Fishing Lake Dunmore

AKA: Dunmore Reservoir

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

Lake Dunmore, VT

Popular Fish Species Lake Dunmore, VT

Lake Dunmore Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are the most sought-after species at Lake Dunmore, with fish over 3 pounds very common. 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. Spend 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. W.

Lake Dunmore Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lake Dunmore is a popular lake for ice fishing derby events and well over 100 tournaments per year. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter when the lake freezes over and the ice is safe, bass can also be caught while ice fishing. In early winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. A history of careful fisheries management by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has helped to maintain a good bass fishery for anglers.

Lake Dunmore Popular Fish - Northern Pike

Northern Pike Fishing

Big northern pike are thriving in the cool waters of Lake Dunmore. 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, lake trout, yellow perch and northern pike at Lake Dunmore in Vermont.

Lake Dunmore Fishing Video

Bass and lake trout top the menu of fish species at Lake Dunmore, a 1,000-acre lake in the west-central part of the state. Perch and pike also reside here in good numbers and size.

Lake Dunmore is a picturesque freshwater lake located in the western part of Vermont, near the town of Salisbury. Nestled amidst the lush greenery of the Green Mountain National Forest, the lake offers a serene and tranquil setting for fishing enthusiasts and outdoor lovers.

Fishing in Lake Dunmore is a popular activity year-round, drawing anglers from near and far to its clear waters. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, making it an ideal spot for diverse fishing experiences. Smallmouth and largemouth bass are abundant in Lake Dunmore, providing exciting opportunities for anglers to reel in these prized gamefish.

In addition to bass, Lake Dunmore also boasts a healthy population of lake trout. These cold-water fish thrive in the deep waters of the lake and offer a rewarding challenge for those looking to hook a prized catch.

Northern pike, known for their aggressive nature and impressive size, are another sought-after species in Lake Dunmore. Anglers who are up for a thrilling fight will find plenty of opportunities to target these predatory fish.

Yellow perch are also plentiful in the lake and provide a great option for family fishing. These panfish are known for their tasty fillets and are easy to catch, making them perfect for introducing young anglers to the joys of fishing.

Lake Dunmore's scenic setting and diverse fish population make it a popular destination for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're looking for a challenging bass fishing experience, a chance to catch a trophy-sized northern pike, or simply a peaceful day on the water, Lake Dunmore has something to offer everyone who visits.

Private homes and boat docks line most of the eight miles of shoreline, yet leaving some undeveloped areas. There is boat access available at Waterhouses Lodging, Campground & Marina, in the northwest corner of the lake, off W Shore Road. Boat access includes a boat launch ramp for boats trailers and room to portage canoes and kayaks.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Dunmore

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Dunmore Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Beyond fishing, Lake Dunmore offers opportunities for boating and camping. The lake's calm waters are ideal for canoeing and kayaking, and there are several boat launches available for visitors to use. Many anglers and outdoor enthusiasts also enjoy camping along the lake's shoreline, surrounded by the natural beauty of Vermont's wilderness.

Fishing Boat Rentals

Lake Dunmore Kampersville
Rentals: Row boats, canoes, kayaks and pontoon boats
802 352-4501

Waterhouses Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, kayaks and canoes
802 352-4433

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

West Shore Road Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off W Shore Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Marinas

Waterhouses Marina
937 West Shore Road
Salisbury, VT 05769
802 352-4433