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.
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.
If you were born after January 1, 1974, you must have a boating
education card in your possession when operating a motorboat in
Vermont.