Fishing Somerset Reservoir
AKA: Somerset Lake
Popular Fish Species Somerset Reservoir, VT
Smallmouth Bass Fishing
Somerset Reservoir has, for many years, sustained a healthy smallmouth bass population. Smallmouth bass fishing is particularly good virtually anytime they are shallow. Use shallow spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, crankbaits, tube baits and jerkbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, 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. When the lake freezes over, consider ice fishing for smallies.
Rainbow Trout Fishing
Stocking programs by the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department has helped to maintain a good population of rainbow trout for anglers at Somerset Reservoir. Fish for rainbow trout here with worms, salmon eggs, prepared baits, small spinners, spoons, jerkbaits and small crankbaits in vibrant colors to mimic their preferred prey. While fishing from a boat is preferred, plenty of trout are caught here by anglers fishing from the bank. Additionally, floating or sinking flies, such as nymphs, streamers, or dry flies, are popular choices for fly anglers targeting rainbow trout. Trolling with lures or flies behind a boat, casting near shoreline structures, or still fishing with bait can all yield success. Adjusting lure size, color, and retrieve speed can enhance chances of enticing these colorful and spirited fish. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing.
Brook Trout Fishing
Fishing for brook trout in Somerset Reservoir is popular due to the abundance of these tasty brookies. Brook trout spawn in the Fall, rather than the Spring, and they are quite prolific spawners. Brookies are typically most active at dawn, and again at dusk. Other times they tend to move deeper and are more difficult to locate. When the lake freezes over, try your luck at ice fishing. Brook trout can be easily caught on minnows, flies, small spinners, worms, maggots and wax worms.
Somerset Reservoir Fishing Video
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch and chain pickerel at Somerset Reservoir in Vermont.
Connect with nature at Somerset Reservoir, a 1,600-acre lake, at the town of Somerset. Pretty much anything you like to do outdoors is available here in a pristine, New England setting.
Fishing on Somerset Reservoir is very good for a diverse range of fish species. Smallmouth bass is one of the sought-after gamefish in the reservoir. Anglers can catch black crappie and yellow perch in abundance. For trout enthusiasts, Somerset Reservoir is home to several species. Brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout are all present in the reservoir's cold waters. Chain pickerel, with their sharp teeth and aggressive strikes, add to the reservoir's diversity of fish populations.
Boating and fishing are just some of the activities awaiting visitors. Smallmouth bass are top choice her for most anglers, but fishing is also good for trout, sunfish perch and pickerel. A boating access for portage (not a boat ramp) is located on the south shore near the parking area. Motor boats are restricted to speeds of 10 miles per hour or less. The sixteen miles of undeveloped shoreline are wrapped by the Green Mountain National Forest. Solitude, beauty and great fishing make this a worthwhile trek over the ten mile dirt access road.
Primary fish species residing in Somerset Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Somerset Reservoir Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: Portage, no ramp
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NO
Convenience Store: NO
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NO
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Guides On Somerset Reservoir
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.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Somerset Airfield Campground - 802 362-2307
Somerset Reservoir VT Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Somerset Reservoir
Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
802 828-1000
Fishing lakes in each state.
022025
Somerset Reservoir in VT
Fishing for bass, trout and perch in southern VT.
