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Fishing in Vermont
Vermont Fishing at a Glance
Vermont is brimming with world-class fishing possibilities for anglers of all ages, abilities, and interests. It’s bordered on the west by legendary Lake Champlain and on the east by the magnificent Connecticut River. With over 800 lakes and ponds, as well as 7,000 miles of rivers and streams, Vermont truly offers a wealth of fantastic fishing options.
There are a few things to keep in mind when fishing in Vermont. First, all fishermen must have a valid fishing license. You can easily obtain one by going online or to any town clerk’s office. Second, it’s important to know the catch and release regulations in Vermont- which fish species must be released and when. Lastly, be sure to check the stocking reports to see which rivers, lakes, ponds, and streams have been recently stocked with fish.
Vermont is home to some of the best trout fishing in the country, with both rainbow trout and brook trout being caught in large numbers each year. Salmon, bass, and pike are also popular catches in Vermont.
As for the best places to fish, the Battenkill River, Mad River, and Winooski River are all great spots for trout fishing. For bass fishing, check out Lake Champlain, Otter Creek, and the Connecticut River. And lastly, for salmon fishing, the Salmon River is the place to be.
Vermont ranks #11 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita and has a good number of local fishing enhtusiasts with over 17.68% of the population having fishing licenses.
Key Insights
- Vermont offers a wealth of fishing options with over 800 lakes and ponds, as well as 7,000 miles of rivers and streams.
- All fishermen need a valid fishing license and should know the catch and release regulations in Vermont.
- Vermont is home to great trout fishing with both rainbow trout and brook trout being caught in large numbers each year, as well as salmon, bass, and pike.
- The Battenkill River, Mad River, and Winooski River are great spots for trout fishing, while Lake Champlain, Otter Creek, and the Connecticut River are good for bass fishing.
- The Salmon River is the place to be for salmon fishing.
- Vermont ranks #11 in the U.S. for fishing licenses per capita and over 17.68% of the population has fishing licenses.
Table of Contents
Estimated Fishing Enthusiasts
| Population: | 643,077 |
|---|---|
| Fishing Enthusiasts | 113,680 |
| Fishing License % | 17.68% |
| Hunters Rank | 11 |
The state of Vermont is mostly private land with just 8.21% of acres considered public land -ranking #27 amongst all states.
Land Types (Acres)
| Acres | % | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 5,919,400 | ||
| Public | 486,170 | 8.21% | 27 |
| Private | 5,433,230 | 91.79% | 22 |
| Tribal | 0 | 0.00% | no tribal land |
Vermont Fishing Licenses & Requirements
For the most accurate and updated information on fishing licenses and requirements, it’s always a good idea to check the Vermont DNR. We’ve provided their contact information and other helpful information for your convenience here.
Vermont DNR
1 National Life Drive, Davis 2
Montpelier, VT 05620-3702
- (802) 828-1000
For those looking to fish in Vermont, it’s a good idea to focus on the popular river and stream dwellers of brook trout, brown trout, and rainbow trout. Each type offers a unique experience as they all have their own traits and behaviors, so it is important to do some research before heading out. Brook trout are native to Vermont, mostly found in cold clear streams and well-known for their bright colors and tendency to take bait easily. Brown trout are an introduced species that can be found in both rivers or lakes; larger than brook which can make them more difficult to catch. Lastly, rainbow trout inhabit both rivers and streams offering beauful iridescent colors and energy when on the line.
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Fishing private land in Vermont
Fishing on private land in Vermont has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Vermont or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.
1. Lake Champlain
2. Connecticut River
3. Otter Creek
4. White River
5. Batten Kill
Fishing private land in Vermont
Fishing on private land in Vermont has some real advantages over public lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds *if you can get access. For instance, there’s nothing like having a quiet lake all to yourself and oftentimes there are simply more fish available to catch, because they haven’t been fished out. There are generally more processes for access private land for hunting than fishing, though some similar methods exist. For instance, you can sometimes join a fishing club in Vermont or if you have the money, it may be possible to rent some private land for fishing. Another option is to knock on doors or work your contacts in an area to see if a landowner would let you fish for the day or possibly be open to a longer term arrangement.
Fortunately Wing It is simplifying land access for fishing, hunting, camping, and more. We’re adding new land every day and if we have some in your area, you’ll see some great options below.