Fishing Lake Carmi

AKA: Lake Carmi State Park

Popular Fish Species
Lake Carmi Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Carmi, VT

Popular Fish Species Lake Carmi, VT

Lake Carmi Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Lake Carmi, with fish over 3 pounds very common. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good when they move to shallow water. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around any sort of rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, when the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies. Other times, focus your time on deeper structure with drop-shot rigs, small worms, jigs and spoons. Rock piles and points are prime areas for smallmouth as these areas are also home to crawfish.

Walleye Fishing

Lake Carmi is home to a hearty population of walleye. Good fisheries management by Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department and plenty of forage in the lake have them growing fat and healthy. When the lake freezes over in winter, ice fishing for walleye can be very rewarding. Use GPS to locate fishing spots you normally fish during other times of the year. Walleye have excellent vision in low light scenarios which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water anytime there are low light conditions. During May and June is the optimal time to catch them, while feeding in shallower water. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. Concentrate around structure like points, flats and ledges off the river channels. One of the proven methods for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Northern Pike Fishing

Big northern pike are thriving in the cool waters of Lake Carmi. This year they are being caught in good numbers with an occasional giant. April and May are the best months of the year for northern pike fishing here. They are extremely active when feeding and they can catch and eat pretty much any food source in the lake. Northerns are very agile and powerful, plus they have big mouths with very sharp teeth. Summer can be spotty but pike are caught all through the summer. Fall can also be good sometimes stretching into October. Large, flashy lures that mimic the bait they prey upon are great lures for northerns. Trolling along weed edges can often entice strikes. When the lake has safe ice in winter, ice fishing for northern pike can be quite thrilling. Use GPS to locate spots you normally find northern pike holding during summer. Portable fish finders can also be a big help. Throughout the season, effective lures include spoons, spinners, and crankbaits, particularly those with bright colors or metallic finishes to attract the pike's attention. Additionally, big flies, soft plastic swimbaits and jerkbaits can be successful, especially when retrieved erratically to mimic wounded prey.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch and northern pike at Lake Carmi in Vermont.

Lake Carmi Fishing Video

Nestled in a serene countryside setting, Lake Carmi awaits visitors who enjoy boating, camping and fishing. It is a 1,400-acre lake in the northern part of the state, with over seven miles of shoreline.

Lake Carmi is located in the northwestern section of Vermont, near the town of Franklin. The lake spans around 1,300 acres, making it the fourth-largest natural lake in Vermont. It is a popular destination for fishing, boating, and camping, attracting both locals and visitors alike.

The lake is well-known for its excellent fishing opportunities, offering a diverse range of fish species to target. Anglers can expect to find smallmouth and largemouth bass in abundance. These bass species are popular targets for fishing enthusiasts due to their aggressive nature and the exciting challenge they present when hooked.

Northern pike are another sought-after species in Lake Carmi. These powerful and predatory fish provide an exhilarating fishing experience, attracting anglers seeking a thrilling catch. Yellow perch and bluegill are also plentiful in the lake, providing excellent opportunities for family fishing and beginners to enjoy catching a variety of fish.

Lake Carmi in Vermont is a treasure trove for fishing and outdoor enthusiasts. With its abundant smallmouth and largemouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and bluegill, anglers of all skill levels will find plenty of opportunities to enjoy a day on the water. Coupled with boating and camping options, Lake Carmi provides a memorable and enjoyable experience for anyone seeking an escape to nature in the Green Mountain State.

Two boat launch ramps serve the boating public. One is located at the northern tip of the lake, the other at the southeast corner in Lake Carmi State Park. Areas for fishing from the bank include the park, around the boat landings and a few undeveloped sections of the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Carmi

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Carmi Amenities

Marina: NO
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

With its picturesque setting and calm waters, Lake Carmi is perfect for boating and water-based activities. Whether it's kayaking, canoeing, or sailing, the lake's tranquil environment makes it an ideal place for a leisurely cruise or a day of water sports.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lake Camri State Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Launch Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Fishing Guides On Lake Carmi

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Vermont Fishing License.

For those looking to spend more time exploring the area, Lake Carmi offers camping facilities along its shoreline. The camping sites provide a chance to immerse in the natural beauty of the lake and its surrounding landscapes. Camping at Lake Carmi allows visitors to wake up to stunning sunrises and experience the serenity of Vermont's outdoors.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Lake Carmi State Park Campground - 802 933-8383

Mill Pond Campground - 802 285-2240