Fishing
Cast Your Line
Fishing in Vermont
Fishing is a great way to get out in nature to relax and enjoy the day’s catch. Vermont has so many ways to cast your line, including 7,000+ miles of rivers and streams and more than 800 lakes and ponds. Whether you fish from shore, fly fish in swirling eddies, or cast from a boat on a serene lake, the sport’s slower pace offers a chance to unwind and take in the natural beauty that surrounds you. A license is required to fish in the state of Vermont. With a variety of license options to choose from, anglers can purchase the one that best fits their trip schedule.
Top Locations to Fish
Swirling eddies, rushing rapids, and placid ponds all offer access to 92 species of freshwater fish in Vermont.
White River
Vermont’s fourth-largest watershed, the White River makes for exciting fly fishing. Free of dams throughout its 57-mile length, the White is home to brook, rainbow, brown trout, and, in its lower stretches, young (parr) Atlantic salmon.
Seymour Lake
Fish for bass, trout, perch, and salmon in this eastern lake near Island Pond, Vermont. With nearly 10 miles of shoreline, Seymour Lake has a reputation for great fishing.
Lake Willoughby
Vermont’s deepest lake is home to species like yellow perch and rainbow smelt. With the backdrop of mounts Pisgah and Hor creating a dramatic skyline, your day on the water will be scenic.
Lake Champlain
Catch both largemouth and smallmouth bass, salmon, and trout on Lake Champlain, often called the sixth Great Lake.
Cheever Falls
This two-stepped waterfall in the Northeast Kingdom drops about 25 feet and is home to brook, brown, and rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and other common coldwater fish species.
Mad River
The Mad River flows north to south starting in Warren. Brook trout are native to the Mad River, and a day spent fishing can also result in catching brown and rainbow trout from secluded areas along the river.
The Battenkill River
Southern Vermont is fly-fishing country, with a museum and lessons dedicated to the sport. The Battenkill is home to several species of trout in swirling eddies and rushing straights.
Visit 55 State Parks
Vermont State Parks
Vermont State Parks are a gateway to the water and offer great fishing for a day on the lake, or a week-long base camp. Seyon Lodge State Park, located on Noyes Pond in the Groton Forest, is renowned as Vermont’s sole public fly-fishing-only pond in Vermont. Some parks sell fishing licenses and many rent boats.
Learn to Fish
Fishing is an easily accessible sport that can bring families and friends together to bring in the day’s catch and admire the scenic beauty of Vermont’s waterways. Fishing clinics and other tips can help you hone your skills.
Learn More
An Angle on History
American Museum of Fly Fishing
In Manchester, this museum houses more than 40,000 artifacts from fly fishing legends, making it the largest collection in the world. The museum aims to document the history of fly fishing as a sport. See historic rods, reels, flies, tackle, art, manuscripts, photos, and more.
Vermont is home to 92 species of freshwater fish.
Go Big and Take it Home
Trophy Trout Program
At the end of April and the end of May, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department stocks “trophy trout,” filling lakes and rivers with larger 2-year old trout that can measure 15 to 18 inches long. Typically, lakes and rivers are stocked with year-old trout stocking at just 8-9 inches long. Anglers have been known to plan their vacations around these trophy trout drops.
Another Angle on Winter
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing’s vertical nature allows for more targeted fishing in spots where species like landlocked salmon, lake trout, northern pike, yellow perch, white perch, walleye, and crappie naturally gather. Anglers can ice fish for trout, salmon, and bass from Jan. 1 through March 15 on most state waters.
Statewide Fishing Resources
Buy A License
Vermont Fish and Wildlife has information on current regulations, stocking schedules, events and more. It’s also convenient to buy your license online.
Read More about Buy A LicenseLearn MoreFishing Access Areas
The hardest part of a fishing trip, in a different state, is finding the perfect body of water that gives you the best chance for success. View access areas and a statewide map.
Read More about Fishing Access AreasLearn MoreFamily Friendly Fishing
Beginning anglers can learn new skills at Let’s Go Fishing events. Start with this list of hot spots to fish.
Read More about Family Friendly FishingLearn More
Vermont Fishing Guide
Start planning your Vermont fishing trip, including ways to get licenses, regulations to know, and where to fish, with the Vermont Fishing Guide.
Order Your Guide about Vermont Fishing Guide