What Are The Best Bass Fishing Lakes in Vermont?
Vermont is a bass angler’s haven, boasting a variety of lakes that offer excellent bass fishing opportunities. Lake Champlain, with its vast expanse and diverse habitats, stands out as a premier destination. Lake Memphremagog, straddling the border with Canada, provides a serene setting and clear waters ideal for bass fishing. Lake Bomoseen, Vermont’s largest lake entirely within state borders, offers a rich habitat with its varied structure. Lake Saint Catherine, located in southwestern Vermont, is popular for its versatile fishing spots and family-friendly amenities. Lastly, Lake Iroquois, though smaller, is well-known for its abundant bass population and tranquil environment. Each of these lakes offers unique features that make them top choices for bass fishing enthusiasts in Vermont.
The Top 5 Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Vermont
- Lake Champlain
- Lake Memphremagog
- Lake Bomoseen
- Lake Saint Catherine
- Lake Iroquois
Learn more below about each body of water mentioned and what makes them the best bass fishing lakes in Vermont.
Lake Champlain
Lake Champlain, spanning over 490 square miles, is one of the premier bass fishing destinations in Vermont. It has an average depth of 64 feet and reaches a maximum depth of 400 feet, offering a diverse range of fishing environments. The lake’s extensive shoreline, numerous coves, and islands create ideal habitats for both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Notably, Lake Champlain was recently recognized by BASSMASTER*, ranking 6th in the Northeastern Division of the top 100 Bass Fishing Lakes in the United States. This accolade underscores the lake’s reputation among anglers. Key locations like Burlington, Vermont, and Plattsburgh, New York, provide convenient access points and amenities for visitors. The lake’s varied structure, from rocky drop-offs to submerged vegetation, ensures that anglers can find productive fishing spots throughout the year.
*Source: Hicks, M. (2024, July/August). 2024’s BASSMASTER 100 Best Bass Lakes. Bassmaster, 42-43.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Lake Champlain: Focus on fishing near submerged structures and rocky areas during the early morning or late afternoon for the best results. Utilize crankbaits and jigs to target bass hiding in these structures.
Lake Memphremagog
Lake Memphremagog, located in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont, spans 31 square miles and stretches across the border into Quebec, Canada. This pristine lake boasts an average depth of 54 feet, with some areas plunging to a maximum depth of 351 feet. Its crystal-clear waters and diverse underwater structure make it an excellent destination for bass fishing. The northern section of the lake, near Newport, Vermont, is particularly popular among anglers. The presence of submerged vegetation, rocky outcrops, and deep channels creates ideal habitats for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The lake’s remote location ensures a peaceful and scenic fishing experience, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Lake Memphremagog: Utilize soft plastic baits and jigs around weed beds and rocky points to attract largemouth and smallmouth bass. Focus on fishing during the early morning or late afternoon for the best results.
Lake Bomoseen
Lake Bomoseen, the largest lake entirely within Vermont, spans 9.6 square miles, offering a rich and varied habitat for bass fishing. With an average depth of 27 feet and a maximum depth of 65 feet, the lake provides diverse fishing environments, from shallow coves to deeper channels. Located in the western part of the state near Castleton, Lake Bomoseen is a popular destination for both recreational anglers and fishing tournaments. The lake’s structure, which includes abundant aquatic vegetation, rocky outcrops, and submerged logs, creates perfect conditions for largemouth bass to thrive. The surrounding state park offers excellent facilities and easy access points, making it an ideal spot for a family fishing trip or a solo angling adventure.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Lake Bomoseen: Early mornings and late evenings are prime times for bass fishing. Focus on areas with dense vegetation and underwater structures, using topwater lures and jigs to attract largemouth bass.
Lake Saint Catherine
Lake Saint Catherine, located in southwestern Vermont near the town of Poultney, spans 852 acres and is a beloved destination for bass anglers. With an average depth of 22 feet and a maximum depth of 67 feet, this scenic lake offers a variety of fishing environments. The lake’s diverse underwater structure, including rocky areas, weed beds, and deep channels, creates ideal habitats for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The surrounding state park provides excellent facilities and convenient access points, making it a perfect spot for a family fishing trip or a weekend getaway. The serene atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings add to the lake’s appeal, ensuring a memorable fishing experience.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Lake Saint Catherine: Focus on fishing around docks and submerged structures with jerkbaits and soft plastics to catch both largemouth and smallmouth bass. The best times to fish are during early morning and late afternoon when bass are most active.
Lake Iroquois
Lake Iroquois, located in Chittenden County near the towns of Hinesburg, Williston, and Richmond, covers 237 acres, making it a smaller but significant body of water for bass fishing in Vermont. The lake has an average depth of 12 feet and reaches a maximum depth of 36 feet, providing a range of fishing environments. Known for its calm and tranquil setting, Lake Iroquois is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, offering a picturesque backdrop for fishing trips. The lake’s clear waters and abundant aquatic vegetation create excellent habitats for largemouth bass. Anglers can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and relatively low boat traffic, making it an ideal spot for a serene fishing experience.
Expert Bass Fishing Tips for Lake Iroquois: Use topwater lures early in the morning or late in the evening near weed beds and lily pads to entice largemouth bass. Focus on fishing around submerged structures and drop-offs for the best results.
Why You Should Consider Bass Fishing In Vermont
Bass fishing in Vermont offers unparalleled opportunities for anglers due to its diverse and abundant freshwater bodies. Lake Champlain, spanning 490 square miles, is renowned for its excellent bass fishing, featuring both largemouth and smallmouth bass in large numbers. Lake Memphremagog, covering 31 square miles, is famous for its clear waters and thriving bass population, particularly near Newport.
Lake Bomoseen, Vermont’s largest lake wholly within the state, offers a varied structure with shallow coves and deep channels, creating ideal habitats for bass. Lake Saint Catherine, with its 852 acres, provides a versatile fishing environment with rocky areas and weed beds. Meanwhile, Lake Iroquois, though smaller, is celebrated for its serene atmosphere and plentiful bass.
These lakes not only offer a diverse range of fishing experiences but also boast convenient access points and nearby amenities. Resources like the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department provide comprehensive guides and seasonal tips, ensuring that anglers have all the information they need for a successful fishing trip. Whether you’re targeting largemouth or smallmouth bass, Vermont’s lakes promise an exciting and fruitful adventure.
