Guide To The Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Vermont
All about fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass in Vermont lakes. Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for valuable information about bass and bass fishing.
Vermont is a great destination for bass fishing, offering anglers the opportunity to target both largemouth and smallmouth bass in its numerous lakes, ponds, and rivers. Largemouth bass are more common in the southern part of the state, where they inhabit the shallower, warmer waters of ponds and lakes. They are known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, making them a popular catch among local and visiting anglers alike.
On the other hand, smallmouth bass are prevalent in the cooler waters of the northern and central regions of Vermont. They thrive in rivers and larger lakes, preferring rocky habitats with clear waters. Smallmouth bass are prized for their tenacity and acrobatic jumps when hooked, providing anglers with an exhilarating fishing experience.
Spring and early summer are the prime seasons for bass fishing in Vermont. During these months, bass are more active as they prepare for spawning. Anglers often use a variety of lures, such as jigs, soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater lures, to entice the bass into striking.
Whether you're fishing in a serene pond or exploring a winding river, bass fishing in Vermont offers a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the thrill of catching these sought-after freshwater gamefish. With a bit of skill and patience, anglers can find plenty of bass action throughout the state's pristine waters.
Top Bass Fishing Lakes In VT

Even though the cold water in Vermont shortens the growing season, bass thrive in many fisheries through out the state. Ice fishing for bass is popular in winter. Bass can be found in ponds, parks, rivers and small lakes. The larger populations of bass can be found in Vermont's major lakes including Harriman Reservoir, Island Pond, Lake Bomoseen, Lake Carmi, Lake Champlain, Lake Dunmore, Lake Memphremagog, Lake St Catherine, Maidstone Lake, Seymour Lake and Somerset Reservoir.
Bass In Vermont
Largemouth bass
World record: 22 lbs 4 oz
State Record: 10 lbs 4 oz
Smallmouth bass
World record: 11 lbs 15 oz
State Record: 6 lbs 13 oz
Click the images and links above for species details.
Top 5 Bass Fishing Lures For Vermont
When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.
Vermont State Record Bass
The state record largemouth bass was caught from Lake Dunmore.
The state record smallmouth bass came from Lake Champlain.
Bass fishing basics video.
Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Green Mountain State.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Join us in our endeavor to offer information about bass fishing on your favorite bass lake in Vermont.

Catch big bass!