Bass and pike remain active in the lakes until ice starts to form. Fall foliage makes for scenic trips, but mornings can be frosty. Charter trends lean toward shorter trips with a focus on quality fish rather than numbers, often using slower presentations like jigs or live bait to tempt bigger fish.
Winter (December–February)
Once the lakes freeze, ice fishing becomes the main draw. Lake Eden and Green River Reservoir offer good action for northern pike, perch, and crappie, while smaller ponds give up bluegill and the occasional trout. Tip-ups baited with live minnows are standard for pike, while jigging small spoons or tungsten jigs works for panfish. The Lamoille River is largely unfishable in deep winter due to ice and flow conditions, so trips are entirely lake-focused until spring thaw.
Gamefish in Johnson
- Rainbow Trout – 10–18 inches. Found in Lamoille River pools and runs; best in spring and fall with flies or light spinners.
- Brown Trout – 12–20 inches. Hold in deeper river pools; aggressive in fall to streamers and jerkbaits.
- Brook Trout – 8–14 inches. Found in cooler tributaries and headwater stretches; small flies and bait work well.
- Smallmouth Bass – 12–20 inches. Common in lakes and slower river sections; hit tubes, crankbaits, and topwater.
- Largemouth Bass – 14–22 inches. Lake weed beds and docks; taken on frogs, worms, and jigs in summer.
- Northern Pike – 20–36 inches. Lakes and slow weedy backwaters; spinnerbaits, spoons, and live minnows.
- Yellow Perch – 6–12 inches. School in lakes year-round; caught on small jigs and minnows.
- Black Crappie – 8–14 inches. Found in lakes near brush; minnows and small plastics under floats.
Johnson Fishing FAQs
What are the main launch points in Johnson?
For the Lamoille River, the Johnson public access site off Route 15 is the most common. Lake Eden, Green River Reservoir, and Lake Elmore have small public ramps within a 20–30 minute drive.
How long are typical fishing trips here?
Most guided trips are 4–6 hours for half-day and 8 hours for full-day outings. Ice fishing trips are often shorter due to cold conditions.
Do guides provide fishing gear?
Yes, most local guides supply rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Fly fishing trips include waders and boots if needed.
Do I need a Vermont fishing license?
Yes, anyone 15 or older needs a valid Vermont fishing license, which can be purchased online or at local tackle shops.
When is the best time to fish the Lamoille River?
Spring and fall offer the most consistent trout fishing, though summer mornings and evenings can produce well for bass and trout.
What techniques work best for local pike fishing?
Spinnerbaits, large spoons, and live minnows fished near weed lines and drop-offs are productive in summer and fall, with tip-ups in winter.
Can large groups fish together on one trip?
Yes, though larger groups may require multiple boats or a mix of bank and boat fishing. Some ice fishing trips can host bigger groups around multiple shanties.
Are there night fishing options?
Night fishing is not common here, but some summer bass trips can be arranged for evenings to target topwater action.
What species are available through the ice?
Northern pike, yellow perch, crappie, and panfish are the main winter catches, with trout possible on certain lakes.