Vermont Ice Fishing
VT Winter Fishing On Frozen Ponds & Lakes
Vermont offers some great lakes for beginners and casual ice-fishing enthusiasts who want easy access to both the lake and other activities and attractions. Vermont also has some incredible lakes for serious, experienced anglers who are willing to snowmobile for miles in order to find the best spot. You may also want to consider the type of fish you want to catch. Salmon, northern pike, brook trout, and lake trout (also called togue) are all plentiful if you know where to look. Ask us about VT Ice Fishing or share your Vermont fish tales. To feature your business, contact us.
Vermont Ice Fishing
When late fall clamps an icy lid over Vermont lakes and waterways, some anglers put their fishing gear away for the winter. However, an increasing number of Vermont outdoor enthusiasts are leaving the comforts of home and poking holes through the ice. Some anglers claim that fishing strikes come faster in the wintertime.
The same fish that are sought in the summertime do, of course, lurk beneath the ice during the winter (though not all fish bite then), and the eating is every bit as good (some say better). Tackle, ice augers, clothing, and ice-fishing shanties have reached sophisticated proportions in dealing with the only known enemies of the wintertime Vermont angler: ice and cold.
Tip-ups are devices that signal when there is angling activity on your line. Designs vary, but the essential feature is a flag that “tips up” when a fish strikes. A tip-up consists of crossed bars approximately the size of a large tire wrench. One bar spans a fishing hole; the other bar—with a reel and small flag at opposite ends—dunks vertically into the water.
Equipment. From the buckets, sleds, shelters, heaters and other trappings strewn around ice anglers on a frozen Vermont lake, it is clear that equipment plays an important role in ice fishing. But it’s not the amount of equipment nor its complexity and cost that make for an effective ice-fishing outfit. More important is how the equipment fits the fishing style of the angler using it. Veteran ice anglers understand that, and no two of them are ever equipped exactly alike.
The only equipment about which anglers totally agree is clothing and boots, and anyone out on the ice in the wrong attire pays dearly in discomfort. The single most important item in an ice fishing wardrobe is footwear. Poorly shod feet pressed onto the ice will soon chill. Insulated rubber boots, or boots with separate, thick felt liners, are the best insurance against cold feet. Boots should fit loose enough to accommodate extra socks and to allow maximum blood circulation.
Good headgear is particularly important when ice fishing. Up to 80 percent of the heat lost on a cold day leaves the body from the head and neck. A wool cap or parka hood can provide comfort when you feel a chill, and if you’re on the verge of breaking into a sweat, you can cool off merely by exposing your head.
Gloves are also needed, although the importance placed on them varies among anglers. Some wear light gloves inside mittens and do all but the most delicate knot tying and hook baiting with the gloves on. Others wear bulky, loose-fitting mittens and put them aside to do most tasks. Some anglers use gloves only when lugging gear long distances, keeping their hands stuffed deep inside warm pockets the rest of the time. If you need gloves on the ice, take two pairs in case the first pair gets lost or wet.
Getting started in ice fishing is easy. You need only a couple of inexpensive, lightly-rigged jigging poles (2- to 4-pound test for panfish, 6- to 8-pound for walleye), a few jigs and lures, small bobbers, split-shot, live bait such as minnows or waxworms, a bucket to transport gear and to sit on, an ice auger, and ice-skimmer.
An ideal way for a novice to try his or her hand at this sport is to hook up with a resort that runs its own ice-fishing operation. They will have shanties located in productive spots and can give you the latest on what fish are biting, and which ice fishing tactics are working best.
If you want to go it alone, some basic tips will help. There are three Vermont ice-fishing seasons: first ice, mid-winter, and last ice. Many anglers believe first ice is the most productive, as fish are actively feeding, often still in shallow water. But first ice also can be dangerous. Never go out on any lake unless you’re sure the ice is safe.
In mid-winter, weeds along the shore die, and fish tend to move deeper. As light diminishes and temperatures plummet, feeding tends to slow. But if you can locate schools of crappies, perch or walleye in pockets of deep water, vigorous jigging and the right lures can bring success.
