Vermont’s pristine waters offer anglers a diverse range of fish species to catch and enjoy. From crystal-clear lakes to winding rivers, the Green Mountain State provides ample opportunities for both recreational and sport fishing enthusiasts.

The best fish to catch and eat in Vermont include trout, yellow perch, walleye, and bass. These species are not only abundant in the state’s waterways but also provide excellent table fare for those looking to enjoy a fresh catch. Trout, in particular, are a popular choice among anglers, with various species like rainbow, brook, and brown trout found in streams and lakes throughout Vermont.

Yellow perch and walleye are prized for their delicious flavor and are commonly found in larger bodies of water such as Lake Champlain. Bass fishing is also popular in Vermont, with both largemouth and smallmouth bass providing exciting catches for anglers. While bass may not be considered the best-tasting fish by some, they offer a thrilling fishing experience and can still make for a satisfying meal when prepared properly.

Overview of Vermont Fishing

Vermont’s diverse waterways offer excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year. The state boasts over 800 lakes and ponds, along with numerous rivers and streams teeming with fish.

Lake Champlain, straddling the Vermont-New York border, is a premier fishing destination. This vast freshwater lake hosts over 90 different fish species, providing anglers with diverse catch options.

Vermont’s fishing calendar is dynamic. Spring and fall are particularly productive seasons, with fish actively feeding as water temperatures change. Many locations offer year-round fishing, including several stream sections open for trout fishing outside the standard season.

Popular fishing spots include:

• Lake Memphremagog
• Alburg (Korean War Veterans Fishing Access)
• Various Green Mountain lakes and ponds

The state’s cold, clean waters support a rich variety of fish. Anglers can target species such as:

• Trout (rainbow, brown, brook)
• Bass (largemouth, smallmouth)
• Northern pike
• Walleye
• Perch

Vermont’s Fish & Wildlife Department manages fishing resources and provides information on regulations, licenses, and fishing access areas. They work to maintain healthy fish populations and promote sustainable angling practices.

Popular Fish Species in Vermont

Vermont’s waters teem with diverse fish species that attract anglers from far and wide. The state’s lakes, rivers, and streams offer excellent opportunities to catch several prized gamefish.

Brown Trout

Brown trout thrive in Vermont’s cold, clear waters. These fish prefer deeper pools and undercut banks in rivers and streams. Anglers target them using fly fishing techniques or spin casting with lures that mimic small fish or insects.

Brown trout in Vermont typically range from 10 to 20 inches in length. The state record stands at an impressive 21 pounds, 5 ounces. These fish are known for their wary nature and fighting spirit when hooked.

The best time to fish for brown trout is during spring and fall. Popular spots include the Battenkill River and Otter Creek.

Northern Pike

Northern pike inhabit many of Vermont’s larger lakes and slow-moving rivers. These predatory fish can grow quite large, with some specimens exceeding 40 inches in length.

Pike are ambush predators, often lurking in weedy areas near drop-offs. Anglers target them using large lures or live bait. The best pike fishing occurs in early spring and late fall when water temperatures are cooler.

Lake Champlain is renowned for its northern pike population. Other productive waters include Lake Memphremagog and the Missisquoi River.

Pumpkinseed

Pumpkinseed sunfish are abundant in Vermont’s warm water habitats. These colorful panfish are popular among anglers of all ages due to their eagerness to bite and good eating qualities.

Pumpkinseeds typically measure 6 to 8 inches in length. They inhabit shallow, weedy areas of ponds and lakes. Small hooks baited with worms or insects are effective for catching these fish.

Good pumpkinseed fishing can be found in many of Vermont’s smaller lakes and ponds. Lake Bomoseen and Lake St. Catherine are known for their quality sunfish populations.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are a favorite target for many Vermont anglers. These fish thrive in warm, weedy lakes and slow-moving rivers throughout the state.

Vermont largemouth bass typically range from 1 to 5 pounds, with some trophy fish exceeding 8 pounds. They are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights when hooked.

Anglers target largemouth bass using a variety of techniques, including plastic worms, topwater lures, and jigs. The best fishing occurs from late spring through early fall.

