Guide To Great Trout Fishing Locations In Vermont

All about fishing for rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout in local lakes and streams.

Trout Waters

Vermont is trout country. Lots of trout water and quality fish. Most rivers and streams contain trout, as do many small lakes, ponds and parks. The major VT lakes with trout include Harriman Reservoir, Island Pond, Lake Bomoseen, Lake Champlain, Lake Dunmore, Lake Memphremagog, Lake St Catherine, Lake Willoughby, Maidstone Lake, Seymour Lake and Somerset Reservoir. Many of these lakes offer ice fishing for trout in winter.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Select the best trout lures and baits

Trout spinners, crankbaits and jerkbaits work well for shallow, reasonably active fish. Salmon eggs, worms and prepared baits will work at virtually all depths.

Vermont State Record Trout

The state record rainbow trout was caught from Lake Dunmore.

The state record brook trout was taken out of Paran Creek.

The state record brown trout came from Sherman Reservoir.

The state record lake trout was caught in Willoughby Lake.

Visit the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department website for details on trout stocking in Vermont.

17-inch rainbow trout caught out of the Winooski River by Chase Stokes.

Watch trout fishing videos to see trout anglers in action.

Additional trout information

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Browns are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts.

Trout Conservation
Trout Unlimited

Trout locations and info, by state.