Make an adventure out of your next trip in Burlington and go fishing with Captain Thorny's Fishing Charters. Captain Rob will be your guide, giving you access to their sportfishing experience.
"I have been fishing for over 20 years and have gone on several guided trips in multiple countries, for many types of fish." — Vincent,
Fine Line Fishing Adventures wishes you a welcome to Vergennes. Captain Sterling Pelsue is a fully licensed charter captain primarily located on Vermont's beautiful Lake Champlain specializing in Salmon and Lake Trout fishing year-round.
"I reached out to Captain Sterling while visiting VT from RI to take my 16 year old son fishing." — Julie,
Looking to cast a line in Burlington? Swilly's Charters is here to make it happen! Your guide for the day is Captain Will, which means you'll tap into their sportfishing experience.
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Unforgettable Day on the Water with Captain Will Nolan!" — Giuseppe,
Vermont Fishing Adventures is here to show you the stunning waters of Lake Champlain. With Captain Chris at the helm, you'll have a knowledgeable and experienced guide.
"unfotunetly the capt, Chris is moving his family to fla. today." — Henry,
Private full-day (around 8 hours) fishing trips in Vermont typically cost $600–$688. Prices vary based on factors such as the length of the trip, the type of fishing experience offered, the equipment and services included, and the overall scope of the trip. Longer trips, more specialized fishing styles, and packages that include additional services or amenities generally cost more than shorter, more straightforward outings. Multi-day trips are typically priced higher than standard day trips.
In Vermont, many of the best charters focus on Lake Champlain, targeting Lake Trout and Atlantic Salmon from the boat with trips built around finding fish fast and keeping the action going even when the bite gets tough. Local captains know where to run and what tackle to use for lakers and salmon, and they also spend time explaining the lake’s fisheries so first-timers can follow along. Book with a charter that has a well-kept boat and the gear dialed in, plus crews who help you stay on the fish and often handle cleaning so you can take dinner home.
Lake Trout is Vermont’s go-to catch, with the best bite in June and July. You’ll also find Atlantic Salmon and Brown Trout in the same waters, especially with strong activity in June. For warm-water chasing, Walleye heats up in July and August, while Northern Pike action is there in September and November.
Vermont’s strongest fishing starts when the ice comes off and spring water temps settle, with March through June bringing a mix of Brown Trout action and the tail end of the Salmon run. The bite stays good into early summer, and Vermont also has a strong fall window for Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass, but March through June is the most reliable peak.
Northern Pike is a great choice for November fishing in Vermont, especially when you want a hard-fighting predator that will take a lure or bait from weed edges and deeper breaks. Lake Trout also stays on the menu in November, offering a classic cool-water target that’s well worth planning around for anglers after a heavier, deeper-dwelling pull.
Vermont trips on Lake Champlain and nearby waters are a popular pick for families, with many reviewers saying captains make time to involve kids, explain what’s going on, and keep younger anglers engaged. Families often leave talking about learning the lake and how to fish, and several mention kids reeling in Lake Trout and Atlantic Salmon (and also catching trout in general) during their outing. Many also appreciate that the captains handle the practical side like cleaning and filleting fish to take home.
Vermont fishing trips often mean cold-water lakes, rivers, and mountain streams, so dress for changing weather and bring layers you can add or peel off as the day warms up. A waterproof outer layer is a smart choice too, especially if you are fishing in spring or after a shower, when spray and damp air can make the boat feel colder than the forecast suggests. Nearly all local charters provide fishing gear and bait and lures, so you can pack lighter, but it is still worth bringing any personal items that help you stay comfortable for a day on the water, like rain protection, sun protection, and a snack or drink if your trip is a longer one.
Vermont Fishing Charters invite anglers to experience some of the most scenic and rewarding freshwater fishing in the United States. Renowned for its pristine lakes, winding rivers, and unspoiled mountain streams, Vermont is a destination where both seasoned anglers and beginners can find their perfect fishing adventure. The state is most famous for Lake Champlain, often called the 'Sixth Great Lake,' which offers 127 miles of exceptional angling, stretching from northern islands to southern shallows. Here, you can target prized species like Lake Trout, Atlantic Salmon, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, and Walleye throughout the open-water season.
Vermont's rivers and high-country lakes provide prime opportunities for fly fishing, with Brook, Rainbow, and Brown Trout thriving in clear, cold waters. The renowned Connecticut River, forming the eastern border, is a favorite among trout and fly-fishing enthusiasts and delivers consistent action from spring through fall. Many of the region's lakes, such as Big Averill and Little Averill, offer trophy fishing for trout and smelt within a pristine, wilderness setting.
Winter in Vermont brings the excitement of ice fishing, with guides ready to introduce you to the thrill of pulling Northern Pike, Bass, and panfish through the ice. Whether you seek the challenge of battling trophy-sized fish, or the peaceful solitude of a mountain stream, Vermont fishing charters provide unforgettable experiences surrounded by natural beauty and abundant wildlife. With experienced guides and a wide array of fisheries, Vermont stands out as a year-round fishing destination in New England, attracting anglers from across the country in search of adventure and world-class freshwater catches.