Lake Champlain offers world-class largemouth bass fishing. Other productive waters include Lake Morey and the Connecticut River.

Best Practices for Sustainable Fishing

Sustainable fishing practices help preserve fish populations and protect aquatic ecosystems. When fishing in Vermont, anglers should follow these best practices:

Catch and Release: Release fish you don’t intend to eat, especially larger breeding-age fish. Use barbless hooks to minimize injury.

Follow Regulations: Adhere to Vermont’s fishing regulations, including size limits, catch limits, and seasonal restrictions for different species.

Use Appropriate Gear: Choose fishing gear that minimizes bycatch and habitat damage. Avoid leaving behind fishing line or other equipment.

Practice Selective Fishing: Target abundant species and avoid overfished populations. Research local fish stocks before your trip.

Handle Fish Carefully: Use wet hands or a wet cloth when handling fish to protect their slime coat. Minimize time out of water for fish you plan to release.

Respect the Environment: Avoid disturbing shorelines and aquatic vegetation. Pack out all trash and dispose of it properly.

Report Violations: If you witness illegal fishing practices, report them to local authorities to help protect fish populations.

Learn Fish Identification: Accurately identify species to ensure compliance with regulations and avoid harvesting protected fish.

By following these practices, anglers can help maintain healthy fish populations in Vermont’s waters for future generations to enjoy.

Preparing Fish for Consumption

Proper preparation of fish caught in Vermont is crucial for both safety and enjoyment. Start by cleaning the fish as soon as possible after catching. Remove the scales, gut the fish, and rinse thoroughly with clean water.

For smaller fish like yellow perch, many anglers prefer to fillet them. Larger fish can be steaked or left whole for baking or grilling. When filleting, use a sharp knife and cut close to the bones to maximize the meat yield.

It’s important to keep fish cold until ready to cook. Use ice or refrigerate promptly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Fish should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure food safety.

Various cooking methods can enhance the flavor of Vermont-caught fish:

• Grilling
• Baking
• Pan-frying
• Broiling

Seasoning options are plentiful, but simple preparations often let the natural flavors shine. Lemon, herbs, and butter are classic accompaniments that complement most fish species.

Remember to consult the Vermont Fish Consumption Advisory when deciding how many fish meals to eat each month. This helps balance the health benefits of eating fish with potential risks from contaminants like mercury.

Seasonal Considerations for Fishing

Vermont’s fishing opportunities vary throughout the year, offering unique experiences in each season.

Spring brings excellent trout fishing as water temperatures warm. The second Saturday in April marks the start of trout season, with many anglers eager to cast their lines.

Summer offers prime conditions for bass fishing. As waters heat up, bass become more aggressive and move to deeper areas. Early mornings and evenings are ideal times to fish during hot weather.

Fall is considered by many to be the best fishing season in Vermont. Cooling temperatures trigger increased feeding activity across many species. This creates exciting opportunities for anglers before winter arrives.

Winter transforms Vermont’s lakes into ice fishing destinations. Hardy anglers can target species like perch, pike, and walleye through the ice.

Regardless of season, dawn and dusk tend to be the most productive fishing times. Fish are typically more active during these transitional periods of the day.

Anglers should always check current regulations, as seasons and catch limits may vary by species and water body. Adapting techniques and target species to seasonal patterns can greatly improve success rates.

Licensing and Regulations

Vermont requires anglers to obtain a valid fishing license before casting their lines. Licenses are available for residents and non-residents, with options for annual, 3-day, or 1-day permits.

The state offers free fishing days each year, allowing anyone to fish without a license. These typically occur in January and June.

Vermont’s fishing regulations set limits on the number and size of fish that can be caught and kept. These rules vary by species and water body.

Certain waters have special regulations, such as catch-and-release only or fly fishing only areas. Anglers should check the specific rules for their chosen fishing spot.

The use of bait fish is strictly regulated in Vermont to prevent the spread of invasive species. Anglers must follow guidelines on collection, transport, and use of live bait.

Fines for violating fishing regulations can range from $100 to $1,000. Serious offenses may result in the revocation of fishing privileges.

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department updates regulations periodically. Anglers should review the current fishing guide before each season to stay informed of any changes.