Last ice brings new weed growth along shorelines, as well as more warmth and light, so fish tend to move back toward shallower water. In all three seasons, it helps to know something about a lakes bottom structure. Sporting goods stores carry detailed maps of many lakes. If you know a lake from fishing it in warm weather, apply that knowledge to your winter fishing.
Is the Ice safe? Even though you may be eager to enjoy ice fishing, beware! Ice can be dangerous. Here are some hints on determining ice safety.
*Lakes rarely freeze uniformly. Early and late in the season, ice that’s safe in the morning may be dangerous by afternoon.
*Prolonged frigid weather makes for safe, thick ice. Use an auger to test ice. At least four inches of clear, blue ice is probably safe for lone anglers and small groups of people in most conditions.
*Single, unbroken pressure cracks in the ice are probably safe to cross, but stay away from areas where cracks meet or intersect.
*Be extra careful where water levels vary, as in rivers, streams, inlets, outlets, coves, eddies, and springs. Moving water erodes ice from beneath, as does wind pushing water under ice.
*Avoid areas with “stick-ups.” Protruding logs, brush, plants, and docks absorb heat from the sun, thereby weakening the surrounding ice.
What’s the Best Ice Fishing Line? 
Technological advancements have created many “perfect” ice lines. None, however, is perfect for everything. Superlines, those braided polyethylene wonders, are perfect for walleyes in deep water, but only in some situations (not at minus 30F). Superlines are also less than perfect for hard-fighting fish, because fishhooks tend to rip out.
Where to Ice Fish. Vermont offers a number of productive destinations for the ice angler. Try Great and Little Averill Ponds near Averill; Lake Bomoseen near Castleton; Caspian Lake near Greensboro; Chittenden Reservoir near Chittenden; Lake Dunmore, near Salisbury; Eden Lake, near Eden; Harriman Reservoir near Wilmington; Island Pond near Island Pond, Vermont; Maidstone Lake, near Maidstone; Lac Memphremagog, near Newport; Shadow Lake, near Glover; Waterbury Reservoir, near Waterbury; Lake Fairlee, near Fairlee; and my personal favorite, Green River Reservoir, near Centerville.
A winter ice-angling mainstay in Vermont traditionally has been perch. The trick in perch fishing is to find a “hot” hole. In any perch area, there are always certain spots that produce the best. I won’t spend much time at a hole unless bites are coming fast. Keep moving and drilling new holes until you hit a bonanza. I’m also partial to certain lures. For some reason, colors like green or red are tops in shallow water. Silver seems to be best in deep water. Persons planning to ice fish in Vermont should check the rules governing the specific waters he or she plans to visit. Those rules can be found at local bait and tackle shops.
Initially, perhaps, a novice may find ice fishing simply an intriguing pastime to occupy long winter days. But once a person has mastered the essential skills, which is not difficult to do, an angler will find it an excellent way to enhance the dinner table. It all adds up to an extended fishing season and gives another dimension to Vermont’s winter sports scene. For additional information about Vermont ice fishing write to Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife, 111 West Street, Essex Junction, VT 05452.
– Mary Syrett
Good Luck Fishing in Vermont!
Ice Fishing Equipment Sale
- ELEVATED COMFORT: Eliminates the discomfort of sleeping on rough or cold ground.ELEVATED COMFORT: Eliminates the discomfort of sleeping on rough or cold groundBUILT TO LAST: Strong cross-bar steel frameSUPPORTS: Up to 300 lb.MAX HEIGHT: 6 ft. 2 in.DIMENSIONS: 73 x 35 x 17 in.Portable: Folds to fit in most car trunksMilitary-style camping cot ; Extra wide design for more sleeping roomCan accommodate most people up to 6 feet 2 inches tall 1-year limited warranty
- BUILT TO LAST: Strong cross-bar steel frame
- SUPPORTS: Up to 300 lb.
- MAX HEIGHT: 6 ft. 2 in.
- DIMENSIONS: 73 x 35 x 17 in.
- Portable: Folds to fit in most car trunks
- 1-year limited warranty
- Bottle sized outdoor chairs for anywhere: The Cliq foldable chair is almost the size of your drink bottle, making them great folding chairs for outside, as you can take them anywhere conveniently.
- Outdoor chair ready in 5 seconds: Our outdoor chair is not only compact, but it can set up in five seconds. Our tip-proof foldable chair keeps you stable in all environments.
