Bass Fishing In Vermont

Guide to fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass in Vermont lakes.

By Rick Seaman

Vermont Bass Fishing

Bass fishing in Vermont is a beloved pursuit, cherished by anglers of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels. Few experiences rival the thrill of hooking into a largemouth or smallmouth bass, making it a timeless pastime that transcends cultural boundaries. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice angler eager to learn the ropes, mastering the art of bass fishing can be immensely rewarding. That's why this page is dedicated to offering invaluable insights and tips on bass fishing, providing a comprehensive guide on everything from bass fishing techniques to essential bass-catching strategies. Whether you're seeking advice on selecting the perfect lure or honing your casting skills, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and expertise needed to excel on the water. Dive into our wealth of information to discover the secrets of successful bass fishing and unlock the full potential of your angling endeavors.

Bass fishing basics video.

Bass Fishing In The State

Smallmouth Bass Fishing In Vermont

While smallmouth bass don't grow as large as their cousin the largemouth, they make up the difference with tenacious fights. Known for long battles and spectacular jumps, smallies grow fat and strong but rarely exceed ten pounds. Their range and locations are often with or nearby the largemouths. The state record smallmouth bass is over 6 pounds.

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.

Largemouth Bass Fishing In Vermont

Largemouth bass are the most abundant, and most pursued bass in Vermont. They are available in most warm-water lakes in the state, they tend to thrive in most water conditions and grow to bragging size in relative short order. Often called big mouth bass, or wide mouth bass, they are savvy predators that feed on most things that live in their territory. Bass in the 5 to 10-pound range are common in Vermont. The state record largemouth bass is over 10 pounds.

Finding & Catching Bigmouth Bass

Anglers can target big mouth bass in various lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. Spring and early summer are typically the best seasons for targeting largemouth bass as they are more active and feeding in the shallows near shoreline cover. Start with topwater baits, as they cover the water most efficiently. Reaction baits like crankbaits and spinnerbaits are the next choice. For finicky bass, plastic worms and jigs may entice a bite as you can move them very slowly around cover. In the heat of summer and the cold of winter bass move to deeper water, usually following the baitfish. Jigs, drop shot rigs and spoons are a good approach for bass holding in deep water. Vary your retrieve speed and action to find what the bass like today!

Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Vermont

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.

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.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 bass fishing lures for Vermont this year

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

The lifecycle of bass

The more you know about the seasonal migration of bass, the more likely you are to be looking in the right area next time you visit Vermont bass fishing lakes. Visit the bass fishing page for more in-depth information about bass activities.

Vermont State Record Bass

The state record largemouth bass was caught from Lake Dunmore.

The state record smallmouth bass came from Lake Champlain.

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!

Bass fishing information by state.

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