Fishing Information

Fishing Overview

The cold, clear water of Vermont’s lakes and streams provide excellent fishing opportunities throughout the state in a magnificent natural setting. Mountain streams are prime spots for brook, brown and rainbow trout. Our lakes and ponds are known for bass, walleye, pike and other species.

Vermont State Parks are a gateway to these waterways and offer great fishing for a day on the lake, or a week-long base camp. Lake Carmi, Bomoseen and Lake St. Catherine, for instance, are some favorite fishing destinations. 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.

Most parks located on the water provide canoe, kayak and row boat rentals and many sell fishing licenses.

Additionally, parks sometimes host "Let's Go Fishing" clinics with trained instructors.

FUN FACT: 46 of 52 Vermont State Parks have fishing opportunities directly on site or within a short walking distance.

Buy a Fishing License

Fish Species in Vermont State Parks

There are many species of fish in the lakes throughout Vermont. Click the buttons below for a complete list of parks and fish species.

Fly Fishing

Seyon Lodge State Park, located on Noyes Pond in the Groton Forest, is Vermont’s only public fly-fishing trout pond and is a favorite of anglers near and far.

Fishing with Kids

Here are some recommendations and helpful links for folks fishing with kids.

• VT Fish & Wildlife: Bomoseen State Park
• VT Fish & Wildlife: Burton Island State Park
• VT Fish & Wildlife: Half Moon Pond State Park
• VT Fish & Wildlife: Lake St. Catherine State Park

Parks Selling Fishing Licenses

Additional Resources

• Buy a Fishing License Online
• Vermont Fishing Regulations
• Trailer Boat Launches
• Boat Rentals in Vermont State Parks
• Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife
• Lake Champlain International