- Built for anywhere: Cliq's foldable chair is super versatile and perfect for all outdoor adventures, or somewhere simple like your lawn. The lawn chair is an essential to add to your outdoor accessories.
- Supportive chair: Our lawn chair has been tested extensively and supports 300 pounds, while only weighing 3.5 pounds. With aircraft-grade aluminum, ripstop ballistic nylon and double seams, our chairs will last a lifetime.
- Useful for anywhere: Cliq's foldable chair is not only just perfect for your lawn - these outdoor chairs are suitable for barbecues, picnics, beach days, backpacking trips, music festivals and concerts.
- 160-piece Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Emergency First Aid Kit is ideal for home, in cars, outdoors, dorm rooms, & while camping, cooking or on-the-go to help care for minor cuts, scrapes, burns, itches, pain, skin rashes & insect bites
- All-purpose, compact first aid kit includes essential first aid supplies like cleansing wipes, gauze pads, assorted bandages, rolled gauze, antibiotic cream, itch stopping cream, acetaminophen caplets, an instant cold pack, and much more
- Includes a variety of Band-Aid Brand Adhesive Bandages in assorted sizes for minor wound care, as well as Band-Aid Brand First Aid Products such as gauze, non-stick pads & tape for larger minor wounds, all organized in a durable & accessible box
- Includes full size 0.5 oz Neosporin + Pain Relief topical cream to help prevent infection while relieving pain & full size 1.0 oz Extra Strength Benadryl Itch-Stopping topical cream to help soothe itching from rashes or insect bites
- Travel first aid kit also contains Tylenol Extra Strength acetaminophen pain reliever caplets & a Bengay Non-Medicated Instant Cold Pack to help ease minor aches & pains, as well as two pairs of gloves & a helpful first aid guide
- Why You Need This Great Camping Gear: Spending A Night Outdoors Is Something Everyone Should Experience. So You Want Something To Help You See At Night. A Lantern Is Super Useful For Camping So You Can Make Your Way Around The Campsite And Your Tent Easily In The Dark.
- Versatile Light/Fan: Ultra Bright 18 Individual Low Powered Led Bulbs. The Fan Has High And Low Settings To Provide Nice Air Circulation And Lit Up The Tent Nicely. You Can Orient In So Many Positions.
- Powerful Fan Speed And Bright Lighting: High Quality Brushless Motor For Whisper Operation, Max Wind Speed 10Ft/S, Strong Airflow And 2 Setting Speeds, It'S Great To Fresh The Air And Keep You Cool.
- The Extremely Lightweight Build Allows You To Take Your Lantern On The Go With Ease. When Not In Use Collapse The Lantern To A Smaller Size; Store It Effortlessly, Taking Little Space.
- Light Up To 37 Hours Of Regular, Continuous Use With Enough Battery Capacity. 2 D Batteries Can Keep The Fan Work For 5 Hrs In High Speed Mode, And 15 Hrs In Low Speed Mode, 20 Hrs For Led Light (Battery Is Not Included).
- Xtreme Technology; Insulated lid and extra wall insulation keep ice up to 5 days in temperatures as high as 90°F
- High capacity: Holds up to 84 cans
- Heavy-duty wheels: Effortless rolling over any terrain
- Have-a-seat lid: Closed lid supports up to 250 pounds
- Cup holders: Molded into the lid to keep drinks close and prevent spilling
- Telescoping handle: For easy pulling and compact storage
- DISSOLVES HAIR, SOAP, TOILET PAPER & FLUSHABLE PERSONAL CARE WIPES: Forget the dirty work of plunging clogged toilets and end backed-up drains once and for all! The highly effective formula of Green Gobbler clears clogged drains and dissolves hair, toilet paper, flushable personal care wipes, soap scum and other organic matter that may be causing clogs within your pipes.
- EASY TO USE PACKAGING, POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE FORMULA: This drain and pipe cleaner is a simple and highly effective way to eliminate clogs. Our dual-chamber bottle has 2 pre-measured applications for easy use – no need to measure!
- MULTIPLE USES: This drain opener is safe to use in pipes, toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers and is safe for septic systems. Our formula Is non-corrosive to pipes and does not contain bleach or sodium hydroxide.
