Vermont Fishing Guide

Vermont Fishing Guide

In addition to stunning fall foliage, maple syrup and excellent skiing, Vermont is home to some of the best places to fish. The Quechee area alone offers three different rivers to fish from, making it a diverse fishing spot that both casual and expert anglers will enjoy.

Best Fishing Destinations

Whether you prefer fishing from a boat or the shore, there are many great places to fish in Quechee, including:

  • Lake Pinneo: Lake Pinneo is a smaller body of water but offers large payoffs with some of the most common catches being largemouth bass.
  • Dewey's Pond: Dewey's Pond is ideal for fishing from a kayak or canoe and is a scenic place to spend the afternoon as you catch largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill and pumpkin seed varieties.
  • Quechee State Park: Quechee State Park offers spectacular scenery, and visitors can enter the park and fish from 10 a.m. to sunset. As you fish, you may catch several different varieties of fish, including yellow perch, largemouth bass, rainbow trout and rock bass.
  • Quechee Gorge: The Ottauquechee River flows through the Quechee Gorge, and there are many trails you can take to get closer to the river. Some species in this river include yellow perch, largemouth bass, rock bass and rainbow trout.

While the best time to go fishing in Quechee will largely depend on what kind of fish you want to catch, fall weather causes an increase in feeding activity, making it a great time to catch a variety of species.

Things to Know Before Going Fishing in Quechee, Vermont

Before planning your fishing trip to Vermont, you will want to refresh yourself on the local rules and regulations. The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department recently released new regulations that include updates such as:

  • If you practice catch and release, you can fish year-round with artificial lures and flies for any species.
  • The harvest season for trout now starts January 1 for certain lakes and ponds.
  • If you plan on catching fish, you can keep up to eight trout from streams and rivers or eight total fish of a combination of brook, trout and rainbow trout. You cannot combine your daily limit between multiple rivers, streams, lakes and ponds.
  • Many waters that were under seasonal closures are now under general regulations.

For a complete list of the native fish and their open seasons for harvest, explore the general fishing regulations table. Bluegill and pumpkin seed are not included in the table, as you can catch them all year round without a daily limit.

Fish Native to Vermont

Over 92 fish species are native to Vermont's waters, including 11 to 15 non-native species. Some of the many native fish you may catch include:

  • Brook trout
  • Rainbow smelt
  • White perch
  • Walleye
  • Bowfin
  • Yellow fish
  • Fallfish

Bait to Use

While there seems to be an endless assortment of fishing lures available, some are more common for fishing in Vermont than others. Some of the best bait to use while fishing in Vermont include:

Bottom Lures and Rigs

  • Jigs
  • Texas rig
  • Bottom bouncers and bait walkers

Mid-Depth Lures and Rigs

  • Basic bobber rig
  • Crankbaits
  • Spinnerbaits

Top Water Lures and Rigs

  • Poppers and walking-style baits
  • Weedless surface spoons
  • Floating soft plastics

You can also use some of the following live species for bait:

  • Banded killifish
  • Creek chub
  • Flathead minnow

Make Your Next Fishing Trip One to Remember When You Stay at Quechee / Pine Valley KOA Holiday

Quechee / Pine Valley KOA Holiday is a gorgeous campground that offers an authentic New England camping experience. If you have new fishers with you, try your luck at the on-site fishing pond or venture out to the many fishing spots in the local area. 

With the option to stay in an RV Site, Camping Cabin or Tent Site and access to numerous amenities like a heated swimming pool and horseshoe pit, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Reserve your campsite today to start planning the vacation of a lifetime.

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