Burlington, Vermont

What's biting

• Largemouth Bass

  Where: Lake Champlain shallows, weed beds, and rocky points; local ponds and slow river sections

  Early fall is prime—water still warm (21°C) but fish are feeding heavily before winter. Work topwater lures and soft plastics near structure at dawn and dusk; deeper drop-offs (4–6 m) as water cools mid-week.

  Caution: Catch-and-release recommended; check current size/bag limits with Vermont Fish & Wildlife.

• Smallmouth Bass

  Where: Lake Champlain rocky shorelines, islands, and reefs; Winooski River ledges

  Smallmouth bite strengthens as water temperature drops. Cast crankbaits and jigs to rocky structure in 2–4 m of water; evening sessions often best.

  Caution: Verify regulations before keeping any fish.

• Walleye

  Where: Lake Champlain deeper basins and drop-offs (6–10 m); active near the main channel

  Fall turnover is beginning; walleye move to deeper, cooler water. Fish live bait (shiners, minnows) or jigs on the bottom at dusk and night; the waning moon this week favors low-light feeding.

  Caution: Night fishing is productive but requires proper lighting and safety precautions.

• Yellow Perch

  Where: Lake Champlain shallows and weed edges; accessible from public boat launches

  Abundant and underrated. Small jigs (1/8–1/4 oz) or live minnows in 1–3 m of water produce steady action; excellent for families and beginners.

  Caution: None, but check bag limits.

• Brook Trout

  Where: Cold tributaries entering Lake Champlain (Winooski, LaPlatte rivers); spring-fed streams in the Green Mountains foothills

  Water still warm for trout, but early morning and evening are best. Small spinners, wet flies, or live caddis larvae in current seams; streams will cool rapidly after the 11th.

  Caution: Verify current season status and special regulations (some streams are catch-and-release only); trespassing is illegal—fish only public access areas.