- MONEY BACK GUARENTEE: Green Gobbler offers a 30-day hassle-free money back guarantee. Simply contact our customer service team if you are unhappy with your results. Limit (1) item per customer.
- PACKAGING MAY VARY - SAME GREAT FORMULA!!
- Platinum Bundle: This bundle includes one (1) Stainless Steel TubShroom Ultra plus one (1) 1 5" to 1 75" adapter, one (1) 1 25" adapter, one (1) 2" adapter, and (1) one all-new StopShroom Plug Universal Drain Stopper Truly an epic bundle
- A revolution in drain protection: unlike regular plugs that go over the drain, tubshroom fits inside, neatly collecting hair around it, when it's time to cleanup
- No more clogged drains: our bathtub drain strainer fits any standard tub drain and is to catch every hair, every time
- A single plumber visit can cost hundreds, drain snakes and liquid drain cleaners are a hassle to use and aren’t always effective—not to mention the toll they take on the and on your pipes
- Award-winning and patented design: tubshroom has been honored as a 2018 kbb product innovator award winner in the home and bath category
- A powerful 400-Watt motor extracts all the juicy nutrition from your favorite fruits and veggies.
- A roomy 2-inch feed chute fits larger chunks of your favorite ingredients. Translation: less chopping, more juicing.
- We keep it tidy with top-rack dishwasher-safe attachments and a silicone spout cap that catches drips before they hit your countertop.
- Juice directly into our 16-oz cup, which comes with a twist-on to-go lid for spill-free sipping and portability.
- This juicer takes up way less space than standard models, making it a breeze to keep on the countertop or tuck away for later.
- Includes 1 year limited warranty.
- NOTE: Refer to User Manual before use
- Product built to North American & Canadian Electrical Standards
- An Idea Gift for Woodworker&Carpenter&Craft Man
- 【Optimal Blade Size】:Through numerous manual tests, We found that the 6" Japanese saw blade is the ideal size for precise cutting, enabling easy flush and finish cuts.
- 【Durable & Flexible Saw Blade】: The hand saw blade is made of SK5 high-carbon steel. The Japanese pull saw teeth are processed by a high-frequency hardening machine imported from Japan, and the hardness can reach HRC60-63 degrees.
- 【Double Edged】: One side of Japanese hand saw is 17TPI for cutting hardwood, and the other side is 14TPI for cutting softwood. Also can seen as Rip cut&Cross cut
- 【Hardened 3-Edge Teeth】: The hand saw has three-sided grinding gear design, sharp edge, faster chip removal, and smoother cutting.
- 【Lifetime Guarantee】:As a professional woodworking brand, Ruitool provide a lifetime after-sales guarantee and 100% problem-solving service. Contact us for assistance anytime.
- KILLS ROOTS IN SEWER AND SEPTIC PIPES: Roebic K-77 Root Killer clears existing roots and stops new growth fast from sewer and septic pipes, keeping lines free from clogging tree and shrub roots
- PREVENTS RE-GROWTH: The K-77 copper formula chemically kills roots at the point of entry into pipes to prevent re-growth, improving drainage and flow
- SAFE FOR ALL PLUMBING: Root Killer is non-corrosive and safe for all types of plumbing and will not harm surrounding trees, ground cover, or the natural bacteria content in septic tanks and cesspools
- EASY TO USE: Use every 6 to 12 months
- REAL RESULTS: Use K-77 Root Killer to maintain your system and help avoid the inconveniences that result from root clogs such as back-ups and surface break outs
- Destroys clogging roots fast
- Safe for all plumbing. Will not harm septic tanks
- Saves costly digging and rooter service
- Not for sale in Connecticut, Massachusetts, the Bay counties of California
- Banned for use in Septic Systems in Florida
- Factory sealed DVD
- Built-in cooler: Keeps up to 4 cans cold and easily accessible
- Hours of comfort: Thanks to fully cushioned seat and back
- Convenient features: Side pockets, mesh cup holder, adjustable arm heights
- Dimensions: 24 inches wide; 18.1 inches high
- Built to last: Strong steel frame supports up to 325 pounds
- Carry bag: Included
- Built in arm rest cooler holds up to four cans
- Mesh cup holder keeps a fifth drink at hand
- Storage pocket to keep magazines and personal items
- Adjustable arm rest heights
- Durable construction, heavy duty steel frame supports up to 300 lbs.
