Fishing Fun: 5 Vermont State Parks to Reel in the Big One

Vermont is renowned for its pristine natural landscapes, and its state parks offer some of the best fishing opportunities in the region. Whether you're an avid angler or a casual fisherman, Vermont’s diverse waterways provide ample opportunities to catch a variety of fish species.

Here are some of the top Vermont state parks for fishing, whether you’re cruising out from a private boat dock rental, a marina or a local ramp.

1. Elmore State Park

Elmore State Park, on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain near Burlington, is famous for its diverse fish populations of largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, landlocked salmon, lake trout and panfish. The park offers boat rentals, fishing piers and ample shoreline access to cast a fishing line. Both shoreline and boat fishing are popular.

There are also picnic areas, hiking trails and camping facilities to make a full day, week or weekend of it. Enjoy stunning views of Lake Champlain, opportunities for ice fishing in winter and proximity to other recreational activities like hiking and boating.

• Water: Freshwater 
• Key Species: Panfish, lake trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, landlocked salmon
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore, pier

2. Lake Willoughby State Park

Near Island Pond in the Northeast Kingdom, Lake Willoughby State Park is an excellent state park to visit from private boat lifts for rent. Lake Willoughby is known for its clear, deep waters filled with lake trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass and whitefish. The lake's unique glacially carved basin is often compared to a fjord and offers excellent habitat for these species.

The park offers boat rentals, fishing docks and well-maintained shoreline access. There are also picnic areas, hiking trails and campgrounds.

• Water: Freshwater 
• Key Species: Whitefish, lake trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass
• Fishing Type: Boat, shore, piers

3. Smugglers' Notch State Park

Smuggler’s Notch State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities on the Ottauquechee River, which is renowned for its trout fishing, including brook, brown, and rainbow trout. Thanks to the river's clear, cold waters, fly fishing is particularly popular here. The lake is best suited for non-motorized watercraft like canoes and kayaks.

Located in the Green Mountains, it offers boaters and anglers stunning scenery, challenging rapids, picnic areas and hiking trails. 

• Water: Freshwater 
• Key Species: Brook, brown and rainbow trout
• Fishing Type: Kayak, canoe, shore

4. Quechee State Park

For excellent fishing near the Ottauquechee River and Quechee Gorge, head to Quechee State Park. You can reel in trout, bass and other freshwater species. There are boat launches for kayaks and canoes, as the lake is best suited for non-motorized watercraft.

The park also features picnic areas, hiking trails and the scenic Quechee Gorge, which provides a beautiful backdrop for fishing trips from private boat slip rentals.

• Water: Freshwater
• Key Species: Trout, bass
• Fishing Type: Shore, canoe, kayak, pier

5. Camel’s Hump State Park

Situated in Duxbury, at the base of Camel’s Hump Mountain, Camel’s Hump State Park features several streams and ponds that are excellent for brook trout and other cold-water species. The park’s waterways are less crowded, which provides a peaceful fishing environment.

Combine fishing with picnic areas and some of Vermont’s best hiking trails, including the popular Camel’s Hump hike for breathtaking views. This is a wonderful destination to visit from a private boat dock for rent.

• Water: Freshwater 
• Key Species: Brook trout
• Fishing Type: Shore