FishKillFlea Vermont is New England's hidden fishing gem — Lake Champlain's 120-mile landlocked salmon and walleye fishery, the legendary Battenkill where American fly fishing was born (Orvis HQ!), 150+ wild brook trout ponds in the Northeast Kingdom, and Otter Creek's world-class smallmouth bass. At $28 for a Vermont fishing license, the Green Mountain State is a stunning value for diverse, uncrowded fishing.
Lake Champlain — 120 Miles of Legendary Fishing
| Section | Species | Daily Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Champlain North (Islands) | Landlocked salmon, lake trout | 2 each | Trophy salmon 5-10 lbs — spring trolling |
| Champlain Central | Walleye, bass, pike | 3 walleye | Otter Creek mouth — bass tournament central |
| Champlain South | Largemouth, smallmouth, perch | 5 bass | Warm shallows — lily pad bass |
Premier Trout Streams
| River | Species | Daily Limit | Why Famous |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battenkill | Brown, brook trout | 6 brown / 12 brook | American fly fishing birthplace — Orvis HQ |
| White River | Rainbow, brown trout | 6 | Central VT — excellent rainbow population |
| Dog River | Brown, rainbow trout | 6 | Montpelier area — great access |
| Lamoille River | Brown trout, smallmouth | 6 | N Vermont — scenic + productive |
Northeast Kingdom (NEK) — Brook Trout Paradise
Vermont's Northeast Kingdom has 150+ remote ponds stocked with wild brook trout. This is the most remote, un-crowded fishing in New England. Names like Willoughby, Crystal, and Seymour are mecca for brookies.
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Best Targets | Prime Spots | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | Trout opener, salmon trolling | Battenkill, Lake Champlain | April trout opener = VT tradition! |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Bass, NEK ponds, mountain streams | Champlain, Otter Creek, NEK | Morning NEK ponds — brookies on dry flies |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Brown trout spawn, salmon pre-spawn | Battenkill, Champlain tributaries | Oct-Nov streamer fishing — big browns! |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Ice fishing! Lake trout, perch, pike | Champlain, NEK ponds, Memphremagog | VT ice fishing = beloved tradition |
Fishing in Neighboring States
New Hampshire for Connecticut River & Lake Winnipesaukee, Massachusetts for Quabbin Reservoir, New York for Adirondack ponds, or Connecticut for Housatonic River trout.
A Vermont fishing license is $28/year. See full costs or buy yours.