- Compact, folds up to fit inside most car trunks
- Carry bag for easy transport and storage
- 1 year limited warranty
- Oversized Wheels — Tackle sand and other challenging terrain with the superior traction and ground clearance of 10-inch, never-flat, smooth-ride wheels.
- Glide Handle — Pull your load 50% easier thanks to the comfort and leverage of our locking, telescoping, horizontal handle.
- Butler Tray — Serve up drinks and snacks away from sand and dirt on our removable butler tray, which stores easily under the cooler's lid when not in use.
- Dry Storage — From public beaches to secret swimming holes, keep essentials like mobile phones, keys and sunglasses handy and dry inside our water-resistant, lockable box with an anti-leak gasket.
- Storage Pocket — Stash your shades, sunscreen and other essentials easily and securely.
- Wheeled cooler box ideal for camping trips, tailgating parties, and picnics
- Telescoping handle and heavy-duty wheels for easy, reliable transport across almost any terrain. Low CO2 insulation for reduced carbon emissions from foam manufacturing
- 50-quart capacity holds up to 84 cans. Have-a-Seat Lid : Yes
- Insulated lid and walls provide 5 full days of ice retention at temperatures up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit
- Cup holders molded into the lid for easy access to beverages
- Fishing rod reel combos with carrier bag and nessary accessories for fishing,include: One carbon fiber telescopic fishing rod+ One fishing reel +One carrier bag +Three fishing lures +fishing line+ some nessary accessories.
- The Rod:high density carbon fiber mixed with fiberglass make the fishing pole hard & durable,the hard and Light Weight Guide Ring Made by SIC Ceramic and The Heat Dissipation is Better. Its Lower Friction Coefficient Making It Durable, And Its International Advanced Epoxy Resin Adhesive Make The Guide Ring More Solid.
- The Reel: This reel has 13 + 1 corrosion resistant smooth ball bearings, precision matched gears and a powerful 5.5:1 gear ratio.Give it ultra-smooth performance.Interchangeable right or left hand CNC machined aluminum handle and comes with an extra exquisite aluminum spool.Amazing aerospace-grade aluminum honeycomb design spool gives you strength and light weight. EVA knob makes it non-slip and more comfortable when long time fishing.
- Light weight and portable, easily fits in car trunk, boat or backpack. Sougayilang spinning rod reel combo allows you to travel to your favorite fishing spot and enjoy fishing whenever and wherever you want.
- We are proud to present you the worry-free 1 year service!If any problem, please contact us firstly and our customer service will solve it for you soon.
- Bottle sized outdoor chairs for anywhere: The Cliq foldable chair is almost the size of your drink bottle, making them great folding chairs for outside, as you can take them anywhere conveniently.
- Outdoor chair ready in 5 seconds: Our outdoor chair is not only compact, but it can set up in five seconds. Our tip-proof foldable chair keeps you stable in all environments.
- Built for anywhere: Cliq's foldable chair is super versatile and perfect for all outdoor adventures, or somewhere simple like your lawn. The lawn chair is an essential to add to your outdoor accessories.
- Supportive chair: Our lawn chair has been tested extensively and supports 300 pounds, while only weighing 3.5 pounds. With aircraft-grade aluminum, ripstop ballistic nylon and double seams, our chairs will last a lifetime.
- Useful for anywhere: Cliq's foldable chair is not only just perfect for your lawn - these outdoor chairs are suitable for barbecues, picnics, beach days, backpacking trips, music festivals and concerts.
The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department publishes an informative Guide to Vermont Fishing that includes a map of Vermont and suggested lakes and streams, as well as designated charts of species found in each body of water. This guide is free and may be obtained wherever Vermont fishing licenses are sold, or by writing to:
The Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
103 South Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05671-0501
Phone: 802-241-3700
Vermont Products | Visit VT Towns | FWM 24/7 Shopping
Country Weddings | New England Recipes
VT Inns | Red Sox Gifts | Travel Destinations
New England Living
Free World Mall
Country Weddings | New England Recipes
VT Inns | Red Sox Gifts | Travel Destinations
