UTERLandlocked Atlantic salmon fishing in Vermont freshwater
In Vermont freshwater, landlocked Atlantic salmon peak May–June and September–October and are around January–November, spawning in October, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. September: Clyde River and Lake Champlain tribs.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Landlocked Atlantic salmon in Vermont freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilArriving
- MayPeak
- JunePeak
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberPeakClyde River and Lake Champlain tribs.
- OctoberSpawning
- NovemberAround
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish landlocked Atlantic salmon near Lake Champlain, Lake Memphremagog, Battenkill
Lake Champlain's bass, pike, walleye and salmon, the Battenkill and mountain trout streams, and Willoughby's lakers.
What to use for landlocked Atlantic salmon
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 36–64°F water, best at 46–58°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch landlocked Atlantic salmon in Vermont freshwater?
Peak season is May–June and September–October, with fish spawning in October (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Landlocked Atlantic salmon are in Vermont freshwater January–November. September: Clyde River and Lake Champlain tribs.
Where do landlocked Atlantic salmon hold in Vermont freshwater?
Look on lake, river — around Lake Champlain, Lake Memphremagog, Battenkill, Otter Creek, Lake Willoughby.
What is the best bait for landlocked Atlantic salmon in Vermont freshwater?
Live bait: minnows (fatheads, shiners). Minnows (fatheads, shiners): Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for landlocked Atlantic salmon in Vermont freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department (Vermont Fish and Wildlife) and change — read the current rule at https://vtfishandwildlife.com/fish/fishing-regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://vtfishandwildlife.com/licenses-and-lotteries.
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