Fishing

Always wanted to go ice fishing but couldn’t find a good excuse to get away? Now we have found that excuse for you: a "Free Ice Fishing Day" on the last Saturday in January, every year.

Winter means cold temperatures that can keep you indoors and cause a serious case of cabin fever. Ice fishing is a fun and inexpensive way to get outdoors and beat the winter doldrums.

Ice fishing is a great way to get outdoors with friends and family, and Vermont offers the greatest variety of top-notch freshwater ice fishing in New England. And with new regulation changes as of January 1, 2022, there are even more great opportunities to enjoy winter ice fishing.

Even if you're not fishing during the open season for trout (2nd Sat. in April – Oct. 31), most stream and rivers are still open year-round.

Vermont's Lake Champlain is consistently recognized as a top bass destination in the country, and for good reason.

Where to Go

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department’s Sadawga Pond (aka Sadawga Lake) Access Area offers shoreline fishing opportunities, or you could launch your own boat.

Where to Go

Lake Shaftsbury State Park offers shoreline fishing, camping, swimming, and a playground with the purchase of an entrance fee. You can also rent a boat there.

Where to Go

It is free to access this undeveloped state park, which offers shoreline fishing, picnic facilities, and portable toilets. If you have your own canoe, you can launch it here. Motorized boats are not allowed. More info on Lowell Lake State Park. 

Where to Go

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife access area provides opportunities to fish from shore or launch your own boat.

Where to Go

The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department land around the pond provides good opportunities for fishing from shore. There is no entrance fee.