Guide To The Best Fishing Lakes In Vermont

Top places to fish for bass, catfish, crappie and more in VT.

Lake Bomoseen, Lake Champlain, Lake Dunmore, Lake Memphremagog, Lake St Catherine, Lake Willoughby and Seymour Lake are the most popular places for fishing in Vermont, offering anglers the chance to pursue a variety of fish species. In winter, ice fishing is an option on virtually all lakes and ponds across the state.

Bass Lakes
Catfish Lakes
Crappie Lakes
Sunfish & Perch Lakes
Walleye Lakes
Trout Lakes
Salmon Lakes

Vermont offers a diverse selection of fishing lakes, catering to both warm water and cold water species. Warm water lakes are abundant in the state and are perfect for fishing during the summer months. These lakes are typically home to popular game fish like largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, and chain pickerel. Anglers can enjoy casting their lines from boats or the shore, targeting these species known for their strong fights and thrilling catches.

On the other hand, Vermont's cold water lakes are ideal for fishing during spring, fall, and winter. These lakes provide excellent opportunities for trout fishing, with species like rainbow trout, brown trout, and lake trout available to test an angler's skills. Trout thrive in the cooler temperatures and deep waters of these lakes, making them a favorite target for many fly fishermen and lure anglers.

Lake Champlain is one of the most renowned fishing lakes in Vermont, offering a vast expanse of water and a rich variety of species. Anglers can find both warm water and cold water species in this lake, including bass, pike, perch, and various trout. Smaller lakes like Bomoseen, St. Catherine, and Memphremagog also attract anglers looking for excellent fishing opportunities.

No matter the season or the type of fishing experience you seek, Vermont's fishing lakes have something to offer for every angler. From tranquil ponds to large, scenic lakes, the state's water bodies are sure to provide memorable fishing adventures for locals and visitors alike.

Bass

Lake Carmi, Lake Bomoseen, Lake Champlain, Lake Dunmore, Lake Memphremagog, Lake St Catherine, Seymour Lake and Somerset Reservoir are considered the best options for largemouth and smallmouth bass. More...

Catfish

Lake Champlain is the best option for channel catfish. More...

Crappie

Crappie are found in most large lakes ion thge state, including Lake Bomoseen, Lake Champlain, Lake Memphremagog, Lake St Catherine and Seymour Lake are the most popular for black and white crappie. More...

Sunfish, Perch & Panfish

Lake Bomoseen, Lake Champlain, Lake St Catherine, Seymour Lake and Somerset Reservoir are popular spots to fish for bluegill, rock bass, perch and other sunfish. More...

Walleye

Chittenden Reservoir, Lake Carmi, Lake Champlain and the Connecticut River are considered the top locations for walleye fishing. More...

Trout

Caspian Lake, Lake Bomoseen, Lake Champlain, Lake Dunmore, Lake Memphremagog, Lake St Catherine, Lake Willoughby, Seymour Lake and Somerset Reservoir are the favorite options for rainbow, brook, brown and lake trout. More...

Salmon

Harriman Reservoir, Lake Champlain, Lake Memphremagog, Lake Willoughby and Seymour Lake are the most popular for Atlantic landlocked salmon fishing. More...

Visit the Vermont fishing page for links to information covering a wide variety of fish species and destinations in the state. Visit the Vermont map to identify your best route to these top fishing locations. Look to our sister site for additional information about boating in VT at many of the most popular destinations in the state.