Fishing
in the
Northeast Kingdom of Vermont

The Northeast Kingdom is a rugged, sparsely populated region characterized by large tracts of woods, glacially-scoured lakes, and backcountry ponds. It has the largest amount of standing water of any region in Vermont, excluding Lake Champlain. Large, deep, clear lakes are especially abundant, as are small streams, many of which drain large tracts of timberland. Not surprisingly, the Northeast Kingdom is Vermont's top region for trout and salmon. But it also has its share of high quality warm-water fishing opportunities, some of which receive very little fishing pressure.

Lake Memphremagog

This international water is the crown jewel of the Northeast Kingdom. Although most of the 25-mile-long lake is in Quebec, including the deeper portions that harbor trout and salmon during the heat of summer, 5,966 acres extend into Vermont, making it second only to Lake Champlain as the largest water body in the State. "Magog", as it is locally called, is a tremendous two-tier fishery. It holds good numbers of rainbow trout, brown trout, and landlocked salmon, with the best fishing occurring in the spring and fall. It has a excellent smallmouth bass fishery, and its shallow bays support largemouth bass, notably in South Bay. Walleye and chain pickerel also call "Magog" home, and it is a consistent producer of big yellow perch. In the winter it supports a popular fishery for smelt.

Memphremagog's fishing does not stop at its shores. Its major tributaries are all in Vermont, and some of the most best fishing in Vermont occurs on these rivers each spring and fall when lake-run fish ascend them to spawn or feed. The lower Clyde River in Newport, for example, supports spring and fall runs of salmon, and offers outstanding fishing for big walleye, a 13.44 pound lunker. The Barton River system, which includes the Willoughby River, annually receives a large run of steelhead trout, which provide first-rate sport near Orleans from mid-April to early May. Brown trout ascend the Black River each fall to spawn in Coventry, and while the run is spotty, it can produce some beautiful fish.

Cold-Water Fishing

Lake and rainbow trout are common to most of the Northeast Kingdom's larger lakes, while the region's numerous ponds provide some of the best brook trout fishing in the state. Trout can also be found in rivers and streams throughout the region, with brook trout thriving in the headwaters, and brown and rainbow trout dominating the larger main-stem reaches.
Top water for lake trout include Caspian Lake in Greensboro, Seymour Lake in Morgan, and Lake Willoughby in Westmore, which has an unequaled tradition of annually producing lakers weighing more than 20 pounds, including the state record, at 34 pounds. Willoughby and Seymour also hold landlocked salmon, and for the first few weeks after ice out and again in the fall they provide fine fishing for the silver leapers. Our own Lake Island Pond offers some of the best fishing around in any season. With brown and rainbow trout, chain pickerel and walleye one will enjoy each and every cast. Want to catch some small mouth bass? Fish Lake Island Pond and catch that too.

Willoughby also has good fishing for rainbow trout, while each year Seymour yields some monster brown trout. For both rainbow and brown trout, try the Connecticut River from Bloomfield to Canaan.

Good brown trout fishing also be had in the upper Missisquoi River above North Troy; in the Clyde River near Derby Center, and in the Passumpic River between Lyndonville and East Barnet. Brook trout are found in virtually every mountain stream in the region. Best bets for brookies include the North Branch of the Nulhegan; the Moose River above Victory; and the Pherrins River in Norton. Several small ponds in Westmore and Newark also offer good brook trout fishing, notably Jobs, Bald Hill, Center, and Newark ponds. The region's numerous hidden beaver flows, especially those that have yet to begin to fill in with silt, are always worth prospecting for brookies.

Warm-Water Fishing

In addition to trout, many Northeast Kingdom lakes hold lightly fished populations of big smallmouth bass, while largemouth bass can be found in a handful of warm, shallow ponds. Top waters for smallmouth bass include Island Pond, Seymour Lake, Crystal Lake in Barton, and Moore Reservoir in Waterford. For largemouth bass, try Derby Pond and Miles Pond in Concord. Walleye are found throughout the Clyde River system, notably in Clyde Pond and Salem Lake in Derby, which also holds large chain pickerel. Northern pike are restricted to Norton Pond, but its scenic waters regularly produce some of the biggest northerns in the state.

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