Popular Choices For Great Fishing In Vermont

Guide to fishing in the Green Mountain State

Major Lakes & Species
Lake Sizes & Locations
Vermont Fish Species & State Records

Vermont is a fishing paradise with a wide variety of fish species available, providing something for every angler's preference. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best fishing lakes in the state, plus the species found in each lake. The state offers excellent warm water fisheries, where anglers can target popular species such as largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, chain pickerel, and panfish like bluegill and sunfish. These warm water lakes, ponds, and rivers are perfect for summer fishing, attracting anglers with their abundance of game fish and picturesque surroundings.

In addition to warm water fisheries, Vermont is also renowned for its cold water fisheries, offering an excellent opportunity for trout fishing. Rainbow trout, brown trout, and lake trout are the primary targets for anglers seeking thrilling battles with these prized game fish. Vermont's cold-water rivers and streams, as well as some of its larger lakes, provide optimal conditions for trout to thrive, making it a prime destination for fly fishermen and lure anglers alike.

Ponds, lakes, and rivers are scattered throughout the state, offering diverse fishing experiences for both beginners and seasoned anglers. Lake Champlain, one of the most famous and vast water bodies in the region, stands out as a premier fishing destination, boasting a rich variety of species to target. Smaller lakes and ponds tucked away in the picturesque landscapes of Vermont also present excellent opportunities for tranquil fishing experiences.

From casting lines in the quiet ponds nestled amidst the verdant forests to the thrill of reeling in a trophy-sized bass on a shimmering lake, Vermont's fishing scene caters to all levels of expertise and offers a rewarding and enjoyable experience for any angler who ventures into its pristine waters.

The cold, clear water found throughout the state of Vermont offers excellent fishing conditions for big trout and smallmouth bass, monster salmon, tasty walleyes and perch, plus magnificent settings for fishing in all kinds of waters including lakes, ponds, streams and rivers. In this first section we will concentrate on the larger fishing lakes. Vermont offers great fishing year round - Spring, summer, fall and Ice fishing in winter.

Here, you can fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, lake trout, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, white perch, yellow perch, Atlantic salmon, coho salmon, bowfin, chain pickerel, longnose gar, muskie, northern pike and tiger muskie in local lakes, rivers, ponds and/or streams.

Major Vermont Lakes & Species

Lake & Fish Chart

Major angling destinations, cross referenced with the major species to be found in each of the lakes. For a detailed list of primary fish species in VT, plus state fish records, see the list below.